Connected Transaction Regarding Entrusted Loan ...
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THIS CIRCULAR IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
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action to be taken, you should consult a licensed securities dealer,
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POWER GENERATION CO., LTD., you should at once hand this circular to the
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disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from
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circular.
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DATANG INTERNATIONAL POWER GENERATION CO., LTD.
(a sino-foreign joint stock limited company incorporated in the
People's Republic of China)
(Stock Code: 00991)
CONNECTED TRANSACTION
IN RELATION TO
ENTRUSTED LOAN AGREEMENT
Independent Financial Adviser to the Independent Board Committee
and the Independent Shareholders
Mizuho Securities Asia Limited
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A letter from the Board is set out on pages 4 to 9 of this circular. A
letter from the Independent Board Committee is set out on pages 10 to 11
of this circular. A letter from Mizuho Securities containing its advice
to the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders is
set out on pages 12 to 18 of this circular.
The Company will convene the EGM at the meeting room no. 1608, head
office of the Company, No. 9 Guangningbo Street, Xicheng District,
Beijing, PRC on 18 December 2012 (Tuesday) at 9:00 a.m.. The notice
convening the EGM has been despatched to the Shareholders on 1 November
2012.
Completion and return of the proxy form shall not preclude you from
attending and voting in person at the EGM or at any adjourned meetings
should you so wish.
20 November 2012
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CONTENTS
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DEFINITIONS
LETTER FROM THE BOARD
LETTER FROM THE INDEPENDENT BOARD COMMITTEE
LETTER FROM MIZUHO SECURITIES
APPENDIX �C GENERAL INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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In this circular, unless the context otherwise requires, the following
expressions have the following meanings:
"A Share(s)" the domestic ordinary share(s) of the
Company with a nominal value of RMB1.00
each and are listed on the Shanghai
Stock Exchange
"Board" the board of Directors of the Company
"CDC" China Datang Corporation, a State-owned
enterprise established under the laws
of the PRC and is the controlling
Shareholder of the Company pursuant to
the Listing Rules which, together with
its subsidiaries, own approximately
34.71% of the issued share capital of
the Company as at the Latest
Practicable Date
"Company" Datang International Power Generation
Co., Ltd., a sino-foreign joint stock
limited company incorporated in the
PRC on 13 December 1994, whose H Shares
are listed on the Stock Exchange and
the London Stock Exchange and whose A
Shares are listed on the Shanghai Stock
Exchange
"connected person" has the meaning ascribed to it under
the Listing Rules
"connected transaction" has the meaning ascribed to it under
the Listing Rules
"Datang Finance Company" Datang Corporation Finance Limited
Company, a subsidiary of CDC
"Directors" the director(s) of the Company
"Duolun Coal Chemical Company" Datang Inner Mongolia Duolun Coal
Chemical Company Limited, which
constructs and operates the Duolun Coal
Chemical Project
"Duolun Coal Chemical Project" the project located in Duolun County in
the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
which uses the brown coal from the East
Unit 2 coal mine of Shengli Coal Mine
as raw materials for the production of
polypropylene chemical products by
employing the pulverised coal
gasification technology, the synthetic
gas purification technology,
large-scale methanol synthesis
technology, the methanol-to-propylene
technology and the propylene
polymerisation technology
"EGM" the 2012 third extraordinary general
meeting of the Company to be held at
the PRC on 18 December 2012 (Tuesday)
at 9:00 a.m.
"Entrusted Loan" the entrusted loan of a total principal
amount of not exceeding RMB3 billion
"Entrusted Loan Agreement" the entrusted loan agreement entered
into on 31 October 2012 between the
Company, Datang Finance Company and
Duolun Coal Chemical Company in respect
of the Entrusted Loan Arrangement
"Entrusted Loan Arrangement" the arrangement where Datang Finance
Company is entrusted by the Company to
act as a lending agent to, inter alia,
release the Entrusted Loan to Duolun
Coal Chemical Company pursuant to the
Entrusted Loan Agreement
"Financial Services Agreement" the financial services agreement dated
26 October 2010 entered into between
the Company and Datang Finance Company,
details of which please refer to the
circular of the Company dated 16
November 2010
"Group" the Company and its subsidiaries
"H Share(s)" the overseas listed foreign shares of
the Company with a nominal value of
RMB1.00 each, which are listed on the
Stock Exchange and the London Stock
Exchange
"Hong Kong" the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region of the PRC
"Independent Board Committee" the independent board committee of the
Company, comprising five independent
non-executive Directors, and each of
them does not have any material
interest in the Entrusted Loan
Agreement
"Independent Shareholders" has the meaning ascribed to it under
the Listing Rules
"Latest Practicable Date" 16 November 2012, being the latest
practicable date prior to the printing
of this circular for ascertaining
certain information in this circular
"Listing Rules" the Rules Governing the Listing of
Securities on the Stock Exchange
"Mizuho Securities" Mizuho Securities Asia Limited, the
independent financial adviser to the
Independent Board Committee and the
Independent Shareholders in respect of
the terms of the Entrusted Loan
Agreement, and a licensed corporation
for types 1 (dealing in securities), 2
(dealing in futures contracts), 4
(advising on securities), 5 (advising
on futures contracts), 6 (advising on
corporate finance) and 9 (asset
management) regulated activities under
the SFO
"PRC" the People's Republic of China
"RMB" Renminbi, the lawful currency of the
PRC
"SFO" the Securities and Futures Ordinance
(Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong)
"Shareholder(s)" the holder(s) of the Share(s)
"Shares" the ordinary shares of the Company with
a nominal value of RMB1.00 each,
comprising domestic Shares and H Shares
"Stock Exchange" The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
"%" percent
"2010 Revolving Entrusted the revolving entrusted loan agreement
Loan Agreement" dated 12 January 2010 entered into
between the Company, Datang Finance
Company and Duolun Coal Chemical
Company in respect of an entrusted loan
arrangement
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
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DATANG INTERNATIONAL POWER GENERATION CO., LTD.
(a sino-foreign joint stock limited company incorporated in the
People's Republic of China)
(Stock Code: 00991)
Executive Directors: Office address:
Mr. Cao Jingshan No.9 Guangningbo Street
Mr. Zhou Gang Xicheng District
Beijing, 100033
Non-executive Directors: the PRC
Mr. Liu Shunda (Chairman) Principal place of business
Mr. Hu Shengmu in Hong Kong:
Mr. Fang Qinghai c/o Eversheds
Mr. Liu Haixia 21/F, Gloucester Tower
Ms. Guan Tiangang The Landmark
Mr. Mi Dabin 15 Queen's Road Central
Mr. Ye Yonghui Hong Kong
Mr. Li Gengsheng
Independent non-executive Directors:
Mr. Li Yanmeng
Mr. Zhao Zunlian
Mr. Li Hengyuan
Ms. Zhao Jie
Mr. Jiang Guohua
20 November 2012
To the Shareholders
Dear Sir or Madam,
CONNECTED TRANSACTION
IN RELATION TO
ENTRUSTED LOAN AGREEMENT
BACKGROUND
On 25 October 2012, the 30th meeting of the seventh session of the
Board considered and approved the provision of the Entrusted Loan of not
exceeding RMB3 billion to Duolun Coal Chemical Company. On 31 October
2012, the Company entered into the Entrusted Loan Agreement with Datang
Finance Company and Duolun Coal Chemical Company in relation to the
provision of the Entrusted Loan by the Company to Duolun Coal Chemical
Company through the Entrusted Loan Arrangement, in which Datang Finance
Company acts as the lending agent.
The purpose of this circular is:
(1) to provide you with further details of the Entrusted Loan
Agreement;
(2) to set out the recommendation of the Independent Board
Committee in respect of the Entrusted Loan Agreement; and
(3) to set out the letter of advice from Mizuho Securities to the
Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders
in respect of the Entrusted Loan Agreement.
ENTRUSTED LOAN AGREEMENT
Date and Subject Matter
On 31 October 2012, the Company entered into the Entrusted Loan
Agreement with Datang Finance Company and Duolun Coal Chemical Company
in relation to the provision of the Entrusted Loan by the Company to
Duolun Coal Chemical Company pursuant to the Entrusted Loan Arrangement,
in which Datang Finance Company acts as a lending agent.
Parties to the Agreement
1. The Company, as the lender;
2. Datang Finance Company, as the lending agent; and
3. Duolun Coal Chemical Company, as the borrower.
Major Terms of the Entrusted Loan Agreement
1. Entrusted Loan Arrangement
Pursuant to the Entrusted Loan Agreement, Datang Finance Company is
entrusted by the Company to act as a lending agent to, inter alia,
release the Entrusted Loan to Duolun Coal Chemical Company, and
supervise Duolun Coal Chemical Company to use and repay the Entrusted
Loan.
2. Principal amount of the Entrusted Loan
Not exceeding RMB3 billion.
3. Term
The term for the Entrusted Loan Agreement is 36 months commencing
from 31 October 2012 and ending on 30 October 2015.
4. Interest rate
At a floating interest rate, being the benchmark interest rate to be
charged for the same level of loans in RMB by the People's Bank of China
for the same period as announced by the People's Bank of China on the
date when the Entrusted Loan is withdrawn and such interest rate is to
be adjusted annually. The adjustment date is 21st December of each year.
The adjusted interest rate will be the benchmark interest rate for the
same level of loans in RMB for the same period announced by the People's
Bank of China on the adjustment date.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, the current benchmark interest
rate of the People's Bank of China for the same level of loans in RMB
for the same period is 6.15% per year.
Such interest rate is arrived at after arm's length negotiation
between the Company and Duolun Coal Chemical Company in consideration of
the overall reduction in capital costs to the Group after the accounts
of Duolun Coal Chemical Company (being the subsidiary of the Company)
are consolidated into the accounts of the Company.
5. Repayment schedule of the principal of the Entrusted Loan
One-off repayment of principal by Duolun Coal Chemical Company upon
maturity under the Entrusted Loan Agreement.
6. Payment schedule of interests of the Entrusted Loan
Interests shall be settled by Duolun Coal Chemical Company on a
quarterly basis. The settlement date falls on the twentieth (20th) day
of the last month of each quarter.
7. Handling Fee
The handling fee shall be charged by Datang Finance Company on the
date of grant of the Entrusted Loan and on the day corresponding to the
date of grant of the Entrusted Loan in each following year. The rate of
the handling fee per annum shall be 0.025% of the outstanding amount of
the Entrusted Loan.
8. Effective date
The Entrusted Loan Agreement shall become effective when it is duly
signed by the parties and upon the approval of the internal authority of
each of the parties (or the internal approval procedures of each of the
parties have been implemented) including obtaining approval of the
Entrusted Loan Agreement by the Independent Shareholders at the EGM.
REASONS FOR AND BENEFITS OF ENTERING INTO THE ENTRUSTED LOAN AGREEMENT
In view of the cooperation history between Datang Finance Company
and the Company and given that the provision of entrusted loan services
by Datang Finance Company is covered under the Financial Services
Agreement, Datang Finance Company has better understanding of the
operations of the Company which will allow more expedient and efficient
services than those rendered by other PRC commercial banks. Further, the
handling fees charged by Datang Finance Company will not be higher than
those charged by other PRC commercial banks. In view of the above
considerations, the Company appointed Datang Finance Company, rather
than other PRC commercial banks, as the lending agent.
Further, considering the capital risks control measures under the
Financial Services Agreement as set out in the circular of the Company
dated 16 November 2010 and the terms under the Entrusted Loan Agreement
are normal commercial terms which confer no additional obligations nor
risks on the Company when comparing with other entrusted loan agreement
in the market, the Company considers that no additional risks will be
involved by appointing Datang Finance Company as the lending agent under
the Entrusted Loan Agreement.
In order to ensure the day-to-day cash flow of Duolun Coal Chemical
Company, the Company intends to provide the Entrusted Loan of not
exceeding RMB3 billion to Duolun Coal Chemical Company. The Company is
of the view that the Entrusted Loan is beneficial for the smooth
progress of the Duolun Coal Chemical Project. The Entrusted Loan will be
primarily utilized by Duolun Coal Chemical Company to repay its existing
bank and other borrowings since the borrowings of the Company under the
2010 Revolving Entrusted Loan Agreement and a small portion of bank
borrowings in the aggregate sum of approximately RMB3 billion will be
due for repayment in January 2013.
Considering the possible higher financial costs for Duolun Coal
Chemical Company to obtain the current loan from other commercial banks
when comparing with the financial costs incurred by the Company to
obtain the funding of the Entrusted Loan, the Company considers that the
overall capital costs to the Group will be reduced after the accounts of
Duolun Coal Chemical Company (being the subsidiary of the Company) are
consolidated into the accounts of the Company.
The Directors (including the independent non-executive Directors)
are of the view that the terms of the Entrusted Loan Agreement are fair
and reasonable, have been entered into after arm's length negotiation
between all parties thereto and determined on normal commercial terms
and are in the interests of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole.
INFORMATION ON THE PARTIES
1. Information relating to the Company
The Company is principally engaged in the development and operation
of power plants, the sale of electricity and thermal power, and the
repair, testing and maintenance of power equipment as well as the
provision of power-related technical services. The main service areas of
the Company are in the PRC.
2. Information relating to Duolun Coal Chemical Company
Duolun Coal Chemical Company was duly incorporated on 19 August 2009
with a registered capital of RMB4,050 million. Duolun Coal Chemical
Company is principally responsible for the construction and operation of
the coal-based olefin project with an annual output of 460,000 tonnes.
The equity structure of Duolun Coal Chemical Company is as follows:
Energy and Chemical Company, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary,
holds 60% equity interests, and CDC, the controlling Shareholder of the
Company, holds 40% equity interests. As at the Latest Practicable Date,
the aforementioned project is under trial-run production.
3. Information relating to Datang Finance Company
Datang Finance Company is a non-banking financial institution duly
incorporated in the PRC on 10 May 2005 with a registered capital of
RMB3 billion. Its principal business includes, among others, the
provision of deposit services, loan services, entrusted loan services
and entrusted investment services.
4. Information relating to CDC
CDC was established on 9 March 2003 with registered capital of
RMB15.394 billion. It is principally engaged in the development,
investment, construction, operation and management of power energy,
organization of power (thermal) production and sales; manufacturing,
repair and maintenance of power equipment; power technology development
and consultation; power engineering, contracting and consultation of
environmental power engineering; development of new energy as well as
development and production of power related coal resources.
CONNECTED TRANSACTION
As at the Latest Practicable Date, Duolun Coal Chemical Company is
owned as to 60% and 40% by Energy and Chemical Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, and CDC, respectively. Datang Finance Company
is a subsidiary of CDC which is the controlling Shareholder. CDC and its
subsidiaries hold approximately 34.71% of the issued share capital of
the Company as at the Latest Practicable Date. Both Duolun Coal Chemical
Company and Datang Finance Company are therefore connected persons of
the Company and the transaction under the Entrusted Loan Agreement
constitutes a connected transaction of the Company under Chapter 14A of
the Listing Rules.
As one of the applicable percentage ratios (as defined in Rule 14.07
of the Listing Rules) for the principal amount of the Entrusted Loan
under the Entrusted Loan Agreement is more than 5%, the Entrusted Loan
Arrangement and the Entrusted Loan Agreement are subject to the
requirements of reporting, announcement and approval by the independent
Shareholders of the Company under Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules.
The Company will disclose the relevant details in the next annual
report and accounts of the Company in accordance with the relevant
requirements as set out in Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules.
BOARD'S APPROVAL
None of the Director has material interest in the Entrusted Loan
Agreement. Those connected Directors, including Liu Shunda, Hu Shengmu
and Fang Qinghai, who are the principal management staff of CDC, have
abstained from voting at the Board meeting for approval of the relevant
transaction in accordance with the requirements of the listing rules of
the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
EGM
The Company will convene the EGM to, among other things, consider
and approve the Entrusted Loan Agreement. The notice convening the EGM
and the relevant notice of attendance were despatched to the
Shareholders on 1 November 2012.
Any Shareholder with a material interest in the transaction and its
associates will abstain from voting at the EGM for approving the
Entrusted Loan Agreement. Therefore, CDC and its associates, which hold
approximately 34.71% of the issued share capital of the Company as the
Latest Practicable Date, shall abstain from voting at the EGM to approve
the Entrusted Loan Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
Your attention is drawn to the letter from the Independent Board
Committee as set out on pages 10 to 11 of this circular which contains
its recommendation to the Independent Shareholders on the terms of the
Entrusted Loan Agreement. Your attention is also drawn to the letter of
advice received from Mizuho Securities, the independent financial
adviser to the Independent Board Committee and the Independent
Shareholders as set out on pages 12 to 18 of this circular which
contains, among others, its advice to the Independent Board Committee
and the Independent Shareholders in relation to the terms of the
Entrusted Loan Agreement, the casting of votes for or against the
resolution approving the Entrusted Loan Agreement by poll at the EGM as
well as the principal factors and reasons considered by it in concluding
its advice.
The Directors consider that the terms of the Entrusted Loan
Agreement are fair and reasonable and in the interest of the
Shareholders and the Company as a whole and they recommend the
Shareholders to vote in favour of the resolution at the EGM.
Yours faithfully,
By Order of the Board of
Datang International Power Generation Co., Ltd.
Zhou Gang
Secretary to the Board
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LETTER FROM THE INDEPENDENT BOARD COMMITTEE
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DATANG INTERNATIONAL POWER GENERATION CO., LTD.
(a sino-foreign joint stock limited company incorporated in the
People's Republic of China)
(Stock Code: 00991)
Office address
No.9 Guangningbo Street
Xicheng District
Beijing, 100033
The PRC
20 November 2012
To the Independent Shareholders
Dear Sir or Madam,
CONNECTED TRANSACTION
IN RELATION TO
ENTRUSTED LOAN AGREEMENT
We refer to the circular issued by the Company to the shareholders
dated 20 November 2012 (the "Circular") of which this letter forms part.
Terms defined in the Circular shall have the same meanings in this
letter unless the context otherwise requires.
Under the Listing Rules, the Entrusted Loan Agreement constitutes a
connected transaction for the Company, and is subject to the approval of
the Independent Shareholders at the EGM.
We have been appointed as the Independent Board Committee to
consider the terms of the Entrusted Loan Agreement and to advise the
Independent Shareholders in connection with the Entrusted Loan Agreement
as to whether, in our opinion, its terms are fair and reasonable and
whether the Entrusted Loan Agreement is in the interests of the Company
and the shareholders as a whole. Mizuho Securities has been appointed as
the independent financial adviser to advise us in this respect.
We wish to draw your attention to the letter from the Board and the
letter from Mizuho Securities as set out in the Circular. Having
considered the principal factors and reasons considered by, and the
advice of, Mizuho Securities as set out in its letter of advice, we
consider that the Entrusted Loan Agreement is on normal commercial
terms, and that the Entrusted Loan Agreement is in the best interests of
the Company and the Shareholders as a whole.
We also consider that the terms of the Entrusted Loan Agreement are
fair and reasonable. Accordingly, we recommend the Independent
Shareholders to vote in favour of the ordinary resolutions to approve
the Entrusted Loan Agreement at the EGM.
Yours faithfully,
For and on behalf of the Independent Board Committee
Li Yanmeng, Zhao Zunlian, Li Hengyuan, Zhao Jie, Jiang Guohua
Independent non-executive Directors
Datang International Power Generation Co., Ltd.
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LETTER FROM MIZUHO SECURITIES ASIA LIMITED
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The following is the text of the letter of advice from Mizuho
Securities Asia Limited, the independent financial adviser to the
Independent Board Committee and Independent Shareholders, in respect of
the Entrusted Loan Agreement, which has been prepared for the purpose of
inclusion in this circular.
Mizuho Securities Asia Limited
12th Floor, Chater House,
8 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2685-2000 Fax: 2685-2410
20 November 2012
To the Independent Board Committee
and the Independent Shareholders
Datang International Power Generation Co., Ltd.
Dear Sirs,
CONNECTED TRANSACTION
INTRODUCTION
We refer to our engagement as the independent financial adviser to
the Independent Board Committee and Independent Shareholders in respect
of the Entrusted Loan Agreement. Further details of the Entrusted Loan
Agreement are set out in the letter from the Board (the "Letter from the
Board") in the circular of the Company to its Shareholders dated 20
November 2012 (the "Circular"), of which this letter forms part.
Capitalised terms used in this letter shall have the same meanings as
those defined in the Circular unless the context otherwise requires.
On 31 October 2012, the Company entered into the Entrusted Loan
Agreement with Datang Finance Company and Duolun Coal Chemical Company
in relation to the provision of the Entrusted Loan by the Company to
Duolun Coal Chemical Company pursuant to the Entrusted Loan Agreement,
in which Datang Finance Company acts as a lending agent.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, Duolun Coal Chemical Company is
owned as to 60% and 40% by Energy and Chemical Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, and CDC, respectively. Datang Finance Company
is a subsidiary of CDC which is a controlling Shareholder. CDC together
with its subsidiaries, hold approximately 34.71% of the issued share
capital of the Company as at the Latest Practicable Date. Both Duolun
Coal Chemical Company and Datang Finance Company are therefore connected
persons of the Company and the transaction contemplated under the
Entrusted Loan Agreement constitutes a connected transaction of the
Company under Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules.
As one of the applicable percentage ratios (as defined in Rule 14.07
of the Listing Rules) for the total principal amount of the Entrusted
Loan under the Entrusted Loan Agreement is more than 5%, the Entrusted
Loan Arrangement and the Entrusted Loan Agreement are subject to the
requirements of reporting, announcement and approval by the Independent
Shareholders of the Company under Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules.
Our scope of work under this engagement is to assess whether the
terms of the Entrusted Loan Agreement are fair and reasonable so far as
the Shareholders are concerned, and, from that perspective, whether the
Entrusted Loan Agreement is in the interests of the Company and the
Shareholders as a whole. It is not within our scope of work to opine on
any other aspects of the Entrusted Loan Agreement. In addition, it is
not within our terms of reference to comment on the commercial merits of
the Entrusted Loan Agreement which is the responsibility of the
Directors.
BASIS OF OUR OPINION
In arriving at our opinion, we have relied on the information,
opinions and facts supplied, and representations made to us, by the
Directors, advisers and representatives of the Company (including those
contained or referred to in the Circular). We have also assumed that the
information and representations contained or referred to in the Circular
were true and accurate in all respects at the time they were made and
continue to be so at the date of dispatch of the Circular. We have no
reason to doubt the truth, accuracy and completeness of the information
and representations provided to us by the Directors and senior
management of the Company. We have also relied on certain information
available to the public and have assumed such information to be accurate
and reliable, and we have not independently verified the accuracy of
such information. We have been advised by the Directors and believe that
no material facts have been omitted from the Circular.
We consider that we have reviewed sufficient information to reach an
informed view, to justify reliance on the accuracy of the information
contained in the Circular and to provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion. We have not, however, conducted an independent verification of
the information nor have we conducted any form of in-depth investigation
into the businesses and affairs or other prospects of the Company,
Duolun Coal Chemical Company, Datang Finance Company, CDC and any of
their respective subsidiaries or associates.
PRINCIPAL FACTORS AND REASONS CONSIDERED
In forming our opinion, we have considered the following principal
factors and reasons:
1. BACKGROUND
Information relating to the Group
The Group is principally engaged in the development and
operation of power plants, the sale of electricity and thermal
power, and the repair, testing and maintenance of power equipment as
well as the provision of power-related technical services. The main
service areas of the Group are in the PRC.
Information relating to Duolun Coal Chemical Company
Duolun Coal Chemical Company was duly incorporated on 19 August
2009 with a registered capital of RMB4,050 million. Duolun Coal
Chemical Company is principally responsible for the construction and
operation of the coal-based olefin project with an annual output of
460,000 tonnes in Inner Monglia, the PRC. The equity interest of
Duolun Coal Chemical Company is held as to 60% by Energy and
Chemical Company, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, and as to
40% by CDC, the controlling Shareholder of the Company. As advised
by the Company, the coal-based olefin project is currently under
trial-run production.
Information relating to Datang Finance Company
Datang Finance Company is a non-banking financial institution
incorporated in the PRC on 10 May 2005. It is a subsidiary of CDC
which is a controlling Shareholder. The registered capital of Datang
Finance Company is RMB3 billion. The principal business of Datang
Finance Company includes, among others, the provision of deposit
services, loan services, entrusted loan services and entrusted
investment services.
Previous entrusted loans provided by the Company to Duolun Coal
Chemical Company
(i) Revolving entrusted loan agreement in January 2010
On 12 January 2010, the Company entered into a revolving
entrusted loan agreement ("2010 Revolving Entrusted Loan Agreement")
with Datang Finance Company and Duolun Coal Chemical Company in
respect of an entrusted loan arrangement. Pursuant to the 2010
Revolving Entrusted Loan Agreement, Datang Finance Company is
designated by the Company to act as a lending agent to, inter alia,
release the revolving entrusted loan of a principal amount of RMB3
billion, which is funded by the Company, to Duolun Coal Chemical
Company. The maximum term of the revolving entrusted loan is 36
months for each loan term from the date of the entering into the
2010 Revolving Entrusted Loan Agreement. The handling charge for the
entrusted loan under the 2010 Revolving Entrusted Loan Agreement is
calculated at 0.025% of the principal amount of the entrusted loan.
The Company shall pay such handling charge in a one-off basis to
Datang Finance Company when each of the loan under the 2010
Revolving Entrusted Loan Agreement is made. As advised by the
Company, Duolun Coal Chemical Company has fully utilized the
principal amount of RMB3 billion of such resolving entrusted loan
under the 2010 Revolving Entrusted Loan Agreement as at the Latest
Practicable Date.
(ii) Framework entrusted loan agreement in October 2011
On 24 October 2011, the Company entered into a framework
entrusted loan agreement ("2011 Framework Entrusted Loan Agreement")
with Datang Energy and Chemical Company Limited ("Energy and
Chemical Company"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the
Diao Yu Tai Branch of China Construction Bank Corporation ("CCB Diao
Yu Tai Branch") and Duolun Coal Chemical Company. Pursuant to the
2011 Framework Entrusted Loan Agreement, CCB Diao Yu Tai Branch is
designated to act as the lending agent to release the entrusted loan
of a principal amount of RMB2 billion in various tranches to Duolun
Coal Chemical Company. The term of the 2011 Framework Entrusted Loan
Agreement is 36 months commencing from 12 October 2011 to 11 October
2014. The handling charge for the entrusted loan under the 2011
Framework Entrusted Loan Agreement is calculated at 0.025% of the
principal amount of the entrusted loan. The Company shall pay such
handling charge to CCB Diao Yu Tai Branch when the entrusted loan is
released and on every year's corresponding date for the release of
the loan. As advised by the Company, Duolun Coal Chemical Company
has borrowed a total of approximately RMB2 billion pursuant to the
2011 Framework Entrusted Loan Agreement as at the Latest Practicable
Date.
(iii) Entrusted Loan Framework Agreement in July 2012
On 5 July 2012, the Company entered into an entrusted loan
framework agreement ("2012 Entrusted Loan Framework Agreement") with
Energy and Chemical Company, Datang Finance Company and Duolun Coal
Chemical Company in respect of an entrusted loan arrangement.
Pursuant to the 2012 Entrusted Loan Framework Agreement, Datang
Finance Company is designated by the Company and Energy and Chemical
Company to act as a lending agent to, inter alia, release the
entrusted loan of a principal amount of RMB2 billion to Duolun Coal
Chemical Company. The term of the 2012 Entrusted Loan Framework
Agreement is 36 months commencing from 5 July 2012. The handling
charge for the entrusted loan under the 2012 Entrusted Loan
Framework Agreement is calculated at 0.025% of the outstanding
amount of the entrusted loan each year. As advised by the Company,
Duolun Coal Chemical Company has drawn down approximately RMB850
million of entrusted loans under the 2012 Entrusted Loan Framework
Agreement as at the Latest Practicable Date. The Company advised
that since Duolun Coal Chemical Project is under trial-run
production, it is expected that additional testing and other work
would need to be conducted and completed before the commencement of
actual production. Furthermore, certain existing loans of Duolun
Coal Chemical Company are about to fall due. The Company expected
that Duolun Coal Chemical Company will further draw down the
remaining amount of the entrusted loan amount under the 2012
Entrusted Loan Framework Agreement before the end of 2012.
2. REASONS FOR AND BENEFITS OF ENTERING INTO THE ENTRUSTED LOAN
AGREEMENT
We note that the aggregate amount of the entrusted loans
pursuant to the 2010 Revolving Entrusted Loan Agreement, 2011
Framework Entrusted Loan Agreement and 2012 Entrusted Loan Framework
Agreement made to Duolun Coal Chemical Company as at the Latest
Practicable Date was approximately RMB6 billion. As advised by the
Company, the Duolun Coal Chemical Project is currently still in
trial-run production phase and requires additional working capital
for funding the further fine-tuning construction and testing work.
In addition, the borrowings of the Company under the 2010 Revolving
Entrusted Loan Agreement and a small portion of bank borrowings in
the aggregate sum of approximately RMB3 billion will be due for
repayment in January 2013. Accordingly, the Company entered into the
Entrusted Loan Agreement to provide funding to Duolun Coal Chemical
Company primarily for repayment of such loans, so as to ensure
smooth progress of production operation of the Duolun Coal Chemical
Project.
The Company advised that, considering the possible higher
financial costs for Duolun Coal Chemical Company to obtain the
required loan from other commercial banks as compared to the
financial costs to be incurred by the Company to obtain the funding
of the Entrusted Loan, the Company considers that the overall
capital costs to the Group will be reduced given that Duolun Coal
Chemical Company is a 60% subsidiary of the Company. The Company
further advised that it had not obtained any loans from financial
institutions specifically for the purpose of the provision of the
Entrusted Loans, and the Company intends to fund the Entrusted Loans
from its own financial resources.
In view of the funding requirement of Duolun Coal Chemical
Company as discussed above and the expected saving in the overall
capital costs for the Group on a consolidated financial statements
perspective as advised by the Company, we concur with the view of
the Directors that the Entrusted Loan Agreement (including the
amount of the Entrusted Loan considering the funding need of Duolun
Coal Chemical Company) is in the ordinary and usual course of
business of the Company, in the interest of the Company, and is fair
and reasonable as far as the interests of the Shareholders as a
whole are concerned.
3. MAJOR TERMS OF THE ENTRUSTED LOAN AGREEMENT
Entrusted Loan
Pursuant to the Entrusted Loan Agreement, Datang Finance Company
is entrusted by the Company to act as a lending agent to, inter
alia, release the Entrusted Loan to Duolun Coal Chemical Company,
and supervise Duolun Coal Chemical Company to use and repay the
Entrusted Loan.
Principal amount
The principal amount of the Entrusted Loan will not exceed RMB3
billion.
Term
The term for the Entrusted Loan Agreement is 36 months
commencing from 31 October 2012 and ending on 30 October 2015.
Interest rate
At a floating interest rate, being the benchmark interest rate
to be charged for the same level of loans in RMB by the People's
Bank of China for the same period as announced by the People's Bank
of China on the date when the Entrusted Loan is withdrawn and such
interest rate is to be adjusted annually. The adjustment date is
21st December of each year. The adjusted interest rate will be the
benchmark interest rate for the same level of loans in RMB for the
same period announced by the People's Bank of China on the
adjustment date.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, the prevailing benchmark
interest rate of the People's Bank of China for the same level of
loans in RMB for the same period is 6.15% per annum.
As advised by the Company, the average interest rate for Duolun
Coal Chemical Company's existing borrowings (other than the loans
provided by the Group) is approximately 6.35%. We have discussed
with the Company and understand from the Company that since the
Duolun Coal Chemical Project is still in trial-run production phase,
it is uncertain as to whether Duolun Coal Chemical Company could
obtain financing from other PRC commercial banks at the benchmark
interest rate as announced by the People's Bank of China. As
mentioned in the Letter from the Board, the interest rate under the
Entrusted Loan Agreement is arrived at after arm's length
negotiation between the Company and Duolun Coal Chemical Company in
consideration of the overall reduction in borrowing costs to the
Group (on a consolidated basis) after the accounts of Duolun Coal
Chemical Company (being the controlled subsidiary of the Company)
are consolidated into the accounts of the Company.
We note that in April 2012, the Company has issued a bond with a
principal amount of RMB5 billion and with a maturity of
approximately 3.042 years at a coupon rate of 5.08%, which was lower
than the then benchmark lending rate of 6.22% for the same period as
announced by the People's Bank of China. Having considered that (i)
the Company has the ability to obtain funds at borrowing cost lower
than the benchmark lending rate for the same period as announced by
the People's Bank of China as compared to what Duolun Coal Chemical
Company might be able to do so from other PRC commercial banks, and
(ii) Duolun Coal Chemical Company is a subsidiary of the Company and
the accounts of Duolun Coal Chemical Company are consolidated into
the accounts of the Company, we consider that the interest rate of
the Entrusted Loan, which is set at the benchmark interest rate for
loans of the same period as announced by the People's Bank of China,
is on normal commercial terms, and fair and reasonable.
Handling fees
The handling fees shall be charged by Datang Finance Company on
the date of grant of the Entrusted Loan and on the date
corresponding to the date of grant of the Entrusted Loan in each
following year. The rate of the handling fee per annum shall be
0.025% of the outstanding amount of the Entrusted Loan.
We note that the Group has engaged other banks as lending agents
in relation to the provision of entrusted loans to some of the Group
companies and the rate of the handling fees for those entrusted
loans were set at 0.025% of the principal amount of the entrusted
loans. In addition, the handling fee charged by CCB Diao Yu Tai
Branch under the 2011 Framework Entrusted Loan Agreement in October
2011 was set at 0.025%. Based on this, we consider that the rate of
the handling fees for the Entrusted Loan under the Entrusted Loan
Agreement is on normal commercial terms.
As mentioned in the Letter from the Board, the Directors
consider that in view of the cooperation history between Datang
Finance Company and the Company and given that the provision of
entrusted loan services by Datang Finance Company is covered under
the Financial Services Agreement, Datang Finance Company has better
understanding of the operations of the Company which will allow more
expedient and efficient services than those rendered by other PRC
commercial banks. Furthermore, the handling fees charged by Datang
Finance Company will not be higher than those charged by other PRC
commercial banks to the Group companies in previous entrusted loan
cases. In view of the above considerations, the Company appointed
Datang Finance Company, rather than other PRC commercial banks, as
the lending agent. We understand that it may take more time and
administrative efforts to obtain approval from other commercial
banks to act as the lending agents.
Furthermore, considering the capital risks control measures
under the Financial Services Agreement as set out in the
shareholders' circular of the Company dated 16 November 2010, the
Company advised that the terms under the Entrusted Loan Agreement
are normal commercial terms which confer no additional obligations
nor risks on the Company when compared to other typical entrusted
loan arrangements in the market based on the understanding of the
Directors.
In this connection, we consider that it is fair and reasonable
and in the interest of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole
for the Company to provide entrusted loans to Duolun Coal Chemical
Company with Datang Finance Company as the lending agent.
OPINION
Having considered the principal factors and reasons described
above, we are of the opinion that the terms of the Entrusted Loan
Agreement are on normal commercial terms and are fair and reasonable
as far as the interests of the Independent Shareholders are
concerned, and, from this perspective, the Entrusted Loan Agreement
is in the interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole.
Accordingly, we recommend the Independent Shareholders to vote in
favour of the ordinary resolution to approve the Entrusted Loan
Agreement at the EGM.
Yours faithfully,
For and on behalf of
MIZUHO SECURITIES ASIA LIMITED
Kelvin S. K. Lau
Managing Director
Equity Capital Markets & Corporate Finance
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APPENDIX GENERAL INFORMATION
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1. RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
This circular, for which the Directors collectively and individually
accept full responsibility, includes particulars given in compliance
with the Listing Rules for the purpose of giving information with regard
to the Company. The Directors having made all reasonable enquiries,
confirm that to the best of their knowledge and belief the information
contained in this circular is accurate and complete in all material
respects and not misleading or deceptive, and there are no other matters
the omission of which would make any statement herein or this circular
misleading.
2. DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS, SUPERVISORS AND CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OF THE COMPANY
(i) As at the Latest Practicable Date, save and except Mr. Fang
Qinghai, being a Director, who held 24,000 A shares of the
Company, none of the Directors, supervisors and chief
executive of the Company have any interests and short
positions in the shares, underlying shares and/ or debentures
(as the case may be) of the Company or any of its associated
corporations (within the meaning of the SFO) which was
required to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange
pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of Part XV of the SFO (including
interests and short positions which any such Director, chief
executive or supervisor is taken or deemed to have under such
provisions of the SFO) or which was required to be entered
into the register required to be kept by the Company under
section 352 of the SFO or which was otherwise required to be
notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to the
Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed
Issuers in the Listing Rules.
(ii) As at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors,
proposed Directors, supervisors or proposed supervisors of the
Company has any direct or indirect interest in any assets
which have since 31 December 2011 (being the date to which the
latest published audited financial statements of the Company
were made up) been acquired or disposed of by or leased to any
member of the Group, or are proposed to be acquired or
disposed of by or leased to any member of the Group.
3. SERVICE AGREEMENTS
As at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors, proposed
directors, supervisors or proposed supervisors of the Company had any
existing or proposed service contract with any member of the Group
(excluding contracts expiring or determinable by the Company within one
year without payment of compensation (other than statutory compensation)).
4. INTEREST IN CONTRACT
As at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors or
supervisors of the Company was materially interested in any contract or
arrangement entered into by any member of the Group, and which was
significant in relation to the business of the Group.
5. MATERIAL CHANGES
The Directors are not aware of any material adverse change in the
financial or trading position of the Group since 31 December 2011, being
the date to which the latest published audited financial statements of
the Group were made up.
6. COMPETING INTEREST
As at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the directors of the
Company and its subsidiaries, or their respective Associates has
interests in the businesses which compete or are likely to compete,
either directly or indirectly, with the businesses of the Company and
its subsidiaries.
7. EXPERT
(a) The following sets out the qualifications of the expert which
has given its opinion or advice as contained in this circular:
Name Qualifications
Mizuho Securities A licensed corporation to engage in
types 1 (dealing in securities), 2
(dealing in futures contracts), 4
(advising on securities), 5 (advising
on futures contracts), 6 (advising on
corporate finance) and 9 (asset
management) regulated activities under
the SFO
(b) Mizuho Securities did not have any shareholding, direct or
indirect, in any members of the Group or any rights (whether
legally enforceable or not) to subscribe for or to nominate
persons to subscribe for securities in any members of the
Group as at the Latest Practicable Date.
(c) Mizuho Securities does not have any interest, direct or
indirect, in any assets which have been acquired or disposed
of by or leased to any members of the Group, or which are
proposed to be acquired or disposed of by or leased to any
members of the Group since 31 December 2011, the date to which
the latest published audited financial statements of the
Company were made up.
(d) Mizuho Securities has given and has not withdrawn its written
consent to the issue of this circular with the inclusion of
its letter and references to its name in the form and context
in which they are included.
8. LITIGATION
No member of the Company and its Subsidiaries is at present engaged
in any litigation or arbitration of material importance to the Company
and its subsidiaries and no litigation or claim of material importance
to the Company and its subsidiaries is known to the Directors or the
Company to be pending or threatened by or against any member of the
Company and its subsidiaries.
9. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) The registered office of the Company is No. 482, Guanganmennei
Avenue, Xuanwu District, Beijing, the PRC and the office
address of the Company is No. 9 Guangningbo Street, Xicheng
District, Beijing, the PRC.
(b) The place of business of the Company in Hong Kong is at c/o
Eversheds, 21/F, Gloucester Tower, The Landmark, 15 Queen's
Road Central, Hong Kong.
(c) The Hong Kong share registrar and transfer office of the
Company is Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited
at 46/F, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Wanchai, Hong
Kong.
(d) The secretary to the Board of the Company is Mr. Zhou Gang.
Mr. Zhou graduated from East China Institute of Water
Conservancy (currently known as Hehai University), and is a
senior engineer.
10. DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION
Copies of the Entrusted Loan Agreement, the consent letter and the
letter of advice from Mizuho Securities are available for inspection at
the principal place of business in Hong Kong of the Company at 21/F,
Gloucester Tower, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong
during normal business hours from the date of this circular up to and
including 5 December 2012.