As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2022

Registration No. 333-268657

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT No. 1

TO

FORM F-3

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Cayman Islands   N/A
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

Room 601, 1 Shui’an South Street
Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012
People’s Republic of China
+86 (10) 8494-5799 — telephone

 

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

CT Corporation System

28 Liberty St.

New York, NY 10005

+1-212-894-8940 — telephone

 

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)  

 

Copies to:

 

Anthony W. Basch, Esq.

Benming Zhang, Esq.

Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.

Two James Center, 14th Floor

1021 East Cary Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

+1-804-771-5700 — telephone

+1-888-360-9092 — facsimile

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of the registration statement.

 

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ¨

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. x

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ¨

 

†The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

 

 

  

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED DECEMBER 21, 2022

  

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

 

$200,000,000

 

Class A Ordinary Shares, Share Purchase Contracts, Share Purchase Units, Warrants, Debt Securities, Rights and Units 

 

We may offer to sell, from time to time, in one or more offerings: ordinary shares; preferred shares, depositary shares; debt securities; warrants to purchase ordinary shares, or debt securities; rights to purchase ordinary shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, debt securities, warrants or other securities; and units of debt securities, ordinary shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, rights or warrants, in any combination (the “Securities”). We may also offer any of these securities that may be issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of debt securities, rights or warrants.

 

The aggregate offering price of the securities issued under this prospectus may not exceed $200,000,000. The prices and other terms of the securities that we will offer will be determined at the time of their offering and will be described in a supplement to this prospectus.

 

This prospectus provides a general description of the securities we may offer. We will provide the specific terms of the securities offered in one or more supplements to this prospectus. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. You should read carefully this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as any documents incorporated by reference before you invest in any of our securities. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

The securities issued under this prospectus may be offered directly or through underwriters, agents or dealers. The names of any underwriters, agents or dealers will be included in a supplement to this prospectus.

 

Our Ordinary Shares are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “RCON.” On December 20, 2022, the last reported sale price of our Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $1.1600 per share. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to other listings, if any, on the Nasdaq Capital Market or other securities exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement. We have not offered any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.5 of Form F-3 during the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on and includes the date of this prospectus.

 

Investing in our Ordinary Shares involves a high degree of risk, including the risk of losing your entire investment. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 25 to read about factors you should consider before buying our Ordinary Shares.

 

We are a Cayman Islands holding company. We are not a Chinese operating company, and do not conduct business operations directly in China. All China operations are conducted by our subsidiaries established in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”) and in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (“HKSAR” or “Hong Kong”), and by our contractual arrangements with variable interest entities, or “VIEs,” and the VIEs’ subsidiaries located in China. This is an offering of the Securities of the Cayman Islands holding company, which does not conduct operations. This structure involves unique risks to investors. The VIE structure provides contractual exposure to foreign investment in Chinese-based companies, pursuant to which U.S. GAAP accounting rules require us to consolidate such VIEs’ financial results in our financial statements. VIE structures are generally used where Chinese law prohibits direct foreign investment in the operating companies. Investors may never directly hold equity interests in the Chinese operating companies. Unless otherwise stated, as used in this prospectus and in the context of describing our operations and consolidated financial information, “we,” “us,” “Company,” or “our,” refers to Recon Technology, Ltd, a Cayman Islands exempted limited company, together with our subsidiaries. “Our subsidiaries” refer to Recon Investment Ltd. and Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., or Recon-IN and Recon-BJ, respectively. “VIEs” refers to the PRC variable interest entities and their subsidiaries (Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Gan Su BHD Environmental Technology Co. Ltd, Huang Hua BHD Petroleum Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and Qing Hai BHD New Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd., or “Nanjing Recon,” “BHD,” “Gan Su BHD,” “HH BHD,” “Qing Hai BHD,” and “FGS” respectively). You are not investing in Nanjing Recon, BHD, Gan Su BHD, HH BHD, Qing Hai BHD, or FGS. Instead, we entered into certain contracts (the “VIE Agreements”) dated April 1, 2019, which are used to provide investors exposure to foreign investment in China-based companies where Chinese law prohibits or restricts direct foreign investment in the operating companies. A wholly foreign-owned entity (“WFOE”) is a limited liability company based in the People’s Republic of China but wholly owned by foreign investors. In our instance, Recon-BJ is a WFOE wholly owned by us through our subsidiary, Recon-IN, a Hong Kong limited company. As a result of our direct ownership in the WFOE and the VIE Agreements, we are regarded as the primary beneficiary of the VIE for accounting purposes.

 

 

 

 

We mainly conduct our business through the VIEs, Nanjing Recon, BHD and their respective subsidiaries by means of Contractual Arrangements. Because we do not hold equity interests in the VIEs and their subsidiaries, we are subject to risks due to the uncertainty of the interpretation and application of the PRC laws and regulations regarding VIEs and the VIE structure, including but not limited to regulatory review of overseas listing of PRC companies through a special purpose vehicle, and the validity and enforcement of the contractual arrangements with the VIEs. We are also subject to the risk that the PRC government could disallow the VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and as a result the value of Securities may depreciate significantly or become worthless. At the time of this filing, the Contractual Agreements have not been tested in a court of law.

 

For U.S. GAAP purposes, each VIE has its own operating cash flow. Cash flow between our Company and the VIEs primarily consists of transfers from us to the VIEs for supplemental working capital, which is mainly used in purchase of materials and payment of operating expenses and investments. In addition, the VIEs occasionally make payments on our behalf when we experience a cash shortage.  For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, net cash transferred from the Company to the VIEs was RMB55,569,342, RMB15,720,667 and RMB5,260,340, respectively. There was no cash transferred from the VIEs to the Company or fees paid on behalf of the Company by the VIEs during the years ended June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020.  Neither we nor the VIEs have present plans to distribute earnings or settle amounts owed under the Contractual Agreements. Cash in the VIEs are expected to be retained for business growth and operation. No dividends or distributions have been declared to pay to us from our subsidiaries or the VIEs. No dividends or distributions were made to any U.S. investors. For a description of our corporate structure, VIE contractual arrangements, the condensed consolidating schedule and consolidated financial statements, see “Our Corporate Structure – Select Condensed Financial Statements on Consolidated VIEs” and “Our Corporate Structure – Condensed Financial Information of the Parent Company” on pages 7-8. See also “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure.”

 

We are also subject to legal and operational risks associated with being based in and having the majority of the Company’s and VIEs’ operations in China. These risks may result in a material change in our operations, or a complete hindrance of our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities to investors and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless. Recently, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in China with little advance notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using variable interest entity structures, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued an announcement to crack down on illegal activities in the securities market and promote the high-quality development of the capital market, which, among other things, requires the relevant governmental authorities to strengthen cross-border oversight of law-enforcement and judicial cooperation, to enhance supervision over China-based companies listed overseas, and to establish and improve the system of extraterritorial application of the PRC securities laws. On July 10, 2021, the PRC State Internet Information Office issued the Measures of Cybersecurity Review (Revised Draft for Comments, not yet effective), which requires cyberspace operators with personal information of more than 1 million users who want to list abroad to file a cybersecurity review with the Office of Cybersecurity Review. Furthermore, the Chinese education sector is going through a series of reforms and new laws and guidelines have been recently promulgated and released to regulate our industry. As of the date of this prospectus, these new laws and guidelines have not impacted the Company’s ability to conduct its business, accept foreign investments, or list on a U.S. or other foreign exchange because the Company and the VIEs are not involved in the education industry and do not maintain data of more than 1 million users; however, there are uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of these new laws and guidelines, which could materially and adversely impact our business and financial outlook. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Doing Business in China.

 

 

 

  

Our Securities may be prohibited to trade on a national exchange or “over-the-counter” markets under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the “HFCAA Act”) if the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) is unable to inspect our auditors for three consecutive years beginning in 2021. Furthermore, on June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (“AHFCAA”) and the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the AHFCAA on December 14, 2021 and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. If signed into law, the AHFCAA would amend the HFCAA Act and require the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three consecutive years, thereby reducing the time before our securities may be prohibited from trading or delisted.

 

Pursuant to the HFCAA, the PCAOB issued a Determination Report on December 16, 2021 which found that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in: (1) mainland China of the PRC, and (2) Hong Kong. In addition, the PCAOB’s report identified the specific registered public accounting firms which are subject to these determinations. Our auditor, Friedman LLP is not subject to the Determination Report issued on December 16, 2021.

 

The recent joint statement by the SEC and PCAOB, proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and the HFCAA all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their auditors, especially the non-U.S. auditors who are not inspected by the PCAOB. These developments could add uncertainties to our offering.

 

On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol with the CRSC and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC, which sets out specific arrangements on conducting inspections and investigations by both sides over relevant audit firms within the jurisdiction of both sides, including the audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong. This agreement marks an important step towards resolving the audit oversight issue that concern mutual interests, and sets forth arrangements for both sides to cooperate in conducting inspections and investigations of relevant audit firms, and specifies the purpose, scope and approach of cooperation, as well as the use of information and protection of specific types of data.

 

Our auditor is currently subject to PCAOB inspections, and the PCAOB is able to inspect our auditor. Our auditor, Friedman LLP, is headquartered in Manhattan, New York, and has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis with the last inspection in June 2018. Our auditor is not headquartered in mainland China or Hong Kong and was not identified in this report as a firm subject to the PCAOB’s determination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the future, if there is any regulatory change or step taken by PRC regulators that does not permit Friedman LLP to provide audit documentations located in China or Hong Kong to the PCAOB for inspection or investigation, or the PCAOB expands the scope of the Determination so that we are subject to the HFCAA Act, as the same may be amended, or if the agreement between the PCAOB and the CRSC on August 26, 2022 does not succeed, you may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection which could result in limitation or restriction to our access to the U.S. capital markets and trading of our securities, including trading on the national exchange and trading on “over-the-counter” markets, may be prohibited under the HFCAA Act. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business In China – The recent joint statement by the SEC, proposed rule changes submitted by NASDAQ, and an act passed by the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies. These developments could add uncertainties to our future offerings, business operations share price and reputation.” for more information.

 

 

 

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” on page 25 of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as updated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus and other future filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, for a discussion of the factors you should consider carefully before deciding to purchase our securities.

   

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this prospectus is __, 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page 
   
About this Prospectus 3
   
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 3
   
Our Company 4
   
Risk Factors 25
   
Use of Proceeds 38
   
Plan of Distribution 38
   
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 40
   
Dilution 40
   
Expenses Related to this Offering 40
   
General Description of the Securities We May Offer  41
   
Description of Share Capital 41
   
Description of Debt Securities 44
   
Description of Warrants 51
   
Description of Units 53
   
Description of Share Purchase Contracts and Share Purchase Units 53
   
Description of Rights  53
   
Legal Matters 54
   
Experts 54
   
Financial Information 54
   
Information Incorporated by Reference 54
   
Where You Can Find More Information 55
   
Enforceability of Civil Liabilities 56
   
Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities 56

  

2 

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) using a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer from time to time, in one or more offerings, securities having an aggregate initial offering price of up to $200,000,000 (or its equivalent in foreign or composite currencies). This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that may be offered. Each time we offer securities under this shelf registration statement, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement that describes the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read carefully both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described below under the caption “Where You Can Find More Information,” before making an investment decision. We have incorporated exhibits into this registration statement. You should read the exhibits carefully for provisions that may be important to you.

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any person to provide you with different or additional information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus is not an offer to sell securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, as well as information we have previously filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the date on the front of those documents only. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

We may sell securities through underwriters or dealers, through agents, directly to purchasers or through a combination of these methods. We and our agents reserve the sole right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of securities. The prospectus supplement, which we will provide to you each time we offer securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, agents or others involved in the sale of securities and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them. See the information described below under the heading “Plan of Distribution.”

  

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus to “Recon,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or similar words refer to Recon Technology, Ltd, a Cayman Islands exempted limited company, together with our subsidiaries, Recon Investment Ltd. (“Recon-IN”) and Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Recon-BJ”). Separately, “VIEs” refers to the PRC variable interest entities and their subsidiaries (Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., and Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd., or “Nanjing Recon,” “BHD,” and “FGS,” respectively).

 

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus and our SEC filings that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain or incorporate by reference forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements,” including any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items, any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new projects or other developments, any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, any statements of management’s beliefs, goals, strategies, intentions and objectives, and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “potential,” “likely,” “projects,” “continue,” “will,” and “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties.

 

We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements. These important factors include those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus we may authorize for use in connection with a specific offering. These factors and the other cautionary statements made in this prospectus should be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements whenever they appear in this prospectus. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

3 

 

 

OUR COMPANY

 

This summary highlights information contained in the documents incorporated herein by reference. Before making an investment decision, you should read the entire prospectus, and our other filings with the SEC, including those filings incorporated herein by reference, carefully, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

Overview

 

We are a Cayman Islands exempted limited company with subsidiaries established in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”) and in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (“HKSAR” or “Hong Kong”). Our subsidiaries have contractual arrangements with PRC variable interest entities, or “VIEs,” and the VIEs’ subsidiaries. These VIEs are Chinese companies that provide hardware, software, and on-site services to companies in the petroleum mining, extraction and sales of refined oil industry in the PRC. To this end, our company and our subsidiaries, Recon Investment Ltd. (“Recon-IN”) and Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Recon-BJ”) are contractually engaged with the following PRC VIE companies and their subsidiaries: Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. (“BHD”), Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd. (“FGS”), Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Recon”), Gan Su BHD Environmental Technology Co. Ltd. (“Gan Su BHD”), Huang Hua BHD Petroleum Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (“HH BHD”), and Qing Hai BHD New Energy Technology Co. Ltd. (“Qing Hai BHD”) (collectively, the “Domestic Companies”), which provide services designed to automate and enhance the extraction of and facilitate the sale of petroleum products.

 

We believe that one of the most important advancements in China’s petroleum industry has been the automation of significant segments of the exploration and extraction process. The Domestic Companies’ and our automation products and services allow petroleum mining and extraction companies to reduce their labor requirements and improve the productivity of oilfields. The Domestic Companies’ solutions allow customers to locate productive oilfields more easily and accurately, improve control over the extraction process, increase oil yield efficiency in tertiary stage oil recovery, and improve the transportation of crude oil.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at Room 601, 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012, People’s Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is +86 (10) 8494-5799. Our Ordinary Shares are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “RCON.”

 

Our Internet website, www.recon.cn, provides a variety of information about our Company. We do not incorporate by reference into this prospectus the information on, or accessible through, our website, and you should not consider it as part of this prospectus. Our annual reports on Form 20-F and current reports on Form 6-K filed with the SEC are available, as soon as practicable after filing, at the investors’ page on our corporate website, or by a direct link to its filings on the SEC’s free website.

 

History and Development of the Company

 

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on August 21, 2007 by Mr. Yin Shenping, Mr. Chen Guangqiang and Mr. Li Hongqi (the “Founders”) as a company with limited liability. The Domestic Companies provide oilfield specialized equipment, automation systems, tools, chemicals and field services to petroleum companies mainly in the People’s Republic of China. The Company’s former wholly owned subsidiary, Recon Technology Co., Limited (“Recon-HK”) was incorporated on September 6, 2007 in Hong Kong. On November 15, 2007, Recon-HK established one wholly owned subsidiary, Jining Recon Technology Ltd. (“Recon-JN”) under the laws of the PRC, which was later dissolved on April 10, 2019 as part of our previously disclosed organizational restructuring. Recon-HK did not own any assets or conduct any operations and was dissolved on May 15, 2020. On November 19, 2010, the Company established another wholly owned subsidiary, Recon Investment Ltd. (“Recon-IN”) under the laws of Hong Kong. On January 18, 2014, Recon-IN established one wholly owned subsidiary, Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Recon-BJ”) under the laws of the PRC. Other than the equity interest in Recon-BJ, Recon-IN does not own any assets or conduct any operations.

 

4 

 

 

The following PRC legal entities are consolidated as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for accounting purposes and operate in the Chinese oilfield equipment & service industry and energy industry and their subsidiaries:

 

  1. BHD and
     
  2. Nanjing Recon.

 

Chinese laws and regulations currently do not prohibit or restrict foreign ownership in petroleum businesses. However, Chinese laws and regulations do prevent direct foreign investment in certain industries. On January 1, 2008, to protect our shareholders from possible future foreign ownership restrictions, the Founders, who also held the controlling interest of BHD and Nanjing Recon, reorganized the corporate and shareholding structure of these entities by entering into certain exclusive agreements with Recon-JN, which entitled Recon-JN to receive a majority of the residual returns. On May 29, 2009 Recon-JN and BHD and Nanjing Recon entered into an operating agreement to provide full guarantee for the performance of such contracts, agreements or transactions entered into by BHD and Nanjing Recon. As a result of the new agreement, Recon-JN absorbed 100% of the expected losses and received 90% of the expected net income of BHD and Nanjing Recon, which resulted in Recon-JN being the primary beneficiary of these Companies for accounting purposes.

 

Recon-JN also entered into Share Pledge Agreements with the Founders, who pledged all their equity interest in these entities to Recon-JN. The Share Pledge Agreements, which were entered into by each Founder, pledged each of the Founders’ equity interest in BHD and Nanjing Recon as a guarantee for the service payment under the Service Agreement.

 

The Service Agreement entered into on January 1, 2008, between Recon-JN and BHD and Nanjing Recon, obligated Recon-JN to provide technical consulting services to BHD and Nanjing Recon in exchange for 90% of their annual net income as a service fee.

 

On April 1, 2019, as part of our planned organizational restructuring, Recon-BJ entered into a series of VIE agreements with BHD and Nanjing Recon, respectively, under the same terms and conditions as that of the VIE agreements previously entered into by Recon-JN. As a result, the structuring of the VIEs for Recon-BJ effectively mirrored the same contractual arrangement with Recon-JN. Under general accounting principles, Recon-BJ bears all the economic risk of losses and receives 90% of the expected profits of BHD and Nanjing Recon, and consequently is considered the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. As part of the plan of reorganization, Recon-JN was dissolved on April 10, 2019. As Recon-JN’s parent company, Recon-HK did not own any assets or conduct any operations, and therefore was dissolved on May 15, 2020.

 

Based on the VIE agreements, we consolidated BHD and Nanjing Recon as VIEs as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation because we are the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Management performs an ongoing reassessment of whether Recon-BJ was the primary beneficiary of BHD and Nanjing Recon. 

 

On August 28, 2000, a Founder of the Company purchased a controlling interest in BHD which was organized under the laws of the PRC on June 29, 1999. Through December 15, 2010, the Founders held a 67.5% ownership interest in BHD. From December 16, 2010 to June 30, 2012, Messrs. Yin Shenping and Chen Guangqiang held an 86.24% ownership interest of BHD. From June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2019, Mr. Chen Guangqiang continued to devote his personal patent to BHD and increased his ownership interest of BHD. As of the date of this registration statement, Messrs. Yin Shenping and Chen Guangqiang collectively hold a 91.62% ownership interest of BHD. BHD is combined with the Company through the date of the exclusive agreements, and has been consolidated since January 1, 2008, the date of the agreements based on ASC Topic 810. The Company allocates net income 90% and 100% loss, based upon the VIE agreements. Profits allocated to the minority interest are the remaining amount (10%).

 

On July 4, 2003, Nanjing Recon was organized under the laws of the PRC. On August 27, 2007, the Founders of the Company purchased a majority ownership of Nanjing Recon from a related party who was a majority owner of Nanjing Recon. Through December 15, 2010, the Founders held 80% ownership interest in Nanjing Recon. From December 16, 2010 to June 30, 2012, Messrs. Yin Shenping and Chen Guangqiang held 80% ownership interest of Nanjing Recon. Nanjing Recon is combined with the Company through the date of the exclusive agreements, and is consolidated following January 1, 2008, the date of the agreements based on ASC Topic 810. The Company allocates net income 90% and 100% loss, based upon the VIE agreements. Profits allocated to the non-controlling interest are the remaining amount (10%).

 

5 

 

 

On January 29, 2015, we increased our authorized shares from 25,000,000 to 100,000,000 ordinary shares.

 

BHD, one VIE, controls following subsidiaries: 

 

  1) On December 17, 2015, Huang Hua BHD Petroleum Equipment Manufacturing Co. LTD (“HH BHD”), a fully owned subsidiary established by BHD was organized under the laws of the PRC, focusing on the production of high efficiency heating furnaces. As of June 30, 2022, BHD had invested a total of ¥4.39 million ($0.65 million) to   HH BHD. BHD owns an interest of 100% of HH BHD.

 

  2) On May 23, 2017, Gan Su BHD Environmental Technology Co., Ltd (“Gan Su BHD”) was established by BHD and another investor under the laws of the PRC, with registered capital of ¥50 million. It is focusing on oilfield sewage treatment and oily sludge disposal projects. As of June 30, 2019, BHD had invested a total of ¥9.3 million Gan Su BHD. The paid in capital was ¥15.48 million ($2.31 million) as of June 30, 2019. Based on its revised chapter dated August 11, 2017, BHD owns an interest of 51% of Gan Su BHD. The paid in capital was ¥22,935,000 ($3,551,489) as of June 30, 2021. On April 26, 2021, the minority shareholder of Gan Su BHD transferred 15.4% of the equity interest hold to BHD. On May 19, 2021, the minority shareholder transferred 3.6% equity shares and BHD transferred 15.4% equity shares of Gan Su BHD to Nanjing Recon. Thus, by June 30, 2021 and 2022, BHD owns an interest of 51% and Nanjing Recon owns an interest of 19% of Gan Su BHD.

 

  3)

On October 16, 2017, Qing Hai BHD New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Qinghai BHD”) was established by BHD and a few other investors under the laws of the PRC, with registered capital of ¥50 million. It is focusing on design and production and sales of solar energy heating furnaces. As of June 30, 2020, BHD had invested a total of ¥4.2 million to Qinghai BHD. The paid in capital was ¥4.2 million ($0.59 million) as of June 30, 2020 BHD owns an interest of 55% of Qinghai BHD. The paid in capital was ¥4,200,000 ($650,371) as of June 30,2021. BHD owned an interest of 55% of Qinghai BHD previously; however, based on an agreement signed by the shareholders of Qinghai BHD dated October 23, 2018, each of the other two individual shareholders agreed to reduce 10% of their equity interests. As a result, Qinghai BHD returned ¥200,000 paid in capital back to one of the individual shareholders. After the new arrangement, BHD owns a total interest of 75% of Qinghai BHD. As of June 30, 2022, there were no other changes to the equity structure in Qinghai BHD.

 

As the energy consumption market opened to private and foreign companies, and online payment technology developed, the Domestic Companies began to invest in the downstream of the oil industry. On December 15, 2017, BHD and Nanjing Recon entered into a subscription agreement with Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd (“FGS”), pursuant to which both BHD and Nanjing Recon acquired an 8% equity interest in FGS. Established in January 2016, FGS is a service company focusing on providing new technical applications and data operations to gas stations and provides solutions to gas stations to improve their operations and their customers’ experience. On August 21, 2018, BHD and Nanjing Recon entered into an investment agreement and a supplemental agreement (collectively, the “Investment Agreement”) with FGS and the other shareholders of FGS. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, the VIEs’ ownership interest in FGS increased from 8% to 43%, in exchange for their investment in FGS for a total amount of RMB 10 million in cash and the issuance of 2,435,284 restricted Ordinary Shares to the other shareholders of FGS with certain conditions. As of June 30, 2019, BHD and Nanjing Recon invested an aggregate amount of RMB 35,116,707 ($5,113,984) in FGS and issued 2,435,284 restricted shares in total to other shareholders of FGS, and BHD and Nanjing Recon’s collective ownership interest in FGS increased to 43%.

 

6 

 

 

On December 10, 2019, the Company’s board of directors approved to effect a one-for-five reverse stock split of its ordinary shares (the “Reverse Stock Split”) with the market effective date of December 27, 2019, such that the number of the Company’s ordinary shares is decreased from 100,000,000 to 20,000,000 and the par value of each ordinary share is increased from US$0.0185 to US$0.0925. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, each five pre-split ordinary shares outstanding were automatically combined and converted to one issued and outstanding ordinary share without any action on the part of the shareholder.

 

On November 25, 2020, the Company and certain accredited investors (the “Investors”) entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to the Investors, and the Investors agreed to purchase from the Company, in an unregistered private transaction, notes (the “Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $6,485,000, convertible into ordinary shares, at a rate of $0.71 per share, upon the terms and subject to the limitations and conditions set forth in such Notes. The Company received gross proceeds of $6,485,000 through December 4, 2020 to December 30, 2020. Pursuant to the conversion notices to convert the Notes in full with the conversion date of January 25, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 9,225,338 ordinary shares to the Investors.

 

On February 4, 2021, Nanjing Recon and BHD, entered into the fourth supplemental agreement to the investment agreement with FGS and FGS’ founding shareholders to acquire 8% equity ownership of FGS. As a result, Nanjing Recon and BHD collectively own 51% interest of FGS, with 25.5% ownership interests to each of Nanjing Recon and BHD. We began to consolidate the financial results of FGS beginning on February 2021, which is reflected in our financial results for the year ended June 30, 2021. Through the fourth supplemental agreement, the Nanjing Recon and BHD waived the requirement on FGS’ performances goal about the number of gas stations. Accordingly, Nanjing Recon and BHD agreed to pay for the balance of the investment and cancelled the related lock-up terms on the restricted shares, in exchange of additional 8% equity ownership of FGS. See “Our Corporate Structure” for more information illustrating the ownership interests between Nanjing Recon and BHD.

 

On April 5, 2021, at the 2021 annual meeting, to implement a dual class structure, our shareholders approved (i) a special resolution that the authorized share capital of the Company be amended from US$1,850,000, divided into 20,000,000 ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each, to US$15,725,000, divided into 150,000,000 Class A ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each and 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each, and (ii) a special resolution that the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company to substitute the Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. On April 7, 2021, the Company filed the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association with the Companies Register of the Cayman Islands. Our Class A ordinary shares began to trade on the NASDAQ Capital Market on April 12, 2021 under the same symbol, “RCON.”

 

On June 3, 2021, we entered into a share exchange agreement with Starry Blockchain Energy Pte. Ltd. (“Starry”) and its controlling shareholders (the “Starry Controlling Shareholders”) to acquire 30% of the equity interest in Starry. Under the Agreement, the acquired 30% of the equity interest in Starry was valued at $3,000,000. As consideration for the 30% equity interest, the Company issued 316,345 unregistered, restricted Class A Ordinary Shares, based on $9.48 per share, the average closing price in the 30 trading days prior to the signing of the Agreement, to the Starry Controlling Shareholders. The acquisition closed on June 11, 2021.  On November 10, 2021, we agreed to terminate the share exchange agreement with Starry and the Starry Controlling Shareholders. Starry and the Starry Controlling Shareholders have refunded us the 316,345 unregistered, restricted Class A Ordinary Shares. Concurrently, we executed an exclusive technical consulting and service agreement with Starry to provide us with business consulting advice in exchange for 500,000 unregistered, restricted Class A Ordinary Shares, based on $2.13 per share, to Starry. The exclusive technical consulting and service agreement concluded on December 31, 2021.

 

On December 5, 2021, our board of directors and its compensation committee approved issuances of a total of 2,500,000 Class B Ordinary Shares from such shares reserved under the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan to directors and officers Shenping Yin and Guangqiang Chen. The compensation committee recommended and the board approved the Class B Ordinary Shares grants to Shenping Yin and Guangqiang Chen, each of whom has received a one-time share grant of 1,250,000 Class B Ordinary Shares. On February 28, 2022, our board approved an additional grant of 1,600,000 Class B shares to Shenping Yin and Guangqiang Chen, each of whom has received a one-time share grant of 800,000 Class B Ordinary Shares.

 

7 

 

 

Summary of Risk Factors

 

Investing in our Ordinary Shares involves significant risks. You should carefully consider all of the information in this prospectus and the filings incorporated by reference before making an investment in our Securities. Below please find a summary of the principal risks we face, organized under relevant headings. These risks are discussed more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors.”

 

Risks Related to Doing Business in China

 

We are based in China and have the majority of our operations in China, so we face risks and uncertainties related to doing business in China in general, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

  Adverse changes in political, economic and other policies of the Chinese government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, which could materially and adversely affect the growth of our business and our competitive position.
     
  Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a material adverse effect on us.
     
  China’s economic, political and social conditions, as well as changes in any government policies, laws and regulations, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
     
  The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities.
     
  The Chinese government may intervene or influence our operations at any time. See “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Doing Business in China – The recent state government interference into business activities on U.S. listed Chinese companies may negatively impact our existing and future operations in China.”
     
  In light of recent events indicating greater oversight by the Cyberspace Administration of China over data security, particularly for companies listed or seeking to list on a foreign exchange, we may be subject to a variety of PRC laws and other obligations regarding cybersecurity and data protection, and any failure to comply with applicable laws and obligations could have a material and adverse effect on our business, our continued listing on Nasdaq, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

  PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident shareholders to personal liability and limit our ability to acquire PRC companies or to inject capital into our PRC subsidiary, limit our PRC subsidiary ability to distribute profits to us, or otherwise materially and adversely affect us.

 

8 

 

 

  You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China against us or our management named in the prospectus based on Hong Kong or other foreign laws, and the ability of U.S. authorities to bring actions in China may also be limited.
     
  Any actions by the Chinese government to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment and/or operations in China-based issuers could significantly change our operations, limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. See “Our Corporate Structure – Contractual Arrangements – Permission Required from the PRC Authorities for the VIEs’ Operation,” and “Risk Factors – Risk Related to Doing Business In China – The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities and may intervene or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material change in our operations and the value of our Class A Ordinary Shares.”   
     
  Rules and regulations in China can change quickly with little or no advance notice and their interpretation and the implementation involve uncertainty. See “Our Corporate Structure – Contractual Arrangements –Permission Required from the PRC Authorities for the VIEs’ Operation” under “Contractual Arrangements,” and “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Doing Business in China – PRC laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes vague and uncertain and any changes in such laws and regulations may impair our ability to operate profitably.”   
     
  If our public accounting firm does not permit the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) to inspect it within three years pursuant to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, we may be delisted.
     
  The PRC government may issue further restrictive measures in the future.
     
  We may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Chinese anti-corruption law. 
     
  We may be subject to a variety of laws and other obligations regarding cybersecurity and data protection, and any failure to comply with applicable laws and obligations could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 
     
  It may be difficult for overseas shareholders and/or regulators to conduct investigation or collect evidence within China. 
     
  Failure to comply with laws and regulations applicable to our business in China could subject us to fines and penalties and could also cause us to lose customers or otherwise harm our business. 
     
  The recent joint statement by the SEC, proposed rule changes submitted by NASDAQ, and an act passed by the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies. These developments could add uncertainties to our future offerings, business operations share price and reputation. 
     
  NASDAQ may apply additional and more stringent criteria for our continued listing. 

 

Risks Related to our Corporate Structure

 

In addition to the risks described above, we are subject to general risks and uncertainties related to our Ordinary Shares and our organizational structure, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

9 

 

 

  We depend upon the Contractual Arrangements in conducting our business in China, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control.

 

 

We conduct our business through BHD, Nanjing Recon and their respective subsidiaries by means of Contractual Arrangements. These agreements have not been tested in a court of law. If the PRC courts or administrative authorities determine that these contractual arrangements do not comply with applicable regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties and our business could be adversely affected. In addition, changes in such PRC laws and regulations may materially and adversely affect our business.

 

  Any future issuances of Class B Ordinary Shares may be dilutive to the voting power of Class A Ordinary Shareholders.

 

  The dual class structure of our ordinary shares has the effect of concentrating voting control with holders of Class B Ordinary Shares.

 

  Recent joint statement by the SEC and PCAOB, proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and an act passed by the US Senate all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their auditors. These developments could add uncertainties to our offering.

 

  Our Class B Ordinary Shares have stronger voting power than our Class A Ordinary Shares and certain existing shareholders have substantial influence over our Company and their interests may not be aligned with the interests of our other shareholders.
     
  Trading in our securities may be prohibited under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act if the PCAOB determines that it cannot inspect or fully investigate our auditor, and that as a result an exchange may determine to delist our securities. Our auditor, Friedman LLP is not subject to the determinations announced by the PCAOB on December 16, 2021.

 

Risks Related to the Current Pandemic 

 

In addition to the risks described above, we are subject to general risks and uncertainties related to the current pandemic, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

  The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a significant impact on our operations since January 2020 and could materially adversely affect our business and financial results for the 2022 calendar year.

 

Our Corporate Structure

 

The following charts summarize our corporate legal structure and identify our subsidiaries, the VIEs and their subsidiaries as of the date of this prospectus.

 

 

 

10 

 

 

Contractual Arrangements

 

Chinese laws and regulations currently do not prohibit or restrict foreign ownership in petroleum businesses. However, Chinese laws and regulations do prevent direct foreign investment in certain industries. In 2008, to protect our shareholders from possible future foreign ownership restrictions, our Founders signed a series of agreements with Recon-JN, BHD and Nanjing Recon, so Recon-JN became the primary beneficiary of BHD and Nanjing Recon for accounting purposes.

 

On April 1, 2019, as part of our planned organizational restructuring, Recon-BJ entered into a series of VIE agreements with BHD and Nanjing Recon, respectively, under the same terms and conditions as that of the VIE agreements previously entered into by Recon-JN. As a result, the VIEs were effectively transferred from Recon-JN to Recon-BJ.

 

Exclusive Technical Consulting Service Agreement

 

Pursuant to the exclusive technical consulting service agreement between Recon-BJ and each of BHD and Nanjing Recon dated April 1, 2019, Recon-BJ has the exclusive right to provide each of BHD and Nanjing Recon with technical support services, consulting services and other services, including granting use rights of intellectual property rights, software services, network support, database support, hardware services, technical support, employee training, research and development of technology and market information, business management consulting, marketing and promotion services, customer management and services, lease hardware and device, and the others necessary for each of BHD and Nanjing Recon’s needs. In exchange, Recon-BJ is entitled to a service fee that equals 90% of the expected profits of BHD and Nanjing Recon. Recon-BJ bears all the economic risk of losses. In addition to the services fee, each of BHD and Nanjing Recon may reimburse all reasonable costs, reimbursed payments and out-of-pocket expenses, paid or incurred by Recon-BJ in connection with its performance.

 

Under the exclusive technical consulting service agreement, without Recon-BJ’s prior written consent, each of BHD and Nanjing Recon agrees not to engage in any transaction which may materially affect its asset, business, employment, obligation, right or operation.

 

The exclusive technical consulting service agreement remains effective, unless terminated pursuant to the exclusive technical consulting service agreement or upon the written notice of Recon-BJ. Recon-BJ, BHD, and Nanjing Recon have deferred their respective service fees because each of BHD and Nanjing Recon have reported losses. Recon-BJ continues to accrue the payment obligations arising from the service fees. Above all else, these certain contractual arrangements are in keeping with corporate formalities to distinguish our operations in connection with Recon-BJ and the VIEs and their subsidiaries.

 

Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement

 

Pursuant to the amended and restated exclusive equity interest purchase agreement dated April 1, 2019, among Recon-BJ, each of BHD and Nanjing Recon and the shareholder who owned all the equity interests of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon, such shareholders grant Recon-BJ an exclusive right to purchase their equity interests in each of BHD and Nanjing Recon. The purchase price shall be the lowest price then permitted under applicable PRC laws. Recon-BJ or its designated person may exercise such right at any time to purchase all or part of the equity interests in each of BHD and Nanjing Recon until it has acquired all equity interests of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon, which is irrevocable during the term of the agreement.

 

The amended and restated exclusive equity interest purchase agreement remains in effect until all equity interests held by the shareholders have been transferred or assigned to Recon-BJ and/or any other person designated by Recon-BJ. However, Recon-BJ has the right to terminate these agreements unconditionally upon giving prior written notice to each of BHD and Nanjing Recon at any time.

 

11 

 

 

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement

 

Pursuant to the amended and restated equity interest pledge agreement among the shareholders who owned all the equity interests of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon dated April 1, 2019, such shareholders pledge all of the equity interests in each of BHD and Nanjing Recon to Recon-BJ as collateral to secure the obligations of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon under the exclusive technical consulting service agreement and the amended and restated exclusive equity interest purchase agreement. The shareholders of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon are prohibited or may not transfer the pledged equity interests without prior consent of Recon-BJ unless transferring the equity interests to Recon-BJ or its designated person in accordance with the amended and restated exclusive equity interest purchase agreement.

 

The amended and restated equity interest pledge agreement shall come into force the date on which the pledged interests is recorded, under each of BHD and Nanjing Recon’s register of shareholders and is registered with competent administration for industry and commerce of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon until all of the liabilities and debts to Recon-BJ have been fulfilled completely by each of BHD and Nanjing Recon. Each of BHD and Nanjing Recon and the shareholders who owned all the equity interest of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon shall not terminate this agreement in any circumstance for any reason.

 

Shareholders’ Power of Attorney

 

Pursuant to the shareholders’ amended and restated power of attorney, all dated April 1, 2019, the shareholders of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon gives Recon-BJ irrevocable proxies to act on their behaves on all matters pertaining to each of BHD and Nanjing Recon and to exercise all of their rights as shareholders of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon, including the right to execute and deliver shareholder resolutions, to dispose any or all equity interests, to nominate, elect, designate, or appoint officers and directors, to supervise company’s performance, to approve submission of any registration documents, to attend shareholders meetings, to exercise voting rights and all of the other rights, to take legal actions against the harmful actions by directors or officers, to approve the amendments to the articles of association of the company, and any other rights under the articles of association of the company. The amended and restated power of attorney shall remain in effect while the shareholders of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon hold the equity interests in each of BHD and Nanjing Recon.

 

Based on the foregoing Contractual Arrangements, which authorize Recon-BJ to receive all of the VIEs’ expected residual returns, we account for each of BHD and Nanjing Recon as a VIE. Accordingly, we consolidate the accounts of each of BHD and Nanjing Recon, in accordance with Regulation S-X-3A-02 promulgated by the SEC and Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810-10, Consolidation.

 

Because we do not directly hold equity interest in the VIEs, we are subject to risks due to uncertainty of the interpretation and the application of the PRC laws and regulations, including limitation on foreign ownership of internet technology companies, regulatory review of oversea listing of PRC companies through a special purpose vehicle, and the validity and enforcement of the VIE Agreements. We are also subject to the risks of uncertainty about any future actions of the PRC government in this regard that could disallow the VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and the value of Ordinary Shares may depreciate significantly or become worthless.

 

Our Contractual Arrangements have not been tested in a court of law and may be less effective in providing control over each of BHD and Nanjing Recon than direct ownership. See “Risk Factors - We depend upon the Contractual Arrangements in conducting our business in China, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control.” for more details.

 

We may also be subject to sanctions imposed by PRC regulatory agencies including the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, if we fail to comply with their rules and regulations. See “Risk Factors — The approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission and other compliance procedures may be required in connection with this offering, and, if required, we cannot predict whether we will be able to obtain such approval.” for more details.

 

We are subject to certain legal and operational risks associated with the VIEs’ operations in China. PRC laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes vague and uncertain, and therefore, these risks may result in a material change in the VIEs’ operations, significant depreciation of the value of our Ordinary Shares, or a complete hindrance of our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities to investors. See “Risk Factors - We conduct our business through BHD, Nanjing Recon and their respective subsidiaries by means of Contractual Arrangements. If the PRC courts or administrative authorities determine that these contractual arrangements do not comply with applicable regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties and our business could be adversely affected. In addition, changes in such PRC laws and regulations may materially and adversely affect our business.” Recently, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in China with little advance notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using variable interest entity structure, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. Since these statements and regulatory actions are new, it is highly uncertain how soon legislative or administrative regulation making bodies will respond and what existing or new laws or regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations will be modified or promulgated, if any, and the potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our daily business operation, the ability to accept foreign investments and list on an U.S. exchange.

 

12 

 

 

Permission Required from the PRC Authorities for the VIEs’ Operation

 

We are currently not required to obtain permission from any of the PRC authorities to operate and issue our Ordinary Shares to foreign investors. In addition, we, our subsidiaries, or the VIEs are not required to obtain permission or approval from the PRC authorities including CSRC or Cyberspace Administration of China for the VIEs’ operation, nor have we, our subsidiaries, or VIEs applied for or received any denial for the VIEs’ operation. The General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the “Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law” (the “Opinions”), which were made available to the public on July 6, 2021. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen administration over illegal securities activities and the need to strengthen supervision with respect to overseas listings of Chinese companies. The Opinions and any related implementing rules to be enacted may subject us to compliance requirements in the future. Given the current regulatory environment in the PRC, we are still subject to the uncertainty of different interpretation and enforcement of the rules and regulations in the PRC adverse to us, which may be announced or implemented with little or no advance notice. If we were required to obtain approval in the future, any failure to obtain such approval may materially and adversely impact our results of operations, may limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and/or may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

 

Under the VIE Agreements, as a legal matter, if the VIEs or the Registered Shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the VIE Agreements, we may have to incur substantial costs and expend significant resources to enforce those arrangements and resort to litigation or arbitration and rely on legal remedies under PRC laws. These remedies may include seeking specific performance or injunctive relief and claiming damages, any of which may not be effective. We may face challenges enforcing these contractual agreements due to legal uncertainties and jurisdictional limits. It is uncertain whether we, as a Cayman Islands exempted limited company, would be able to enforce (directly or through Recon-BJ) the VIE Agreements with the Domestic Companies in a court of law in China, either in in an action directly in China or in seeking to enforce a foreign judgment in China. The costs of seeking to enforce such VIE Agreements could be substantial, and the outcome of such litigation might not result in Recon enforcing such VIE Agreements. If such VIE Agreements were not enforced, investors in Recon could see the value of their securities decrease in value or become worthless.

  

Transfer of Cash in the VIEs

 

We are an exempted limited company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our Ordinary Shares in the future, as an exempted limited company, we will be dependent on receipt of funds from our Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (“WFOE”). A WFOE is a limited liability company based in the People’s Republic of China but wholly owned by foreign investors. In our instance, Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd (“Recon-BJ”) is a WFOE wholly owned by Recon Investment Ltd. (“Recon-IN”), a Hong Kong limited company, which in turn is wholly owned by us.

 

Under the Exclusive Technical Consultation and Service Agreements signed between Recon-BJ and the VIEs, Recon-BJ is entitled to 90% of the expected profits of the VIEs in exchange for providing exclusive technical consulting services to the VIEs. Recon-BJ also bears all the economic risk of losses. Current PRC regulations permit our indirect PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to its shareholders only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, according to the current effective laws in Cayman Islands and Hong Kong, the resident companies could pay dividends to their shareholders. And there are no foreign exchange restrictions on these two areas. Therefore, Recon-BJ can distribute the income obtained under the Contractual Arrangement to Recon-IN in the form of dividends, with Recon-IN in turn distributing such revenues to us in the form of dividends, with we in turn would distribute such revenues to U.S. investors in the form of dividends.

 

13 

 

 

Each VIE has its own operating cash flow. Cash flow between our Company and the VIEs primarily consists of transfers from us to the VIEs for supplemental working capital, which is mainly used in purchase of materials and payment of operating expenses and investments. In addition, the VIEs occasionally make payments on our behalf when we experience a cash shortage. For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, net cash transferred from the Company to the VIEs was RMB55,569,342 ($8,296,780), RMB15,720,667 ($2,347,174) and RMB5,260,340 ($785,395), respectively.   Neither we nor the VIEs have present plans to distribute earnings or settle amounts owed under the Contractual Agreements. Cash in the VIEs are expected to be retained for business growth and operation. No dividends or distributions have been declared to pay to us from our subsidiaries or the VIEs. No dividends or distributions were made to any U.S. investors. For a description of our corporate structure and VIE contractual arrangements, see “Our Corporate Structure.” See also “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure.”

 

U.S. Dollar as the Functional Currency under FASB ASC 830-10-45-4

 

The functional currency of the Company, as a Cayman Islands entity, is the U.S. Dollar. Management has determined that the intercompany receivable is denominated in U.S. Dollars for several reasons: first, our functional currency (as the Cayman Islands entity) is the U.S. Dollar; and second, the inter-company receivable is ultimately paid in U.S. Dollars. Although transactions involving the Domestic Companies may involve the RMB from time to time, the transactions are ultimately denominated in U.S. Dollars to reflect our functional currency. For these reasons, because our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar, and because the inter-company receivables are ultimately paid in U.S. Dollars, we believe there are no exchange rate fluctuations as the parent company.

 

Foreign Exchange Risk

 

Our Domestic Companies, and Recon-BJ classify the RMB as their functional currencies. Because our functional currency, as the Cayman Islands entity, is the U.S. Dollar, we are exposed to foreign exchange risks from fluctuations with the exchange rates among the U.S. Dollar and the RMB. Notwithstanding that Domestic Companies conduct operations and transactions in RMB, we ultimately believe that there should not be any U.S. Dollar/RMB exchange rate fluctuations because the inter-company receivable is denominated in U.S. Dollars. Thus, the transactions and operations reported by the Domestic Companies are ultimately paid in U.S. Dollars as the inter-company receivables, which reflect our functional currency in U.S. Dollars as the parent company. See “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure - There are possible economic risks posed by foreign exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and RMB.

 

Select Condensed Financial Statements on Consolidated VIEs

 

The following table below provides a condensed consolidating schedule depicting the financial position, cash flows, and results of operations for the parent, the consolidated VIEs, and any eliminating adjustments separately as of the same dates and for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements are required.

 

14 

 

 

SELECTED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  

 

   For the Year Ended June 30, 2022 
   Recon                 
   Technology,                 
   Ltd.                 
       “Non-VIE
Subsidiaries
   VIEs and VIE’s         
   (Cayman
Islands)
   (Hong Kong and
PRC)”
   subsidiaries
(PRC)
   Eliminations   Consolidated
Total
 
Revenues  ¥   ¥   ¥83,777,571   ¥   ¥83,777,571 
Cost of Revenues           64,352,834        64,352,834 
Gross Profit           19,424,737       ¥19,424,737 
Operating expenses   64,842,004    1,170,913    35,725,237        101,738,154 
Loss from operations   (64,842,004)   (1,170,913)   (16,300,500)       (82,313,417)
Other income (expenses), net   178,590,691    (108,074)   (2,493,679)       175,988,938 
Loss from subsidiaries           (613,874)       (613,874)
Loss from VIEs   (18,161,892)             18,161,892     
Income tax expenses (benefit)  ¥   ¥(16,882,905)  ¥    ¥16,882,905     
Net loss   95,586,795    (18,161,892)   (18,180,305)   35,044,797    94,289,395 
Non-controlling interest           (1,297,400)       (1,297,400)
Net income(loss) Attributable to Recon Technology, Ltd   95,586,795    (18,161,892)   (16,882,905)   35,044,797    95,586,795 

 

15 

 

 

   For the Year Ended June 30, 2021 
   Recon                 
   Technology,                 
   Ltd.                 
       “Non-VIE
Subsidiaries
   VIEs and VIE’s         
   (Cayman
Islands)
   (Hong Kong and
PRC)”
   subsidiaries
(PRC)
   Eliminations   Consolidated
Total
 
Revenues  ¥121,197   ¥   ¥47,817,378       ¥47,938,575 
Cost of Revenues   97,024        40,626,523        40,723,547 
Gross Profit   24,173        7,190,855        7,215,028 
Operating expenses   31,436,450    652,686    36,704,840        68,793,976 
Loss from operations   (31,412,277)   (652,686)   (29,513,985)       (61,578,948)
Other income (expenses), net   35,686,027    (80,682)   (417,476)       35,187,869 
Loss from subsidiaries   (27,106,484)           27,106,484     
Loss from VIEs        (26,373,116)       26,373,116     
Income tax expenses (benefit)  ¥    ¥   ¥(524,251)  ¥   ¥(524,251)
Net loss   (22,832,734)   (27,106,484)   (29,407,210)   53,479,600    (25,866,828)
Non-controlling interest           (3,034,094)       (3,034,094)
Net income(loss) Attributable to Recon Technology, Ltd   (22,832,734)   (27,106,484)   (26,373,116)   53,479,600    (22,832,734)

 

 

   For the Year Ended June 30, 2020 
   Recon Technology,
Ltd.
(Cayman Islands)
   Non-VIE
Subsidiaries
(Hong Kong
and
PRC)
   VIEs and
VIE's
subsidiaries
(PRC)
   Eliminations   Consolidated
Total
 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)         
Revenues  ¥20,079,210   ¥-   ¥45,681,441   ¥-   ¥65,760,651 
Cost of Revenues   16,063,368    -    30,090,887    -    46,154,255 
Gross Profit   4,015,842    -    15,590,554    -    19,606,396 
Operating expenses   13,337,810    675,628    25,769,990    -    39,783,428 
Loss from operations   (9,321,968)   (675,628)   (10,179,436)   -    (20,177,032)
Other income (expenses), net   (1,298,039)   1,262,799    371,990    -    336,750 
Loss from subsidiaries   (8,626,694)   -    -    8,626,694    - 
Loss from VIEs   -    (9,213,865)   -    9,213,865    - 
Income tax expenses (benefit)   -    -    282,322    -    282,322 
Net loss   (19,246,701)   (8,626,694)   (10,089,768)   17,840,559    (20,122,604)
Non-controlling interest   -    -    (875,903)   -    (875,903)
Net loss attributable to Recon Technology, Ltd  ¥(19,246,701)  ¥(8,626,694)*  ¥(9,213,865)**  ¥17,840,559   ¥(19,246,701)

 

16 

 

 

SELECTED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING  BALANCE SHEETS 

 

   For the Year Ended June 30, 2022 
   Recon                 
   Technology,                 
   Ltd.   Non-VIE              
   (Cayman
Islands)
   Subsidiaries
(Hong Kong and
PRC)
   VIEs and VIE's
subsidiaries
(PRC)
   Eliminations   Consolidated
Total
 
Cash and cash equivalents  ¥296,838,959   ¥2,102,232   ¥18,033,666   ¥0   ¥316,974,857 
Restricted cash             723,560         723,560 
Other current assets   20,364,424    4,851    107,549,349    -    127,918,624 
Intercompany receivables   205,224,961    127,906,141    0    (333,131,102)   0 
Total current assets   522,428,344    130,013,224    126,306,575    (333,131,102)   445,617,041 
Investments in subsidiaries and VIEs   (77,566,835)*   0    0    77,566,835    0 
Benefits through VIEs and VIE’s subsidiaries        (73,117,024)        73,117,024    0 
Other non-current assets   0    0    44,625,043    0    44,625,043 
Total non-current assets  ¥(77,566,835)  ¥(73,117,024)  ¥44,625,043   ¥150,683,859   ¥44,625,043 
Total Assets   444,861,509    56,896,200    170,931,618    (182,447,243)   490,242,084 
Intercompany payables   0    138,758,092    194,373,010    (333,131,102)   0 
Other liabilities and accrued liabilities   24,229,780    453,943    52,673,600         77,357,323 
Total Liabilities   24,229,780    139,212,035    247,046,610    (333,131,102)   77,357,323 
Class A common stock, $0.0925 U.S. dollar par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 7,202,832 shares and 26,868,391shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021, respectively   18,001,670                   18,001,670 
Class B common stock, $0.0925 U.S. dollar par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021, respectively   2,408,498                   2,408,498 
Additional paid-in capital   496,038,696         4,749,000    (4,749,000)   496,038,696 
Retained earnings   (107,124,596)   (78,616,347)   (70,753,901)   149,370,248    (107,124,596)
Accumulated other comprehensive income   11,307,461    (3,699,488)   (2,363,123)   6,062,611    11,307,461 
Total Shareholders’ Equity   420,631,729    (82,315,835)   (68,368,024)   150,683,859    420,631,729 
Non-controlling interests           (7,746,968)       (7,746,968)
Total Liabilities and Equity   444,861,509    56,896,200    170,931,618    (182,447,243)   490,242,084 

 

17 

 

 

   For the Year Ended June 30, 2021 
   Recon                 
   Technology,                 
   Ltd.   Non-VIE              
   (Cayman
Islands)
   Subsidiaries
(Hong Kong and
PRC)
   VIEs and VIE's
subsidiaries
(PRC)
   Eliminations   Consolidated
Total
 
Cash and cash equivalents  ¥325,116,815   ¥14,588,375   ¥4,293,380   ¥   ¥343,998,570 
Other current assets   52,136,194    11,850    92,358,571        144,506,615 
Intercompany receivables   142,741,114    94,478,086        (237,219,200)    
Total current assets   519,994,123    109,078,311    96,651,951    (237,219,200)   488,505,185 
Investments in subsidiaries and VIEs   (49,551,884)*           49,551,884     
Benefits through VIEs and VIE’s subsidiaries   0    (44,310,498)       44,310,498     
Other non-current assets   27,931,795        50,079,680    0    78,011,475 
Total non-current assets  ¥(21,620,089)  ¥(44,310,498)  ¥50,079,680   ¥93,862,382   ¥78,011,475 
Total Assets   498,374,034    64,767,813    146,731,631    (143,356,818)   566,516,660 
Intercompany payables   0    113,887,806    123,331,394    (237,219,200)    
Other liabilities and accrued liabilities   203,279,000    431,891    75,290,303         279,001,194 
Total Liabilities   203,279,000    114,319,697    198,621,697    (237,219,200)   279,001,194 
Class A common stock, $0.0925 U.S. dollar par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 7,202,832 shares and 26,868,391shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021, respectively   16,340,826                   16,340,826 
Class B common stock, $0.0925 U.S. dollar par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021, respectively        0    0    0    0 
Additional paid-in capital   479,490,763         4,749,000    (4,749,000)   479,490,763 
Retained earnings   (202,711,391)   (55,308,418)   (53,632,577)   108,940,995    (202,711,391)
Accumulated other comprehensive income   1,974,836    5,756,534    4,573,079    (10,329,613)   1,974,836 
Total Shareholders’ Equity   295,095,034    (49,551,884)   (44,310,498)   93,862,382    295,095,034 
Non-controlling interests   0        (7,579,568)       (7,579,568)
Total Liabilities and Equity   498,374,034    64,767,813    146,731,631    (143,356,818)   566,516,660 

 

18 

 

 

   As of June 30, 2020 
   Recon Technology, Ltd.
(Cayman Islands)
   Non-VIE
Subsidiaries
(Hong Kong and
PRC)
   VIEs and VIE's
subsidiaries
(PRC)
   Eliminations   Consolidated
Total
 
Cash  ¥22,238,980   ¥1,709,426   ¥6,388,098   ¥-   ¥30,336,504 
Other current assets   4,468,507    12,794    94,464,068    -    98,945,369 
Intercompany receivables   124,073,486    84,824,984    -    (208,898,470))   - 
Total current assets   150,780,973    86,547,204    100,852,166    (208,898,470))   129,281,873 
Investments in subsidiaries   (28,148,285)*   -    -    28,148,285    - 
Benefits through VIEs and VIE’s subsidiaries   -    (22,506,597)   -    22,506,597    - 
Other non-current assets   -    -    65,132,931    -    65,132,931 
Total non-current assets   (28,148,285)   (22,506,597)   65,132,931    50,654,882    65,132,931 
Total Assets   122,632,688    64,040,607    165,985,097    (158,243,588))   194,414,804 
Intercompany payables   -    93,778,270    115,120,200    (208,898,470))   - 
Other liabilities and accrued liabilities   7,522,154    555,066    65,693,296    -    73,770,516 
Total Liabilities   7,522,154    94,333,336    180,813,496    (208,898,470)   73,770,516 
Class A common stock, $0.0925 U.S. dollar par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 7,202,832 shares and  26,868,391shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021, respectively*   4,577,233                   4,577,233 
Class B common stock, $0.0925 U.S. dollar par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021, respectively                         
Additional paid-in capital   282,505,455         4,749,000    (4,749,000)   282,505,455 
Retained earnings   (179,878,657)   (28,148,285)   (27,255,597)   55,403,882    (179,878,657)
 Accumulated other comprehensive income   7,906,503    (2,144,444)   (2,936,328)        2,825,731 
Total Shareholders’ Equity   115,110,534    (30,292,729))   (25,442,925))   50,654,882    110,029,762 
Non-controlling interests   -    -    10,614,526    -    10,614,526 
Total Liabilities and Equity  ¥122,632,688   ¥64,040,607   ¥165,985,097   ¥(158,243,588)  ¥194,414,804 

 

SELECTED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

 

   For the Year Ended June 30, 2022 
   Recon                 
   Technology,                 
   Ltd.   Subsidiaries             
   (Cayman   (Hong Kong           Consolidated 
   Islands)   and PRC)   VIE (PRC)   Eliminations   Total 
Net cash used in operating activities  ¥(15,831,732)  ¥(1,249,935)  ¥(9,165,570)      ¥(26,247,237)
Net cash used in investing activities   (26,555,820)   (12,000,000)   (29,342,206)   67,569,342*   (328,684)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   93,321    1,306,892    56,169,749    (67,569,342)   (9,999,380)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents   14,016,375    (1,494,983)   (2,246,244)       10,275,148 
Net change in cash   (28,277,856)   (13,438,026)   15,415,729        (26,300,153)
Opening cash balance   325,116,815    14,588,376    4,293,379        343,998,570 
Restricted cash             723,560         723,560 
Ending cash balance  ¥296,838,959   ¥1,150,350   ¥18,985,548       ¥316,974,857 

 

  * Including net cash transferred of ¥1,306,892 from Recon Technology to Non-VIE subsidiaries, ¥55,569,342 transferred from Recon Technology to VIEs and ¥12,000,000 from Non-VIE subsidiaries to VIEs.

 

19 

 

 

   For the Year Ended June 30, 2021 
   Recon                 
   Technology,   Subsidiaries             
   Ltd. (Cayman   (Hong Kong           Consolidated 
   Islands)   and PRC)   VIE (PRC)   Eliminations   Total 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  ¥(6,116,629)  ¥(855,598)  ¥(27,078,241)      ¥(34,050,468)
Net cash used in investing activities   (77,843,460)   (9,000,000)   1,799,804    38,505,002*   (46,538,654)
Net cash used in financing activities   386,563,775    22,784,335    23,183,719    (38,505,002)   394,026,827 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents   274,149    (49,784)           224,365 
Net change in cash   302,877,835    12,878,953    (2,094,718)       313,662,070 
Opening cash balance   22,238,981    1,709,425    6,388,098        30,336,504 
Ending cash balance  ¥325,116,816   ¥14,588,378   ¥4,293,380       ¥343,998,574 

 

  * Including net cash transferred of ¥22,784,335 from Recon Technology to Non-VIE subsidiaries, ¥15,720,667 transferred from Recon Technology to VIEs and ¥9,000,000 from Non-VIE subsidiaries to VIEs.

 

   For the Year Ended June 30, 2020 
   Recon Technology, Ltd.
(Cayman Islands)
   Non-VIE
Subsidiaries
(Hong Kong and
PRC)
   VIEs and VIE's
subsidiaries
(PRC)
   Eliminations   Consolidated
Total
 
Net cash used in operating activities  ¥(428,461)  ¥(496,204)  ¥(4,306,011)  ¥-   ¥(5,230,676)
Net cash used in investing activities   (4,484,382)   (1,890,340)   (3,488,471)   7,754,830*   (2,108,363)
Net cash provided by financing activities   26,141,051    1,114,382    13,641,512    (7,658,524)   33,238,421 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents   (97,823)   13,620    96,306    (96,306)   (84,203)
Net increase (decrease) in cash   21,130,385    (1,258,542)   5,943,336    -    25,815,179 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   1,108,595    2,967,967    444,763    -    4,521,325 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  ¥22,238,980   ¥1,709,425   ¥6,388,099   ¥-   ¥30,336,504 

  

  * Including net cash transferred of ¥1,114,382 from Recon Technology to Non-VIE subsidiaries, ¥4,484,382 transferred from Recon Technology to VIEs and ¥1,890,340 from Non-VIE subsidiaries to VIEs.

 

VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision-making ability. All VIEs and their subsidiaries with which the Company is involved must be evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary of the risks and rewards of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE for financial reporting purposes.

 

The nature of any assets, operations and cash flows that exist or which occur outside of the VIEs are mainly about:

 

  · The daily operations of us, as the parent company, to maintain the basic functions as a holding entity such as the purchase of materials and payment of operating expenses and investments, in order to realize the control of our subsidiaries and the VIEs to ensure that the overall company’s business objectives are fulfilled. The main resource to finance these activities are cash from securities offerings.

 

  · There are some businesses or projects which are signed by us, as the parent company, and then subsequently outsourced from us to the VIEs, as practical, particularly overseas projects. Generally, we would bid for projects based in China or from other countries. If we win the bid, we sign the agreement and then assign and outsource the projects to the VIEs such as BHD and Nanjing to implement and complete the project.

 

Our basic functions include but not limited to: 1) research and improve the Company's development strategy based on the Company's industry and market trends; 2) financing, funding, budgeting and complete oversight of the Company and the VIEs’ safety and efficiencies in the use of funds and assets; and 3) decision-making on major acquisitions.

 

Our current business objective is to grow both in scale and revenue. Over the longer term, our objective is to improve our business structure and achieve net profits.

 

20 

 

 

Summary information regarding consolidated VIEs and their subsidiaries is as follows:

 

   June 30, 2020   June 30, 2021   June 30, 2022   June 30, 2022 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   U.S. Dollars 
ASSETS                    
Current Assets                    
Cash  ¥6,388,098   ¥4,293,380   ¥18,033,666   $2,584,476 
Restricted cash           723,560    108,031 
Notes receivable   4,180,885    6,305,633    10,828,308    1,616,715 
Trade accounts receivable, net   44,031,079    24,762,732    22,577,980    3,370,994 
Trade accounts receivable- related party, net   3,068,920    -    -    - 
Inventories, net   1,985,723    3,644,522    3,894,369    581,447 
Other receivables, net   6,342,009    5,988,641    5,500,981    821,321 
Loans to third parties   3,200,377    1,350,000    30,270,563    4,519,531 
Purchase advances, net   75,195    1,078,137    178,208    26,607 
Contract costs, net   31,537,586    48,795,906    33,858,820    5,055,274 
Prepaid expenses   42,294    -    165,120    24,653 
Prepaid expenses- related parties   -    433,000    275,000    41,059 
Total current assets   100,852,166    96,651,951    126,306,575    18,750,108 
                     
Property and equipment, net   29,756,879    27,138,768    25,474,162    3,803,407 
Land use right, net   1,280,648    1,253,408    1,226,169    183,073 
Customer relationship   -    6,650,000    5,950,000    888,362 
Long-term other receivables, net   3,640    114,679    1,564,381    233,569 
Goodwill   -    6,996,895    4,730,002    706,211 
Right of use assets   -    7,925,930    5,440,590    812,305 
Investment in unconsolidated entity   31,541,851    -    -    - 
Total Assets  ¥165,985,098   ¥146,731,631   ¥170,931,618   $25,412,829 
                     
LIABILITIES                    
Short-term bank loan  ¥9,520,000   ¥15,000,000   ¥10,000,000   $1,493,045 
Trade accounts payable   18,903,080    18,182,770    12,826,108    1,914,996 
Other payables   1,115,209    2,096,830    1,469,761    219,442 
Other payable- related parties   3,113,460    1,253,797    1,061,081    158,424 
Advance from customers   3,486,033    7,686,276    2,107,277    314,626 
Accrued payroll and employees’ welfare   850,841    1,565,898    1,213,040    181,112 
Investment payable   6,400,000    -    -    - 
Intercompany payables*                       115,120,200      123,331,367    194,373,010    29,020,764 
Taxes payable   1,108,265    1,249,052    2,211,190    330,141 
Short-term borrowings   200,000    530,000         
Short-term borrowings - related parties   10,230,746    12,676,042    9,009,156    1,345,107 
Long-term borrowings - related party - current portion   847,346    920,066    999,530    149,234 
Operating lease liabilities - current   1,328,976    2,226,832    3,892,774    581,209 
Total current liabilities   172,224,156    186,718,930    239,162,927    35,708,100 
                     
Operating lease liabilities - non-current   1,210,088    4,792,101    2,184,635    326,176 
Long-term borrowings - related party   7,379,252    6,486,551    5,511,076    822,828 
Deferred tax liability   -    624,088    187,972    28,065 
Total Liabilities  ¥180,813,496   ¥198,621,670   ¥247,046,610   $36,885,169 

 

21 

 

 

Business Overview

 

General

 

We believe that one of the most important advancements in China’s petroleum industry has been the automation of significant segments of the exploration and extraction process. The Domestic Companies’ automation products and services allow petroleum mining and extraction companies to reduce their labor requirements and improve the productivity of oilfields. The Domestic Companies’ solutions allow customers to locate productive oilfields more easily and accurately, improve control over the extraction process, increase oil yield efficiency in tertiary stage oil recovery, and improve the transportation of crude oil.

 

For the most recent few years, the Domestic Companies’ capacity to provide integrated services has been a significant factor for long-term development. We treat simulation measures around fracturing as the Domestic Companies’ entry point for our integrated service model. To date, we have formed new business modules through R&D, investment in service-team building and developed an integrated services solution for stimulation.

 

Market Background

 

China is the world’s second-largest consumer of petroleum products, largest importer of petroleum and fourth-largest producer of petroleum. In the last twenty years, China’s demand for oil has more than tripled, while its production of oil has only modestly increased. China became a net importer of petroleum in 1983, and, since then, oil production in China has been focused on meeting the country’s domestic oil consumption requirements. The oil industry in China is dominated by three state-owned holding companies: China National Petroleum Corporation (“CNPC”), China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (“Sinopec”) and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (“CNOOC”). Foreign companies have also been deeply involved in China’s petroleum industry; however, according to Chinese law, China’s national oil companies still take a majority (or minority) stake in any commercial discovery. As a result, the number of major foreign companies involved in the industry is relatively limited in domestic China.

 

In the past, China’s petroleum companies mined for petroleum by leveraging the country’s abundance of inexpensive labor, rather than focusing on developing new technologies. For example, a typical, traditional oilfield with an annual capacity of 1,000,000 tons would require between 10,000 and 20,000 laborers. By contrast, when Baker CAC automated oil production products were employed in the mid-1990s to explore and automate Cainan Oilfield, a desert oilfield in Xinjiang, annual capacity for the field reached 1,500,000 tons, with only 400 employees needed to manage the oilfield. After the introduction of Baker CAC’s products into China’s petroleum industry, Chinese companies have also sought to provide automation solutions.

 

In the primary oil recovery stage, oil pressure in an oil reservoir may be high enough to force oil to the surface. Approximately 20% of oil may be harvested at this stage. The secondary oil recovery stage accounts for another 5% to 15% of oil recovery and involves such efforts as pumps to extract petroleum and the injection of water, natural gas, carbon dioxide or other gasses into the oil reservoir to force oil to the surface. Most oilfields in China have now entered into the tertiary stage of oil recovery, at which oil extraction becomes increasingly difficult and inefficient. Tertiary recovery generally focuses on decreasing oil viscosity to make extraction easier and accounts for between 5% and 15% of oil recovery. Our Domestic Companies’ efforts in tertiary recovery focus on reducing water content in crude oil in order to make extraction more efficient and to improve the overall production of wells through advanced technologies and effective managing tools and approaches.

 

For recent years, the oil industry is experiencing digital transformation. We believe oil companies will continue to increase their usages of intelligent solutions to improve the operation efficiency. Many oil companies have been raising the digitalization to a strategic level and take it as the core portion of the corporate strategy to optimize business execution and operational efficiency. Besides, we have also seen the trend of digitalization and intelligence in downstream of the oil and gas industry, especially in the management and operation of gas stations in China. The Domestic Companies have been devoting resources and participating in testing projects with their clients to develop leading solutions. We will continue to enhance the Domestic Companies’ competitive strength through up-gradation with big data and intelligent analysis.

 

Products and Services

 

The Domestic Companies have historically provided products and services mainly to oil and gas field companies, which focus on the development and production of oil and natural gas. The products and services described below correlate to the numbered stages of the oilfield production system graphical expression shown below.

 

22 

 

 

 

 

The following list shows the Domestic Companies’ products and services. The first three items are covered by the (1) automation product and software segment and (2) equipment and accessories segment. The last item is covered by the oilfield environmental protection segment.

 

Equipment for Oil and Gas Production and Transportation

 

· High-Efficiency Heating Furnaces (as shown above by process “3”). Crude petroleum contains certain impurities that must be removed before the petroleum can be sold, including water and natural gas. To remove the impurities and to prevent solidification and blockage in transport pipes, companies employ heating furnaces. BHD researched, developed and implemented a new oilfield furnace that is advanced, highly automated, reliable, easily operable, safe and highly heat-efficient (90% efficiency).

 

Burner (as shown above by process “5”). The burner BHD provides has the following characteristics: high degree of automation; energy conservation; high turn-down ratio; high security and environmental safety.

 

Oil and Gas Production Improvement Techniques

 

· Packers of Fracturing. This utility model is used concertedly with the security joint, hydraulic anchor, and slide bushing of sand spray in the well. It is used for easy seat sealing and sand-uptake prevention. The utility model reduces desilting volume and prevents sand uptake which makes the deblocking processes easier to realize. The back flushing is sand-stick proof.  
   
· Production Packer. According to different withdraw points, the production packer separates different oil layers, and protects the oil pipe from sand and permeability, so as to promote the recovery ratio.  
   
· Sand Prevention in Oil and Water Well. This technique processes additives that are resistant to elevated temperatures into “resin sand” which is transported to the bottom of the well via carrying fluid. The “resin sand” goes through the borehole, piling up and compacting at the borehole and oil vacancy layer. An artificial borehole wall is then formed, functioning as a means of sand prevention. This sand prevention technique has been adapted to more than 100 wells, including heavy oil wells, light oil wells, water wells and gas wells, with a 100% success rate and a 98% effective rate.  

 

23 

 

 

· Water Locating and Plugging Technique. High water cut affects the normal production of oilfields. Previously, there was no sophisticated method for water locating and tubular column plugging in China. The mechanical water locating and tubular column plugging technique we have developed resolves the problem of high water cut wells. This technique conducts a self-sealing-test during multi-stage usage and is reliable to separate different production sets effectively. The water location switch forms a complete process by which the water locating and plugging can be finished in one trip. Tubular columns are adaptable to several oil drilling methods and are available for water locating and plugging in second and third class layers.

 

· Fracture Acidizing. BHD’s technique injects acid to layers under pressure which can form or expand fissures. The treatment process of the acid is defined as fracture acidizing. The technique is mainly adapted to oil and gas wells that are blocked up relatively deeply, or the ones in the low permeable zones.  
   
· Electronic Broken-down Service. This service resolves block-up and freezing problems by generating heat from the electric resistivity of the drive pipe and utilizing a loop tank composed of an oil pipe and a drive pipe. This technique saves energy and is environmentally friendly. It can increase the production of oilfields that are in the middle and later periods.

 

Automation System and Service

 

· Pumping Unit Controller. Refers to process “1” above. Functions as a monitor to the pumping unit, and also collects data for load, pressure, voltage, startup and shutdown control.  
   
· RTU Used to Monitor Natural Gas Wells. Collects gas well pressure data.  
   
· Wireless Dynamometer and Wireless Pressure Gauge. Refers to process “1” above. These products replace wired technology with cordless displacement sensor technology. They are easy to install and significantly reduce the working load associated with cable laying.  
   
· Electric Multi-Way Valve for Oilfield Metering Station Flow Control. Refers to process “2” above. This multi-way valve is used before the test separator to replace the existing three valve manifolds. It facilitates the electronic control of the connection of the oil lead pipeline with the separator.  
   
· Natural Gas Flow Computer System. Flow computer system used in natural gas stations and gas distribution stations to measure flow.  
   
· Recon SCADA Oilfield Monitor and Data Acquisition System. Recon SCADA is a system which applies to the oil well, measurement station, and the union station for supervision and data collection.  
   
· EPC Service of Pipeline SCADA System. A service technique for pipeline monitoring and data acquisition after crude oil transmission.  
   
· EPC Service of Oil and Gas Wells SCADA System. A service technique for monitoring and data acquisition of oil wells and natural gas wells.  
   
· EPC Service of Oilfield Video Surveillance and Control System. A video surveillance technique for controlling the oil and gas wellhead area and the measurement station area.  
   
· Technique Service for “Digital Oilfield” Transformation. Includes engineering technique services such as oil and gas SCADA system, video surveillance and control system and communication systems.

 

24 

 

 

Beginning in 2017, the Domestic Companies began to provide automation services to other companies in the broader energy industry in China and to provide the following products and services beyond the oilfield production process:

 

Waste Water and Oil Treatment Products and Services

 

· Oilfield sewage treatment. It is for oilfield waste water treatment solutions, related chemicals and onsite services customized to clients’ requirement. The Domestic Companies have also developed proprietary equipment and aim to manufacture in the future.
   
· Oily sludge disposal (planned)This planned business line will provide engineering services of oily sludge disposal in Gan Su province.

 

Platform Outsourcing Services: Intelligent marketing system and digitalization solution for gas stations

 

· Gas Station operation and management solution. This business provides new technical applications and data operations solutions and related services to gas stations of oil companies. It can also help gas stations export API ports to external parties for cooperation.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Before you make a decision to invest in our securities, you should consider carefully the risks described below. If any of the following events actually occur, our business, operating results, prospects or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. This could cause the trading price of our Securities to decline and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risks described below are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also significantly impair our business operations and could result in a complete loss of your investment.

 

You should also carefully consider the risk factors set forth under “Risk Factors” described in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F, filed on October 28, 2022 , together with all other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement and in any related free writing prospectus in connection with a specific offering, before making an investment decision. Each of the risk factors could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects, as well as the value of an investment in our securities, and the occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment.

  

RISKS RELATED TO DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA

 

The recent state government interference into business activities on U.S. listed Chinese companies may negatively impact our existing and future operations in China.

 

Recently, the Chinese government announced that it would step up supervision of Chinese firms listed offshore. Under the new measures, China will improve regulation of cross-border data flows and security, crack down on illegal activity in the securities market and punish fraudulent securities issuance, market manipulation and insider trading, China will also check sources of funding for securities investment and control leverage ratios. The Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) has also opened a cybersecurity probe into several U.S.-listed tech giants focusing on anti-monopoly, financial technology regulation and more recently, with the passage of the Data Security Law, how companies collect, store, process and transfer data. If we are subject to such a probe or if we are required to comply with stepped-up supervisory requirements, valuable time from our management and money may be expended in complying and/or responding to the probe and requirements, thus diverting valuable resources and attention away from our operations. This may, in turn, negatively impact our operations. 

 

Because of the VIEs and their subsidiaries in China and given the Chinese government’s significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our business operations there, the Chinese government may seek to affect our operations, including our ability to offer securities to investors, list our securities on a U.S. or other foreign exchange, conduct our business or accept foreign investment. The Chinese government may intervene or influence the Company’s current and future operations in China at any time, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in issuers likes ourselves.

 

25 

 

 

If any or all of the foregoing were to occur, this could lead to a material change in the Company’s operations and/or the value of our ordinary shares and/or significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

 

The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities and may intervene or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material change in our operations and the value of our Class A Ordinary Shares.

 

The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to securities regulation, data protection, cybersecurity and mergers and acquisitions and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations.

 

Government actions in the future could significantly affect economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof and could require us to materially change our operating activities or divest ourselves of any interests we hold in Chinese assets. Our business may be subject to various government and regulatory interference in the provinces in which we operate. We may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply. Our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to our business or industry.

 

Given recent statements by the Chinese government indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless.

 

Our shares may be delisted under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act if the PCAOB is unable to inspect our auditors for three consecutive years beginning in 2021. Such a lack of inspection could cause trading in our securities to be prohibited under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and as a result an exchange may determine to delist our securities. The delisting of our shares, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.

 

The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCA Act, was enacted on December 18, 2020. The HFCA Act states if the SEC determines that a company has filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspection by the PCAOB for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, the SEC shall prohibit such shares from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over the counter trading market in the U.S. 

  

On March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final rules relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCA Act. A company will be required to comply with these rules if the SEC identifies it as having a “non-inspection” year under a process to be subsequently established by the SEC. The SEC is assessing how to implement other requirements of the HFCA Act, including the listing and trading prohibition requirements described above. 

  

Our current auditor, Friedman LLP, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess their compliance with the applicable professional standards. We are not aware of any reasons to believe or conclude that Friedman LLP would not permit an inspection by PCAOB or that it may not be subject to such inspection. However, given the recent developments, we cannot assure you whether NASDAQ or regulatory authorities would apply additional and more stringent criteria to us after considering the effectiveness of our auditor’s audit procedures and quality control procedures, adequacy of personnel and training, or sufficiency of resources, geographic reach or experience as it relates to the audit of our financial statements. In the event that there is a lack of inspection or if Friedman LLP is unable to permit an inspection by the PCAOB, however unlikely, our shares would be prohibited under the HFCA Act which may lead a securities exchange to determine to delist our shares. Such potential delisting would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our shares when you wish to do so, and such risk and uncertainty associated with a potential delisting due to a lack of inspection would have a negative impact on the price of our shares.  

 

26 

 

 

The SEC may propose additional rules or guidance that could impact us if our auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspection. For example, on August 6, 2020, the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets, or the PWG, issued the Report on Protecting United States Investors from Significant Risks from Chinese Companies to the then President of the United States. This report recommended the SEC implement five recommendations to address companies from jurisdictions that do not provide the PCAOB with sufficient access to fulfil its statutory mandate. Some of the concepts of these recommendations were implemented with the enactment of the HFCA Act. However, some of the recommendations were more stringent than the HFCA Act. For example, if a company’s auditor was not subject to PCAOB inspection, the report recommended that the transition period before a company would be delisted would end on January 1, 2022. The SEC has announced that the SEC staff is preparing a consolidated proposal for the rules regarding the implementation of the HFCA Act and to address the recommendations in the PWG report.

 

On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed a bill titled as the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or AHFCA Act which, if passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and signed into law, would reduce the number of consecutive non-inspection years required for triggering the prohibitions under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act from three years to two.

 

Further, the PCAOB adopted a final rule on September 22, 2021 implementing the HFCA Act. Such final rule, however, remains subject to the SEC’s approval and it remains when the SEC will complete its rulemaking and when such rules will become effective and what, if any, of the PWG recommendations and or PCAOB’s rule will be adopted.

 

On December 2, 2021, the SEC adopted amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act.

 

On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report on its determinations that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and in Hong Kong because of positions taken by PRC and Hong Kong authorities in those jurisdictions.

 

The PCAOB adopted a final rule on September 22, 2021 implementing the HFCA Act, subject to SEC approval. The final rules adopted by the SEC relating to the HFCA Act became effective on January 10, 2022.

 

On August 26, 2022, the SEC announced that the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol with the CRSC and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC, which sets out specific arrangements on conducting inspections and investigations by both sides over relevant audit firms within the jurisdiction of both sides, including the audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong. This agreement marks an important step towards resolving the audit oversight issue that concern mutual interests, and sets forth arrangements for both sides to cooperate in conducting inspections and investigations of relevant audit firms, and specifies the purpose, scope and approach of cooperation, as well as the use of information and protection of specific types of data.

 

The implications of this possible regulation in addition to the requirements of the HFCA Act and possibly, the AHFCA Act, if enacted, are uncertain. If the PCAOB, SEC, and CRSC are unable to agree on a framework under the Statement of Protocol, the lack of access to the PCAOB inspection in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of the auditors based in China. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of these accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in our Ordinary Shares to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements. Such uncertainty could cause the market price of our shares to be materially and adversely affected, and our securities could be delisted or prohibited from being traded on the national securities exchange earlier than would be required by the HFCA Act or the AHFCA Act. If our shares are unable to be listed on another securities exchange by then, such a delisting would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our shares when you wish to do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with a potential delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our shares.  

 

27 

 

 

Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our future business and operations.

 

The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets, and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies.

 

The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.

 

While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. Any adverse changes in economic conditions in China, in the policies of the Chinese government or in the laws and regulations in China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China. Such developments could adversely affect our future business and operating results, lead to reduction in demand for our services and adversely affect our competitive position. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate adjustment, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China, which may adversely affect our future business and operating results.

 

We may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Chinese anti-corruption law.

 

In connection with any future offering, we may be subjected to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties by U.S. persons and issuers as defined by the statute for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We may also be subjected to Chinese anti-corruption laws, which strictly prohibit the payment of bribes to government officials. Going forward we may have operations, agreements with third parties, and make sales in China, which may experience corruption. Our future activities in China may create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by one of the employees of our Company, because sometimes these employees are out of our control. Violations of the FCPA or Chinese anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the government may seek to hold our Company liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire.

 

The PRC government may issue further restrictive measures in the future.

 

We cannot assure you that the PRC’s government will not issue further restrictive measures in the future. The PRC government’s restrictive regulations and measures could increase our existing and future operating costs in adapting to these regulations and measures, limit our access to capital resources or even restrict our existing and future business operations, which could further adversely affect our business and prospects.

 

PRC laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes vague and uncertain and any changes in such laws and regulations may impair our ability to operate profitably.

 

28 

 

 

There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations governing our business and the enforcement and performance of our arrangements with customers in certain circumstances. The laws and regulations are sometimes vague and may be subject to future changes, and their official interpretation and enforcement may involve substantial uncertainty. The effectiveness and interpretation of newly enacted laws or regulations, including amendments to existing laws and regulations, may be delayed, and our business may be affected if we rely on laws and regulations which are subsequently adopted or interpreted in a manner different from our understanding of these laws and regulations. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future businesses may also be applied retroactively. Recon cannot predict what effect the interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or regulations may have on our business.

 

The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Prior court decisions are encouraged to be used for reference but it remains unclear to what extent the prior court decisions may impact the current court ruling as the encouragement policy is new and there is limited judicial practice in this regard. Since a large number of laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and the enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties.

 

In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of legislation over the past four decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system, and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in China. In particular, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory provisions and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy. These uncertainties may affect our judgment on the relevance of legal requirements and our ability to enforce our contractual rights or tort claims. In addition, the regulatory uncertainties may be exploited through unmerited or frivolous legal actions or threats in attempts to extract payments or benefits from us.

 

Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all and may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of any of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. In addition, any administrative and court proceedings in China may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

 

From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published in a timely manner or at all) that may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainty over the scope and effect of its contractual, property (including intellectual property) and procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory environment in China could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.

 

We are also subject to the legal and operational risks associated with being based in and having substantially all operations in China. These risks may result in material changes in operations, or a complete hindrance of Recon’s ability to offer or continue to offer its securities to investors, and could cause the value of Recon’s securities to significantly decline or become worthless. Recently, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in China with little advance notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using variable interest entity structure, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued an announcement to crack down on illegal activities in the securities market and promote the high-quality development of the capital market, which, among other things, requires the relevant governmental authorities to strengthen cross-border oversight of law-enforcement and judicial cooperation, to enhance supervision over China-based companies listed overseas, and to establish and improve the system of extraterritorial application of the PRC securities laws. On December 28, 2021, Cybersecurity Review Measures (2021 version) was issued, which became effective on February 15, 2022. As of the date of this prospectus, the above regulations have not impacted our ability to conduct the business, accept foreign investments, or list on a U.S. or other foreign exchange; however, there are uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of these new laws and guidelines, which could materially and adversely impact our overall business and financial outlook.

 

29 

 

 

We may be subject to a variety of laws and other obligations regarding cybersecurity and data protection, and any failure to comply with applicable laws and obligations could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may be subject relating various risks and costs associated with to the collection, use, sharing, retention, security, and transfer of confidential and private information, such as personal information and other data. This data is wide ranging and relates to our investors, employees, contractors and other counterparties and third parties. The relevant PRC laws apply not only to third-party transactions, but also to transfers of information between us, the Domestic Companies, our subsidiaries and other parties with which we have commercial relations.

 

The PRC regulatory and enforcement regime with regard to privacy and data security is evolving. The PRC Cybersecurity Law which was promulgated on November 7, 2016 and became effective on June 1, 2017 provides that personal information and important data collected and generated by operators of critical information infrastructure in the course of their operations in the PRC should be stored in the PRC, and the law imposes heightened regulation and additional security obligations on operators of critical information infrastructure. According to the Cybersecurity Review Measures promulgated by the Cyberspace Administration of China and certain other PRC regulatory authorities in April 2020, which became effective in June 2020, operators of critical information infrastructure must pass a cybersecurity review when purchasing network products and services which do or may affect national security. If we provide or are deemed to provide such network products and services to critical information infrastructure operators, or we are deemed to be a critical information infrastructure operator, we would be required to follow cybersecurity review procedures. There can be no assurance that we would be able to complete the applicable cybersecurity review procedures in a timely manner, or at all, if we are required to follow such procedures. Any failure or delay in the completion of the cybersecurity review procedures may prevent us from using or providing certain network products and services, and may result in fines of up to ten times the purchase price of such network products and services being imposed upon us, if we are to be deemed a critical information infrastructure operator using network products or services without having completed the required cybersecurity review procedures. The PRC government is increasingly focused on data security, recently launching cybersecurity review against a number of mobile apps operated by several US-listed Chinese companies and prohibiting these apps from registering new users during the review period.

 

On June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China promulgated the Data Security Law which shall take effect in September 1, 2021. The Data Security Law provides for data security and privacy obligations of entities and individuals carrying out data activities, prohibits entities and individuals in China from providing any foreign judicial or law enforcement authority with any data stored in China without approval from the competent PRC authority, and sets forth the legal liabilities of entities and individuals found to be in violation of their data protection obligations, including rectification order, warning, fines of up to RMB10 million, suspension of relevant business, and revocation of business permits or licenses.

 

On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress adopted the Personal Information Security Law, which shall come into force as of November 1, 2021. The Personal Information Protection Law includes the basic rules for personal information processing, the rules for cross-border provision of personal information, the rights of individuals in personal information processing activities, the obligations of personal information processors, and the legal responsibilities for illegal collection, processing, and use of personal information.

  

In addition, on July 10, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China issued the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (Revision Draft for Comments) for public comments, which proposes to authorize the relevant government authorities to conduct cybersecurity review on a range of activities that affect or may affect national security, including listings in foreign countries by companies that possess personal data of more than one million users. The PRC National Security Law covers various types of national security, including technology security and information security.

 

30 

 

 

We do not collect, process or use personal information of entities or individuals other than what is necessary for our business and do not disseminate such information. We do not operate mobile apps and we do not possess information on more than a million entities/individuals. Although we believe we currently are not required to obtain clearance from the Cyberspace Administration of China under the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (Revision Draft for Comments) or the Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities, we face uncertainties as to the interpretation or implementation of such regulations or rules, and if required, whether such clearance can be timely obtained, or at all.

 

Compliance with the PRC Cybersecurity Law, the PRC National Security Law, the Data Security Law, the Personal Information Protection Law, the Cybersecurity Review Measures, as well as additional laws and regulations that PRC regulatory bodies may enact in the future, including data security and personal information protection laws, may result in additional expenses to us and subject us to negative publicity, which could harm our reputation among users and negatively affect the trading price of our shares in the future. There are also uncertainties with respect to how the PRC Cybersecurity Law, the PRC National Security Law and the Data Security Law will be implemented and interpreted in practice. PRC regulators, including the Ministry of Public Security, the MIIT, the SAMR and the Cyberspace Administration of China, have been increasingly focused on regulation in the areas of data security and data protection, including for mobile apps, and are enhancing the protection of privacy and data security by rule-making and enforcement actions at central and local levels. We expect that these areas will receive greater and continued attention and scrutiny from regulators and the public going forward, which could increase our compliance costs and subject us to heightened risks and challenges associated with data security and protection. If we are unable to manage these risks, we could become subject to penalties, including fines, suspension of business, prohibition against new user registration (even for a short period of time) and revocation of required licenses, and our reputation and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

It may be difficult for overseas shareholders and/or regulators to conduct investigation or collect evidence within China.

 

Shareholder claims or regulatory investigation that are common in the United States generally are difficult to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in China. For example, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to providing information needed for regulatory investigations or litigation initiated outside China. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatory authorities of another country or region to implement cross-border supervision and administration, such cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the Unities States may not be efficient in the absence of mutual and practical cooperation mechanism. Furthermore, according to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, or Article 177, which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of the PRC. While detailed interpretation of or implementation rules under Article 177 have yet to be promulgated, the inability for an overseas securities regulator, such as the Department of Justice, the SEC, the PCAOB and other authorities, to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within China may further increase difficulties faced by you in protecting your interests.

 

Some of our business operations are conducted in Hong Kong and the PRC. In the event that the U.S. regulators carry out investigation on us and there is a need to conduct investigation or collect evidence within the territory of the PRC, the U.S. regulators may not be able to carry out such investigation or evidence collection directly in the PRC under the PRC laws. The U.S. regulators may consider cross-border cooperation with securities regulatory authority of the PRC by way of judicial assistance, diplomatic channels or regulatory cooperation mechanism established with the securities regulatory authority of the PRC.

 

Failure to comply with laws and regulations applicable to our business in China could subject us to fines and penalties and could also cause us to lose customers or otherwise harm our business.

 

Our business is subject to regulation by various governmental agencies in China, including agencies responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with various legal obligations, such as value-added telecommunication laws and regulations, privacy and data protection-related laws and regulations, intellectual property laws, employment and labor laws, workplace safety, environmental laws, consumer protection laws, governmental trade laws, import and export controls, anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, and tax laws and regulations. In certain jurisdictions, these regulatory requirements may be more stringent than in China. These laws and regulations impose added costs on our business. Noncompliance with applicable regulations or requirements could subject us to:

 

31 

 

 

investigations, enforcement actions, and sanctions;
   
mandatory changes to our network and products;
   
disgorgement of profits, fines, and damages;
   
civil and criminal penalties or injunctions;
   
claims for damages by our customers or channel partners;
   
termination of contracts;
   
loss of intellectual property rights;
   
failure to obtain, maintain or renew certain licenses, approvals, permits, registrations or filings
   
necessary to conduct our operations; and
   
temporary or permanent debarment from sales to public service organizations.

 

If any governmental sanctions are imposed, or if we do not prevail in any possible civil or criminal litigation, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, responding to any action will likely result in a significant diversion of our management’s attention and resources and an increase in professional fees. Enforcement actions and sanctions could materially harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

  

Additionally, companies in the technology industry have recently experienced increased regulatory scrutiny. Any similar reviews by regulatory agencies or legislatures may result in substantial regulatory fines, changes to our business practices, and other penalties, which could negatively affect our business and results of operations.

 

Changes in social, political, and regulatory conditions or in laws and policies governing a wide range of topics may cause us to change our business practices. Further, our expansion into a variety of new fields also could raise a number of new regulatory issues. These factors could negatively affect our business and results of operations in material ways.

 

Moreover, we are exposed to the risk of misconduct, errors and failure to functions by our management, employees and parties that we collaborate with, who may from time to time be subject to litigation and regulatory investigations and proceedings or otherwise face potential liability and penalties in relation to noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations, which could harm our reputation and business.

 

The recent joint statement by the SEC, proposed rule changes submitted by NASDAQ, and an act passed by the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies. These developments could add uncertainties to our future offerings, business operations share price and reputation.

 

U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity has centered on financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud.

 

32 

 

 

On December 7, 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement highlighting continued challenges faced by the U.S. regulators in their oversight of financial statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China. On April 21, 2020, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton and PCAOB Chairman William D. Duhnke III, along with other senior SEC staff, released a joint statement highlighting the risks associated with investing in companies based in or have substantial operations in emerging markets including China, reiterating past SEC and PCAOB statements on matters including the difficulty associated with inspecting accounting firms and audit work papers in China and higher risks of fraud in emerging markets and the difficulty of bringing and enforcing SEC, Department of Justice and other U.S. regulatory actions, including in instances of fraud, in emerging markets generally.

 

On May 20, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act requiring a foreign company to certify it is not owned or controlled by a foreign government if the PCAOB is unable to audit specified reports because the company uses a foreign auditor not subject to PCAOB inspection. If the PCAOB is unable to inspect the company’s auditors for three consecutive years, the issuer’s securities are prohibited to trade on a national exchange. On December 2, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. The PCAOB adopted a final rule on September 22, 2021 implementing the HFCA Act. The final rules adopted by the SEC relating to the HFCA Act became effective on January 10, 2022.

 

On May 21, 2021, NASDAQ filed three proposals with the SEC to (i) apply minimum offering size requirement for companies primarily operating in a “Restrictive Market”, (ii) prohibit Restrictive Market companies from directly listing on NASDAQ Capital Market, and only permit them to list on NASDAQ Global Select or NASDAQ Global Market in connection with a direct listing and (iii) apply additional and more stringent criteria to an applicant or listed company based on the qualifications of the company’s auditors.

 

On August 26, 2022, the SEC announced that the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol with the CRSC and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC, which sets out specific arrangements on conducting inspections and investigations by both sides over relevant audit firms within the jurisdiction of both sides, including the audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong. This agreement marks an important step towards resolving the audit oversight issue that concern mutual interests, and sets forth arrangements for both sides to cooperate in conducting inspections and investigations of relevant audit firms, and specifies the purpose, scope and approach of cooperation, as well as the use of information and protection of specific types of data.

 

As a result of these scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity, the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed Chinese companies sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, has become virtually worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear what effect this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity will have on us, our future offerings, business and our share price. If we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we will have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend our Company. This situation will be costly and time consuming and distract our management from developing our growth. If such allegations are not proven to be groundless, we and our business operations will be severely affected and you could sustain a significant decline in the value of our shares.

 

If we fail to satisfy applicable listing standards, our ordinary shares may be delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market.

 

On June 1, 2022, we received a letter from the Listings Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying us that the minimum closing bid price per share for our Ordinary Shares was below $1.00 for a period of 30 consecutive business days and that the Registrant did not meet the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). This current report is filed pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(b). The Nasdaq notification letter does not result in the immediate delisting of our Ordinary Shares, and the shares have continued to trade uninterrupted under the symbol “RCON.”

 

33 

 

 

Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we have a compliance period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days, or until November 28, 2022 (the “Compliance Period”), to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement. If at any time during the Compliance Period, the closing bid price per share of the our Ordinary Shares is at least $1.00 for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide us with a written confirmation of compliance and the matter will be closed.

 

In the event the Registrant does not regain compliance by November 28, 2022, the Registrant may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar day grace period. To qualify, the Registrant will be required to meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for Nasdaq, with the exception of the bid price requirement, and will need to provide written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period, including by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. If the Registrant chooses to implement a reverse stock split, it must complete the split no later than ten (10) business days prior to the expiration of the second compliance period.

 

We intend to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement during the Compliance Period. There can be no assurances, however, that we will be successful in satisfying the Minimum-Bid Price Requirement or the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for Nasdaq. It is possible that we will fail to comply with the continued listing requirement of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2) again or any other listing requirements. If so, and Nasdaq may delist our shares if we cannot regain compliance timely.

 

Delisting could also have other negative results, including the potential loss of confidence by employees, the loss of institutional investor interest and fewer business development opportunities. If our common stock is delisted by the NASDAQ the price of our ordinary shares decline.

 

NASDAQ may apply additional and more stringent criteria for our continued listing.

 

NASDAQ Listing Rule 5101 provides NASDAQ with broad discretionary authority over the continued listing of securities in NASDAQ and NASDAQ may use such discretion to deny apply additional or more stringent criteria for the continued listing of particular securities, or suspend or delist particular securities based on any event, condition, or circumstance that exists or occurs that makes continued listing of the securities on NASDAQ inadvisable or unwarranted in the opinion of NASDAQ, even though the securities meet all enumerated criteria for continued listing on NASDAQ. In addition, NASDAQ has used its discretion to deny continued listing or to apply additional and more stringent criteria in the instances, including but not limited to where the company engaged an auditor that has not been subject to an inspection by PCAOB, an auditor that PCAOB cannot inspect, or an auditor that has not demonstrated sufficient resources, geographic reach, or experience to adequately perform the company’s audit. For the aforementioned concerns, we may be subject to the additional and more stringent criteria of NASDAQ for our continued listing.

 

Future sales of our Ordinary Shares may cause the prevailing market price of our shares to decrease.

 

The issuance and sale of additional Ordinary Shares or securities convertible into or exercisable for Ordinary Shares could reduce the prevailing market price for our Ordinary Shares as well as make future sales of equity securities by us less attractive or not feasible. The sale of Ordinary Shares issued upon the exercise of our outstanding options could further dilute the holdings of our then existing shareholders.

 

There has been and may continue to be significant volatility in the volume and price of our Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

The market price of our Ordinary Shares has been and may continue to be highly volatile. Factors, including changes in the Chinese petroleum and energy industry, changes in the Chinese economy, potential infringement of our intellectual property, competition, concerns about our financial position, operations results, litigation, government regulation, developments or disputes relating to agreements, patents or proprietary rights, may have a significant impact on the market volume and price of our stock. Unusual trading volume in our shares occurs from time to time.

 

34 

 

 

We have not paid and do not intend to pay dividends on our Ordinary Shares. Investors in this offering may never obtain a return on their investment.

 

We have not paid dividends on our ordinary since inception, and do not intend to pay any dividends on our Ordinary Shares in the foreseeable future. We intend to reinvest earnings, if any, in the development and expansion of our business. Accordingly, you will need to rely on sales of your Ordinary Shares after price appreciation, which may never occur, in order to realize a return on your investment.

 

The approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission and other compliance procedures may be required in connection with this offering, and, if required, we cannot predict whether we will be able to obtain such approval.

 

Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors of China (the “M&A Rules”) requires an overseas special purpose vehicle that are controlled by PRC companies or individuals formed for the purpose of seeking a public listing on an overseas stock exchange through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies using shares of such special purpose vehicle or held by its shareholders as considerations to obtain the approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. However, the application of the M&A Rules remains unclear. If CSRC approval is required, it is uncertain whether it would be possible for us to obtain the approval. Any failure to obtain or delay in obtaining CSRC approval for this offering would subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC and other PRC regulatory agencies.

 

While the application of the M&A Rules remains unclear, we believe, based on the advice of our PRC counsel, that the CSRC approval is not required in the context of this offering because (1) the CSRC currently has not issued any definitive rule or interpretation concerning whether offerings under the prospectus are subject to the M&A Rules; and (2) we established our PRC subsidiaries, by means of direct investment rather than by merger with or acquisition of PRC domestic companies. However, uncertainties still exist as to how the M&A Rules will be interpreted and implemented, and the opinion of our PRC counsel is subject to any new laws, rules, and regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations in any form relating to the M&A Rules. We cannot assure you that the relevant PRC government agencies, including the CSRC, would reach the same conclusion as our PRC counsel. If the CSRC or other PRC regulatory body subsequently determines that we need to obtain the CSRC’s approval for this offering or if the CSRC or any other PRC government authorities promulgates any interpretation or implements rules that would require us to obtain CSRC or other governmental approvals for this offering, we may face adverse actions or sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies, which may include fines and penalties on our operations in China, limitations on our operating privileges in China, delays in or restrictions on the repatriation of the proceeds from this offering into the PRC, restrictions on or prohibition of the payments or remittance of dividends by our subsidiaries in China, or other actions that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, as well as the trading price of the ordinary shares. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies may also take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for us, to halt this offering before the settlement and delivery of the ordinary shares that we are offering. Consequently, if you engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to the settlement and delivery of the ordinary shares we are offering, you would be doing so at the risk that the settlement and delivery may not occur. In addition, if the CSRC or other regulatory agencies later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals for this offering, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such approval requirements.

 

The General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions on Severe and Lawful Crackdown on Illegal Securities Activities, which was available to the public on July 6, 2021. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies. These opinions proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems, to deal with the risks and incidents facing China-based overseas-listed companies and the demand for cybersecurity and data privacy protection. Moreover, the CAC issued the Measures of Cybersecurity Review (Revised Draft for Comments) on July 10, 2021, which requires certain operators who wish to list abroad to file a cybersecurity review with the Office of Cybersecurity Review, such as operators with personal information of more than one million users. The Cybersecurity Administration of China issued the New Measures for Cybersecurity Review (“New Measures”) on January 4, 2022. The New Measures amends the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (Draft Revision for Comments) released on July 10, 2021. The New Measures came into effect on February 15, 2022. The aforementioned policies and any related implementation rules to be enacted may subject us to additional compliance requirement in the future. As these opinions were recently issued, official guidance and interpretation of the opinions remain unclear in several respects at this time. We have not obtained the approval from either the CSRC or the Office of Cybersecurity Review for this offering, and as advised by our PRC counsel, we do not believe that such approval is necessary under these circumstances or for the time being. We cannot assure you, however, that the regulators will not take a contrary view or will not subsequently require us to undergo the approval procedures and subject us to penalties for non-compliance. Therefore, we cannot assure you that we will remain fully compliant with all new regulatory requirements of these opinions or any future implementation rules on a timely basis, or at all.

 

35 

 

 

RISKS RELATED TO OUR CORPORATE STRUCTURE

 

We depend upon the Contractual Arrangements in conducting our business in China, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control.

 

We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. As a holding company with no material operations of our own, we conduct a substantial majority of our operations through our Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (“WFOE”) and the VIEs and their subsidiaries in China providing certain technical and consultation services. A WFOE is a limited liability company based in the People’s Republic of China but wholly owned by foreign investors. In our instance, Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd (“Recon-BJ”) is a WFOE wholly owned by Recon Investment Ltd. (“Recon-IN”), a Hong Kong limited company, which in turn is wholly owned by us. We consolidate the financial results of BHD and Nanjing Recon into our financial statements based on the VIE agreements entered into on April 1, 2019. Most, if not all, of our revenue derives from operations of the VIEs and their subsidiaries. Our Ordinary Shares offered in this offering are shares of our offshore holding company instead of shares of the VIEs or our PRC subsidiary. These Contractual Arrangements may not be as effective in providing us with control over the VIEs as direct ownership. For example, the VIEs and their shareholders could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to conduct their operations in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests. In addition, these agreements have not been tested in a court of law.

 

If we had direct ownership of then VIEs, we would be able to exercise our rights as a shareholder to effect changes in the board of directors of the VIEs, which in turn could effect changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management and operational level. However, under the current Contractual Arrangements, we rely on the performance by the VIEs and their shareholders of their obligations under the contracts to exercise control over the VIEs. The shareholders of the VIEs may not act in the best interests of our company or may not perform their obligations under these contracts. Such risks exist throughout the period in which we intend to operate our business through the Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs. If any dispute relating to these contracts remains unresolved, we will have to enforce our rights under these contracts through the operations of PRC law and arbitration, litigation and other legal proceedings and therefore will be subject to uncertainties in the PRC legal system. See “Risk Factor—The shareholder of the VIE may have actual or potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition” Therefore, our Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs may not be as effective in ensuring our control over the relevant portion of our business operations as direct ownership would be.

 

We conduct our business through BHD, Nanjing Recon, FGS and their respective subsidiaries by means of Contractual Arrangements. If the PRC courts or administrative authorities determine that these contractual arrangements do not comply with applicable regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties and our business could be adversely affected. In addition, changes in such PRC laws and regulations may materially and adversely affect our business.

 

There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws, rules and regulations, including the laws, rules and regulations governing the validity and enforcement of the Contractual Arrangements between the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (“WFOE”). A WFOE is a limited liability company based in the People’s Republic of China but wholly owned by foreign investors. In our instance, Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd (“Recon-BJ”) is a WFOE wholly owned by Recon Investment Ltd. (“Recon-IN”), a Hong Kong limited company, which in turn is wholly owned by us. Recon-BJ and Nanjing Recon, BHD and their respective subsidiaries. We have been advised by our PRC counsel, JingTian & GongCheng LLP, based on their understanding of the current PRC laws, rules and regulations, that (i) the structure for operating our business in China (including our corporate structure and Contractual Arrangements with the Recon-BJ, Nanjing Recon, BHD and their respective subsidiaries) will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and (ii) the Contractual Arrangements among the Recon-BJ and Nanjing Recon, BHD and their respective subsidiaries governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations concerning foreign investment in the PRC, and their application to and effect on the legality, binding effect and enforceability of the contractual arrangements. In particular, we cannot rule out the possibility that PRC regulatory authorities, courts or arbitral tribunals may in the future adopt a different or contrary interpretation or take a view that is inconsistent with the opinion of our PRC legal counsel. Therefore, the Contractual Arrangements may be determined by PRC authorities to be inconsistent with the laws and regulations of the PRC, including those related to foreign investment in certain industries. Therefore, the relevant Chinese regulatory authorities could disallow this structure and hinder our ability to exert contractual control over the Domestic Companies, which would likely result in a material change in operations and/or value of the Company’s ordinary shares, including that it could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless.

 

36 

 

 

If any of the Domestic Companies or their ownership structure or the Contractual Arrangements are determined to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws, rules or regulations, or any of our PRC entities fail to obtain or maintain any of the required governmental permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including:

 

  · revoking the business and operating licenses;

 

  · discontinuing or restricting the operations;

 

  · imposing conditions or requirements with which the PRC entities may not be able to comply;

 

  · requiring us and our PRC entities to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations, including termination of the contractual agreements with the VIE and deregistering the equity pledge of the VIE, which in turn would affect our ability to consolidate, derive economic interests from, or exert effective control the VIE;

 

  · restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds from this offering to finance our business and operations in China, and taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to our business; or

 

  · imposing fines or confiscating the income from our PRC subsidiaries or the VIE.

 

The imposition of any of these penalties would severely disrupt our ability to conduct business and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

The shareholders of the VIEs may have actual or potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

The shareholders of the VIEs may have actual or potential conflicts of interest with us. The shareholders may refuse to sign or breach, or cause the VIEs to breach, or refuse to renew, the existing contractual arrangements we have with them and the VIEs, which would have a material and adverse effect on our ability to effectively control the VIEs and receive economic benefits from them. For example, the shareholders may be able to cause our agreements with the VIEs to be performed in a manner adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments due under the contractual arrangements to us on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise the shareholder will act in the best interests of our company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor. Currently, we do not have any arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between the shareholders and our company. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and the shareholders, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.

 

37 

 

 

There are possible economic risks posed by foreign exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and RMB.

 

The Domestic Companies, such as Recon-IN and Recon-BJ classify the RMB as their functional currencies. Because our functional currency, as the Cayman Islands holding entity, is the U.S. Dollar, we are exposed to foreign exchange risks from fluctuations with the exchange rates among the U.S. Dollar and the RMB. Notwithstanding that Domestic Companies conduct operations and transactions in RMB, we ultimately believe that there should not be any U.S. Dollar/RMB exchange rate fluctuations because the inter-company receivable is denominated in U.S. Dollars. It is possible, however, that foreign exchange rate fluctuations may materially impact the Domestic Companies’ operations and certain transactions, which would affect our overall operations and the value of the Ordinary Shares you have invested in us.

 

RISKS RELATED TO THE CURRENT PANDEMIC

 

Public health epidemics or outbreaks such as COVID-19 could adversely impact our business.

 

Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be negatively impacted by risks related to natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, health epidemics and other catastrophic incidents, such as the COVID-19 outbreak and spread, which could significantly disrupt our operations. In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The COVID-19 outbreak and spread has caused lockdowns, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closures of businesses and schools.

 

In January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency as the coronavirus outbreak continued to spread beyond China. In compliance with the government health emergency rules in place, the Domestic Companies temporarily closed their offices in various provinces in China and ceased production operations since Chinese New Year. They gradually resumed operation and production since February 10, 2020. During February and March 2020, project performance was delayed due to compliance with government controls. Although this did not reduce the demand for services, it did result in a delay in the timeline for project performance.

 

In addition, COVID-19 caused severe disruptions in transportation, limited access to the Domestic Companies’ facilities and limited support from workforce employed in their operations, and as a result, they may experience the delays in provision of services to customers. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our results for fiscal year 2022 will depend on certain future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, emerging information concerning the severity of the coronavirus and the actions taken by governments and private businesses to attempt to contain the coronavirus, all of which is uncertain at this point. 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Except as otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities offered pursuant to this prospectus for general corporate purposes, including for our research and development needs for current and future products, expansion of marketing efforts, and possible acquisitions of complementary assets or businesses. When a particular series of securities is offered, the prospectus supplement relating to that offering will set forth our intended use of the net proceeds received from the sale of those securities.

 

See “Plan of Distribution” elsewhere in this prospectus for more information.

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may sell the securities described in this prospectus through underwriters or dealers, through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers or through a combination of these methods. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including:

 

  the name or names of any underwriters, if any, and if required, any dealers or agents, and the amount of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them, if any;

 

38 

 

 

  the public offering price or purchase price of the securities from us and the net proceeds to us from the sale of the securities;
     
  any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;
     
  any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers; and
     
  any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed.

 

We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at:

 

  a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
     
  market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
     
  varying prices determined at the time of sale related to such prevailing market prices; or
     
  negotiated prices.
     

Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

 

If we use underwriters in the sale, the underwriters will either acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or sell the Shares on a “best efforts, minimum/maximum basis” when the underwriters agree to do their best to sell the securities to the public. We may offer the securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may change from time to time.

 

If we use a dealer in the sale of the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, the securities will be sold directly to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale.

 

Our Class A Ordinary Shares are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market. Unless otherwise specified in the related prospectus supplement, all securities we offer, other than Ordinary Shares, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriter may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We may apply to list any series of warrants or other securities that we offer on an exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. Therefore, there may not be liquidity or a trading market for any series of securities.

 

We may sell the securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities and we will describe any commissions we may pay the agent in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

We may authorize agents or underwriters to solicit offers by institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. We will describe the conditions to these contracts and the commissions we must pay for solicitation of these contracts in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters, dealers or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities for whom they act as agents in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities, and any institutional investors or others that purchase securities directly and then resell the securities, may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts or commissions received by them from us and any profit on the resale of the securities by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

 

39 

 

 

We may provide agents and underwriters with indemnification against particular civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may make with respect to such liabilities. Agents and underwriters may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.

 

In addition, we may enter into derivative transactions with third parties (including the writing of options), or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with such a transaction, the third parties may, pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. If so, the third party may use securities borrowed from us or others to settle such sales and may use securities received from us to close out any related short positions. We may also loan or pledge securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment.

 

To facilitate an offering of a series of securities, persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involves the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than have been sold to them by us. In those circumstances, such persons would cover such over-allotments or short positions by purchasing in the open market or by exercising the over-allotment option granted to those persons. In addition, those persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to underwriters or dealers participating in any such offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Such transactions, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. We make no representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above, if implemented, may have on the price of our securities.

 

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 

Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the five (5) most recently completed fiscal years and any required interim periods will each be specified in a prospectus supplement or in a document we file with the SEC and incorporate by reference pertaining to the issuance, if any, by us of debt securities in the future.

 

DILUTION

 

If required, we will set forth in a prospectus supplement the following information regarding any material dilution of the equity interests of investors purchasing securities in an offering under this prospectus:

 

  the net tangible book value per share of our equity securities before and after the offering;
  the amount of the increase in such net tangible book value per share attributable to the cash payments made by purchasers in the offering; and
  the amount of the immediate dilution from the public offering price which will be absorbed by such purchasers.

 

EXPENSES RELATING TO THIS OFFERING

 

Set forth below is an itemization of the total expenses, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, that we expect to incur in connection with this offering. With the exception of the SEC registration fee, all amounts are estimates.

 

40 

 

 

Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee     
Legal Fees and Expenses   * 
Accounting Fees and Expenses   * 
Miscellaneous Expenses   * 
Total Expenses  $* 

 

*To be determined

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

 

We may offer our Class A ordinary shares, share purchase contracts, share purchase units, warrants, debt securities, rights or units, with a total value of up to $200,000,000 from time to time under this prospectus at prices and on terms to be determined by our board of directors and based on market conditions at the time of any offering. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer a type or series of securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:

 

  Designation or classification;
     
  Aggregate offering price;
     
  Rates and times of payment of dividends, if any;
     
  Redemption, conversion, exercise and exchange terms, if any;
     
  Restrictive covenants, if any;
     
  Voting or other rights, if any;
     
  Conversion prices, if any; and
     
  Material U.S. federal income tax considerations.

 

The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in documents we have incorporated by reference. However, no prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus will offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

 

We (Recon Technology, Ltd) are a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability duly registered with the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies. Our affairs are governed by our Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act (as revised) of the Cayman Islands, which is referred to as the Companies Act below, and the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate purposes are unrestricted and we have the authority to carry out any object not prohibited by any law as provided by Section 7(4) of the Companies Act.

 

Our authorized share capital consists of 150,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each and 20,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each. As of the date of this prospectus, 29,700,718 Class A ordinary shares and 4,100,000 Class B ordinary shares are issued and outstanding. We have issued and outstanding 80,000 options from our share option pool.

 

Ordinary Shares

 

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to cast one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including the election of directors and auditor. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor and subject to any preference of any then authorized and issued preferred shares. Such holders do not have any preemptive rights to subscribe for additional shares. All holders of ordinary shares are entitled to share ratably in any assets for distribution to shareholders upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, subject to any preference of any then authorized and issued preferred shares. All outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

On April 5, 2021, at the 2021 annual meeting, to implement a dual class structure, our shareholders approved (i) a special resolution that the authorized share capital of the Company be amended from US$1,850,000, divided into 20,000,000 ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each, to US$15,725,000, divided into 150,000,000 Class A ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each and 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each, and (ii) a special resolution that the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company to substitute the Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. On April 7, 2021, we filed the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands. Our Class A ordinary shares began to trade on the NASDAQ Capital Market on April 12, 2021 under the same symbol, “RCON.

 

Preferred Shares

 

Pursuant to our Articles and Cayman Islands law, our Company may by Special Resolution establish one or more series of preferred shares having such number of shares, designations, relative voting rights, dividend rates, liquidation and other rights, preferences, powers and limitations as may be fixed by the Special Resolution. Any preferred shares issued will include restrictions on voting and transfer intended to avoid having us constitute a “controlled foreign corporation” for United States federal income tax purposes. Such rights, preferences, powers and limitations as may be established could have the effect of discouraging an attempt to obtain control of us. The issuance of preferred shares could also adversely affect the voting power of the holders of the ordinary shares deny shareholders the receipt of a premium on their ordinary shares in the event of a tender or other offer for the ordinary shares and have a depressive effect on the market price of the ordinary shares.

 

Under the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, the number of Class B Ordinary Shares held by a holder will be automatically and immediately converted into an equal and corresponding number of Class A Ordinary Shares upon any direct or indirect sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of such number of Class B Ordinary Shares by the holder. Furthermore, Class A Ordinary Shares are not convertible into Class B Ordinary Shares under any circumstances. Finally, except for voting rights and conversion rights as set forth in the Third Amended and Restated Memonradum and Articles of Association of the Company, the Class A Ordinary Shares and the Class B Ordinary Shares shall have the same rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions.

 

41 

 

 

Limitations on the Right to Own Shares

 

There are no limitations on the right to own our shares.

 

Changes in Capital

 

We may from time to time by ordinary resolution increase the share capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such amount, as the resolution shall prescribe. An ordinary resolution is a resolution that must be approved by holders of a majority of outstanding voting shares to become effective. The new shares shall be subject to the same provisions with reference to the payment of calls, lien, transfer, transmission, forfeiture and otherwise as the shares in the original share capital. We may by ordinary resolution:

 

  · consolidate and divide all or any of our share capital into shares of larger amount than our existing shares;
  · in many circumstances, sub-divide our existing shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller amount provided that in the subdivision the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in the case of the share form which the reduced share is derived; and
  · cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the 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.

 

We may by Special Resolution and subject to the provisions of Cayman Islands law, carry out a capital reduction. Our Articles of Association provide that a Special Resolution is also required to reduce any capital redemption reserve fund. A special resolution is a resolution that must be approved by holders of more than two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding voting shares to become effective, provided, however a company’s Articles of Association may impose a higher threshold. Our Articles of Association require that Special Resolutions receive at least two-thirds (2/3) approval.

 

Corporation Governance

 

  · We have adopted NASDAQ-mandated corporate governance measures, including a Board of Directors comprised of a majority of independent directors. We have established an Audit Committee, a Nominating Committee and a Compensation Committee, and each committee is comprised solely of independent directors. We have also adopted a Code of Ethics and have taken other steps to ensure proper corporate governance.
  · Under Cayman Islands law, our Directors have a fiduciary duty to the Company. They have a duty to act in good faith in their dealings with or on behalf of our company and exercise their powers and fulfill the duties of their office honestly. These duties have four essential elements: (i) a duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the Company; (ii) a duty not to personally profit from opportunities that arise from the office of director; (iii) a duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and (iv) a duty to exercise the powers of a director for the purpose for which such powers were intended.
  · Cayman Islands law and our Articles of Association provide that shareholders may approve matters by way of a unanimous written resolution signed by or on behalf of each shareholder who would have been entitled to vote on such matter at a general meeting without a meeting being held.
  · Cayman Islands law and our Articles of Association allow our shareholders holding not less than ten percent (10%) of the paid up voting share capital of the Company to requisition a shareholder’s meeting. As an exempted Cayman Islands company, we are not obliged by law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings. However, our Articles of Association require us to call such meetings.
  · Under our Articles of Association, directors can be removed with cause or by a special resolution (being the vote of holders of a two thirds majority of our shares), cast at a general meeting, or the unanimous written resolution of all shareholders.
  · All material related party transactions must be approved by our board of directors. Such material related party transactions must be made or entered into on bona fide terms in the best interests of the Company and not with the effect of constituting a fraud on the minority shareholders.
  · Under the Companies Act of the Cayman Islands and our Articles of Association, our Company may be voluntarily dissolved, liquidated or wound up only by the vote of holders of two-thirds of our shares voting at a meeting or by ordinary resolutions at a meeting if the Company is no longer able to pay its debts as they fall due or in each case by the unanimous written resolution of all shareholders. In addition, our Company may be wound up by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands if the Company is unable to pay its debts or if the court is of the opinion that it is just and equitable that our company be wound up.

 

42 

 

 

  · Our Memorandum and Articles of Association permit indemnification of officers and directors for losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in their capacities as such unless such losses or damages arise from fraud, willful neglect or default of such directors or officers. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is therefore unenforceable as a matter of United States law.
  · There are no limitations imposed by our Memorandum and Articles of Association on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our shares. In addition, there are no provisions in our Memorandum and Articles of Association governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
  · Holders of our ordinary shares will have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or corporate records except our Memorandum and Articles of Association. However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited consolidated financial statements.

 

Anti-takeover Effects

 

  · Our board of directors is divided into three (3) classes of directors. The current terms of the directors expire in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Directors of each class are chosen for three-year terms upon the expiration of their current terms, and each year one class of directors is elected by the shareholders. The staggered terms of our directors may reduce the possibility of a tender offer or an attempt at a change in control, even though a tender offer or change in control might be in the best interest of our shareholders.
  · As permitted under Cayman Islands law, our Articles of Association do not provide for cumulative voting.
  · A plan of merger or consolidation must be approved by (i) a shareholder resolution of each constituent company by a special resolution (being a 2/3rd majority).
  · When a take-over offer is made and accepted (within four (4) months) by holders of not less than 90% of the shares affected, the offeror may, within a two (2) month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion. If the arrangement and reconstruction is thus approved, the dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights.
  · Under Cayman Islands law and our Articles of Association, if at any time the share capital is divided into more than one class of shares, the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may be varied with the consent in writing of the shareholders of two thirds s  (2/3) of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed by not less than two thirds (2/3) of such holders of the shares of that class.
  · As permitted by Cayman Islands law, our Memorandum and Articles of Association may only be amended by way of a Special Resolution with the vote of holders of two-thirds (2/3) of our shares voting at a meeting or the unanimous written resolution of all shareholders.

 

Stock Option Plan

 

As of the date of this prospectus, there were outstanding options to purchase [●]  of ordinary shares issued out of our share option pool.

 

Listing

 

Our ordinary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the trading symbol “RCON”.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our ordinary shares is VStock Transfer, LLC located in 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, New York 11598 U.S. Our transfer agent’s phone number is +1 (212) 828-8436.

 

43 

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

As used in this prospectus, debt securities mean the debentures, notes, bonds and other evidences of indebtedness that we may issue from time to time. The debt securities may be either secured or unsecured and will either be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The debt securities will be issued under one or more separate indentures between us and a trustee to be specified in an accompanying prospectus supplement. Senior debt securities will be issued under a new senior indenture. Subordinated debt securities will be issued under a subordinated indenture. Together, the senior indentures and the subordinated indentures are sometimes referred to in this prospectus as the indentures. This prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplement, will describe the terms of a particular series of debt securities. 

 

The statements and descriptions in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement regarding provisions of the indentures and debt securities are summaries thereof, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indentures (and any amendments or supplements we may enter into from time to time which are permitted under each indenture) and the debt securities, including the definitions therein of certain terms.

 

General

 

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be direct unsecured obligations of the Recon Technology, Ltd. The senior debt securities will rank equally with any of our other senior and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to any senior indebtedness.

 

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that we may issue and provide that we may issue debt securities from time to time at par or at a discount, and in the case of the new indentures, if any, in one or more series, with the same or various maturities. Unless indicated in a prospectus supplement, we may issue additional debt securities of a particular series without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series outstanding at the time of the issuance. Any such additional debt securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that series, will constitute a single series of debt securities under the applicable indenture.

 

Each prospectus supplement will describe the terms relating to the specific series of debt securities being offered. These terms will include some or all of the following:

 

  · the title of the debt securities and whether they are subordinated debt securities or senior debt securities;
  · any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;
  · the ability to issue additional debt securities of the same series;
  · the price or prices at which we will sell the debt securities;
  · the maturity date or dates of the debt securities on which principal will be payable;
  · the rate or rates of interest, if any, which may be fixed or variable, at which the debt securities will bear interest, or the method of determining such rate or rates, if any;
  · the date or dates from which any interest will accrue or the method by which such date or dates will be determined;
  · the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of any such deferral period, including the maximum consecutive period during which interest payment periods may be extended;
  · whether the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the debt securities may be determined with reference to any index, formula or other method, such as one or more
  · currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices, and the manner of determining the amount of such payments;
  · the dates on which we will pay interest on the debt securities and the regular record date for determining who is entitled to the interest payable on any interest payment date;

 

44 

 

 

  · the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities will be payable, where any securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or conversion, as applicable, and notices and demands may be delivered to or upon us pursuant to the indenture;
  · if we possess the option to do so, the periods within which and the prices at which we may redeem the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to optional redemption provisions, and the other terms and conditions of any such provisions;
  · our obligation, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase debt securities by making periodic payments to a sinking fund or through an analogous provision or at the option of holders of the debt securities, and the period or periods within which and the price or prices at which we will redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and the other terms and conditions of such obligation;
  · the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000;
  · the portion, or methods of determining the portion, of the principal amount of the debt securities which we must pay upon the acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities in connection with an event of default (as described below), if other than the full principal amount;
  · the currency, currencies or currency unit in which we will pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the debt securities, if not United States dollars;
  · provisions, if any, granting special rights to holders of the debt securities upon the occurrence of specified events;
  · any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or our covenants with respect to the applicable series of debt securities, and whether or not such events of default or covenants are consistent with those contained in the applicable indenture;
  · any limitation on our ability to incur debt, redeem shares, sell our assets or other restrictions;
  · the application, if any, of the terms of the indenture relating to defeasance and covenant defeasance (which terms are described below) to the debt securities;
  · whether the subordination provisions summarized below or different subordination provisions will apply to the debt securities;
  · the terms, if any, upon which the holders may convert or exchange the debt securities into or for our ordinary shares or other securities or property;
  · whether any of the debt securities will be issued in global form and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which global debt securities may be exchanged for certificated debt securities;
  · any change in the right of the trustee or the requisite holders of debt securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable because of an event of default;
  · the depository for global or certificated debt securities;
  · any special tax implications of the debt securities;
  · any Cayman Islands tax consequences applicable to the debt securities, including any debt securities denominated and made payable, as described in the prospectus supplements, in foreign currencies, or units based on or related to foreign currencies;
  · any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars, or other agents with respect to the debt securities;
  · any other terms of the debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the indentures, as amended or supplemented;
  · to whom any interest on any debt security shall be payable, if other than the person in whose name the security is registered, on the record date for such interest, the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global debt security will be paid if other than in the manner provided in the applicable indenture;
  · if the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities of the series is to be payable in one or more currencies or currency units other than as stated, the currency, currencies or currency units in which it shall be paid and the periods within and terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amounts payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined);
  · the portion of the principal amount of any securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities pursuant to the applicable indenture if other than the entire principal amount; and
  · if the principal amount payable at the stated maturity of any debt security of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the stated maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such securities as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any maturity other than the stated maturity or which shall be deemed to be outstanding as of any date prior to the stated maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined).

 

45 

 

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange and will be issued in fully-registered form without coupons.

 

Debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to any such debt securities. The debt securities may also be issued as indexed securities or securities denominated in foreign currencies, currency units or composite currencies, as described in more detail in the prospectus supplement relating to any of the particular debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to specific debt securities will also describe any special considerations and certain additional tax considerations applicable to such debt securities.

 

Subordination

 

The prospectus supplement relating to any offering of subordinated debt securities will describe the specific subordination provisions. However, unless otherwise noted in the prospectus supplement, subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to any existing senior indebtedness.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, under the subordinated indenture, “senior indebtedness” means all amounts due on obligations in connection with any of the following, whether outstanding at the date of execution of the subordinated indenture, or thereafter incurred or created:

 

  · the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest due on our indebtedness for borrowed money and indebtedness evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);
  · all of our capital lease obligations or attributable debt (as defined in the indentures) in respect of sale and leaseback transactions;
  · all obligations representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or services, which purchase price is due more than six months after the date of placing such property in service or taking delivery and title thereto, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable or any similar obligation to trade creditors;
  · all of our obligations in respect of interest rate swap agreements (whether from fixed to floating or from floating to fixed), interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements; other agreements or arrangements designed to manage interest rates or interest rate risk; and other agreements or arrangements designed to protect against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or commodity prices;
  · all obligations of the types referred to above of other persons for the payment of which we are responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and
  · all obligations of the types referred to above of other persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of ours (whether or not such obligation is assumed by us).

 

However, senior indebtedness does not include:

 

  · any indebtedness which expressly provides that such indebtedness shall not be senior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities, or that such indebtedness shall be subordinated to any other of our indebtedness, unless such indebtedness expressly provides that such indebtedness shall be senior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities;
  · any of our obligations to our subsidiaries or of a subsidiary guarantor to us or any other of our other subsidiaries;
  · any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by us or any subsidiary guarantor,
  · any accounts payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business (including guarantees thereof or instruments evidencing such liabilities);
  · any obligations with respect to any capital stock;
  · any indebtedness incurred in violation of the indenture, provided that indebtedness under our credit facilities will not cease to be senior indebtedness under this bullet point if the lenders of such indebtedness obtained an officer’s certificate as of the date of incurrence of such indebtedness to the effect that such indebtedness was permitted to be incurred by the indenture; and

 

46 

 

 

  · any of our indebtedness in respect of the subordinated debt securities.

 

Senior indebtedness shall continue to be senior indebtedness and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such senior indebtedness.

 

Unless otherwise noted in an accompanying prospectus supplement, if we default in the payment of any principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any senior indebtedness when it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity or at a date fixed for prepayment or by declaration or otherwise, then, unless and until such default is cured or waived or ceases to exist, we will make no direct or indirect payment (in cash, property, securities, by set-off or otherwise) in respect of the principal of or interest on the subordinated debt securities or in respect of any redemption, retirement, purchase or other requisition of any of the subordinated debt securities.

 

In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any subordinated debt securities, the holders of all senior debt securities outstanding at the time of such acceleration, subject to any security interest, will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due on the senior debt securities before the holders of the subordinated debt securities will be entitled to receive any payment of principal (and premium, if any) or interest on the subordinated debt securities.

 

If any of the following events occurs, we will pay in full all senior indebtedness before we make any payment or distribution under the subordinated debt securities, whether in cash, securities or other property, to any holder of subordinated debt securities:

 

  · any dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization of Recon Technology, Ltd, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy;
  · insolvency or receivership;
  · any general assignment by us for the benefit of creditors; or
  · any other marshaling of our assets or liabilities.

 

In such event, any payment or distribution under the subordinated debt securities, whether in cash, securities or other property, which would otherwise (but for the subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in respect of the subordinated debt securities, will be paid or delivered directly to the holders of senior indebtedness in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders until all senior indebtedness has been paid in full. If any payment or distribution under the subordinated debt securities is received by the trustee of any subordinated debt securities in contravention of any of the terms of the subordinated indenture and before all the senior indebtedness has been paid in full, such payment or distribution will be received in trust for the benefit of, and paid over or delivered and transferred to, the holders of the senior indebtedness at the time outstanding in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders for application to the payment of all senior indebtedness remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all such senior indebtedness in full.

 

The subordinated indenture does not limit the issuance of additional senior indebtedness.

 

Events of Default, Notice and Waiver

 

Unless an accompanying prospectus supplement states otherwise, the following shall constitute “events of default” under the indentures with respect to each series of debt securities:

 

  · we default for 30 consecutive days in the payment when due of interest on the debt securities;
  · we default in the payment when due (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) of the principal of, or premium, if any, on the debt securities;
  · our failure to observe or perform any other of our covenants or agreements with respect to such debt securities for 60 days after we receive notice of such failure;
  · certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Recon Technology, Ltd; or
  · any other event of default provided with respect to securities of that series.

 

47 

 

 

Unless an accompanying prospectus supplement states otherwise, if an event of default with respect to any debt securities of any series outstanding under either of the indentures shall occur and be continuing, the trustee under such indenture or the holders of at least 25% (or at least 10%, in respect of a remedy (other than acceleration) for certain events of default relating to the payment of dividends) in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series outstanding may declare, by notice as provided in the applicable indenture, the principal amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the debt securities of that series) of all the debt securities of that series outstanding to be due and payable immediately; provided that, in the case of an event of default involving certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, acceleration is automatic; and, provided further, that after such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all events of default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal, have been cured or waived. Upon the acceleration of the maturity of original issue discount securities, an amount less than the principal amount thereof will become due and payable. Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to any original issue discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of maturity thereof. 

 

Any past default under either indenture with respect to debt securities of any series, and any event of default arising therefrom, may be waived by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all debt securities of such series outstanding under such indenture, except in the case of (1) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt securities of such series or (2) certain events of default relating to the payment of dividends.

 

The trustee is required within 90 days after the occurrence of a default (which is known to the trustee and is continuing), with respect to the debt securities of any series (without regard to any grace period or notice requirements), to give to the holders of the debt securities of such series notice of such default.

 

The trustee, subject to its duties during default to act with the required standard of care, may require indemnification by the holders of the debt securities of any series with respect to which a default has occurred before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the indentures at the request of the holders of the debt securities of such series. Subject to such right of indemnification and to certain other limitations, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series under either indenture may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of such series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with the applicable indenture and the trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

 

No holder of a debt security of any series may institute any action against us under either of the indentures (except actions for payment of overdue principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such debt security or for the conversion or exchange of such debt security in accordance with its terms) unless (1) the holder has given to the trustee written notice of an event of default and of the continuance thereof with respect to the debt securities of such series specifying an event of default, as required under the applicable indenture, (2) the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding under such indenture shall have requested the trustee to institute such action and offered to the trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request; (3) the trustee shall not have instituted such action within 60 days of such request and (4) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the trustee during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series. We are required to furnish annually to the trustee statements as to our compliance with all conditions and covenants under each indenture.

 

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

 

We may discharge or defease our obligations under the indenture as set forth below, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

We may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of debt securities issued under either the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture which have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation by irrevocably depositing with the trustee money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such debt securities not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of debt securities which have become due and payable) or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, and we or, if applicable, any guarantor, have paid all other sums payable under the applicable indenture. 

 

48 

 

 

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may elect either (1) to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the debt securities of or within any series (except in all cases as otherwise provided in the relevant indenture) (“legal defeasance”) or (2) to be released from our obligations with respect to certain covenants applicable to the debt securities of or within any series (“covenant defeasance”), upon the deposit with the relevant indenture trustee, in trust for such purpose, of money and/or government obligations which through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such debt securities to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon. As a condition to legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of such debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion of counsel, in the case of legal defeasance under clause (i) above, must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable federal income tax law occurring after the date of the relevant indenture. In addition, in the case of either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, we shall have delivered to the trustee (1) if applicable, an officer’s certificate to the effect that the relevant debt securities exchange(s) have informed us that neither such debt securities nor any other debt securities of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit and (2) an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with.

 

We may exercise our defeasance option with respect to such debt securities notwithstanding our prior exercise of our covenant defeasance option.

 

Modification and Waiver

 

Under the indentures, unless an accompanying prospectus supplement states otherwise, we and the applicable trustee may supplement the indentures for certain purposes which would not materially adversely affect the interests or rights of the holders of debt securities of a series without the consent of those holders. We and the applicable trustee may also modify the indentures or any supplemental indenture in a manner that affects the interests or rights of the holders of debt securities with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each affected series issued under the indenture. However, the indentures require the consent of each holder of debt securities that would be affected by any modification which would:

 

  · reduce the principal amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
  · reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any debt security or, except as provided in any prospectus supplement, alter or waive any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of the debt securities;
  · reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest, including default interest, on any debt security;
  · waive a default or event of default in the payment of principal of or interest or premium, if any, on, the debt securities (except a rescission of acceleration of the debt securities by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
  · make any debt security payable in money other than that stated in the debt securities;
  · make any change in the provisions of the applicable indenture relating to waivers of past defaults or the rights of holders of the debt securities to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on, the debt securities;

 

49 

 

 

  · waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt security (except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement);
  · except in connection with an offer by us to purchase all debt securities, (1) waive certain events of default relating to the payment of dividends or (2) amend certain covenants relating to the payment of dividends and the purchase or redemption of certain equity interests;
  · make any change to the subordination or ranking provisions of the indenture or the related definitions that adversely affect the rights of any holder; or
  · make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.

 

The indentures permit the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series issued under the indenture which is affected by the modification or amendment to waive our compliance with certain covenants contained in the indentures. 

 

Payment and Paying Agents

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, payment of interest on a debt security on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name a debt security is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, principal, interest and premium on the debt securities of a particular series will be payable at the office of such paying agent or paying agents as we may designate for such purpose from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at our option, payment of any interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address appears in the security register.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, a paying agent designated by us will act as paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. All paying agents initially designated by us for the debt securities of a particular series will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

 

All moneys paid by us to a paying agent for the payment of the principal, interest or premium on any debt security which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, interest or premium has become due and payable will be repaid to us upon request, and the holder of such debt security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.

 

Denominations, Registrations and Transfer

 

Unless an accompanying prospectus supplement states otherwise, debt securities will be represented by one or more global certificates registered in the name of a nominee for The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. In such case, each holder’s beneficial interest in the global securities will be shown on the records of DTC and transfers of beneficial interests will only be effected through DTC’s records.

 

A holder of debt securities may only exchange a beneficial interest in a global security for certificated securities registered in the holder’s name if:

 

  · we deliver to the trustee notice from DTC that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as depository or that it is no longer a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 120 days after the date of such notice from DTC;
  · we in our sole discretion determine that the debt securities (in whole but not in part) should be exchanged for definitive debt securities and deliver a written notice to such effect to the trustee; or
  · there has occurred and is continuing a default or event of default with respect to the debt securities.

 

If debt securities are issued in certificated form, they will only be issued in the minimum denomination specified in the accompanying prospectus supplement and integral multiples of such denomination. Transfers and exchanges of such debt securities will only be permitted in such minimum denomination. Transfers of debt securities in certificated form may be registered at the trustee’s corporate office or at the offices of any paying agent or trustee appointed by us under the indentures. Exchanges of debt securities for an equal aggregate principal amount of debt securities in different denominations may also be made at such locations.

 

50 

 

 

Governing Law

 

The indentures and debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws, except to the extent the Trust Indenture Act is applicable or as otherwise agreed to by the parties thereto.

 

Trustee

 

The trustee or trustees under the indentures will be named in any applicable prospectus supplement.

  

Conversion or Exchange Rights

 

The prospectus supplement will describe the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our ordinary shares or other debt securities. These terms will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. These provisions may allow or require the number of shares of our ordinary shares or other securities to be received by the holders of such series of debt securities to be adjusted. Any such conversion or exchange will comply with applicable Cayman Islands law and our Articles of Association.

 

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus and the related warrant agreements and warrant certificates. While the terms summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we indicate in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any warrants offered under that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. However, no prospectus supplement shall fundamentally change the terms that are set forth in this prospectus or offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of its effectiveness. Specific warrant agreements will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus or as an exhibit to a report filed under the Exchange Act.

 

General

 

We may issue warrants that entitle the holder to purchase our debt securities, ordinary shares or any combination thereof. We may issue warrants independently or together with ordinary shares, debt securities or any combination thereof, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities.

 

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of warrants, including:

 

  · the offering price and aggregate number of warrants offered;
  · the currency for which the warrants may be purchased, if not United States dollars;
  · if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security or each principal amount of such security;
  · if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
  · in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of one warrant and the price at, and currency, if not United States dollars, in which, this principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon such exercise;
  · in the case of warrants to purchase ordinary shares, the number of shares of ordinary shares purchasable upon the exercise of one warrant and the price at which these shares may be purchased upon such exercise;

 

51 

 

 

  · the effect of any merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of our business on the warrant agreement and the warrants;
  · the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;
  · any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price or number of securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants;
  · the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;
  · the manner in which the warrant agreement and warrants may be modified;
  · federal income tax consequences of holding or exercising the warrants;
  · the terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; and
  · any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of or restrictions on the warrants.

 

Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including:

 

  · in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the right to receive payments of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture; or
  · in the case of warrants to purchase ordinary shares, the right to receive dividends, if any, or, payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise voting rights, if any.

 

Exercise of Warrants

 

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities that we specify in the applicable prospectus supplement at the exercise price that we describe in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants at any time up to the specified time on the expiration date that we set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

 

Holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants by delivering the warrant certificate representing the warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the required amount to the warrant agent in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will set forth on the reverse side of the warrant certificate and in the applicable prospectus supplement the information that the holder of the warrant will be required to deliver to the warrant agent.

 

Upon receipt of the required payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, then we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining amount of warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for warrants.

 

Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Warrants

 

Each warrant agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any warrant. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a warrant may, without the consent of the related warrant agent or the holder of any other warrant, enforce by appropriate legal action its right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of, its warrants.

 

Modification of the Warrant Agreement

 

The warrant agreements may permit us and the warrant agent, if any, without the consent of the warrant holders, to supplement or amend the agreement in the following circumstances:

 

52 

 

 

  · to cure any ambiguity;
  · to correct or supplement any provision which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions; or
  · to add new provisions regarding matters or questions that we and the warrant agent may deem necessary or desirable and which do not adversely affect the interests of the warrant holders.

 

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

 

We may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date or occurrence.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:

 

  · the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;
  · any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and
  · whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any units. The preceding description and any description of units in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the unit agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depository arrangements relating to such units.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARE PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND SHARE PURCHASE UNITS

 

We may issue share purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of ordinary shares or other securities registered hereunder at a future date or dates, which we refer to in this prospectus as “share purchase contracts.” The price per share of the securities and the number of shares of the securities may be fixed at the time the share purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the share purchase contracts.

 

The share purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units consisting of a share purchase contract and debt securities, warrants, other securities registered hereunder or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, securing the holders’ obligations to purchase the securities under the share purchase contracts, which we refer to herein as “share purchase units.” The share purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under the share purchase contracts in a specified manner. The share purchase contracts also may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the share purchase units or vice versa, and those payments may be unsecured or refunded on some basis.

 

The share purchase contracts, and, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements, relating to the share purchase contracts or share purchase units, will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of share purchase contracts or share purchase units. The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of share purchase contracts or share purchase units will describe the terms of those share purchase contracts or share purchase units, including the following:

 

  · if applicable, a discussion of material tax considerations; and
  · any other information we think is important about the share purchase contracts or the share purchase units.

 

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

 

We may issue rights to purchase ordinary shares, preferred shares, depositary shares or debt securities that we may offer to our security holders. The rights may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agent agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as rights agent, that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights. 

 

53 

 

 

The prospectus supplement relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among other matters:

 

  · the date of determining the security holders entitled to the rights distribution;
  · the aggregate number of rights issued and the aggregate number of shares of ordinary shares, preferred shares, or depositary shares or aggregate principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights;
  · the exercise price;
  · the conditions to completion of the rights offering;
  · the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the rights will expire; and
  · applicable tax considerations.

 

Each right would entitle the holder of the rights to purchase for cash the principal amount of shares of ordinary shares, preferred shares, depositary shares or debt securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void.

 

If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than our security holders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Kaufman & Canoles, P.C., Richmond, Virginia is acting as counsel to our company regarding U.S. securities law matters. The validity of the securities being offered herein is being passed upon for us by Campbells LLP, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. If legal matters in connection with offerings made pursuant to this prospectus are passed upon by counsel to underwriters, dealers or agents, such counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any such offering.

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus for the years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021have been audited by Friedman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 are included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The financial statements for the six months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are included in our Report on Form 6-K, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein, or in any subsequently filed document, which also is incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such earlier statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

54 

 

 

We hereby incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents that we have filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act:

 

(1) the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, filed with the SEC on October 28, 2022; and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, filed with the SEC on November 15, 2021 ;
   
(2) the Company’s Current Reports on Form 6-K, filed with the SEC on November 27, 2020, February 8, 2021, March 9, 2021, March 15, 2021, March 29, 2021, April 5, 2021, April 6, 2021, April 12, 2021, June 4, 2021, June 16, 2021, March 29, 2022 and March 31, 2022;
   
(3) the description of our Ordinary Shares contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A/A filed on June 14, 2021 and as it may be further amended from time to time; and

 

All documents that we file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and in the case of a Current Report on Form 6-K, so long as they state that they are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and other than Current Reports on Form 6-K, or portions thereof, furnished under Form 6-K) (i) after the initial filing date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement and (ii) after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus from the date of filing of the documents, unless we specifically provide otherwise. Information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and may replace information previously filed with the SEC. To the extent that any information contained in any Current Report on Form 6-K or any exhibit thereto, was or is furnished to, rather than filed with the SEC, such information or exhibit is specifically not incorporated by reference.

 

You may obtain a copy of these filings, without charge, by writing or calling us at: 

 

Recon Technology, Ltd

Room 601, Shui’an South Street

Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100107

People’s Republic of China

+86 (10) 8494-5799

Attn: Investor Relations

 

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front page of those documents. 

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed a registration statement with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the Ordinary Shares and warrants offered by this prospectus. This prospectus is part of that registration statement and does not contain all the information included in the registration statement.

 

For further information with respect to our Ordinary Shares, warrants and us, you should refer to the registration statement, its exhibits and the material incorporated by reference therein. Portions of the exhibits have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. Statements made in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to are not necessarily complete. In each instance, we refer you to the copy of the contracts or other documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, and these statements are hereby qualified in their entirety by reference to the contract or document.

 

55 

 

 

We are subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act that are applicable to foreign private issuers, and, in accordance with these requirements, we file annual and current reports and other information with the SEC. You may inspect, read (without charge) and copy the reports and other information we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an internet website at www.sec.gov that contains our filed reports and other information that we file electronically with the SEC.

 

We maintain a corporate website at http http://www.recon.cn/. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 

We are registered under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability. We are registered in the Cayman Islands because of certain benefits associated with being a Cayman Islands exempted company, such as political and economic stability, an effective judicial system, a favorable tax system, the absence of exchange control or currency restrictions and the availability of professional and support services. However, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides protections for investors to a lesser extent. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the United States.

 

Substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. In addition, a majority of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States, and all or a substantial portion of such persons’ assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or such persons or to enforce against them or against us, judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof.

 

We have appointed CT Corporation System (28 Liberty St. New York, NY 10005) as our agent to receive service of process with respect to any action brought against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the federal securities laws of the United States or under the securities laws of the State of New York.

 

We have been advised by Campbells LLP, our counsel as to Cayman Islands law, that the United States and the Cayman Islands do not have a treaty providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts of the United States in civil and commercial matters and that a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any general or state court in the United States based on civil liability, whether or not predicated solely upon the U.S. federal securities laws, is unlikely to be enforceable in the Cayman Islands. We have also been advised by Campbells LLP that a final and conclusive judgment obtained in U.S. federal or state courts under which a sum of money is payable as compensatory damages (i.e., not being a sum claimed by a revenue authority for taxes or other charges of a similar nature by a governmental authority, or in respect of a fine or penalty or multiple or punitive damages) may be the subject of an action on a debt in the court of the Cayman Islands under the common law doctrine of obligation. A Cayman Islands court may impose civil liability on us or our directors or officers in a suit brought in the Cayman Islands against us or these persons with respect to a violation of U.S. federal securities laws, provided that the facts surrounding any violation constitute or give rise to a cause of action under Cayman Islands law.

 

INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

56 

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

 

 

Class A Ordinary Shares

 

Share Purchase Contracts

 

Share Purchase Units

 

Warrants

 

Debt Securities

 

Rights

 

Units

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

 

 

                      , 2022

 

 

 

No dealer, salesperson, or other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation not contained in this prospectus, and, if given or made, such information and representation should not be relied upon as having been authorized by us. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall under any circumstances create an implication that there has been no change in the facts set forth in this prospectus or in our affairs since the date hereof.

 

 

 

PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 8. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s Articles of Association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Under the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant, the Registrant may indemnify its directors, officers, and their heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives against all actions, proceedings costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses which they incur or sustain by reason of any act done or omitted in the course of their duty. To be entitled to indemnification, these persons must have acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interest of the Registrant, without fraud, willful neglect or default and, in the case of criminal proceedings, they must have had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

   

Item 9. Exhibits 

 

Exhibit No.   Description
1.1*   Form of Underwriting Agreement
     
1.2  

Third Amended and Restated Articles of Association of the Registrant  (Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 6-K filed on April 6, 2021)

     
2.1  

Specimen Share Certificate  (Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 6-K filed on April 12, 2021)

     
4.1**   Form of Debt Indenture
     
4.2*   Form of Senior Note
     
4.3*   Form of Subordinated Note
     
4.4*   Form of Common Share Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate
     
4.5*   Form of Debt Securities Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate
     
4.6*   Form of Unit Agreement (including unit certificate)
     
4.7*   Form of Rights Agreement (including rights certificate)
     
4.8*   Form of Share Purchase Contract
     
4.9*   Form of Share Purchase Unit
     
4.10   Translation of Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement dated April 1, 2019 among Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. and Fan Zhang, Shenping Yin, Donglin Li, Zhiqiang Feng and Guangqiang Chen (previously filed)
     
4.11   Translation of Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement dated April 1, 2019 between Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Fan Zhang, Shenping Yin, Donglin Li, Zhiqiang Feng and Guangqiang Chen about Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. (previously filed)
     
4.12   Translation of Exclusive Technical Consulting Service Agreement dated April 1, 2019 between Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd. (previously filed)
     
4.13   Translation of Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement dated April 1, 2019 among Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenping Yin, Guangqiang Chen and Degui Zhai (previously filed)

 

 

 

4.14   Translation of Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement dated April 1, 2019 between Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Shenping Yin, Guangqiang Chen and Degui Zhai about Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd. (previously filed)
     
4.15   Translation of Amended and Restated Exclusive Technical Consulting and Service Agreement dated April 1, 2019 between Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. (previously filed)
     
4.16   Translation of Power of Attorney for rights of Li Donglin in Beijing Baihengda Petroleum Technology (previously filed)
     
4.17   Translation of Amended and Restated Power of Attorney for rights of Chen Guangqiang in Beijing Baihengda Petroleum Technology (previously filed)
     
4.18   Translation of Power of Attorney for rights of Zhang Fan in Beijing Baihengda Petroleum Technology (previously filed)
     
4.19   Translation of Power of Attorney for rights of Feng Zhiqiang in Beijing Baihengda Petroleum Technology (previously filed)
     
4.20   Translation of  Amended and Restated Power of Attorney for rights of Yin Shenping in Beijing Baihengda Petroleum Technology
     
5.1**   Opinion of Campbells LLP
     
8.1*   Opinion of Cayman Islands Counsel regarding Cayman Islands tax matters
     
8.2*   Opinion of U.S. Tax Counsel
     
8.3*   Opinion of PRC Counsel regarding PRC tax matters
     
8.4**   Indenture Opinion of U.S. Counsel
     
23.1   Consent of Friedman LLP
     
23.2   Consent of Campbells LLP, Cayman Islands Counsel
     
23.3   Consent of JingTian & GongCheng LLP
     
23.4*   Consent of Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. (included in Exhibit 8.2)
     
24.1   Power of Attorney (included on signature page of this registration statement)
     
107**   Filing Fee Table

 

* To the extent applicable, to be filed by an amendment or as an exhibit to a document filed under the Exchange Act and incorporated by reference herein.

 

**Filed herewith.

 

 

 

Item 10 Undertakings

 

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

  (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

  (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

  (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

 

  (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

 

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b).

 

  (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

  (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

  (4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

 

  (i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

  (ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Providedhowever, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

 

 

  (5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

  (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

  (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

  (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

  (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

(b) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on December 21, 2022.

 

  RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD
     
  By: /s/ Shenping Yin
  Name: Shenping Yin
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)
     
     
  By: /s/  Jia Liu
  Name: Jia Liu
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

 

Power of Attorney

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Yin Shenping and Jia Liu, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any and all related registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated have signed this Registration Statement or Amendment thereto on Form F-3.

 

SIGNATURE   TITLE   DATE
         
/s/ Shenping Yin   Chief Executive Officer and Director   December 21, 2022
Shenping Yin   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ Jia Liu   Chief Financial Officer and Director   December 21, 2022
Jia Liu   (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)    
         
/s/ Huan Liu   Authorized Representative in the United States   December 21, 2022
Huan Liu        
         
/s/ Guangqiang Chen   Chief Technology Officer and Director (Chairman)   December 21, 2022
Guangqiang Chen        
         
/s/ Shudong Zhao   Director   December 21, 2022
Shudong Zhao        
         
/s/ Jijun Hu   Director   December 21, 2022
Jijun Hu        
         
/s/ Nelson N.S. Wong   Director   December 21, 2022
Nelson N.S. Wong        
         
/s/ Yonggang Duan   Director   December 21, 2022
Yonggang Duan        

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.1

 

Recon Technology Ltd

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of [ ]

 

 

[ ]

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 5
         
  Section 1.1   Definitions. 5
  Section 1.2   Other Definitions. 8
  Section 1.3   Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. 8
  Section 1.4   Rules of Construction. 8
         
ARTICLE II TERMS OF THE SECURITIES 9
         
  Section 2.1   Issuable in Series. 9
  Section 2.2   Establishment of Terms of Series of Securities. 9
  Section 2.3   Execution and Authentication. 11
  Section 2.4   Registrar and Paying Agent. 11
  Section 2.5   Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. 12
  Section 2.6   Security Holder Lists. 12
  Section 2.7   Transfer and Exchange. 12
  Section 2.8   Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities. 12
  Section 2.9   Outstanding Securities. 13
  Section 2.10   Treasury Securities. 13
  Section 2.11   Temporary Securities. 13
  Section 2.12   Cancellation. 14
  Section 2.13   Defaulted Interest. 14
  Section 2.14   Global Securities. 14
  Section 2.15   CUSIP Numbers. 15

 

1

 

 

ARTICLE III REDEMPTION 15
         
  Section 3.1   Notice to Trustee. 15
  Section 3.2   Selection of Securities to be Redeemed. 15
  Section 3.3   Notice of Redemption. 16
  Section 3.4   Effect of Notice of Redemption. 16
  Section 3.5   Deposit of Redemption Price. 16
  Section 3.6   Securities Redeemed in Part. 16
         
ARTICLE IV COVENANTS 16
         
  Section 4.1   Payment of Principal and Interest. 16
  Section 4.2   SEC Reports. 17
  Section 4.3   Compliance Certificate. 17
  Section 4.4   Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. 17
  Section 4.5   Corporate Existence. 17
         
ARTICLE V SUCCESSORS 17
         
  Section 5.1   When Company May Merge, Etc. 17
  Section 5.2   Successor Corporation Substituted. 18
         
ARTICLE VI DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES 18
         
  Section 6.1   Events of Default. 18
  Section 6.2   Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment. 19
  Section 6.3   Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee. 19
  Section 6.4   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. 20
  Section 6.5   Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities. 20
  Section 6.6   Application of Money Collected. 20
  Section 6.7   Limitation on Suits. 21
  Section 6.8   Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal and Interest. 21
  Section 6.9   Restoration of Rights and Remedies. 21

 

2

 

 

  Section 6.10   Rights and Remedies Cumulative. 22
  Section 6.11   Delay or Omission Not Waiver. 22
  Section 6.12   Control by Holders. 22
  Section 6.13   Waiver of Past Defaults. 22
  Section 6.14   Undertaking for Costs. 22
         
ARTICLE VII TRUSTEE 23
     
  Section 7.1   Duties of Trustee. 23
  Section 7.2   Rights of Trustee. 24
  Section 7.3   Force Majeure. 25
  Section 7.4   Individual Rights of Trustee. 25
  Section 7.5   Trustee’s Disclaimer. 25
  Section 7.6   Notice of Defaults. 25
  Section 7.7   Reports by Trustee to Holders. 25
  Section 7.8   Compensation and Indemnity. 25
  Section 7.9   Replacement of Trustee. 26
  Section 7.10   Successor Trustee by Merger, etc. 27
  Section 7.11   Eligibility; Disqualification. 27
  Section 7.12   Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company. 27
         
ARTICLE VIII SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE 27
     
  Section 8.1   Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. 27
  Section 8.2   Application of Trust Funds; Indemnification. 28
  Section 8.3   Legal Defeasance of Securities of any Series. 28
  Section 8.4   Covenant Defeasance. 29
  Section 8.5   Repayment to Company. 30
         
ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES, AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS 30
     
  Section 9.1   Without Consent of Holders. 30
  Section 9.2   With Consent of Holders. 31
  Section 9.3   Limitations. 31
  Section 9.4   Compliance with Trust Indenture Act. 32
  Section 9.5   Revocation and Effect of Consents. 32
  Section 9.6   Notation on or Exchange of Securities. 32
  Section 9.7   Trustee Protected. 32
         
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS 32
     
  Section 10.1   Trust Indenture Act Controls. 32
  Section 10.2   Notices. 32
  Section 10.3   Communication by Holders with Other Holders. 33
  Section 10.4   Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. 33
  Section 10.5   Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. 33
  Section 10.6   Rules by Trustee and Agents. 33
  Section 10.7   Legal Holidays. 34

 

3

 

 

  Section 10.8   No Recourse Against Others. 34
  Section 10.9   Counterparts. 34
  Section 10.10   Governing Laws. 34
  Section 10.11   No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements. 34
  Section 10.12   Successors. 34
  Section 10.13   Severability. 34
  Section 10.14   Table of Contents, Headings, Etc. 34
  Section 10.15   Securities in a Foreign Currency or in ECU. 35
  Section 10.16   Judgment Currency. 35
         
ARTICLE XI SINKING FUNDS 35
         
  Section 11.1   Applicability of Article. 35
  Section 11.2   Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities. 36
  Section 11.3   Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund. 36

 

Recon Technology Ltd Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Indenture, dated as of [ ]

 

Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be part of the Indenture.

 

§ 310(a)(1) 7.11
(a)(2) 7.11
(a)(3) Not Applicable
(a)(4) Not Applicable
(a)(5) 7.11
(b) 7.11
§ 311(a) 7.12
(b) 7.12
§ 312(a) 2.6
(b) 10.3
(c) 10.3
§ 313(a) 7.7
(b)(1) 7.7
(b)(2) 7.7
(c) 7.7
(d) 7.7
§ 314(a) 4.2, 10.5
(b) Not Applicable
(c)(1) 10.4
(c)(2) 10.4
(c)(3) Not Applicable
(d) Not Applicable
(e) 10.5
(f) Not Applicable
§ 315(a) 7.1
(b) 7.6
(c) 7.1
(d) 7.1
(e) 6.14
§ 316(a) 2.10
(a)(1)(A) 6.12
(a)(1)(B) 6.13
(b) 6.8
§ 317(a)(1) 6.3
(a)(2) 6.4
(b) 2.5
§ 318(a) 10.1

 

4

 

 

 

Indenture dated as of [ ] between Recon Technology Ltd, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“Company”), and [ ] (“Trustee”).

 

Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other party and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities issued under this Indenture.

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

Section 1.1 Definitions.

 

Additional Amounts” means any additional amounts which are required hereby or by any Security, under circumstances specified herein or therein, to be paid by the Company in respect of certain taxes imposed on Holders specified herein or therein and which are owing to such Holders.

 

Affiliate” of any specified person means any other person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under common control with such specified person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by agreement or otherwise.

 

Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent or Notice Agent.

 

Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee thereof.

 

Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been adopted by the Board of Directors or pursuant to authorization by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of the certificate and delivered to the Trustee.

 

Business Day” means, unless otherwise provided by Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture hereto for a particular Series, any day except a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday in The City of New York on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close or a day the Corporate Trust Office is closed.

 

Capital Stock” means any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock.

 

Company” means the party named as such above until a successor replaces it and thereafter means the successor.

 

Company Order” means a written order signed in the name of the Company by two Officers, one of whom must be the Company’s principal executive officer or principal financial and accounting officer.

 

5

 

 

Company Request” means a written request signed in the name of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer and by its Co-Chief Financial Officers and delivered to the Trustee.

 

Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered.

 

Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default. 

 

Depositary” means, with respect to the Securities of any Series issuable or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, the person designated as Depositary for such Series by the Company, which Depositary shall be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act; and if at any time there is more than one such person, “Depositary” as used with respect to the Securities of any Series shall mean the Depositary with respect to the Securities of such Series.

 

Discount Security” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the stated principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.2.

 

Dollars” and “$” means the currency of The United States of America.

 

ECU” means the European Currency Unit as determined by the Commission of the European Union.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Foreign Currency” means any currency or currency unit issued by a government other than the government of The United States of America.

 

Foreign Government Obligations” means, with respect to Securities of any Series that are denominated in a Foreign Currency, (i) direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agency or instrumentality of such government the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by such government, which, in either case under clauses (i) or (ii), are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect as of the date of determination.

 

“Global Security” or “Global Securities” means a Security or Securities, as the case may be, in the form established pursuant to Section 2.2 evidencing all or part of a Series of Securities, issued to the Depositary for such Series or its nominee, and registered in the name of such Depositary or nominee.

 

Holder” or “Security Holder” means a person in whose name a Security is registered.

 

Indenture” means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time and shall include the form and terms of particular Series of Securities established as contemplated hereunder.

 

interest” with respect to any Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity.

 

Maturity,” when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.

 

6

 

 

Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Technology Officer, any Co-Chief Financial Officers, or the Chief Risk Officer of the Company.

 

Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Officers, one of whom must be the Company’s principal executive officer or principal financial officer.

 

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of legal counsel, which opinion, is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company. 

 

person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, limited liability company, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

principal” of a Security means the principal of the Security plus, when appropriate, the premium, if any, on, and any Additional Amounts in respect of, the Security.

 

Responsible Officer” means any officer of the Trustee in its Corporate Trust Office and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with a particular subject and who shall in each case have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

 

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Securities” means the debentures, notes or other debt instruments of the Company of any Series authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

 

Series” or “Series of Securities” means each series of debentures, notes or other debt instruments of the Company created pursuant to Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof.

 

Stated Maturity” when used with respect to any Security, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or interest is due and payable.

 

Subsidiary” of any specified person means any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that person or a combination thereof.

 

TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of this Indenture; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, “TIA” means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act as so amended.

 

Trustee” means the person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean or include each person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any Series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that Series.

 

U.S. Government Obligations” means securities which are (i) direct obligations of The United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of The United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by The United States of America, and which in the case of (i) and (ii) are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

 

7

 

 

Section 1.2 Other Definitions.

 

TERM  DEFINED
IN
SECTION
 
Bankruptcy Law   6.1 
Custodian   6.1 
Event of Default   6.1 
Journal   10.15 
Judgment Currency   10.16 
Legal Holiday   10.7 
mandatory sinking fund payment   11.1 
Market Exchange Rate   10.15 
New York Banking Day   10.16 
Notice Agent   2.4 
optional sinking fund payment   11.1 
Paying Agent   2.4 
Registrar   2.4 
Required Currency   10.16 
successor person   5.1 

 

Section 1.3 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.

 

Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:

 

Commission” means the SEC.

 

indenture securities” means the Securities.

 

indenture security holder” means a Security Holder.

 

indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture.

 

indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee.

 

obligor” on the indenture securities means the Company and any successor obligor upon the Securities.

 

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as so defined.

 

Section 1.4 Rules of Construction.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) a term has the meaning assigned to it;

 

(b) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

 

(c) “or” is not exclusive;

 

(d) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; and

 

(e) provisions apply to successive events and transactions. 

 

8

 

 

ARTICLE II

TERMS OF THE SECURITIES

 

Section 2.1 Issuable in Series.

 

The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is [ ]. The Securities may be issued in one or more Series. All Securities of a Series shall be identical except as may be set forth or determined in the manner provided in a Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate detailing the adoption of the terms thereof pursuant to authority granted under a Board Resolution. In the case of Securities of a Series to be issued from time to time, the Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture detailing the adoption of the terms thereof pursuant to authority granted under a Board Resolution may provide for the method by which specified terms (such as interest rate, maturity date, record date or date from which interest shall accrue) are to be determined. Securities may differ between Series in respect of any matters, provided that all Series of Securities shall be equally and ratably entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

 

Section 2.2 Establishment of Terms of Series of Securities.

 

At or prior to the issuance of any Securities within a Series, the following shall be established (as to the Series generally, in the case of Subsection 2.2.1 and either as to such Securities within the Series or as to the Series generally in the case of Subsections 2.2.2 through 2.2.24) by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth or determined in the manner provided in a Board Resolution or Officers’ Certificate, and associated supplemental indenture:

 

2.2.1 the title of the Series (which shall distinguish the Securities of that particular Series from the Securities of any other Series);

 

2.2.2 the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) at which the Securities of the Series will be issued;

 

2.2.3 any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the Series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the Series pursuant to Section 2.7, 2.8, 2.11, 3.6 or 9.6);

 

2.2.4 the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the Series is payable;

 

2.2.5 the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum or, if applicable, the method used to determine such rate or rates (including, but not limited to, any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index) at which the Securities of the Series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which such interest, if any, shall accrue, the date or dates on which such interest, if any, shall commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date;

 

2.2.6 the place or places where the principal of and interest, if any, on the Securities of the Series shall be payable, where the Securities of such Series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of such Series and this Indenture may be served, and the method of such payment, if by wire transfer, mail or other means;

 

2.2.7 if applicable, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the Securities of the Series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;

 

2.2.8 the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase the Securities of the Series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the Series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; 

 

9

 

 

2.2.9 the dates, if any, on which and the price or prices at which the Securities of the Series will be repurchased by the Company at the option of the Holders thereof and other detailed terms and provisions of such repurchase obligations;

 

2.2.10 if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which the Securities of the Series shall be issuable;

 

2.2.11 the forms of the Securities of the Series and whether the Securities will be issuable as Global Securities;

 

2.2.12 if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of the Securities of the Series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.2;

 

2.2.13 the currency of denomination of the Securities of the Series, which may be Dollars or any Foreign Currency, including, but not limited to, the ECU, and if such currency of denomination is a composite currency other than the ECU, the agency or organization, if any, responsible for overseeing such composite currency;

 

2.2.14 the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on the Securities of the Series will be made;

 

2.2.15 if payments of principal of or interest, if any, on the Securities of the Series are to be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which such Securities are denominated, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to such payments will be determined;

 

2.2.16 the manner in which the amounts of payment of principal of or interest, if any, on the Securities of the Series will be determined, if such amounts may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index;

 

2.2.17 the provisions, if any, relating to any security provided for the Securities of the Series;

 

2.2.18 any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any Securities of the Series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 6.2;

 

2.2.19 any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Articles IV or V which applies to Securities of the Series;

 

2.2.20 whether the Securities of the Series are subject to subordination and the terms of such subordination;

 

2.2.21 any material income tax considerations applicable;

 

2.2.22 any other terms of the Securities of the Series (which may supplement, modify or delete any provision of this Indenture insofar as it applies to such Series);

 

2.2.23 any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents with respect to Securities of such Series if other than those appointed herein; and

 

2.2.24 if the Securities of the Series are to be convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any Person (including the Company), the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible or exchangeable.

 

All Securities of any one Series need not be issued at the same time and may be issued from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Indenture, if so provided by or pursuant to the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate referred to above. 

 

10

 

 

Section 2.3 Execution and Authentication.

 

Two Officers shall sign the Securities for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

 

If an Officer whose signature is on a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Security is authenticated, the Security shall nevertheless be valid.

 

A Security shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual or facsimile signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture.

 

The Trustee shall at any time, and from time to time, authenticate Securities for original issue in the principal amount provided in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate, upon receipt by the Trustee of a Company Order. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication unless otherwise provided by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate.

 

The aggregate principal amount of Securities of any Series outstanding at any time may not exceed any limit upon the maximum principal amount for such Series set forth in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.2, except as provided in Section 2.8.

 

Prior to the issuance of Securities of any Series, the Trustee shall have received and (subject to Section 7.2) shall be fully protected in relying on: (a) the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate establishing the form of the Securities of that Series or of Securities within that Series and the terms of the Securities of that Series or of Securities within that Series, (b) an Officers’ Certificate complying with Section 10.4, and (c) an Opinion of Counsel complying with Section 10.4.

 

The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Securities of such Series: (a) if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not be taken lawfully; or (b) if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors or trustees, executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or vice-presidents shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to Holders of any then outstanding Series of Securities.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Securities. An authenticating agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.

 

Section 2.4 Registrar and Paying Agent.

 

The Company shall maintain, with respect to each Series of Securities, at the place or places specified with respect to such Series pursuant to Section 2.2, an office or agency where Securities of such Series may be presented or surrendered for payment (“Paying Agent”), where Securities of such Series may be surrendered for registration of transfer, conversion or exchange (“Registrar”) and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of such Series and this Indenture may be delivered (“Notice Agent”). The Trustee or Notice Agent, as applicable, shall deliver such notices and demands to the Company in accordance with Section 10.2 hereof. The Registrar shall keep a register with respect to each Series of Securities and to their transfer and exchange. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the name and address, and any change in the name or address, of each Registrar, Paying Agent or Notice Agent. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required Registrar, Paying Agent or Notice Agent or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the name and address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or delivered at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands. 

 

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more co-registrars, additional paying agents or notice agents and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligations to maintain a Registrar, Paying Agent and Notice Agent in each place so specified pursuant to Section 2.2 for Securities of any Series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the name or address of any such co-registrar, additional paying agent or notice agent. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar; the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent; and the term “Notice Agent” includes any additional notice agent.

 

11

 

 

The Company hereby appoints the Trustee the initial Registrar, Paying Agent and Notice Agent for each Series unless another Registrar, Paying Agent or Notice Agent, as the case may be, is appointed prior to the time Securities of that Series are first issued.

 

The Company hereby appoints The Depository Trust Company to act as Depositary with respect to the Securities.

 

Section 2.5 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

 

The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust, for the benefit of Security Holders of any Series of Securities, or the Trustee, all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of or interest on the Series of Securities, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company) shall have no further liability for the money. If the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of Security Holders of any Series of Securities all money held by it as Paying Agent.

 

Section 2.6 Security Holder Lists.

 

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Security Holders of each Series of Securities and shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at least ten days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing a list, in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of Security Holders of each Series of Securities.

 

Section 2.7 Transfer and Exchange.

 

Where Securities of a Series are presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to register a transfer or to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Securities of the same Series, the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the exchange if its requirements for such transactions are met. To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Trustee shall authenticate Securities upon receipt of a Company Order. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein), but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable upon exchanges pursuant to Sections 2.11, 3.6 or 9.6).

 

Neither the Company nor the Registrar shall be required (a) to issue, register the transfer of, or exchange Securities of any Series for the period beginning at the opening of business fifteen days immediately preceding the mailing of a notice of redemption of Securities of that Series selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or (b) to register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any Series selected, called or being called for redemption as a whole or the portion being redeemed of any such Securities selected, called or being called for redemption in part.

 

Section 2.8 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

 

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same Series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding. 

 

If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, shall authenticate and make available for delivery, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same Series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

12

 

 

In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.

 

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

 

Every new Security of any Series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that Series duly issued hereunder.

 

The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

 

Section 2.9 Outstanding Securities.

 

The Securities outstanding at any time are all the Securities authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest on a Global Security effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof and those described in this Section as not outstanding.

 

If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.8, it ceases to be outstanding until the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Security is held by a bona fide purchaser.

 

If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) holds on the Maturity of Securities of a Series money sufficient to pay such Securities payable on that date, then on and after that date such Securities of the Series cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.

 

A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Security.

 

In determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, the principal amount of a Discount Security that shall be deemed to be outstanding for such purposes shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.2.

 

Section 2.10 Treasury Securities.

 

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities of a Series have concurred in any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, Securities of a Series owned by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company shall be disregarded, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver only Securities of a Series that the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.

 

Section 2.11 Temporary Securities.

 

Until definitive Securities are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, shall authenticate temporary Securities upon a Company Order. Temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of definitive Securities but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, shall authenticate definitive Securities of the same Series and date of maturity in exchange for temporary Securities. Until so exchanged, temporary securities shall have the same rights under this Indenture as the definitive Securities.

 

13

 

 

Section 2.12 Cancellation.

 

The Company at any time may deliver Securities to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. Upon receipt of written instruction from the Company, the Trustee shall cancel all Securities surrendered for transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall destroy such canceled Securities and deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company, unless the Company otherwise directs. The Company may not issue new Securities to replace Securities that it has paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

Section 2.13 Defaulted Interest.

 

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on a Series of Securities, it shall pay the defaulted interest, plus, to the extent permitted by law, any interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the persons who are Security Holders of the Series on a subsequent special record date. The Company shall fix the record date and payment date. At least 10 days before the record date, the Company shall mail to the Trustee and to each Security Holder of the Series a notice that states the record date, the payment date and the amount of interest to be paid. The Company may pay defaulted interest in any other lawful manner.

 

Section 2.14 Global Securities.

 

2.14.1 Terms of Securities. A Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate shall establish whether the Securities of a Series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities.

 

2.14.2 Transfer and Exchange. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in Section 2.7 of the Indenture and in addition thereto, any Global Security shall be exchangeable pursuant to Section 2.7 of the Indenture for Securities registered in the names of Holders other than the Depositary for such Security or its nominee only if (i) such Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time such Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and, in either case, the Company fails to appoint a successor Depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act within 90 days of such event or (ii) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for Securities registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct in writing in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security with like tenor and terms.

 

Except as provided in this Section 2.14.2, a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary with respect to such Global Security to a nominee of such Depositary, by a nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such a successor Depositary.

 

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Security other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof. 

 

2.14.3 Legend. Any Global Security issued hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“This Security is a Global Security within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary. This Security is exchangeable for Securities registered in the name of a person other than the Depositary or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the Indenture, and may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such a successor Depositary.”

 

14

 

 

2.14.4 Acts of Holders. The Depositary, as a Holder, may appoint agents and otherwise authorize participants to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Indenture.

 

2.14.5 Payments. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Indenture, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.2, payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on any Global Security shall be made to the Holder thereof.

 

2.14.6 Consents, Declaration and Directions. Except as provided in Section 2.14.5, the Company, the Trustee and any Agent shall treat a person as the Holder of such principal amount of outstanding Securities of such Series represented by a Global Security as shall be specified in a written statement of the Depositary with respect to such Global Security, for purposes of obtaining any consents, declarations, waivers or directions required to be given by the Holders pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Section 2.15 CUSIP Numbers.

 

The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other elements of identification printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.

 

ARTICLE III

REDEMPTION

 

Section 3.1 Notice to Trustee.

 

The Company may, with respect to any Series of Securities, reserve the right to redeem and pay the Series of Securities or may covenant to redeem and pay the Series of Securities or any part thereof prior to the Stated Maturity thereof at such time and on such terms as provided for in such Securities. If a Series of Securities is redeemable and the Company wants or is obligated to redeem prior to the Stated Maturity thereof all or part of the Series of Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, it shall notify the Trustee of the redemption date and the principal amount of Series of Securities to be redeemed. The Company shall give the Trustee notice at least 45 days before the redemption date (or such shorter notice as may be acceptable to the Trustee).

 

Section 3.2 Selection of Securities to be Redeemed.

 

Unless otherwise indicated for a particular Series by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate, if less than all the Securities of a Series are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Securities of the Series to be redeemed in any manner that the Trustee deems fair and appropriate and in accordance with its customary practices or the selection shall be in accordance with DTC procedures, as applicable. The Trustee shall make the selection from Securities of the Series outstanding not previously called for redemption. The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal of Securities of the Series that have denominations larger than $1,000. Securities of the Series and portions of them it selects shall be in amounts of $1,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 or, with respect to Securities of any Series issuable in other denominations pursuant to Section 2.2.10, the minimum principal denomination for each Series and integral multiples thereof. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities of a Series called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities of that Series called for redemption. 

 

15

 

 

Section 3.3 Notice of Redemption.

 

Unless otherwise indicated for a particular Series by Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Company shall mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail to each Holder whose Securities are to be redeemed.

 

The notice shall identify the Securities of the Series to be redeemed and shall state:

 

(a) the redemption date;

 

(b) the redemption price;

 

(c) the name and address of the Paying Agent;

 

(d) that Securities of the Series called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

 

(e) that interest on Securities of the Series called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

 

(f) the CUSIP number, if any; and

 

(g) any other information as may be required by the terms of the particular Series or the Securities of a Series being redeemed.

 

At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption prepared by the Company, in the Company’s name and at its expense.

 

Section 3.4 Effect of Notice of Redemption.

 

Once notice of redemption is mailed or published as provided in Section 3.3, Securities of a Series called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price. A notice of redemption may not be conditional. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Securities shall be paid at the redemption price plus accrued interest to the redemption date.

 

Section 3.5 Deposit of Redemption Price.

 

On or before the redemption date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest, if any, on all Securities to be redeemed on that date.

 

Section 3.6 Securities Redeemed in Part.

 

Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, shall authenticate for the Holder a new Security of the same Series and the same maturity equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Security surrendered.

 

ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS

 

Section 4.1 Payment of Principal and Interest.

 

The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of each Series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and interest, if any, on the Securities of that Series in accordance with the terms of such Securities and this Indenture.

 

16

 

 

Section 4.2 SEC Reports.

 

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee within 15 days after it files them with the SEC copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company also shall comply with the other provisions of TIA § 314(a). 

 

Section 4.3 Compliance Certificate.

 

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year (which on the date hereof ends on December 31) of the Company, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his/her knowledge the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions hereof (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he may have knowledge).

 

The Company will, so long as any of the Securities are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

Section 4.4 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.

 

The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture or the Securities; and the Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

Section 4.5 Corporate Existence.

 

Subject to Article V, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.

 

ARTICLE V

SUCCESSORS

 

Section 5.1 When Company May Merge, Etc.

 

The Company shall not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to, any person (a “successor person”) unless:

 

(a) the Company is the surviving corporation or the successor person (if other than the Company) is a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of any U.S. domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes the Company’s obligations on the Securities and under this Indenture and

 

(b) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Default or Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

17

 

 

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee prior to the consummation of the proposed transaction an Officers’ Certificate to the foregoing effect and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the proposed transaction and any supplemental indenture comply with this Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the above, any Subsidiary of the Company may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties to the Company. Neither an Officers’ Certificate nor an Opinion of Counsel shall be required to be delivered in connection therewith. 

 

Section 5.2 Successor Corporation Substituted.

 

Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in accordance with Section 5.1, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company is merged or to which such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor person has been named as the Company herein; provided, however, that the predecessor Company in the case of a sale, conveyance or other disposition (other than a lease) shall be released from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.

 

ARTICLE VI

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

Section 6.1 Events of Default.

 

Event of Default,” wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any Series, means any one of the following events, unless in the establishing Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate, it is provided that such Series shall not have the benefit of said Event of Default:

 

(a) default in the payment of any interest on any Security of that Series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days (unless the entire amount of such payment is deposited by the Company with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent prior to the expiration of such period of 30 days); or

 

(b) default in the payment of principal of any Security of that Series at its Maturity; or

 

(c) default in the performance or breach of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty that has been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of Series of Securities other than that Series), which default continues uncured for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder; or

 

(d) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

 

(i) commences a voluntary case,

 

(ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,

 

(iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property,

 

(iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or

 

(v) generally is unable to pay its debts as the same become due; or

 

(e) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

 

(i) is for relief against the Company in an involuntary case,

 

18

 

 

(ii) appoints a Custodian of the Company or for all or substantially all of its property, or

 

(iii) orders the liquidation of the Company,

 

and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days; or

 

(f) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that Series, which is specified in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate, in accordance with Section 2.2.18. 

 

The term “Bankruptcy Law” means title 11, U.S. Code or any similar Federal or State law for the relief of debtors. The term “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

Section 6.2 Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any Series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing (other than an Event of Default referred to in Section 6.1(d) or (e)) then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series may declare the principal amount (or, if any Securities of that Series are Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such Securities) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the Securities of that Series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(d) or (e) shall occur, the principal amount (or specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding Securities shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.

 

At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to any Series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that Series, other than the non-payment of the principal and interest, if any, of Securities of that Series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 6.13.

 

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

Section 6.3 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

 

The Company covenants that if

 

(a) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or

 

(b) default is made in the payment of principal of any Security at the Maturity thereof, or

 

(c) default is made in the deposit of any sinking fund payment when and as due by the terms of a Security,

 

then, the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and any overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

19

 

 

If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities and collect the moneys adjudged or deemed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, if an Event of Default with respect to any Securities of any Series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such Series by pursuing any available remedy by proceeding at law or in equity as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy. 

 

Section 6.4 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

 

In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,

 

(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

 

(b) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same,

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.8.

 

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

 

Section 6.5 Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

 

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

 

Section 6.6 Application of Money Collected.

 

Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

 

First: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.8; and

 

20

 

 

Second: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and interest on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and interest, respectively; and

 

Third: To the Company or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.

 

Section 6.7 Limitation on Suits.

 

No Holder of any Security of any Series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless 

 

(a) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that Series;

 

(b) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

 

(c) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

 

(d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

 

(e) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series;

 

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders.

 

Section 6.8 Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal and Interest.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on such Security on the Stated Maturity or Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the redemption date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

 

Section 6.9 Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

 

If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

 

21

 

 

Section 6.10 Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

 

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in Section 2.8, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not, to the extent permitted by law, prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

Section 6.11 Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

 

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be. 

 

Section 6.12 Control by Holders.

 

The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such Series, provided that

 

(a) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture,

 

(b) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction, and

 

(c) subject to the provisions of Section 7.1, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

 

Section 6.13 Waiver of Past Defaults.

 

The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such Series waive any past Default hereunder with respect to such Series and its consequences, except a Default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any Security of such Series (provided, however, that the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration). Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

Section 6.14 Undertaking for Costs.

 

All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or interest on any Security on or after the Stated Maturity or Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the redemption date).

 

22

 

 

ARTICLE VII

TRUSTEE

 

Section 7.1 Duties of Trustee.

 

(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

 

(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

 

(i) The Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others. 

 

(ii) In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon Officers’ Certificates or Opinions of Counsel furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; however, in the case of any such Officers’ Certificates or Opinions of Counsel which by any provisions hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine such Officers’ Certificates and Opinions of Counsel to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

 

(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:

 

(i) This paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section.

 

(ii) The Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.

 

(iii) The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it with respect to Securities of any Series in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such Series relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such Series.

 

(d) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraph (a), (b) and (c) of this Section.

 

(e) The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any right or power unless it receives security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

 

(f) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

(g) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk is not reasonably assured to it.

 

(h) The Paying Agent, the Registrar, the Notice Agent, any agent and any authenticating agent shall be entitled to the protections, immunities and standard of care as are set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section with respect to the Trustee.

 

23

 

 

Section 7.2 Rights of Trustee.

 

(a) The Trustee may rely on and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

 

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel, or both. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. No such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel shall be at the expense of the Trustee. Any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate.

 

(c) The Trustee may act through agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care. No Depositary shall be deemed an agent of the Trustee and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any act or omission by any Depositary.

 

(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers, provided that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute negligence or bad faith. The Trustee shall not be liable for any special, punitive or consequential damages, even if they were reasonably foreseeable.

 

(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder, and the Trustee may conclusively rely on any such advice or Opinion of Counsel. 

 

(f) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Securities unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

 

(g) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit.

 

(h) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default (other than a payment default under Section 6.1 or 6.2) unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice of any event which is in fact such a default at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities generally or the Securities of a particular Series and this Indenture.

 

(i) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including without limitation its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.

 

(j) The Trustee may request that the Issuer deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

 

(k) The Trustee shall have no duty to inquire as to or monitor the performance of the Issuer with respect to the covenants contained in Article IV.

 

(l) The Trustee shall not be required to give any note, bond or surety in respect of the execution of the trusts and powers under this Indenture.

 

(m) Nothing herein shall be deemed to require the Trustee to submit to the jurisdiction or venue of a non-U.S. court.

 

24

 

 

Section 7.3 Force Majeure.

 

(a) The Trustee shall have no liability for delays or inability to perform its duties hereunder due to forces majeures, events beyond its control, such as (but not exclusively) civil unrest, earthquakes, hurricanes or other natural disasters, floods, utility failures, transmission interruptions, power failures, wars, governmental declarations or Acts of God; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

 

(b) Delivery of reports or information by the Company shall not be deemed to confer actual or constructive knowledge or notice on the Trustee with respect to a Default or Event of Default, or otherwise.

 

Section 7.4 Individual Rights of Trustee.

 

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Agent may do the same with like rights. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.11 and 7.12.

 

Section 7.5 Trustee’s Disclaimer.

 

The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities, it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Securities, and it shall not be responsible for any statement in the Securities other than its authentication. 

 

Section 7.6 Notice of Defaults.

 

If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Securities of any Series and if it is known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail (or deliver notice subject to the applicable procedures of the Depositary or relevant clearing system) to each Security Holder of the Securities of that Series notice of a Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs or, if later, after a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has written notice of such Default or Event of Default. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of or interest on any Security of any Series, or in the payment of any sinking fund installment, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as its corporate trust committee or a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Security Holders of that Series.

 

Section 7.7 Reports by Trustee to Holders.

 

Within 60 days after May 15 in each year, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Security Holders, as their names and addresses appear on the register kept by the Registrar, a brief report dated as of such May 15, in accordance with, and to the extent required under, TIA § 313.

 

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Security Holders of any Series shall be filed with the SEC and each stock exchange on which the Securities of that Series are listed. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee when Securities of any Series are listed on any stock exchange.

 

Section 7.8 Compensation and Indemnity.

 

The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time compensation for its services as the Company and the Trustee shall from time to time agree upon in writing. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by it. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

 

25

 

 

The Company shall indemnify each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee against any loss, liability or expense (including the cost of defending itself) incurred by it except as set forth in the next paragraph in the performance of the Trustee duties under this Indenture as Trustee or Agent. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity; provided, however, that failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve it of its obligations hereunder. The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense; provided, however, the Trustee may conduct its own defense if there is a conflict of interest between the interests of the Company and those of the Trustee. The Trustee may have one separate counsel (in addition to local counsel, if applicable) and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. This indemnification shall apply to officers, directors, employees, shareholders and Agents or agents of the Trustee.

 

The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss or liability incurred by the Trustee or by any officer, director, employee, shareholder, Agent or agent of the Trustee to the extent it is attributed to its own negligence or willful conduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable order.

 

To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities of any Series on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Securities of that Series.

 

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(d) or (e) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Indenture and the resignation and removal of the Trustee.

 

Section 7.9 Replacement of Trustee.

 

A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section. 

 

The Trustee may resign with respect to the Securities of one or more Series by so notifying the Company at least 30 days prior to the date of the proposed resignation. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any Series may remove the Trustee with respect to that Series by so notifying the Trustee and the Company. The Company may remove the Trustee with respect to Securities of one or more Series if:

 

(a) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.11;

 

(b) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;

 

(c) a Custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

 

(d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

 

If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.

 

If a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any one or more Series does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Securities of the applicable Series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

26

 

 

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Immediately after that, the retiring Trustee upon payment of its fees and expenses then unpaid shall transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.8, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee with respect to each Series of Securities for which it is acting as Trustee under this Indenture. A successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to each Security Holder of each such Series. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.9, the Company’s obligations under Section 7.8 hereof shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee with respect to expenses and liabilities incurred by it prior to such replacement.

 

Section 7.10 Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

 

If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

 

Section 7.11 Eligibility; Disqualification.

 

This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA § 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee shall always have a combined capital and surplus of at least $150,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. The Trustee shall comply with TIA § 310(b).

 

Section 7.12 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

 

The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated.

 

ARTICLE VIII

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE

 

Section 8.1 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

 

This Indenture shall upon Company Order cease to be of further effect (except as hereinafter provided in this Section 8.1), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when 

 

(a) either

 

(i) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than Securities that have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

(ii) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

 

(1) have become due and payable, or

 

(2) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

 

(3) have been called for redemption or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, or

 

(4) are deemed paid and discharged pursuant to Section 8.3, as applicable;

 

and the Company, in the case of (1), (2) or (3) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust an amount sufficient for the purpose of paying and discharging the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable on or prior to the date of such deposit) or to the Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be;

 

27

 

 

(b) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and

 

(c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

 

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 7.8, and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to clause (a) of this Section, the provisions of Sections 2.4, 2.7, 2.8, 8.2 and 8.5 shall survive.

 

Section 8.2 Application of Trust Funds; Indemnification.

 

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 8.5, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.1, all money and U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.3 or 8.4 and all money received by the Trustee in respect of U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.3 or 8.4, shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the persons entitled thereto, of the principal and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with or received by the Trustee or to make mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments as contemplated by Sections 8.3 or 8.4.

 

(b) The Company shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Sections 8.3 or 8.4 or the interest and principal received in respect of such obligations other than any payable by or on behalf of Holders.

 

(c) The Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations or money held by it as provided in Sections 8.3 or 8.4 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are then in excess of the amount thereof which then would have been required to be deposited for the purpose for which such U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations or money were deposited or received. This provision shall not authorize the sale by the Trustee of any U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations held under this Indenture.

 

Section 8.3 Legal Defeasance of Securities of any Series.

 

Unless this Section 8.3 is otherwise specified, pursuant to Section 2.2.22, to be inapplicable to Securities of any Series, the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness on all the outstanding Securities of any Series on the 91st day after the date of the deposit referred to in subparagraph (d) hereof, and the provisions of this Indenture, as it relates to such outstanding Securities of such Series, shall no longer be in effect (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall, at Company Request, execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except as to:

 

(a) the rights of Holders of Securities of such Series to receive, from the trust funds described in subparagraph (d) hereof, (i) payment of the principal of and each installment of principal of and interest on the outstanding Securities of such Series on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest and (ii) the benefit of any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Securities of such Series on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Securities of such Series;

 

28

 

 

(b) the provisions of Sections 2.4, 2.7, 2.8, 8.2, 8.3 and 8.5; and

 

(c) the rights, powers, trust and immunities of the Trustee hereunder;

 

provided that, the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

 

(d) the Company shall have deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited (except as provided in Section 8.2(c)) with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for and dedicated solely to the benefit of the Holders of such Securities (i) in the case of Securities of such Series denominated in Dollars, cash in Dollars and/or U.S. Government Obligations, or (ii) in the case of Securities of such Series denominated in a Foreign Currency (other than a composite currency), money and/or Foreign Government Obligations, which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide (and without reinvestment and assuming no tax liability will be imposed on such Trustee), not later than one day before the due date of any payment of money, an amount in cash, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge each installment of principal of and interest, if any, on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of all the Securities of such Series on the dates such installments of interest or principal and such sinking fund payments are due;

 

(e) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;

 

(f) no Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such Series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;

 

(g) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of execution of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the Securities of such Series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred;

 

(h) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of the Securities of such Series over any other creditors of the Company or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of the Company; and

 

(i) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to the defeasance contemplated by this Section have been complied with. 

 

Section 8.4 Covenant Defeasance.

 

Unless this Section 8.4 is otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.2.22 to be inapplicable to Securities of any Series, the Company may omit to comply with respect to the Securities of any Series with any term, provision or condition set forth under Sections 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, and 5.1 as well as any additional covenants specified in a supplemental indenture for such Series of Securities or a Board Resolution or an Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.2.22 (and the failure to comply with any such covenants shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to such Series under Section 6.1) and the occurrence of any event specified in a supplemental indenture for such Series of Securities or a Board Resolution or an Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.2.18 and designated as an Event of Default shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default hereunder, with respect to the Securities of such Series, provided that the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

 

(a) With reference to this Section 8.4, the Company has deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited (except as provided in Section 8.2(c)) with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of such Securities (i) in the case of Securities of such Series denominated in Dollars, cash in Dollars and/or U.S. Government Obligations, or (ii) in the case of Securities of such Series denominated in a Foreign Currency (other than a composite currency), money and/or Foreign Government Obligations, which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide (and without reinvestment and assuming no tax liability will be imposed on such Trustee), not later than one day before the due date of any payment of money, an amount in cash, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge each installment of principal of and interest, if any, on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the Securities of such Series on the dates such installments of interest or principal and such sinking fund payments are due;

 

29

 

 

(b) Such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;

 

(c) No Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such Series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

 

(d) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders of the Securities of such Series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and covenant defeasance had not occurred;

 

(e) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of the Securities of such Series over any other creditors of the Company or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of the Company; and

 

(f) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the covenant defeasance contemplated by this Section have been complied with.

 

Section 8.5 Repayment to Company.

 

The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Company upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal and interest that remains unclaimed for two years. After that, Security Holders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors unless an applicable abandoned property law designates another person. 

 

ARTICLE IX

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES, AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

 

Section 9.1 Without Consent of Holders.

 

The Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities of one or more Series without the consent of any Security Holder:

 

(a) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

 

(b) to comply with Article V;

 

(c) to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities;

 

(d) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Security Holder;

 

(e) to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of Securities of any Series as permitted by this Indenture;

 

30

 

 

(f) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more Series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee; or

 

(g) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA.

 

Section 9.2 With Consent of Holders.

 

The Company and the Trustee may enter into a supplemental indenture with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of each Series affected by such supplemental indenture (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for the Securities of such Series), for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Security Holders of each such Series. Except as provided in Section 6.13, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series by notice to the Trustee (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for the Securities of such Series) may waive compliance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities with respect to such Series.

 

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of Securities under this Section 9.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. After a supplemental indenture or waiver under this section becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders of Securities affected thereby, a notice briefly describing the supplemental indenture or waiver. Any failure by the Company to mail or publish such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture or waiver.

 

Section 9.3 Limitations.

 

Without the consent of each Security Holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not:

 

(a) reduce the principal amount of Securities whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

(b) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest (including default interest) on any Security;

 

(c) reduce the principal or change the Stated Maturity of any Security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;

 

(d) reduce the principal amount of Discount Securities payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof;

 

(e) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on any Security (except a rescission of acceleration of the Securities of any Series by the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such Series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration); 

 

(f) make the principal of or interest, if any, on any Security payable in any currency other than that stated in the Security;

 

(g) make any change in Sections 6.8, 6.13 or 9.3 (this sentence); or

 

(h) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Security, provided that such redemption is made at the Company’s option.

 

31

 

 

Section 9.4 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.

 

Every amendment or waiver to this Indenture or the issuance of and establishment of the form and terms and conditions of Securities of one or more Series shall be set forth in a supplemental indenture hereto that complies with the TIA as then in effect.

 

Section 9.5 Revocation and Effect of Consents.

 

Until an amendment is set forth in a supplemental indenture or a waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Security is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to his Security or portion of a Security if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date of the supplemental indenture or the date the waiver becomes effective.

 

Any amendment or waiver once effective shall bind every Security Holder of each Series affected by such amendment or waiver unless it is of the type described in any of clauses (a) through (h) of Section 9.3. In that case, the amendment or waiver shall bind each Holder of a Security who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security.

 

Section 9.6 Notation on or Exchange of Securities.

 

The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment or waiver on any Security of any Series thereafter authenticated. The Company in exchange for Securities of that Series may issue and the Trustee shall authenticate upon receipt of a Company Order new Securities of that Series that reflect the amendment or waiver.

 

Section 9.7 Trustee Protected.

 

In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 7.1) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee shall sign all supplemental indentures, except that the Trustee need not sign any supplemental indenture that adversely affects its rights.

 

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 10.1 Trust Indenture Act Controls.

 

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies, or conflicts with another provision which is required or deemed to be included in this Indenture by the TIA, such required or deemed provision shall control. 

 

Section 10.2 Notices.

 

Any notice or communication by the Company or the Trustee to the other, or by a Holder to the Company or the Trustee, is duly given if in writing, in the English language, referencing this Indenture and the applicable securities or series of securities, and delivered in person, or mailed by first-class mail:

 

if to the Company:

 

Room 601, 1 Shui’an South Street

Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012

People’s Republic of China

 

if to the Trustee:

[ ]

Attention: [ ]

 

32

 

 

The Company or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

 

Any notice or communication to a Security Holder shall be mailed by first-class mail to his address shown on the register kept by the Registrar or delivered subject to the applicable procedures of Depositary or relevant clearing system. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Security Holder of any Series or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Security Holders of that or any other Series.

 

If a notice or communication is mailed or published in the manner provided above, within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the Security Holder receives it.

 

If the Company mails a notice or communication to Security Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

 

Section 10.3 Communication by Holders with Other Holders.

 

Security Holders of any Series may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Security Holders of that Series or any other Series with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities of that Series or all Series. The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).

 

Section 10.4 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

 

Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:

 

(a) an Officers’ Certificate stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

 

(b) an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.

 

Section 10.5 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

 

Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and shall include:

 

(a) a statement that the person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

 

(b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; 

 

(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

 

(d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

 

Section 10.6 Rules by Trustee and Agents.

 

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Security Holders of one or more Series. Any Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

 

33

 

 

Section 10.7 Legal Holidays.

 

Unless otherwise provided by Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture hereto for a particular Series, a “Legal Holiday” is any day that is not a Business Day. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

 

Section 10.8 No Recourse Against Others.

 

A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the Company shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Securities or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Security Holder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.

 

Section 10.9 Counterparts.

 

This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

Section 10.10 Governing Laws.

 

THIS INDENTURE AND THE SECURITIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF.

 

Section 10.11 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.

 

This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

 

Section 10.12 Successors.

 

All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Securities shall bind its successor. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successor.

 

Section 10.13 Severability.

 

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

Section 10.14 Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.

 

The Table of Contents, Cross Reference Table, and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof, and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof. 

 

34

 

 

Section 10.15 Securities in a Foreign Currency or in ECU.

 

Unless otherwise specified in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.2 of this Indenture with respect to a particular Series of Securities, whenever for purposes of this Indenture any action may be taken by the Holders of a specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all Series or all Series affected by a particular action at the time outstanding and, at such time, there are outstanding Securities of any Series which are denominated in a coin or currency other than Dollars (including ECUs), then the principal amount of Securities of such Series which shall be deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of taking such action shall be that amount of Dollars that could be obtained for such amount at the Market Exchange Rate at such time. For purposes of this Section 10.15, “Market Exchange Rate” shall mean the noon Dollar buying rate in New York City for cable transfers of that currency as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; provided, however, in the case of ECUs, Market Exchange Rate shall mean the rate of exchange determined by the Commission of the European Union (or any successor thereto) as published in the Official Journal of the European Union (such publication or any successor publication, the “Journal”). If such Market Exchange Rate is not available for any reason with respect to such currency, the Trustee shall use, in its sole discretion and without liability on its part, such quotation of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or, in the case of ECUs, the rate of exchange as published in the Journal, as of the most recent available date, or quotations or, in the case of ECUs, rates of exchange from one or more major banks in The City of New York or in the country of issue of the currency in question or, in the case of ECUs, in Luxembourg or such other quotations or, in the case of ECUs, rates of exchange as the Trustee, upon consultation with the Company, shall deem appropriate. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply in determining the equivalent principal amount in respect of Securities of a Series denominated in currency other than Dollars in connection with any action taken by Holders of Securities pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

 

All decisions and determinations of the Trustee regarding the Market Exchange Rate or any alternative determination provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be in its sole discretion and shall, in the absence of manifest error, to the extent permitted by law, be conclusive for all purposes and irrevocably binding upon the Company and all Holders.

 

Section 10.16 Judgment Currency.

 

The Company agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so under applicable law, that (a) if for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert the sum due in respect of the principal of or interest or other amount on the Securities of any Series (the “Required Currency”) into a currency in which a judgment will be rendered (the “Judgment Currency”), the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered, unless such day is not a New York Banking Day, then the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the New York Banking Day preceding the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered and (b) its obligations under this Indenture to make payments in the Required Currency (i) shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender, any recovery pursuant to any judgment (whether or not entered in accordance with subsection (a)), in any currency other than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery shall result in the actual receipt, by the payee, of the full amount of the Required Currency expressed to be payable in respect of such payments, (ii) shall be enforceable as an alternative or additional cause of action for the purpose of recovering in the Required Currency the amount, if any, by which such actual receipt shall fall short of the full amount of the Required Currency so expressed to be payable, and (iii) shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other sum due under this Indenture. For purposes of the foregoing, “New York Banking Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday in The City of New York on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

 

 

ARTICLE XI

SINKING FUNDS

 

Section 11.1 Applicability of Article.

 

The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of the Securities of a Series, except as otherwise permitted or required by any form of Security of such Series issued pursuant to this Indenture.

 

35

 

 

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of the Securities of any Series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment” and any other amount provided for by the terms of Securities of such Series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.” If provided for by the terms of Securities of any Series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 11.2. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any Series as provided for by the terms of the Securities of such Series.

 

Section 11.2 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

 

The Company may, in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of any Series to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities (1) deliver outstanding Securities of such Series to which such sinking fund payment is applicable (other than any of such Securities previously called for mandatory sinking fund redemption) and (2) apply as credit Securities of such Series to which such sinking fund payment is applicable and which have been repurchased by the Company or redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Series of Securities (except pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund) or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments or other optional redemptions pursuant to the terms of such Securities, provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received by the Trustee, together with an Officers’ Certificate with respect thereto, not later than 15 days prior to the date on which the Trustee begins the process of selecting Securities for redemption, and shall be credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly. If as a result of the delivery or credit of Securities in lieu of cash payments pursuant to this Section 11.2, the principal amount of Securities of such Series to be redeemed in order to exhaust the aforesaid cash payment shall be less than $100,000, the Trustee need not call Securities of such Series for redemption, except upon receipt of a Company Order that such action be taken, and such cash payment shall be held by the Trustee or a Paying Agent and applied to the next succeeding sinking fund payment, provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall from time to time upon receipt of a Company Order pay over and deliver to the Company any cash payment so being held by the Trustee or such Paying Agent upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of Securities of that Series purchased by the Company having an unpaid principal amount equal to the cash payment required to be released to the Company.

 

Section 11.3 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

 

Not less than 45 days (unless otherwise indicated in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate in respect of a particular Series of Securities) prior to each sinking fund payment date for any Series of Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment for that Series pursuant to the terms of that Series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting of Securities of that Series pursuant to Section 11.2, and the optional amount, if any, to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, and the Company shall thereupon be obligated to pay the amount therein specified. Not less than 30 days (unless otherwise indicated in the Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture in respect of a particular Series of Securities) before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 3.2 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 3.3. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6.

 

36

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

  Recon Technology Ltd
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  
   
  [ ], as Trustee
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

 

Exhibit 5.1

 




By Email

Recon Technology, Ltd
Room 601, 1 Shui’an South Street
Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012
People’s Republic of China

21 December 2022    
  Campbells
Floor 4, Willow House,
Cricket Square Grand
Cayman KY1-9010
Cayman Islands  
 
D +852 3708 3016
T
 +1 345 949 2648
F
 +1 345 949 8613
E
 rlaws@campbellslegal.com  

campbellslegal.com
_________  
 
Our Ref: 11963-27899
Your Ref:  

 

Dear Sirs,

 

Recon Technology, Ltd

 

We are Cayman Islands counsel for Recon Technology, Ltd, a Cayman Islands corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the registration and offerings of any combination of debt securities, Class A ordinary shares, warrants, rights, share purchase contracts, share purchase units or units as, shall have aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $200,000,000 or such lesser aggregate amount permitted under General Instruction I.B.5 to Form F-3 under the Securities Act, through a Registration Statement on Form F-3 (“Registration Statement”) as to which this opinion is a part, to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).

 

In connection with rendering our opinion as set forth below, we have reviewed and examined the following:

 

1 A copy of the Company’s certificate of incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies on 21 August 2007.

 

  2 A copy of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of the (the “M&A”) Company as adopted by the Company by a special resolution of the shareholders on the 5 April 2021 (the “Shareholders Resolution”) and as filed with the Registrar of Companies on 7 April 2021 certified as true by Yin Shenping pursuant to the Directors Certificate.

 

  3 A copy of the written resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company dated 3 November 2019 (together with the Shareholders Resolutions, the “Resolutions”).

 

  4 A copy of the Shareholders Resolution dated the 5 April 2021.

 

  5 An electronic copy of the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto as provided by the Company and to be filed with the Commission on or about the date of this opinion.

 

  6 A copy of the Register of Directors of the Company dated 20 December 2022, certified as true by Yin Shenping pursuant to the Director’s Certificate.

 

  7 Copy of a Certificate of a Director of the Company dated 20 December 2022 (the “Director’s Certificate”).

 

  8 A copy of the Certificate of Good Standing of the Company issued by the Registrar of Companies dated 9 August 2022.

 

The Registration Statement and the exhibits to the Registration Statement are referred to below as the “Documents.”

 

 

 

The following opinion is given only as to matters of Cayman Islands law and we express no opinion with respect to any matters governed by or construed in accordance with the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Cayman Islands. The following opinion is given only as to, and based on, circumstances and matters of fact existing and known to us on the date of this opinion letter. We have assumed that there is nothing under any law (other than the laws of the Cayman Islands) which would affect or vary the following opinion. Specifically, we have made no independent investigation of the laws of the United States of America and we offer no opinion in relation thereto. We offer no opinion in relation to any representation or warranty given by any party to the Documents save as specifically hereinafter set forth. This opinion is strictly limited to the matters stated in it, does not apply by implication to other matters, and only relates to (1) those circumstances or facts specifically stated herein and (2) the laws of the Cayman Islands, as they respectively exist at the date hereof.

 

In giving this opinion we have assumed, without independent verification:

 

  (a) the genuineness of all signatures and seals, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity of all copy documents or the forms of documents provided to us to their originals or, as the case may be, to the final form of the originals and that any markings showing revisions or amendments to documents are correct and complete;

 

  (b) that the copies produced to us of minutes of meetings and/or of resolutions are true copies and correctly record the proceedings of such meetings and/or the subject matter which they propose to record and that all factual statements therein contained are true and correct and that any meetings referred to in such copies were duly convened and held and that all resolutions set out in such copy minutes or resolutions were duly passed and are in full force and effect and that all factual statements made in such resolutions, the Director’s Certificate and any other certificates and documents on which we have relied are true and correct (and continue to be true and correct);

 

  (c) that the statutory registers of directors and officers, members, mortgages and charges and the minute book of the Company are true, complete, accurate and up to date;

 

  (d) the accuracy of all representations, warranties and covenants as to factual matters made by the parties to the Documents; and

 

  (e) that there is no contractual or other prohibition (other than as may arise by virtue of the laws of the Cayman Islands) binding on the Company or on any other party prohibiting it from entering into and performing its obligations;

 

  (f) the Resolutions were duly passed in the manner prescribed in the M&A (including, without limitation, with respect to the disclosure of interests (if any) by directors of the Company) and have not been amended, varied or revoked in any respect;

 

  (g) The shareholders of the Company have not restricted the powers of the directors of the Company in any way;

 

  (h) The debt securities, the share purchase contracts, share purchase units and the warrants, the rights and the units of the Company all as described in the Registration Statement are, or will be, legal, valid, binding and enforceable against all relevant parties in accordance with their terms under the laws of the State of New York and all other relevant laws (other than the laws of the Cayman Islands);

 

  (i) The choice of the laws of the State of New York as the governing law of the debt securities, the share purchase contracts, share purchase units and the warrants as described in the Registration Statement has been, or will be, made in good faith and would be regarded as a valid and binding selection which will be upheld by the courts of the State of New York and any other relevant jurisdiction (other than the Cayman Islands) as a matter of the laws of the State of New York and all other relevant laws (other than the laws of the Cayman Islands);

 

  (k) The Company will receive money or money's worth in consideration for the issue of the Class A ordinary shares, and none of the Class A ordinary Shares will be issued for less than their par value;

 

 

 

  (l) The capacity, power, authority and legal right of all parties under all relevant laws and regulations (other than, with respect to the Company, the laws of the Cayman Islands) to enter into, execute, unconditionally deliver and perform their respective obligations under the debt securities, the share purchase contracts, share purchase units and the warrants as described in the Registration Statement; and.

 

  (m) The accuracy of all matters set out in the Director’s Certificate.

 

Based upon the foregoing and in reliance thereon, it is our opinion that:

 

  (i) the Company has been duly incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability and is validly existing and in good standing with the Registrar of Companies under the laws of the Cayman Islands.

 

  (ii) the Class A ordinary shares as described in the Registration Statement will, upon the receipt of full payment, issuance and delivery in accordance with the terms of the offering described in the Registration Statement and registration in the register of members (shareholders) of the Company be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; and

 

  (iii) the Class A ordinary shares, the debt securities, the share purchase contracts and share purchase units, the warrants, the rights and the units of the Company all as described in the Registration Statement will, upon the receipt of full payment, issuance and delivery in accordance with the terms of the offering described in the Registration Statement constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with the terms of their issue.

 

The foregoing opinion is subject to the following reservations and qualifications:

 

  1 Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members (shareholders) is prima facie evidence of title to shares and this register would not record a third party interest in such shares. However, there are certain limited circumstances where an application may be made to a Cayman Islands court for a determination on whether the register of members reflects the correct legal position. Further, the Cayman Islands court has the power to order that the register of members maintained by a company should be rectified where it considers that the register of members does not reflect the correct legal position. As far as we are aware, such applications are rarely made in the Cayman Islands and there are no circumstances or matters of fact known to us on the date of this opinion letter which would properly form the basis for an application for an order for rectification of the register of members of the Company, but if such an application were made in respect of the Class A ordinary shares, then the validity of such shares may be subject to re-examination by a Cayman Islands court.

 

  2 In this opinion letter, the phrase “non-assessable” means, with respect to the issuance of shares, that a shareholder shall not, in respect of the relevant shares and in the absence of a contractual arrangement, or an obligation pursuant to the memorandum and articles of association, to the contrary, have any obligation to make further contributions to the Company’s assets (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).

 

  3 We neither express nor imply any opinion as to any representation or warranty given by the Company in the Documents as to its capability (financial or otherwise) to undertake the obligations assumed by it under the Documents.

 

  4 To maintain the Company in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands annual fees must be paid and annual returns made to the Registrar of Companies. The annual fees are payable by the Company and will not affect the non-assessable nature of the Class A ordinary shares.

 

 

 

  5 The obligations assumed by the Company under debt securities, the share purchase contracts, share purchase units and the warrants as described in the Registration Statement will not necessarily be enforceable in all circumstances in accordance with their terms. In particular:  

 

  (a) enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganisation, readjustment of debts or moratorium or other laws of general application relating to, protecting or affecting the rights of creditors;

 

  (b) enforcement may be limited by general principles of equity. For example, equitable remedies such as specific performance may not be available, inter alia, where damages are considered to be an adequate remedy;

 

  (c) some claims may become barred under relevant statutes of limitation or may be or become subject to defences of set off, counterclaim, estoppel and similar defences;

 

  (d) where obligations are to be performed in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands, they may not be enforceable in the Cayman Islands to the extent that performance would be illegal under the laws of that jurisdiction;

 

  (e) the courts of the Cayman Islands have jurisdiction to give judgment in the currency of the relevant obligation and statutory rates of interest payable upon judgments will vary according to the currency of the judgment. If the Company becomes insolvent and is made subject to a liquidation proceeding, the courts of the Cayman Islands will require all debts to be proved in a common currency, which is likely to be the "functional currency" of the Company determined in accordance with applicable accounting principles. Currency indemnity provisions have not been tested, so far as we are aware, in the courts of the Cayman Islands;

 

  (f) arrangements that constitute penalties will not be enforceable;

 

  (g) enforcement may be prevented by reason of fraud, coercion, duress, undue influence, misrepresentation, public policy or mistake or limited by the doctrine of frustration of contracts;

 

  (h) provisions imposing confidentiality obligations may be overridden by compulsion of applicable law or the requirements of legal and/or regulatory process;

 

  (i) the courts of the Cayman Islands may decline to exercise jurisdiction in relation to substantive proceedings brought under or in relation to the Transaction Documents or Securities (other than Class A ordinary shares) in matters where they determine that such proceedings may be tried in a more appropriate forum;

 

  (j) we reserve our opinion as to the enforceability of the relevant provisions of the Transaction Documents or Securities (other than Class A ordinary shares) to the extent that they purport to grant exclusive jurisdiction as there may be circumstances in which the courts of the Cayman Islands would accept jurisdiction notwithstanding such provisions; and

 

  (k) a company cannot, by agreement or in its articles of association, restrict the exercise of a statutory power and there is doubt as to the enforceability of any provision in the Transaction Documents or Securities (other than Class A ordinary shares) whereby the Company covenants to restrict the exercise of powers specifically given to it under the Companies Act (2021 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, including, without limitation, the power to increase its authorised share capital, amend its memorandum and articles of association or present a petition to a Cayman Islands court for an order to wind up the Company.

 

We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus constituting a part thereof. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under section 7 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Rules and Regulations of the Commission thereunder.

 

We express no view as to the commercial terms of the debt securities, the share purchase contracts, share purchase units and the warrants as described in the Registration Statement or whether such terms represent the intentions of the parties and make no comment with regard to warranties or representations that may be made by the Company.

 

 

 

This opinion letter may be relied upon by US counsel to the Company for the purposes solely of any legal opinion that they may be required to give with respect to the Registration Statement.

 

Yours faithfully

 

/s/ Campbells

 

Campbells

 

 

Exhibit 8.4

 

  Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.
Two James Center
1021 East Cary Street, Suite 1400
Richmond, VA 23219

Mailing Address
Post Office Box 27828
Richmond, VA 23261

T (804) 771.5700
F (888) 360.9092

kaufCAN.com

 

  December 21, 2022

 

Via Electronic Mail

Recon Technology, Ltd

Room 601, Shui’an South Street

Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012

People’s Republic of China

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form F-3 of Recon Technology, Ltd

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as U.S. securities counsel to Recon Technology, Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Company”), in connection with a Registration Statement (the “Registration Statement”) on Form F-3, as amended, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), of up to $200,000,000 of (i) the Company’s Class A ordinary shares, $0.0925 par value per share (the “Class A Ordinary Shares”), (ii) warrants to purchase debt securities, Class A Ordinary Shares, or other securities registered under the Registration Statement (the “Warrants”), (iv) one or more series of debt securities of the Company (the “Debt Securities”), (v) units comprised of one or more of Class A Ordinary Shares, Warrants and Debt Securities (the “Units”), and collectively with the Class A Ordinary Shares, Warrants and Debt Securities, the “Securities”).

 

In connection with this opinion letter, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the Registration Statement, of such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates and statements of public officials, certificates of officers or representatives of the Company, and such other documents, certificates and records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion set forth herein.

 

In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies and the authenticity of all originals of such latter documents. In making our examination of the documents executed by the parties, we have assumed that such parties had the power, corporate or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, corporate or other, and execution and delivery by such parties of such documents and the validity and binding effect thereof. Except as expressly set forth herein, we have not undertaken any independent investigation to determine the existence or absence of facts material to the opinions expressed herein and no inference as to our knowledge concerning such facts should be drawn from the fact that such representation has been relied upon by us in connection with the preparation and delivery of this opinion. As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein which were not independently established or verified, we have relied upon oral or written statements and representations made by officers and other representatives of the Company and others, in each case as we have deemed relevant and appropriate. We have not independently verified the facts so relied on.

 

 

 

The opinions expressed in this opinion letter are limited to the Business Corporation Law of the State of New York. We are not opining on, and we assume no responsibility for, the applicability to or effect on any of the matters covered herein of (a) any other laws; (b) the laws of any other jurisdiction; or (c) the laws of any county, municipality or other political subdivision or local governmental agency or authority.

  

We expressly disclaim any responsibility to advise of any development or circumstance of any kind, including any change of law or fact that may occur after the date of this opinion letter that might affect the opinion expressed herein. We express no opinion as to compliance with any other federal or state law, rule or regulation relating to securities, or to the sale or issuance thereof.

 

You are separately receiving an opinion from Campbells with respect to the corporate proceedings relating to the due issuance of the Class A Ordinary Shares, Warrants and Units and in rendering this opinion, we rely on such opinion as to the validity of such issuances under the law of the Cayman Islands.

 

Based on the foregoing, and having regard to legal considerations which we deem relevant, and subject to the qualifications, limitations and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that with respect to Debt Securities, when (a) an applicable indenture, if any, or any necessary amendment or supplement thereto or other agreement in respect thereof, if any, has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the trustee thereunder, (b) any applicable indenture, if required, has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, if qualification is required thereunder, (c) the specific terms and the issuance and sale of any particular Debt Security have been duly established in accordance with the applicable indenture, if any, or any necessary amendment thereto or other agreement in respect thereof, if any, and authorized by all necessary action of the Company, and (d) any such Debt Security has been duly executed, issued, authenticated (if required) and delivered by or on behalf of the Company as contemplated by the Registration Statement and/or the applicable prospectus supplement either (i) against payment therefor in accordance with the provisions of the applicable indenture and/or any other agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and the provisions of the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Company and in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement and/or the applicable prospectus supplement or (ii) upon conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise of any other Debt Security in accordance with the terms of such Debt Security or the instrument governing such Debt Security as approved by the Company, for the consideration approved by the Company, such Debt Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except: (a) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including but not limited to principles limiting the availability of specific performance and injunctive relief, and concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing; (b) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the federal and state securities laws, and (c) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.

 

We express no opinion as to the enforceability of (i) provisions that relate to choice of law, forum selection or submission to jurisdiction (including, without limitation, any express or implied waiver of any objection to venue in any court or of any objection that a court is an inconvenient forum) to the extent that the validity, binding effect or enforceability of any such provision is to be determined by any court other than a state court of the State of New York, (ii) waivers by the Company of any statutory or constitutional rights or remedies, or (iii) terms which excuse any person or entity from liability for, or require the Company to indemnify such person or entity against, such person’s or entity’s negligence or willful misconduct. We draw your attention to the fact that, under certain circumstances, the enforceability of terms to the effect that provisions may not be waived or modified except in writing may be limited.

 

 

 

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, the discussion of this opinion in the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act, or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of the Registration Statement within the meaning of the term “expert” as used in the Securities Act.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  /s/ Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.
  Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.

 

 

 

Exhibit 107

 

Calculation of Filing Fee Tables

 

……F-3……..

(Form Type)

 

…………………………Recon Technology, Ltd…………………………..…

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities

 

  Security
Type
Security
Class
Title
(1)(2)
Fee
Calculation
or Carry
Forward
Rule
Amount
Registered
(1)(2)(4)
Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price Per
Unit
(1)(3)
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering
Price
(1)(3)(4)
Fee
Rate
Amount of
Registration
Fee
(4)(5)
Carry
Forward
Form
Type
Carry
Forward
File
Number
Carry
Forward
Initial
effective
date
Filing Fee
Previously
Paid In
Connection
with Unsold
Securities to
be Carried
Forward
Newly Registered Securities

Fees to Be

Paid

Equity Class A Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.0925 per share 457(o)     $200,000,000 $110.20 per $1,000,000 $22,040(11)        

Fees to Be

Paid

Equity Share Purchase Contracts(6) 457(o)                  

Fees to Be

Paid

Equity Share Purchase Units(6) 457(o)                  

Fees to Be

Paid

Debt Debt Securities(7) 457(o)                  

Fees to Be

Paid

Equity Warrants(8) 457(o)                  

Fees to Be

Paid

Equity Rights(9) 457(o)                  

Fees to Be

Paid

Equity Units(10) 457(o)                  

Fees to Be

Paid

Unallocated (Universal Shelf) Unallocated (Universal Shelf) 457(o)     $200,000,000 $110.20 per $1,000,000 $22,040(11)        
  Total Offering Amounts       $200,000,000        
  Total Fees Previously Paid       $22,040        
  Total Fee Offsets       0        
  Net Fee Due                

 

(1) There are being registered hereunder such indeterminate number of (i) ordinary shares, (ii) share purchase contracts and share purchase units, (iii) debt securities, (iv) warrants, (v) rights and vi) units, as shall have an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $200,000,000 or such lesser aggregate amount permitted under General Instruction I.B.5 to Form F-3 under the Securities Act. Such indeterminate amounts may from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices, in U.S. Dollars. Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder. This registration statement also includes such presently indeterminate number of securities as may be issuable from time to time upon conversion or upon exercise of, or in exchange for, any such convertible or exchangeable securities registered hereunder or pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of any such securities.

 

(2) Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, the securities offered hereby shall be deemed to cover additional securities to be offered to prevent dilution resulting from share splits, share dividends or similar transactions.

 

(3) The proposed maximum per unit and aggregate offering prices per security will be determined, from time to time, by the registrant in connection with the issuance by the registrant of the securities registered hereunder.

 

(4) The amount to be registered, proposed maximum aggregate offering price per unit and proposed maximum aggregate offering price are not specified as to each class of security pursuant to General Instruction II.C of Form F-3 under the Securities Act. The proposed maximum aggregate offering price is estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

(5) With respect to securities to be offered for sale by the Registrant, the registration fee is calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) of the Securities Act of 1933, based on the Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price.

 

(6) Share purchase contracts to purchase ordinary shares or other securities registered hereunder. Share purchase contracts may be issued separately or as share purchase units. Share purchase units may consist of a share purchase contract and debt securities, warrants, other securities registered hereunder or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, securing the holders’ obligations to purchase the securities under the share purchase contracts.

 

(7) May include senior or subordinated debt.

 

(8) Warrants may entitle the holder to purchase our ordinary shares, debt securities or any combination thereof. Warrants may be issued independently or together with ordinary shares, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities.

 

(9) Rights evidencing the right to purchase ordinary shares, or debt securities.

 

(10) Each unit may consist of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination.