U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of February 2024
Commission File Number: 001-34409
RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD
Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street
Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012
People’s Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files
or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K
in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K
in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Registrant is filing this Report on Form 6-K to provide its proxy
statement of its annual shareholder meeting for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD |
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February 13, 2024 |
By: |
/s/ Shenping Yin |
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Shenping Yin |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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(Principal Executive Officer) and |
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Duly Authorized Officer |
Exhibit Index:
Exhibit 99.1 — Notice and Proxy Statement of Annual Shareholder Meeting for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023
Exhibit 99.2 — Proxy Card
Exhibit 99.1
RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD.
Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012
People’s Republic of China
(Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited
liability)
(NASDAQ Trading Symbol: RCON)
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MARCH 29, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that
an annual general meeting (the “AGM”) of Recon Technology, Ltd. (the “Company”, “Recon”,
“we”, “us” or “our” ) will be held at the Company’s headquarters at Room 601,
No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012, People’s Republic of China on March 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
(Beijing time).
Only holders of ordinary shares
of record on the close of business on February 2, 2024 (the “Record Date”) or their proxy holders are entitled to vote
at the AGM or any adjournment or postponements thereof. Each Class A ordinary shareholder has one vote for each ordinary share, and each
Class B ordinary shareholder has fifteen votes for each ordinary share, held as of the close of business on the record date.
Votes shall be counted on
a poll basis, with each Class A ordinary share carrying one vote and each Class B ordinary share carrying fifteen votes. At the AGM, the
following resolutions will be considered and voted upon, noting that where certain square brackets are shown below, the intention is to
confirm such missing information at the AGM once approved by the Shareholders:
| 1. | RESOLVED, as an ordinary
resolution: |
THAT the following individuals
be appointed as Class II members of the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”), to serve a term expiring at the
first Annual General Meeting of the Company held following the end of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or until their successors
are duly elected and qualified;
| 2. | RESOLVED as an ordinary resolution: |
THAT the appointment of Enrome
LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 be ratified, confirmed
and approved in all respects.
| 3. | RESOLVED, as a special resolution: |
THAT every [●] Class A
ordinary share of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 (including issued and unissued Class A ordinary shares) be consolidated into 1 Class
A ordinary share with a nominal or par value of US$[●] or at a ratio of between 1:15 and 1:40, in such number as recommended by
the Board and approved by the shareholders (“Share Consolidation”).
| 4. | RESOLVED as a special resolution
that the authorized share capital be amended as follows (although to be determined and confirmed
at the AGM) (“Amendment”): |
From: US$53,650,000 divided into [●]
Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$[●] each, and 80,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value
of US$0.0925 each,
To: US$58,000 divided into 500,000,000
Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0001 each and 80,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value
of US$0.0001 each,
by: first, the creation of [●]
Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 and 60,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925
each, each having the rights and subject to the restrictions set out in the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
(“Fourth M&AA”) adopted pursuant to the resolutions below, second a subdivision of all shares at a ratio of [●]
such that each Class A Share of US$[●] par value shall become [●] Class A Shares with a par value of US$0.0001 each, and each
Class B Share shall become [●] Class B Shares with a par value of US$0.0001 each, and third, a capital reduction whereby [●]
authorized but unissued Class A Shares and [●] authorized but unissued Class B Shares are cancelled; and that as a result of the
Amendment, each Member shall retain that number of Class A Ordinary Shares and/or Class B Ordinary Shares held in their name, as adjusted
to account for the Share Consolidation and subsequent Amendment.
| 5. | RESOLVED as a special resolution: |
THAT the Company’s memorandum
and articles of association be amended and restated by way of adopting the Fourth M&AA to reflect each of first, the Share Consolidation
and second, the Amendment and third, any consequential changes as a result of the Share Consolidation and Amendment, in substitution for
and to the exclusion of the current memorandum and articles of association of the Company.
| 6. | RESOLVED as an ordinary resolution: |
THAT the
Company adopt the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan in a form substantially similar to that attached at Annex B and that the Company be and
is hereby authorized to enter into any agreements and issue any shares in accordance with the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan.
| 7. | RESOLVED as an ordinary resolution: |
THAT the
Company’s registered office service provider and/or registered transfer agent (as applicable) be authorized and instructed to update
the Company’s registers and to file the Fourth M&AA with the Registrar of Companies for and on behalf of the Company.
| 8. | RESOLVED as an ordinary resolution: |
THAT any
other business properly coming before the meeting or any adjournment or postponements thereof be transacted.
Shareholders may obtain a
copy of the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F, free of charge, from our website at www.recon.cn, or by writing to Investor Relations,
Recon, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012, People’s Republic of China, or by sending
an email to info@recon.cn.
Regardless of the number
of shares that you own, your vote is very important. Even if you plan to attend the AGM or adjourned meetings in person, we request that
you submit your proxy in accordance with the instructions set forth on the proxy card as promptly as possible. You should simply indicate
on your proxy card how you want to vote, sign and date the proxy card, and mail the proxy card in the enclosed return envelope as soon
as possible to ensure that it will be received by the Company no later than 10:00 a.m. on March 28, 2024 (New York City time) so that
your shares will be represented and may be voted at the AGM and/or any adjourned meetings. If you receive more than one proxy card because
you own shares that are registered in different names, please vote all of your shares shown on all of your proxy cards in accordance
with the instructions set forth on the proxy card.
Completing the proxy card
in accordance with the instructions set forth on the proxy card will not deprive you of your right to attend the AGM or the adjourned
meetings and vote your shares in person. Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee
and you wish to vote at the AGM or the adjourned meetings in person, you must obtain from the record holder a proxy issued in your name.
If you submit your proxy card
without indicating how you wish to vote, the shares represented by your proxy card will be voted FOR all the above special and ordinary
resolutions.
If you have any questions or need assistance in
voting your shares, please contact Jia Liu, by telephone at +8610-84945799, or email at info@recon.cn.
Notes:
1. If a share is held jointly by two
or more persons, the vote of the holder whose name appears first in the register of members of the Company who tenders a vote, whether
in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the vote of the other joint holders.
2. The instrument appointing a proxy
shall be in writing under the hand of the appointor or of his attorney duly authorized in writing or, if the appointor is a corporation,
either under seal or under the hand of an officer or attorney duly authorized.
3. A proxy need not be a member (registered
shareholder) of the Company.
4. The Chairman of the meeting may
at his discretion direct that a proxy card shall be deemed to have been duly deposited. A proxy card that is not deposited in the manner
permitted shall be invalid.
5. Votes given in accordance with the
terms of a duly executed proxy card shall be valid notwithstanding the death or insanity of the principal prior to the AGM or adjourned
meetings or revocation of the proxy or of the authority under which the proxy was executed, or the transfer of the share in respect of
which the proxy is given unless notice in writing of such death, insanity, revocation or transfer was received by the Company at Room
601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012, People’s Republic of China, before the commencement
of the AGM, or adjourned meeting at which it is sought to use the proxy.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Recon Technology, Ltd. |
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/s/ Shenping Yin |
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Shenping Yin |
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Chief Executive Officer |
Beijing, China
February 13, 2024
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
The following questions and answers are intended
to address briefly some commonly asked questions regarding the Annual Meeting. These questions and answers may not address all of the
questions that may be important to you as a shareholder. To better understand these matters you should carefully read this entire proxy
statement.
Q: Why am I receiving this proxy statement?
A: The Company is holding its Annual Meeting
to elect two Class II directors, to ratify the appointment of the Company’s auditors, to increase the authorized share capital,
to consolidate ordinary shares, to amend the authorized share capital of a nominal or par value of US$0.0001, to amend and restate the
Company’s memorandum and articles of association, to approve the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, and to transact any business that
may properly come before the meeting.
We have included in this proxy statement
important information about the Annual Meeting. You should read this information carefully and in its entirety. The enclosed voting materials
allow you to vote your shares without attending the applicable shareholder meeting. Your vote is very important and we encourage you
to submit your proxy as soon as possible.
Q: What proposals are the shareholders being asked to consider?
A: The shareholders are being asked:
1.a |
By ordinary resolution, to elect as a Class II member of the board of directors (the “Board”),
Mr. Nelson N.S. Wong, to serve a term expiring at the first Annual General Meeting of the Company held following the end of the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2026, or until his successor is duly elected and qualified; |
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1.b |
By ordinary resolution, to elect as a Class II member of the Board, Mr.
Jijun Hu, to serve a term expiring at the first Annual General Meeting of the Company held following the end of the fiscal year ending
June 30, 2026, or until his successor is duly elected and qualified; |
2. |
By ordinary resolution, to ratify the appointment of Enrome LLP as the Company’s independent registered
public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024; |
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3. |
By special resolution, to consolidate every [●] Class A ordinary shares of a nominal or par value
of US$0.0925 (including issued and unissued Class A ordinary shares) into 1 Class A ordinary share with a nominal or par value of US$[●]
(“Share Consolidation”); |
4. |
By special resolution that the authorized share capital be further amended immediately following the
Share Consolidation becoming effective, as follows (although to be determined and confirmed at the AGM) (“Amendment”): |
From: US$53,650,000 divided into [●]
Class A ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$[●] each and 80,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a nominal or par value
of US$0.0925 each,
To: US$58,000 divided into 500,000,000
Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0001 each and 80,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value
of US$0.0001 each,
by: first, the creation of [●]
Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 and 60,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925
each, each having the rights and subject to the restrictions set out in the Fourth Amended and Restated Articles of Association adopted
pursuant to the resolutions below, second a subdivision of all shares at a ratio of such that each Class A Share of US$[●] par
value shall become [●] Shares with a par value of US$0.0001 each, and each Class B Share shall become [●] Shares with a par
value of US$0.0001 each, and third, a capital reduction whereby [●] authorized but unissued Class A Shares and [●] authorized
but unissued Class B Shares are cancelled; and that as a result of the Amendment, each Member shall retain that number of Class A Ordinary
Shares and/or Class B Ordinary Shares held in their name, as adjusted to account for the Share Consolidation and subsequent Amendment.
5. |
By special resolution, to amend and restate the Company’s memorandum and articles of association
by the way of adoption of the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association substantially in the form annexed hereto
at Annex A to reflect, amongst other things, each of the Share Consolidation and Amendment and any consequential changes as a result
of the Share Consolidation and Amendment, in substitution for and to the exclusion of the current memorandum and articles of association
of the Company. |
6. |
By ordinary resolution, to adopt the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan; and |
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7. |
By ordinary resolution, to authorize and instruct the Company’s registered office service provider
and/or registered transfer agent (as applicable) be authorized and instructed to update the Company’s registers and to file the
Fourth M&AA with the Registrar of Companies for and on behalf of the Company; and |
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8. |
By ordinary resolution, to
transact any other business properly coming before the meeting. |
Q: What are the recommendations of the Board?
A: The Board has determined that the elections
of the two Class II nominees of the Board, the ratification of the appointment of the company’s auditors, the increase in the authorized
share capital, the consolidation of the Class A ordinary shares, the amendment to the authorized share capital of a nominal or par value
of US$0.0001, the adoption of the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, and approval of
the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan are advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and have unanimously approved
the proposal described herein. The Board unanimously recommends that the shareholders vote “FOR” the election of the two
Class II director nominees and “FOR” the other proposals.
Q: When and where will the Annual Meeting be held?
A: The Annual Meeting will be held
on March 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., Beijing Time (10:00 p.m. ET on March 28, 2024), at Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang
District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China.
Q: Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
A: The record date for the Annual
Meeting is February 2, 2024. Only holders of Class A ordinary shares, and/or Class B ordinary shares, of the Company as of the close
of business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Q: What constitutes a quorum for the Annual Meeting?
A: At the Annual Meeting, the presence
in person or by proxy of one-third (1/3) in number of our outstanding shares (including Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary
shares) as of the record date will constitute a quorum at such Annual Meeting (without regard to the votes attaching to such shares).
Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum at the meeting.
Q: How many votes are required to approve the proposals?
A: Nomination of Directors:
If a simple majority of the votes cast in respect of resolution 1a. (the election of Mr. Nelson N.S. Wong) vote “For”, then
he will be elected as a director. If a simple majority of the votes cast in respect of resolution 1b. (the election of Mr. Jijun Hu)
vote “For”, then he will be elected as a director. Shares not voted will have no impact on the election of directors. The
proxy given will be voted “For” the nominee for director unless a properly executed proxy card is marked “Withhold”
as to the nominee for director.
Ratification of Appointment of Auditors:
The ratification of the appointment of Enrome LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2024 requires that a majority of the votes cast at the meeting be voted “For” the proposal. A properly
executed proxy card marked “Abstain” with respect to this proposal will not be voted.
Consolidation of Shares: To consolidate
every [●] Class A ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 (including issued and unissued Class A ordinary shares)
into 1 Class A ordinary share with a nominal or par value of US$[●] requires that a two-thirds majority of the votes cast at the
meeting be voted “For” the proposal. A properly executed proxy card marked “Abstain” with respect to this proposal
will not be voted.
Amend and restate the memorandum and articles
of association: To amend and restate the Company’s memorandum and articles of association by the way of adoption of the Fourth
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association substantially in the form annexed hereto at Annex A to reflect, amongst other
things, each of first, the the Share Consolidation and second, the Amendment and third, any consequential changes as a result of the Share
Consolidation and Amendment, in substitution for and to the exclusion of the current memorandum and articles of association of the Company
requires that a two-thirds majority of the votes cast at the meeting be voted “For” the proposal. A properly executed proxy
card marked “Abstain” with respect to this proposal will not be voted.
Amendment of the authorized share capital of
the Company: To amend the authorized share capital of the Company immediately following the Share Consolidation becoming effect, although
to be determined and confirmed at the AGM, as follows: From: US$53,650,000 divided into [●] Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal
or par value of US$[●] each, and 80,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each, To: US$58,000 divided
into 500,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0001 each and 80,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal
or par value of US$0.0001 each, by: first, the creation of [●] Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 and
60,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each, each having the rights and subject to the restrictions
set out in the Fourth Amended and Restated Articles of Association adopted pursuant to the resolutions below, second a subdivision of
all shares at a ratio of [●] such that each Class A Share of US$[●] par value shall become [●] Shares with a par value
of US$0.0001 each, and each Class B Share shall become [●] Shares with a par value of US$0.0001 each, and third, a capital reduction
whereby [●] authorized but unissued Class A Shares and [●] authorized but unissued Class B Shares are cancelled; and that
as a result of the amendment, each Member shall retain that number of Class A Ordinary Shares and/or Class B Ordinary Shares held in their
name, as adjusted to account for the Share Consolidation and subsequent Amendment, requires that a two-thirds majority of the votes cast
at the meeting be voted “For” the proposal. A properly executed proxy card marked “Abstain” with respect to this
proposal will not be voted.
Approval of 2024 Equity Incentive Plan:
To approve the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan requires that a majority of the votes cast at the meeting be voted “For” the proposal.
A properly executed proxy card marked “Abstain” with respect to this proposal will not be voted.
Authorization of the Company’s registered
office service provider to file the Fourth M&AA: To approve that the Company’s registered office service provider and/or
registered transfer agent (as applicable) be authorized and instructed to update the Company’s registers and to file the Fourth
M&AA with the Registrar of Companies for and on behalf of the Company requires that a majority of the votes cast at the meeting be
voted “For” the proposal. A properly executed proxy card marked “Abstain” with respect to this proposal will
not be voted.
Other business properly before the meeting
in accordance with Article 47: Depending on the nature of such business properly brought before the meeting, it will require
an ordinary resolution approved by a simple majority of the votes cast, or a special resolution approved by a two-thirds majority of
the votes cast. The question of whether an ordinary resolution or special resolution is required is to be determined in accordance with
the Company’s Third Articles of Association and applicable law.
Q: Is cumulative voting permitted for the
election of directors?
A: No. You may not cumulate your
votes for the election of directors.
Q: How do the shareholders vote?
A: The shareholders have two voting options. You may vote
using one of the following methods:
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(1) |
By Internet, which we encourage if you have Internet access, at the address shown on your proxy
card; or |
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(2) |
By mail, by completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card. |
Q: How can I attend the meeting ?
A: The meeting is open to all holders
of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares, and/or Class B ordinary shares, as of the record date. You may attend the meeting in
person or dial in for your information if you vote by proxy. The dial-in number in the United States is 1-866-636-1530, and the dial-in
number in China is 400-128-6665. The password for the meeting is 99778535. Shareholders living in other countries are welcome to attend
the conference call by contacting our Company at info@recon.cn.
Q: May shareholders ask questions at the meeting?
A: Yes. Representatives of the Company
will answer questions of general interest at the end of the meeting.
Q: If my shares are held in “street
name” by a broker or other nominee, will my broker or nominee vote my shares for me?
A: Your broker or other nominee does
not have authority to vote on non-routine matters. The ratification of Enrome LLP as the Company’s independent registered public
accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 is considered a routine matter for which brokerage firms may vote without specific
instructions. All of the other proposals presented at the Annual Meeting are considered non-routine matters. When a proposal is not a
routine matter, your broker or other nominee will vote your shares held by it in “street name” with respect to these matters
only if you provide instructions to it on how to vote. You should follow the directions your broker or other nominee provides.
Q: What if I do not vote on the matters relating to the proposals?
A: If you fail to vote or fail to
instruct your broker or other nominee how to vote on any of the proposals, it will have no effect on such proposals. It will be treated
as a “non-vote” and not count toward a quorum. However, if you hold shares through an account with a bank or broker, your
shares may be voted even if you do not provide voting instructions on your instruction form. Brokerage firms have the authority to vote
shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions on certain routine matters.
Q: May I change my vote after I have delivered
my proxy or voting instruction card?
A: Yes. You may change your vote
at any time before your proxy is voted at the Annual Meeting. You may do this in one of four ways:
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by sending a notice of revocation to the corporate secretary of the
Company, dated as of a later date than the date of the proxy and received prior to the Annual Meeting; |
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by sending a completed proxy card bearing a later date than your original
proxy card and mailing it so that it is received prior to the Annual Meeting; |
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by logging on to the Internet website specified on your proxy card
in the same manner you would submit your proxy electronically or by calling the telephone number specified on your proxy card, in
each case if you are eligible to do so and following the instructions on the proxy card; or |
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by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. |
Your attendance alone will not revoke any proxy.
If your shares are held in an account at a broker or other nominee,
you should contact your broker or other nominee to change your vote.
Q: Do I have appraisal rights?
A: The shareholders do not have appraisal rights with
respect to the matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.
Q: Whom should I call if I have questions about the proxy materials
or voting procedures?
A: If you have questions about the
proposals, or if you need assistance in submitting your proxy or voting your shares or need additional copies of this proxy statement
or the enclosed proxy card, you should contact Recon Technology Ltd., Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District,
Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China, or call +(86) 010-84945799. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or
by a bank or other nominee, you should contact your broker, bank or other nominee for additional information
Q: What do I need to do now?
A: After carefully reading and considering
the information contained in this proxy statement, including the annexes, please vote your shares as soon as possible so that your shares
will be represented at the Annual Meeting. Please follow the instructions set forth on the proxy card or on the voting instruction form
provided by the record holder if your shares are held in the name of your broker or other nominee.
Q: Who is paying for the expenses involved
in preparing and mailing this proxy statement?
A: All of the expenses involved in
preparing, assembling and mailing these proxy materials and all costs of soliciting proxies will be paid for by the Company. In
addition to the solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited by our officers and other employees by telephone or in person. Such
persons will receive no compensation for their services other than their regular salaries. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage
houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of the shares held of
record by such persons, and we may reimburse such persons for reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by them in so doing.
Q: What interest
do officers and directors have in matters to be acted upon?
A: Members of the Board and executive officers
of the Company do not have any interest in any other proposal that is not shared by all other shareholders of the Company, other than
Proposal 1, the election to our Board of the nominees set forth herein.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(ITEM 1 ON THE PROXY CARD)
Director Biographies
A brief biography of each director in each Class
follows. You are asked to vote for two nominees listed below to serve as Class II members of the Board. The candidates for the Board
have consented to serve if elected. The terms of the Class II members of the Board continue until the annual meeting of shareholders
following the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
Nominees for election as Class II member of
the Board to serve a three-year term, whose terms will continue until the annual meeting of shareholders following the fiscal year ending
June 30, 2026:
Nelson N. S. Wong
Independent Director Nominee
Age – 60
Director since 2008
Mr. Wong joined our Board in 2008. In 1990
Mr. Wong joined the Vigers Group, a real estate company that provides services in valuation, corporate property services, investment
advisory services, general practice surveying, building surveying, commercial, retail and industrial agency, and property and facilities
management. Mr. Wong became the Vice Chairman and CEO of the Vigers Group in 1993. In 1995 Mr. Wong established the ACN Group,
a business consulting firm, where he has worked continuously and continues to serve as the Chairman and Managing Partner. Mr. Wong
received a bachelor’s degree in arts from the PLA Institute of International Relations in Nanjing in 1983. Mr. Wong was chosen
as a director because we believe we can benefit from his leadership skills and management experience.
Jijun Hu
Independent Director Nominee
Age – 57
Director since 2008
Mr. Hu joined our Board in 2008. From 1988
to 2003, Mr. Hu served in a variety of positions at our No. 2 test-drill plant, including technician of installation, assets
equipment work, electrical installation, control room production dispatcher, Deputy Chief Engineer of the Technology Battalion and Deputy
Director of Production. From 2003 to 2005, Mr. Hu served as Head of the Integrated Battalion and he is currently the Head of the Transport
Battalion, Senior Electric Engineer. Mr. Hu graduated as an automated professional from the China University of Petroleum in 1988.
Mr. Hu was chosen as a director because we believe his years of experience and knowledge gained while working at our No. 2
test-drill plant will prove beneficial to the guidance of our company.
Existing Class I members of the Board, whose
terms continue until the annual meeting of shareholders following the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025:
Shudong Zhao
Director
Age – 77
Director since 2013
Mr. Zhao joined our board of directors in 2013.
Mr. Zhao spent over 30 years working in the oilfield industry prior to retiring from full-time work in 2006. From 1970 to 1976, Mr. Zhao
worked as a technician in the Daqing oilfield. From 1976 to 1982, Mr. Zhao served as the vice director of the Hubei Oilfield Generalized
Geologic Technical Research Institute. Mr. Zhao then spent 11 years as a director and section chief at the Scientific and Technological
Development Department of the Huabei Petroleum Administrative Bureau. He was subsequently appointed Chief Geologist of the bureau, a
position he held from 1993 to 1999. From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Zhao served as the General Manager of the Huabei Oilfield Company of CNPC.
Mr. Zhao studied at the Northeast Petroleum Institute from 1965 to 1970. Mr. Zhao was elected as a director because of his extensive
experience in the oilfield industry.
Yonggang Duan
Director
Age – 59
Director since 2020
Dr. Duan has served as our director since March
2020. Dr. Duan has been teaching and researching in the oil-gas field development engineering area for a long time. From November 2004,
Dr. Duan has been a professor at Southwest Petroleum University in Sichuan, China. He is the director of the oil well technology center
of petroleum engineering school of Southwest Petroleum University. In addition, Dr. Duan is also a researcher and Ph.D. supervisor. He
has published over 60 articles on top academic journals and participated in writing six books. He was named an expert with outstanding
contributions and an oil-gas safety expert in Sichuan Province, China. Dr. Duan received his bachelor’s degree in oil production
in 1984, and his master degree in oil-gas field development engineering in 1988, both from Southwest Colleague. Dr. Duan received his
Ph.D. degree in oil-gas field development engineering in 2009 from Southwest Petroleum University. Dr. Duan was chosen as a director
because he is an expert in the oilfield area.
Existing Class III members of the Board, whose
terms continue until the annual meeting of shareholders following the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024:
Shenping Yin
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Age – 53
Director since 2007
In 2003, Mr. Yin founded Nanjing Recon,
a Chinese company that provides services to automate and enhance the extraction of petroleum in the PRC, and has been the Chief Executive
Officer since that time. Prior to founding Nanjing Recon, Mr. Yin served as a sales manager for Fujian Haitian Network Company from
1992 through 1994. Mr. Yin has founded and operated a number of companies: Xiamen Hengda Haitian Computer Network Co., Ltd. (1994),
Baotou Hengda Haitian Computer Network Co., Ltd. (1997) and Beijing Jingke Haitian Electronic Technology Development Co., Ltd. (1999),
and Jingsu Huasheng Information Technology Co., Ltd. (2000). In 2000, Mr. Yin merged the former Nanjing Kingsley Software Engineering
Co., Ltd. into Nanjing Recon. Mr. Yin received his bachelor’s degree in 1991 from Nanjing Agricultural University in information
systems. Mr. Yin was chosen as a director, and serves as Chairman of the Board, because he is one of the founders of our company
and we believe his knowledge of our company and years of experience in our industry give him the ability to guide our company as a director.
Guangqiang Chen
Chief Technology Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Age – 59
Director since 2007
Mr. Chen has served as our Chief Technology Officer
since 2003. Mr. Chen was a geological engineer for the Fourth Oil Extraction Plant of Huabei Oil Field from 1985 through 1993. From 1993
through 1999, Mr. Chen was a chief engineer for Xinda Company, CNPC Development Bureau. From 1999 through 2003, Mr. Chen served as the
general manager of Beijing Adar. From 2011 to March 2013, Mr. Chen was a founder and majority shareholder of Qinghai Hua You Downhole
Technology Co., Ltd. (“QHHY”). From March 2013 to December 2014, Mr. Chen remained a 40% shareholder of QHHY but was no longer
involved QHHY’s day to day operations. Mr. Chen received his bachelor’s degree in 1985 from Southwest Petroleum Institute.
Mr. Chen was chosen as a director because he is one of the founders of our company and we believe we can benefit from his years of engineering
and management experience in the oil extraction industry.
Jia Liu
Chief Financial Officer and Director
Age – 40
Ms. Liu has served as our Chief Financial Officer
since 2008 and as our director since 2022. Prior to that, Ms. Liu assisted various
companies, with financial due diligence, field surveys and data analysis. Ms. Liu received her bachelor’s degree in 2006 from Beijing
University of Chemical Technology, School of Economics and Management, and her master’s degree in industrial economics in 2009
from Beijing Wuzi University. Ms. Liu is a certified U.S. CPA.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors
or executive officers has been convicted in a criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors, or has been
a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the past ten years that resulted in a judgment, decree or final order enjoining
the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or a finding of any violation
of federal or state securities or commodities laws, any laws respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, any law or regulation
prohibiting mail or wire fraud in connection with any business entity or been subject to any disciplinary sanctions or orders imposed
by a stock, commodities or derivatives exchange or other self-regulatory organization, except for matters that were dismissed without
sanction or settlement. None of our directors, director nominees or executive officers has been involved in any transactions with us
or any of our directors, executive officers, affiliates or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations
of the SEC.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive
officers.
Leadership Structure of the Board
Mr. Shenping Yin currently holds the position
of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Guangqiang Chen currently holds the position of Chairman of our Board. Our Board believes that separating
the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Separating
such roles allows our Chief Executive Officer to focus completely on operations and corporate strategy execution.
We do not have a lead independent director because
of our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman are not held by the same person, and also because we believe our independent directors are
encouraged to freely voice their opinions on a relatively small company board.
Risk Oversight
Our Board plays a significant role in our risk
oversight. The Board makes all relevant Company decisions. As such, it is important for us to have our Chief Executive Officer serve
on the Board as he plays a key role in the risk oversight of the Company. As a smaller reporting company with a small Board, we believe
it is appropriate to have the involvement and input of all of our directors in risk oversight matters.
There are no material
proceedings to which any director, officer or affiliate of the Company, any owner of record or beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Company’s ordinary shares, or any associate of such persons is a party adverse to Company or has a material interest adverse to
the Company.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ELECTION
OF TWO
NOMINEES TO THE BOARD.
BOARD AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION
What if a nominee is unwilling or unable to serve?
The two nominees listed in the proxy statement
have agreed to serve as directors, if elected. If for some unforeseen reason any nominee becomes unwilling or unable to serve, proxies
will be voted for a substitute nominee selected by the Board.
How are directors compensated?
All directors hold office until the expiration
of their respective terms and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. There are no family relationships among our
directors or executive officers. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board. Employee directors and non-voting
observers do not receive any compensation for their services. We pay $8,000 to each independent director annually for their service as
a director. In addition, non-employee directors are entitled to receive compensation for their actual travel expenses for each Board
meeting attended.
Summary Director Compensation Table
Name(1) | |
Fees earned
or paid in cash | | |
Option Awards | | |
Total | |
Nelson N.S. Wong | |
$ | 8,000 | | |
$ | 0 | | |
$ | 8,000 | |
Jijun Hu | |
$ | 8,000 | | |
$ | 0 | | |
$ | 8,000 | |
Shudong Zhao | |
$ | 8,000 | | |
$ | 0 | | |
$ | 8,000 | |
Yonggang Duan | |
$ | 8,000 | | |
$ | 0 | | |
$ | 4,000 | |
(1) |
Compensation for our directors Yin Shenping, Chen Guangqiang and Liu
Jia, who also serve as executive officers, are fully disclosed in the executive compensation table. |
The following table summarizes, as of June 30,
2023, the outstanding options, unvested restricted share units and shares that we granted to our current directors and executive officers,
reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split.
|
|
Class
A ordinary
shares
underlying options
awarded/Restricted
Share Units/Shares |
|
|
Exercise
price
(US$/share) |
|
|
Date
of
grant |
|
|
Date
of
expiration |
|
Yin Shenping |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Liu Jia |
|
|
6,400 |
|
|
|
8.25 |
|
|
|
1/31/2015 |
|
|
|
1/31/2025 |
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
02/28/2022 |
|
|
|
02/27/2025 |
|
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
03/15/2023 |
|
|
|
19/15/2023 |
|
Chen Guangqiang |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Nelson N.S. Wong |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
8.25 |
|
|
|
1/31/2015 |
|
|
|
1/31/2025 |
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
02/28/2022 |
|
|
|
02/27/2025 |
|
Hu Jijun |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
8.25 |
|
|
|
1/31/2015 |
|
|
|
1/31/2025 |
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
02/28/2022 |
|
|
|
02/27/2025 |
|
Zhao Shudong |
|
|
3,600 |
|
|
|
8.25 |
|
|
|
1/31/2015 |
|
|
|
1/31/2025 |
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
02/28/2022 |
|
|
|
02/27/2025 |
|
Duan Yonggang |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
02/28/2022 |
|
|
|
02/27/2025 |
|
Total |
|
|
530,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How does the Board determine which directors are independent?
The Board reviews the independence of each director
yearly. During this review, the Board considers transactions and relationships between each director (and his or her immediate family
and affiliates) and the Company and its management to determine whether any such relationships or transactions are inconsistent with
a determination that the director is independent in light of applicable law, listing standards and the Company’s director independence
standards. The Company believes that it maintains a majority of independent directors who are deemed to be independent under the definition
of independence provided by NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2).
What role does the Nominating Committee play in selecting nominees
to the Board?
Two of the primary purposes of the Nominating
Committee of the Board are (i) to develop and implement policies and procedures that are intended to ensure that the Board will be appropriately
constituted and organized to meet its fiduciary obligations to the Company and its shareholders and (ii) to identify individuals qualified
to become members of the Board and to recommend to the Board the director nominees for the annual meeting of shareholders. The Nominating
Committee is also responsible for considering candidates for membership on the Board submitted by eligible shareholders. The Nominating
Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website at www.recon.cn under Investor Relations and in print upon request.
The Nominating Committee of the Company’s Board was the only entity or person to nominate and/or recommend any of the director
nominees.
Are the members of the Nominating Committee independent?
Yes. All members of the Nominating Committee
have been determined to be independent by the Board.
How does the Nominating Committee identify and evaluate nominees
for director?
The Nominating Committee considers candidates
for nomination to the Board from a number of sources. Current members of the Board are considered for re-election unless they have notified
the Company that they do not wish to stand for re-election. The Nominating Committee also considers candidates recommended by current
members of the Board, members of management or eligible shareholders. From time to time the Board may engage a firm to assist in identifying
potential candidates, although the Company did not engage such a firm to identify any of the nominees for director proposed for election
at the meeting.
The Nominating Committee evaluates all candidates
for director, regardless of the person or firm recommending such candidate, on the basis of the length and quality of their business
experience, the applicability of such candidate’s experience to the Company and its business, the skills and perspectives such
candidate would bring to the Board and the personality or “fit” of such candidate with existing members of the Board and
management. The Nominating Committee does not have a specific policy in place with regard to the consideration of diversity when identifying
director nominees, however, the Nominating Committee does consider diversity of opinion and experience when nominating directors.
What are the Nominating Committee’s
policies and procedures for considering director candidates recommended by shareholders?
The Nominating Committee will consider all candidates
recommended by shareholders. A shareholder wishing to recommend a candidate must submit the following documents to the secretary of the
Company at Recon Technology, Ltd, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic
of China:
|
· |
a recommendation that identifies the name and address of the shareholder
and the person to be nominated; |
|
· |
the written consent of the candidate to serve as a director of the Company, if elected; |
|
· |
a description of all arrangements between the shareholders and such
nominee pursuant to which the nomination is to be made; and |
|
· |
such other information regarding the nominee as would be required to
be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC. |
If the candidate is to be evaluated by the Nominating
Committee, the secretary will request a detailed resume, an autobiographical statement explaining the candidate’s interest in serving
as a director of the Company, a completed statement regarding conflicts of interest, and a waiver of liability for a background check
from the candidate.
What are the minimum qualifications required to serve on the Company’s
Board?
All members of the Board must possess the following
minimum qualifications as determined by the Nominating Committee:
|
· |
A director must demonstrate integrity, accountability, informed judgment,
financial literacy, creativity and vision; |
|
· |
A director must be prepared to represent the best interests of all
Company shareholders, and not just one particular constituency; |
|
· |
A director must have a record of professional accomplishment in his
or her chosen field; and |
|
· |
A director must be prepared and able to participate fully in Board
activities, including membership on committees. |
What other considerations does the Nominating Committee consider?
The Nominating Committee believes it is important
to have directors from various backgrounds and professions in order to ensure that the Board has a wealth of experiences to inform its
decisions. Consistent with this philosophy, in addition to the minimum standards set forth above, business and managerial experience
and an understanding of financial statements and financial matters are very important.
How may shareholders communicate with the members of the Board?
Shareholders and others who are interested in
communicating directly with members of the Board, including communication of concerns relating to accounting, internal accounting controls
or audit matters, or fraud or unethical behavior, may do so by writing to the directors at the following address:
Name of Director or Directors
c/o Secretary
Recon Technology, Ltd.
Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012
People’s Republic of China
Does the Company have a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct?
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Ethics
and Conduct, which is applicable to all directors, officers and associates of the Company, including the principal executive officer
and the principal financial and accounting officer. The complete text of the Code of Business Ethics and Conduct is available on the
Company’s web site at www.recon.cn and is also available in print upon request. The Company intends to post any amendments to or
waivers from its Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (to the extent applicable to the Company’s principal executive officer and
principal financial and accounting officer) at this location on its web site.
How often did the Board meet in fiscal year 2023?
The Board met a total of five (5) times
during fiscal year 2023. The Compensation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee each met five (5) times during
fiscal 2023. The Board invites, but does not require, directors to attend the Annual Meeting of shareholders.
What are the committees of the Board?
During fiscal year 2023, the Board had standing
Audit, Nominating, and Compensation Committees. The members of each of the Committees as of February 13, 2024, their principal functions
and the number of meetings held during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, are shown below.
Compensation Committee
The members of the Compensation Committee are:
Jijun Hu, Chairman
Nelson N.S. Wong
Shudong Zhao
The Compensation Committee held five (5) meetings
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. The Compensation Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website at
www.recon.cn under Investor Relations and in print upon request. The Compensation Committee’s principal responsibilities include:
|
· |
Making recommendations to the Board concerning executive management
organization matters generally; |
|
· |
In the area of compensation and benefits, making recommendations to
the Board concerning employees who are also directors of the Company, consult with the CEO on matters relating to other executive
officers, and make recommendations to the Board concerning policies and procedures relating to executive officers; |
|
· |
Making recommendations to the Board regarding all contracts of the
Company with any officer for remuneration and benefits after termination of regular employment of such officer; |
|
· |
Making recommendations to the Board concerning policy matters relating
to employee benefits and employee benefit plans, including incentive compensation plans and equity based plans; and |
|
· |
Administering the Company’s formal incentive compensation programs,
including equity based plans. |
The Compensation Committee may not delegate its
authority to other persons. Similarly, the Compensation Committee has not engaged a compensation consultant to assist in the determination
of executive compensation issues. While the Company’s executives will communicate with the Compensation Committee regarding executive
compensation issues, the Company’s executive officers do not participate in any executive compensation decisions.
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are:
Nelson N.S. Wong, Chairman
Shudong Zhao
Jijun Hu
The Audit Committee held
five (5) meetings during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. The primary responsibility of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board
in monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the independence of its external auditors. The Company believes
that each of the members of the Audit Committee is “independent” and that Mr. Wong qualifies as an “audit committee
financial expert” in accordance with applicable NASDAQ Capital Market listing standards. In carrying out its responsibility, the
Audit Committee undertakes to:
|
· |
Review and recommend to the directors the independent auditors to be
selected to audit the financial statements of the Company; |
|
· |
Meet with the independent auditors and management of the Company to
review the scope of the proposed audit for the current year and the audit procedures to be utilized, and at the conclusion thereof
review such audit, including any comments or recommendations of the independent auditors; |
|
· |
Review with the independent auditors and financial and accounting personnel
the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and financial controls of the Company. The Audit Committee elicits recommendations
for the improvement of internal control procedures or particular areas where new or more detailed controls or procedures are desirable.
The Audit Committee emphasizes developing and maintaining the adequacy of such internal controls to expose any payments, transactions
or procedures that might be deemed illegal or otherwise improper; |
|
· |
Review the internal accounting functions of the Company, the proposed
audit plans for the coming year and the coordination of such plans with the Company’s independent auditors; |
|
· |
Review the financial statements contained in the annual report to shareholders
with management and the independent auditors to determine that the independent auditors are satisfied with the disclosure and contents
of the financial statements to be presented to the shareholders; |
|
· |
Provide sufficient opportunity for the independent auditors to meet
with the members of the Audit Committee without members of management present. Among the items discussed in these meetings are the
independent auditors’ evaluation of the Company’s financial, accounting, and auditing personnel, and the cooperation
that the independent auditors received during the course of the audit; |
|
· |
Review accounting and financial human resources and succession planning
within the Company; |
|
· |
Submit the minutes of all meetings of the Audit Committee to, or discuss
the matters discussed at each committee meeting with, the Board; and |
|
· |
Investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of
its duties, with the power to retain outside counsel for this purpose, if, in its judgment, that is appropriate. |
The Audit Committee has established procedures
for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters, including
procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
Nominating Committee
The members of the Nominating Committee are:
Shudong Zhao, Chairman
Nelson N.S. Wong
Jijun Hu
The Nominating Committee had five (5) meetings
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. All members of the Nominating Committee are independent, as such term is defined by the NASDAQ
Capital Market listing standards. The Nominating Committee undertakes to:
|
· |
Identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board and to
make recommendations to the Board with respect to candidates for nomination for election at the next annual meeting of shareholders
or at such other times when candidates surface and, in connection therewith, consider suggestions submitted by shareholders of the
Company; |
|
· |
Determine and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the
criteria to be used for selecting new members of the Board; |
|
· |
Oversee the process of evaluation of the performance of the Company’s
Board and committees; |
|
· |
Make recommendations to the Board concerning the membership of committees
of the Board and the chairpersons of the respective committees; |
|
· |
Make recommendations to the Board with respect to the remuneration
paid and benefits provided to members of the Board in connection with their service on the Board or on its committees; and |
|
· |
Evaluate Board and committee tenure policies as well as policies covering
the retirement or resignation of incumbent directors. |
The Board has determined to provide a process
by which shareholders may communicate with the Board as a whole, a Board committee or individual director. Shareholders wishing to communicate
with the Board as a whole, a Board committee or an individual member may do so by sending a written communication addressed to the Board
of the Company or to the committee or to an individual director, c/o Secretary, Recon Technology Ltd, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South
Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China. All communications will be compiled by the secretary of
the Company and submitted to the Board or the addressee not later than the next regular Board meeting.
MANAGEMENT — BUSINESS HISTORY
OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
For information as to the business history of
our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yin, and our Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Chen, and other directors, see the section “Proposal
One: Election of Directors” elsewhere in this proxy statement.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS WITH THE COMPANY’S
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
We have employment agreements with each of our
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Financial Officer. With the exception of the employment agreement with our
Chief Financial Officer, each of these employment agreements provides for an indefinite term. Such employment agreements may be terminated
(1) if the employee gives written notice of his or her intention to resign, (2) the employee is absent from three consecutive
meetings of the Board, without special leave of absence from the other members of the Board, and the Board passes a resolution that such
employee has vacated his office, or (3) the death, bankruptcy or mental incapacity of the employee. The employment agreement for
our Chief Financial Officer provides for a one-year term, which expired on March 12, 2017, and the parties have continued to operate
under the terms of this agreement since its expiration. Such employment agreement may be terminated if Ms. Liu gives thirty days’
written notice of her intention to resign, or if the Board determines she can no longer perform her duties as Chief Financial Officer
and provides her with thirty days’ written notice of termination.
Under Chinese law, we may only terminate employment
agreements without cause and without penalty by providing notice of non-renewal one month prior to the date on which the employment agreement
is scheduled to expire. If we fail to provide this notice or if we wish to terminate an employment agreement in the absence of cause,
then we are obligated to pay the employee one month’s salary for each year we have employed the employee. We are, however, permitted
to terminate an employee for cause without penalty to our company, where the employee has committed a crime or the employee’s actions
or inactions have resulted in a material adverse effect to us.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table shows the annual compensation
paid by us to Mr. Shenping Yin, our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Guangqiang Chen, our Chief Technology Officer, and Ms. Jia
Liu, our Chief Financial Officer, for the years ended June 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021. No other employee or officer received more than $100,000
in total compensation in fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Summary Executive Compensation Table
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Option | | |
Restricted Stock | | |
| |
Name and principal position | |
Year | | |
Salary | | |
Bonus | | |
Awards | | |
Awards | | |
Total | |
Yin Shenping, | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Principal Executive Officer | |
| 2023 | | |
$ | 620,000 | | |
$ | 150,000 | | |
$ | — | | |
$ | 1,515,000 | | |
$ | 2,285,000 | |
| |
| 2022 | | |
$ | 360,000 | | |
$ | 100,000 | | |
$ | — | | |
$ | 2,934,500 | | |
$ | 3,394,500 | |
| |
| 2021 | | |
$ | 120,000 | | |
$ | 50,000 | | |
$ | — | | |
$ | 0 | | |
$ | 170,000 | |
Liu Jia | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Principal Financial Officer | |
| 2023 | | |
$ | 162,000 | | |
$ | 60,000 | | |
$ | — | | |
$ | 372,600 | | |
$ | 594,600 | |
| |
| 2022 | | |
$ | 112,000 | | |
$ | 50,000 | | |
$ | — | | |
$ | 156,000 | | |
$ | 318,000 | |
| |
| 2021 | | |
$ | 80,000 | | |
$ | 31,250 | | |
$ | — | | |
$ | 0 | (1) | |
$ | 111,250 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Chen Guangqiang, | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Chief Technology Officer | |
| 2023 | | |
$ | 620,000 | | |
$ | 150,000 | | |
$ | — | | |
$ | 1,515,000 | | |
$ | 2,285,000 | |
| |
| 2022 | | |
$ | 395,833 | | |
$ | 100,000 | | |
$ | — | | |
$ | 2,934,000 | | |
$ | 3,430,333 | |
| |
| 2021 | | |
$ | 157,164 | | |
$ | 50,000 | | |
$ | — | | |
$ | 0 | | |
$ | 207,164 | |
The following table summarizes, as of June 30,
2023, the outstanding options, unvested restricted share units and shares that we granted to our current directors and executive officers.
| |
Class A ordinary shares | | |
| | |
| | |
| |
| |
underlying options | | |
| | |
| | |
| |
| |
awarded/Restricted | | |
Exercise price | | |
| | |
| |
Name | |
Share Units/Shares | | |
(US$/share) | | |
Date of grant | | |
Date of expiration | |
Yin Shenping | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Liu Jia | |
| 6,400 | | |
| 8.25 | | |
| 1/31/2015 | | |
| 1/31/2025 | |
| |
| 100,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 02/28/2022 | | |
| 02/27/2025 | |
| |
| 1,000,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 03/15/2023 | | |
| 09/15/2023 | |
Chen Guangqiang | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Nelson N.S. Wong | |
| 5,000 | | |
| 8.25 | | |
| 1/31/2015 | | |
| 1/31/2025 | |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 02/28/2022 | | |
| 02/27/2025 | |
Hu Jijun | |
| 5,000 | | |
| 8.25 | | |
| 1/31/2015 | | |
| 1/31/2025 | |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 02/28/2022 | | |
| 02/27/2025 | |
Zhao Shudong | |
| 3,600 | | |
| 8.25 | | |
| 1/31/2015 | | |
| 1/31/2025 | |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 02/28/2022 | | |
| 02/27/2025 | |
Duan Yonggang | |
| 60,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 02/28/2022 | | |
| 02/27/2025 | |
Total | |
| 530,000 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth information with
respect to beneficial ownership of our Class A ordinary shares as of June 30, 2023, for each person known by us to beneficially own 5%
or more of our Class A ordinary shares, and all of our executive officers and directors individually and as a group. It reflects the
one-for-five Reverse Stock Split we effected on December 27, 2019 and the two classes of shares approved by our shareholders on April
5, 2021: Class A ordinary shares, with one vote per share, and Class B ordinary shares, with fifteen votes per share. Beneficial ownership
is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Except
as indicated below, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment
power with respect to all Class A and Class B ordinary shares shown as beneficially owned by them. Percentage of beneficial ownership
is based on shares, which consists of 41,703,218 Class A shares and 7,100,000 Class B shares outstanding as of October 23, 2023, 627,444
vested restricted shares and 80,000 shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days after October 23, 2023. The 80,000
shares subject to options and restricted shares are deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of
the individual holding such shares, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage for any other person shown
in the table. Our major shareholders do not possess voting rights that differ from our other shareholders. Unless otherwise indicated,
the address of each of the below shareholders is c/o Recon Technology Ltd, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District,
Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China.
| |
Shares
Beneficially Owned (1) | | |
| |
| |
| | |
Percentage of | | |
| |
| |
Amount of
Beneficial | | |
ordinary shares
Beneficially | | |
Percentage of Voting | |
Name of Beneficial Owner | |
Ownership | | |
Owned(2) | | |
Power
(3) | |
Directors and Executive Officers: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Yin Shenping(4) | |
| 4,252,712 | | |
| 8.60 | % | |
| 36.25 | % |
Chen Guangqiang(5) | |
| 4,185,328 | | |
| 8.47 | % | |
| 36.21 | % |
Hu Jijun(6) | |
| 51,001 | | |
| *
% | | |
| *% | |
Wong Nelson(7) | |
| 35,500 | | |
| *
% | | |
| *% | |
Zhao Shudong(8) | |
| 36,934 | | |
| *
% | | |
| *% | |
Liu Jia(9) | |
| 1,141,250 | | |
| 2.31 | % | |
| *% | |
Duan Yonggang(10) | |
| 30,000 | | |
| *
% | | |
| *% | |
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (eight members) | |
| 9,732,725 | | |
| 17.67 | % | |
| 73.31 | % |
5% or Greater Shareholders | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
(1) |
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of
the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the Common Shares. All shares represent Class A and Class B ordinary
shares. |
|
(2) |
The percentage of shares beneficially owned is based on 49,430,662
ordinary shares outstanding as of October 23, 2023. |
|
(3) |
Class A ordinary shares have one vote per share. Class B ordinary shares
have fifteen votes per share. |
|
(4) |
Mr. Yin holds 702,712 Class A ordinary shares and 3,550,000 Class B
ordinary shares. Due to his ownership of 36.25% of the outstanding Class B ordinary shares (which have 15 votes per share rather
than one vote like Class A ordinary shares), Mr. Yin has substantial control over Recon. The address is: Recon Technology Ltd, Room
601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China. |
|
(5) |
Mr. Chen holds 635,328 Class A ordinary shares and 3,550,000 Class
B ordinary shares. Due to his ownership of 36.21% of the outstanding Class B ordinary shares (which have 15 votes per share rather
than one vote like Class A ordinary shares), Mr. Chen has substantial control over Recon. The address is Recon Technology Ltd, Room
601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China. |
|
(6) |
The address is Recon Technology Ltd, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an
South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China. |
|
(7) |
The address is Recon Technology Ltd, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an
South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China. |
|
(8) |
The address is Recon Technology Ltd, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an
South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China. |
|
(9) |
The address is Recon Technology Ltd, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an
South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China. |
|
(10) |
The address is Recon Technology Ltd, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an
South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Transactions with Related Persons
Sales to related party consisted of the following:
| |
| For the years ended June 30, | |
| |
| 2021 | | |
| 2022 | | |
| 2023 | | |
| 2023 | |
| |
| RMB | | |
| RMB | | |
| RMB | | |
| U.S. Dollars | |
Urumqi Yikeli Automatic Control Equipment Co., Ltd. | |
| ¥ |
85,657 | | |
| ¥ |
— | | |
¥ | — | | |
$ | — | |
Total revenues from related parties | |
| ¥ |
85,657 | | |
| ¥ |
— | | |
¥ | — | | |
$ | — | |
Other payables consisted of the following:
| |
June 30, | | |
June 30, | | |
June 30, | |
| |
2022 | | |
2023 | | |
2023 | |
Related Parties | |
RMB | | |
RMB | | |
U.S. Dollars | |
Expenses paid by the major shareholders | |
¥ | 1,396,419 | | |
¥ | 1,796,309 | | |
$ | 247,722 | |
Due to family members of the owners of BHD and FGS | |
| 590,159 | | |
| 545,159 | | |
| 75,181 | |
Due to management staff for costs incurred on behalf of the Company | |
| 253,557 | | |
| 250,927 | | |
| 34,605 | |
Total | |
¥ | 2,240,135 | | |
¥ | 2,592,395 | | |
$ | 357,508 | |
The Company also had short-term borrowings from
related parties. Below is a summary of the Company’s short-term borrowings due to related parties as of June 30, 2022 and 2023,
respectively.
| |
June 30, | | |
June 30, | | |
June 30, | |
| |
2021 | | |
2022 | | |
2022 | |
Short-term borrowings due to related parties: | |
RMB | | |
RMB | | |
U.S. Dollars | |
Short-term borrowing from a founder , 4.35% annual interest, due on November
17, 2022 | |
¥ | 4,006,767 | | |
¥ | — | | |
$ | — | |
Short-term borrowing from a founder, 4.35% annual interest, due on December 26, 2022 | |
| 5,002,389 | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Short-term borrowing from a founder, 3.65% annual interest, due on December 26, 2023 | |
| — | | |
| 10,004,055 | | |
| 1,379,622 | |
Short-term borrowing from a founder, 3.40% annual interest, due on June 4, 2024 | |
| — | | |
| 4,993,950 | | |
| 688,697 | |
Short-term borrowing from a founder, 3.40% annual interest, due
on June 16, 2024 | |
| — | | |
| 5,020,217 | | |
| 692,320 | |
Total short-term borrowings due to related parties | |
| 9,009,156 | | |
| 20,018,222 | | |
| 2,760,639 | |
The Company also had long-term borrowings from
a related party. Below is a summary of the Company’s long-term borrowings due to a related party as of June 30, 2022 and 2023,
respectively.
| |
June 30, | | |
June 30, | | |
June 30, | |
| |
2022 | | |
2023 | | |
2023 | |
Long-term borrowings due to related party: | |
RMB | | |
RMB | | |
U.S. Dollars | |
Long-term borrowing from a Founder, monthly payments of ¥126,135 inclusive
of interest at 8.90%, ten years loan, due in November 2027. | |
¥ | 6,510,606 | | |
¥ | — | | |
$ | — | |
Less: current portion | |
| (999,530 | ) | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Total long-term borrowings due to related party | |
¥ | 5,511,076 | | |
¥ | — | | |
$ | — | |
Leases from related parties – The Company
has various agreements for the lease of office space owned by the Founders and their family members. The terms of the agreement state
that the Company will continue to lease the property at a monthly rent of ¥94,167 ($12,986) with annual rental expense at ¥1.13
million ($0.15 million). The details of leases from related parties are as below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monthly Rent |
|
|
Monthly Rent |
|
Lessee |
|
Lessor |
|
Rent Period |
|
RMB |
|
|
USD |
|
Nanjing Recon |
|
Yin Shenping |
|
April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2024 |
|
¥ |
40,000 |
|
|
$ |
5,516 |
|
BHD |
|
Chen Guangqiang |
|
Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 |
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
3,103 |
|
BHD |
|
Chen Guangqiang |
|
Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 |
|
|
31,667 |
|
|
|
4,367 |
|
Expenses paid by the owner on behalf of
Recon – Shareholders and founders of the VIEs paid certain operating expenses for the Company. As of June 30, 2022
and 2023, ¥2,240,135 and ¥2,592,395($357,508) was due to them, respectively.
Guarantee/collateral related parties –
The Company’s founders provide guarantee and collateral for the Company’s short-term bank loans. (see Note 13 of the Company’s
20-F)
Other than as described herein, no transactions
required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K have occurred since the beginning of the Company’s last fiscal year.
Director Independence
The board of directors maintains a majority of
independent directors who are deemed to be independent under the definition of independence provided by NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 4200(a)(15).
Mr. Wong, Mr. Hu, Mr. Zhao and Dr. Duan are our independent directors.
PROPOSAL 2:
TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF ENROME LLP AS
THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
(ITEM 2 ON THE PROXY CARD)
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT AND FEES PAID TO
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Who served on the Audit Committee of the Board during fiscal year
2023?
The members of the Audit Committee as of June
30, 2023 were Nelson N. S. Wong, Shudong Zhao and Jijun Hu. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent under the rules of the
SEC and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Board has determined that Mr. Wong, who is an independent director, is an “audit committee
financial expert” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.
What document governs the activities of the
Audit Committee?
The Audit Committee acts under a written charter,
which sets forth its responsibilities and duties, as well as requirements for the Audit Committee’s composition and meetings. The
Audit Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website at www.recon.cn under Investor Relations.
How does the Audit Committee conduct its meetings?
During fiscal year 2023, the Audit Committee
met with the senior members of the Company’s financial management team and the Company’s independent registered public accounting
firm. The Audit Committee’s agenda was established by the Chairman. At each meeting, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed
various financial and regulatory issues. The Audit Committee also had private, separate sessions from time to time with representatives
of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, at which meetings candid discussions of financial management, accounting
and internal control issues took place.
Does the Audit Committee review the periodic
reports and other public financial disclosures of the Company?
The Audit Committee reviews each of the Company’s
annual reports, including Management’s Discussion of Results of Operations and Financial Condition. As part of this review, the
Audit Committee discusses the reports with the Company’s management and considers the audit and review reports prepared by the
independent registered public accounting firm about the Company’s quarterly and annual reports, as well as related matters such
as the quality (and not just the acceptability) of the Company’s accounting principles, alternative methods of accounting under
generally accepted accounting principles and the preferences of the independent registered public accounting firm in this regard, the
Company’s critical accounting policies and the clarity and completeness of the Company’s financial and other disclosures.
What is the role of the Audit Committee in
connection with the financial statements and controls of the Company?
Management of the Company has primary responsibility
for the financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. The independent registered public accounting firm has responsibility
for the audit of the Company’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. The responsibility of the Audit
Committee is to oversee financial and control matters, among other responsibilities fulfilled by the Audit Committee under its charter.
The Audit Committee meets regularly with the independent registered public accounting firm, without the presence of management, to ensure
candid and constructive discussions about the Company’s compliance with accounting standards and best practices among public companies
comparable in size and scope to the Company. The Audit Committee also regularly reviews with its outside advisors material developments
in the law and accounting literature that may be pertinent to the Company’s financial reporting practices.
What has the Audit Committee done with regard to the Company’s
audited financial statements for fiscal 2023?
The Audit Committee has:
|
· |
reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with the Company’s
management; and |
|
· |
discussed with Enrome LLP, the Company’s independent registered
public accounting firms for the fiscal year 2023, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61,
Communication with Audit Committees, as amended. |
Has the Audit Committee considered the independence of the Company’s
auditors?
Enrome LLP and Marcum Asia CPAs, LLP have supplied
the Audit Committee with written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No.1, Independence Discussions
with Audit Committees, and the Audit Committee has discussed Enrome LLP’s and Marcum Asia CPAs, LLP’s independence with Enrome
LLP and Marcum Asia CPAs, LLP, respectively. The Audit Committee has concluded that Enrome LLP and previously, Marcum Asia CPAs, LLP
are independent from the Company and its management.
Has the Audit Committee made a recommendation
regarding the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2023?
Based upon its review and the discussions with
management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the
audited consolidated financial statements for the Company be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year
2023.
Has the Audit Committee reviewed the fees
paid to the independent registered public accounting firm during fiscal year 2023?
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed
the fees paid to Enrome LLP and Marcum Asia CPAs LLP during fiscal year 2023 for audit, audit-related, tax and other services, which
are set forth below under “Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.” The Audit Committee has determined
that the provision of non-audit services is compatible with Enrome LLP’s and Marcum Asia CPAs LLP’s independence.
What is the Company’s policy regarding
the retention of the Company’s auditors?
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy regarding
the retention of the independent registered public accounting firm that requires pre-approval of all services by the Audit Committee.
Who prepared this report?
This report has been furnished by the members
of the Audit Committee as of June 30, 2023:
Nelson N.S. Wong, Chairman
Shudong Zhao
Jijun Hu
FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Audit Fees
During fiscal years 2022, Friedman LLP’s
audit fees were $260,000. During fiscal year 2023, Marcum Asia CPAs LLP ’s audit fees were $ 181,800. Enrome LLP’s audit
fees were $190,000.
Audit-Related Fees
The Company paid $25,000 to Friedman LLP for
audit-related services in fiscal years 2022. The Company will pay $24,000 to Enrome LLP for audit-related services.
Tax Fees
The Company has not incurred any tax fees from
Friedman LLP, Marcum Asia CPAs LLP and Enrome LLP for tax services in fiscal years 2023 and 2022.
All Other Fees
The Company has not incurred any other fees from
Friedman LLP, Marcum Asia CPAs LLP and Enrome LLP in fiscal years 2023 and 2022.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies
Before Enrome LLP was engaged by the Company
to render audit or non-audit services, the engagement was approved by the Company’s audit committee. All services rendered by Enrome
LLP have been so approved.
Percentage of Hours
The percentage of hours expended on the principal
accountants’ engagement to audit our consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2023 that were attributed to work performed
by persons other than Enrome LLP’s full-time permanent employees was less than 5%.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION
OF ENROME LLP
AS THE COMPANY’S FISCAL YEAR 2024 INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.
PROPOSAL 3
AMENDMENT TO THE SHARE CONSOLIDATION
(ITEM 3 ON THE PROXY CARD)
General
The Board believes that it is in the best interest
of the Company and the shareholders and is hereby soliciting shareholder approval to effect a reverse stock split (or share consolidation
as a matter of Cayman Islands law) of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares at a ratio ranging from one-for-fifteen to one-for-forty,
with the exact ratio to be selected at the sole discretion of the Company’s Board (the “Reverse Stock Split”), on the
effective date as determined by the Board, but must be on or before March 29, 2024.
The Reverse Stock Split may be passed by ordinary
resolutions which require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting by the Shareholders present in person or
represented by proxy and entitled to vote on such proposals, either in person, by proxy or by authorized representative. If our stockholders
approve this proposal, our Board will have the authority, but not the obligation, in its sole discretion and without further action on
the part of our shareholders, to select the Reverse Stock Split ratio among one-for-fifteen through one-for-forty and implement the Reverse
Stock Split by filing the Reverse Stock Split resolution with the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies at any time after the approval
of the Reverse Stock Split on March 29, 2024.
The Reverse Stock Split will be implemented simultaneously
for all Class A ordinary shares that are issued and outstanding, all shares issuable under outstanding options and warrants. The Reverse
Stock Split will affect all shareholders uniformly and will have no effect on the proportionate holdings of any individual shareholder,
with the exception of adjustments related to the treatment of fractional shares (see below).
Purpose of the Reverse Stock Split
The Company’s Class A ordinary shares are
currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “RCON.” Among other requirements,
the listing maintenance standards established by Nasdaq require the ordinary shares to have a minimum closing bid price of at least $1.00
per share. Pursuant to the Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Rule”), if the closing bid price
of the ordinary shares is not equal to or greater than $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will send a deficiency notice to
the Company. Thereafter, if the ordinary shares do not close at a minimum bid price of $1.00 or more for 10 consecutive trading days
within 180 calendar days of the deficiency notice, Nasdaq may determine to delist the ordinary shares.
On April 27, 2023, the Company received a notification
letter (the “Notice”) from NASDAQ advising the Company that for 30 consecutive business days preceding the date of the Notice,
the bid price of the Company’s ordinary shares had closed below the $1.00 per share minimum required for continued listing on The
NASDAQ Capital Market pursuant to the Minimum Bid Price Rule. The Company was provided 180 calendar days, or until October 24, 2023,
to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule.
On October 25, 2023, NASDAQ granted the “Company
an additional 180 calendar days, or until April 22, 2024, to regain compliance with the $1.00 per share minimum bid price required for
continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market pursuant to the “Minimum Bid Price Rule.
In the latter part of January 2024, the Company
determined that it would not be in compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule by April 22, 2024, which would subject the Company’s
ordinary shares to delisting from Nasdaq. Therefore, the Board of Directors determined that it was in the best interest of the Company
to solicit the approval of the shareholders to effect a reverse split of the Company’s ordinary shares. The Board of Directors
reasonably believes that without receiving the shareholders’ approval and without the closing price of the ordinary shares otherwise
meeting the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement, the Company’s ordinary shares will be delisted from Nasdaq.
In the event the ordinary shares were no longer
eligible for continued listing on Nasdaq, the Company could be forced to seek to be traded on the OTC Bulletin Board or in the “pink
sheets.” These alternative markets are generally considered to be less efficient than, and not as broad as, Nasdaq, and therefore
less desirable. Accordingly, the Board of Directors believes delisting of the ordinary shares would likely have a negative impact on
the liquidity and market price of the ordinary shares and may increase the spread between the “bid” and “ask”
prices quoted by market makers.
The Board of Directors has considered the potential
harm to the Company of a delisting from Nasdaq and believes that delisting could, among other things, adversely affect (i) the trading
price of the ordinary shares, and (ii) the liquidity and marketability of the ordinary shares. This could reduce the ability of holders
of the ordinary shares to purchase or sell ordinary shares as quickly and as inexpensively as they have done historically.
Delisting could also adversely affect the Company’s
relationships with customers who may perceive the Company’s business less favorably, which would have a detrimental effect on the
Company’s relationships with these entities.
Furthermore, if the ordinary shares were no longer
listed on Nasdaq, it may reduce the Company’s access to capital and cause the Company to have less flexibility in responding to
its capital requirements. Certain institutional investors may also be less interested or prohibited from investing in the ordinary shares,
which may cause the market price of the ordinary shares to decline.
Selection of Reverse
Stock Split Ratios
In determining which Reverse Stock Split ratio
to implement among one-for-fifteen through one-for-forty, if any, following receipt of shareholder approval, our Board may consider,
among other things, various factors such as:
|
● |
the historical trading price and trading volume of our ordinary shares; |
|
|
|
|
● |
the then prevailing trading price and trading volume of our ordinary
shares and the expected impact of the Reverse Stock Split on the trading market for our ordinary shares; |
|
|
|
|
● |
our ability to continue our listing on the Nasdaq; |
|
|
|
|
● |
which Reverse Stock Split ratio would result in the least administrative
cost to us; and |
|
|
|
|
● |
prevailing general market and economic conditions. |
If our shareholders approve the Reverse Stock
Split, it is expected that the Reverse Stock Split will only be implemented if needed to maintain our listing on the Nasdaq. However,
the Board hopes not to implement the Reverse Stock Split and reserves the right to abandon the Reverse Stock Split at any time prior
to filing the Reverse Stock Split resolution if it determines, in its sole discretion, that the Reverse Stock Split is not needed to
maintain our listing on the Nasdaq and is no longer in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
Registration and Trading
of our Ordinary shares
The Reverse Stock Split will not affect the registration
of our Class A ordinary shares or our obligation to publicly file financial and other information with the SEC. When the Reverse Stock
Split is implemented, our Class A ordinary shares will begin trading on a post-split basis on the effective date that we announce by
press release. In connection with the reverse stock split, the CUSIP number of our Class A ordinary shares (which is an identifier used
by participants in the securities industry to identify our Class A ordinary shares) will change.
Fractional Shares
No fractional ordinary shares will be issued
to any shareholders in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Each Shareholder will be entitled to receive one ordinary share in
lieu of the fractional share that would have resulted from the Reverse Stock Split.
Authorized Shares
At the time the Reverse Stock Split is effective,
our authorized ordinary shares will be consolidated at the same ratio.
Street Name Holders of Ordinary shares
The Company intends for the Reverse Stock Split
to treat shareholders holding ordinary shares in street name through a nominee (such as a bank or broker) in the same manner as shareholders
whose shares are registered in their names. Nominees will be instructed to effect the Reverse Stock Split for their beneficial holders.
However, nominees may have different procedures. Accordingly, shareholders holding ordinary shares in street name should contact their
nominees.
Stock Certificates
Mandatory surrender of certificates is not required
by our shareholders. The Company’s transfer agent will adjust the record books of the Company to reflect the Reverse Stock Split
as of the Effective Date. New certificates will not be mailed to shareholders.
Resolutions
The Board proposes to solicit shareholder approval
to effect a reverse stock split (or share consolidation as a matter of Cayman Islands law) of the Company’s ordinary shares at one of
the ratios as set out below (ranging from one-for-fifteen through one-for-forty) in the form of shareholder resolutions, the shareholders
to approve each ratio and to grant the Board a discretion to determine the most appropriate ratio and such consolidation to be effective
on such date as is determined by the Board.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
A VOTE TO APPROVE A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF THE COMPANY'S CLASS A ORDINARY SHARES. UNLESS REVOKED AS PROVIDED ABOVE, PROXIES RECEIVED
BY MANAGEMENT WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF SUCH APPROVAL UNLESS A CONTRARY VOTE IS SPECIFIED.
PROPOSAL 4:
AMENDMENTS TO THE AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITAL
(ITEM 4 ON THE PROXY CARD)
1. Previous Change In Share Capital
On April 5, 2021, the Company held its annual
general meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. At the Annual Meeting, the
Company’s shareholders approved a special resolution that the authorized US$15,725,000 of the Company be amended from US$1,850,000
divided into 20,000,000 Class B 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 (¥0.62) each, and 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a nominal
or par value of US$0.0925 (¥0.62) each. The change from ordinary shares to Class A ordinary shares is reflected with the NASDAQ Capital
Market and in the marketplace at the open of business on April 12, 2021, whereupon the Class A ordinary shares began trading. The Company’s
Class A ordinary shares continued to trade on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “RCON” and under the CUSIP Number
of G7415M124. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares shall at all times vote together as one class on all resolutions
submitted to a vote by the Members. Each Class A ordinary share shall be entitled to one (1) vote on all matters subject to vote at general
meetings of the Company, and each Class B ordinary share shall be entitled to fifteen (15) votes on all matters subject to vote at general
meetings of the Company.
2. Proposed Increase and Amendment to
the Authorized Share Capital
On January 30, 2024, the Board of the Company
approved, and directed that there be submitted to the shareholders of the Company by special resolutions for approval, the proposed amendment
to the Company’s authorized share capital be further amended immediately following the Share Consolidation becoming effect, as
follows (although to be determined and confirmed at the AGM):
From: US$53,650,000 divided into [●] Class
A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$[●] each, and 80,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of
US$0.0925 each,
To: US$58,000 divided into 500,000,000 Class
A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0001 each and 80,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0001
each,
By: first, the creation of [●] Class A Ordinary
Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 and 60,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 each, each
having the rights and subject to the restrictions set out in the Fourth Amended and Restated Articles of Association adopted pursuant
to the resolutions below, second a subdivision of all shares at a ratio of [●] such that each Class A Share of US$[●] par
value shall become [●] Shares with a par value of US$0.0001 each, and each Class B Share shall become [●] Shares with a par
value of US$0.0001 each, and third, a capital reduction whereby [●] authorized but unissued Class A Shares and [●] authorized
but unissued Class B Shares are cancelled; and that as a result of the Amendment, each Member shall retain that number of Class A Ordinary
Shares and/or Class B Ordinary Shares held in their name, as adjusted to account for the Share Consolidation and subsequent Amendment
The favorable vote of a two-thirds majority of
the votes cast, in person or by proxy, at this Annual Meeting is required to approve the proposed increase and amendment to our authorized
share capital.
3. Potential Adverse Effects of Amendment
Future issuances of Class B ordinary shares or
securities convertible into Class B ordinary shares could have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, book value per share and
the voting power and interest of current holders of ordinary shares which will be converted into the Class A ordinary shares on a 1:1
basis. In addition, the availability of additional shares of Class A ordinary shares for issuance could, under certain circumstances,
discourage or make more difficult any efforts to obtain control of the Company. The Board is not aware of any attempt, or contemplated
attempt, to acquire control of the Company, nor is this proposal being presented with the intent that it be used to prevent or discourage
any acquisition attempt. However, nothing would prevent the Board from taking any such actions that it deems to be consistent with its
fiduciary duties.
4. Effectiveness of Amendment
If the proposed amendments are adopted, they
will become effective upon the approval of the shareholders meeting. Any purchase price paid by shareholders above US$0.0001 each shall
be moved from that shareholder’s capital account to their share premium account, and the relevant books and records of the Company
shall be amended accordingly.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU
VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL
OF THE INCREASE TO OUR AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITAL.
PROPOSAL 5
APPROVAL OF THE FOURTH M&AA
(ITEM 5 ON THE PROXY CARD)
What am I voting on?
In connection with the proposed amendments to
our authorized share capital stated in Proposal 3, the Board of the Company approved, and directed that there be submitted to the shareholders
of the Company for approval, the Fourth M&AA.
What is the Text of the
Changes to the Third M&AA?
The text of the proposed Fourth M&AA is set
forth in Annex A to this proxy statement and is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement.
References to the Fourth M&AA in the summary
below are to the sections reflected in Annex A and not necessarily the Fourth M&AA in effect as of the date hereof. The description
of the proposed changes to the Fourth M&AA contained in this proxy statement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in
its entirely by reference to the full text of the form of the Fourth M&AA attached to this proxy statement as Annex A.
In the form of the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association:
| · | Clause
6 be amended to reflect the Company’s authorized share capital having been amended
from US$53,650,000 divided into 33,345,350 Class A ordinary shares of a nominal or par value
of US$1.387 each and 80,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925
each, to: US$11,334,535 divided into 33,345,350 Class A ordinary shares of a nominal or par
value of US$0.0001 each and 80,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a nominal or par value
of US$0.0001 each. |
In the form of the Fourth Amended and Restated
Articles of Association:
| · | Article
1 be amended to reflect the par values of $0.0001 for each of Class A ordinary shares and
Class B ordinary shares. |
| · | New
Article 34 be added to reflect each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one-[●]
(1/[●]) of one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder. |
| · | New
Article 35 be added to reflect the number of Class B ordinary shares held by a holder will
be automatically and immediately converted into the corresponding number of Class A ordinary
shares in the ratio set forth in Article 34 hereof upon any direct or indirect sale, transfer,
assignment or disposition of such number of Class B ordinary shares by the holder. |
The favorable vote of a two-thirds majority of
the votes cast, in person or by proxy, at this Annual Meeting is required to approve the proposed amendment to our authorized share capital.
If the proposal is approved by our shareholders,
the Company’s registered agent will file the Fourth M&AA with Cayman Islands Registry of Companies.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL
OF THE FORM OF THE FOURTH M&AA.
PROPOSAL 6
APPROVAL OF THE 2024 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(ITEM 6 ON THE PROXY CARD)
What am I voting on?
In connection with the proposed amendment to
our authorized share capital stated in the proposal 3, on January 30, 2024, the Board of the Company adopted the 2024 Plan, subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company. The Board believes that the 2024 Plan will advance the long-term success of the Company.
What is the Text of the
2024 Equity Incentive Plan?
The text of the proposed 2024 Plan is set forth in Annex B to this
proxy statement and is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement.
References to the 2024 Plan in the summary below
are to the sections reflected in Annex B and not necessarily the 2024 Plan in effect as of the date hereof. The description of the proposed
changes to the 2024 Plan contained in this proxy statement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirely by reference
to the full text of the form of the 2024 Plan attached to this proxy statement as Annex B.
| · | The
definitions of “Class A ordinary shares” and “Class B ordinary shares”
be added to reflect the Amendment to the Authorized Share Capital. |
| · | The
definition of “Eligible Person” be revised to reflect that only Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Technology Officer are eligible to receive awards of Class B ordinary shares. |
| · | Section
5 be revised to reflect that the maximum number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares available
for issuance under the 2024 Plan during that fiscal year shall be increased such that, as
of such first business day, the maximum aggregate number of Class A and Class B ordinary
shares available for issuance under the 2024 Plan during that fiscal year shall be equal
to Fifteen Percent (15%) of the number of total issued and outstanding Class A and Class
B ordinary shares of the Company. |
How is the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan administered?
The 2024 Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board. The 2024 Plan provides the Compensation Committee with flexibility to design compensatory awards that are responsive
to the Company’s needs. Subject to the terms of the 2024 Plan, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to determine the terms
of each award.
What kind of awards may be granted?
Awards under the 2024 Plan may be in the form
of incentive stock options, nonqualified incentive stock options, restricted stock, or Class B ordinary share awards for the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Technology Officer only.
Who is eligible to receive awards?
Employees of the Company, officers, employee
and non-employee directors may all be selected by the Compensation Committee to receive awards under the 2024 Plan. The benefits or amounts
that may be received by or allocated to participants under the 2024 Plan will be determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee
and are not presently determinable.
When does the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan terminate?
Our Board may terminate the 2024 Plan at any time. If not sooner terminated
by the Board, the 2024 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of its effective date.
How can 2024 Equity Incentive Plan be amended?
The 2024 Plan may be amended by the Board, but
without further approval by the shareholders of the Company, the Board shall not amend the 2024 Plan in any manner that requires shareholder
approval under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Board may condition any amendment on the approval of the shareholders
if such approval is necessary or deemed advisable with respect to the applicable listing or other requirements of a national securities
exchange or other applicable laws, policies or regulations.
Where can I get a copy of 2024 Equity Incentive Plan?
This summary is not a complete description of all provisions of the
2024 Plan. A copy of the 2024 Plan is attached hereto as Annex B.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL
OF THE 2024 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
AUTHORIZE COMPANY’S REGISTERED OFFICE
PROVIDER TO FILE THE FOURTH M&AA
(ITEM 7 ON THE PROXY CARD)
What am I voting on?
In connection with the approval of the Fourth
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, the proposed ordinary resolution authorizes and instructs the Company’s
registered office service provider and/or registered transfer agent (as applicable) be authorized and instructed to update the Company’s
registers and to file the Fourth M&AA with the Registrar of Companies for and on behalf of the Company.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE TO AUTHORIZE THE
COMPANY’S REGISTERED OFFICE SERVICE PROVIDER AND/OR REGISTERED TRANSFER AGENT (AS APPLICABLE) BE AUTHORIZED AND INSTRUCTED TO UPDATE
THE COMPANY’S REGISTERS AND TO FILE THE FOURTH M&AA WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY.
GENERAL
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of the Board who served on
the Compensation Committee during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 were officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
or had any relationship with the Company requiring disclosure under SEC regulations.
Compliance with Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership
Reporting Requirements
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 requires the Company’s directors and executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class
of the Company’s equity securities to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission reports of ownership and changes in beneficial
ownership of the Company’s ordinary shares. Directors, executive officers and greater than ten percent shareholders are required
to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of these reports furnished
to the Company or written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that all reports were timely made.
Availability of Form 20-F to Shareholders
Rules promulgated by the SEC require us to provide
an Annual Report to shareholders who receive this proxy statement. We will also provide copies of the Annual Report to brokers, dealers,
banks, voting trustees and their nominees for the benefit of their beneficial owners of record. Additional copies of the Annual Report
on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 (without exhibits or documents incorporated by reference), are available without
charge to shareholders upon written request to Secretary, Recon Technology, Ltd, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang
District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China, by calling +86 (10)-8494 5799 or via the Internet at www.recon.cn.
Shareholder Proposals
To be considered for inclusion in next year’s
proxy statement or considered at next year’s annual meeting but not included in the proxy statement, shareholder proposals must
be submitted in writing to: Secretary, Recon Technology, Ltd, Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
100012, People’s Republic of China. We are not obligated to include shareholder proposals in our annual proxy statements as a foreign
private issuer, but we will consider proposals submitted in writing in this way.
Shareholders Sharing
an Address
We may send a single
set of shareholder documents to any household at which two or more shareholders reside. This process is called “householding.”
This reduces the volume of duplicate information received at your household and helps us to reduce costs. Your materials may be householded
based on your prior express or implied consent. If your materials have been householded and you wish to receive separate copies of these
documents, or if you are receiving duplicate copies of these documents and wish to have the information householded, you may write or
call the following address or phone number: Secretary, Recon Technology, Ltd., Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District,
Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China; +86 (10) 8494 5799.
Other Matters to
Come Before the Meeting
The Board is not aware
of any other business to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. Pursuant to the Company’s bylaws, only the business described in
the notice of the Annual Meeting of the shareholders will be conducted at such meeting.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
The SEC allows us to
“incorporate by reference” information into this proxy statement. This means that the Company can disclose important
information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference
is considered to be a part of this proxy statement, except for any information that is superseded by information that is included directly
in this proxy statement or in any other subsequently filed document that also is incorporated by reference herein.
This proxy statement
incorporates by reference our Annual Report on Form 20-F the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 filed with the SEC on October 30, 2023.
Annex A
Form of Fourth Amended and
Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
THE
COMPANIES ACT (AS REVISED)
OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
COMPANY LIMITED BY
SHARES
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
OF
RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD
(Amended and Restated by Special Resolutions adopted
on [●], 2024)
|
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1. |
The name of
the Company is Recon Technology, Ltd. |
|
|
2. |
The Registered
Office of the Company shall be at the offices of Vistra (Cayman) Limited, P.O. Box 31119 Grand Pavilion, Hibiscus Way, 802 West
Bay Road, Grand Cayman, KY1-1205, Cayman Islands, or at such other place as the Directors may from time to time decide. |
|
|
3. |
The objects
for which the Company is established are unrestricted and shall include, but without limitation, the following: |
|
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|
(a) |
(i) |
To carry on the business
of an investment company and to act as promoters and entrepreneurs and to carry on business as financiers, capitalists, concessionaires,
merchants, brokers, traders, dealers, agents, importers and exporters and to undertake and carry on and execute all kinds of investment,
financial, commercial, mercantile, trading and other operations. |
|
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(ii) |
To
carry on whether as principals, agents or otherwise howsoever the business of realtors, developers, consultants, estate agents or
managers, builders, contractors, engineers, manufacturers, dealers in or vendors of all types of property including services. |
|
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(b) |
To exercise
and enforce all rights and powers conferred by or incidental to the ownership of any shares, stock, obligations or other securities
including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing all such powers of veto or control as may be conferred by virtue of
the holding by the Company of some special proportion of the issued or nominal amount thereof, to provide managerial and other executive,
supervisory and consultant services for or in relation to any company in which the Company is interested upon such terms as may be
thought fit. |
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(c) |
To purchase or otherwise acquire, to
sell, exchange, surrender, lease, mortgage, charge, convert, turn to account, dispose of and deal with real and personal property and
rights of all kinds and, in particular, mortgages, debentures, produce, concessions, options, contracts, patents, annuities, licenses,
stocks, shares, bonds, policies, book debts, business concerns, undertakings, claims, privileges and causes in action of all kinds. |
(d) |
To subscribe
for, conditionally or unconditionally, to underwrite, issue on commission or otherwise, take, hold, deal in and convert stocks, shares
and securities of all kinds and to enter into partnership or into any arrangement for sharing profits, reciprocal concessions or
cooperation with any person or company and to promote and aid in promoting, to constitute, form or organize any company, syndicate
or partnership of any kind, for the purpose of acquiring and undertaking any property and liabilities of the Company or of advancing,
directly or indirectly, the objects of the Company or for any other purpose which the Company may think expedient. |
|
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(e) |
To stand surety for or to guarantee, support or
secure the performance of all or any of the obligations of any person, firm or company whether or not related or affiliated to
the Company in any manner and whether by personal covenant or by mortgage, charge or lien upon the whole or any part of the undertaking,
property and assets of the Company, both present and future, including its uncalled capital or by any such method and whether
or not
the Company shall receive valuable consideration therefor. |
|
|
(f) |
To engage in or carry on any other lawful trade, business or enterprise which may at any time appear to the Directors of the
Company capable of being conveniently carried on in conjunction with any of the aforementioned businesses or activities or which
may appear to the Directors of the Company likely to be profitable to the Company. |
|
|
In the interpretation of this Memorandum of Association in general and of this Clause
3 in particular, no object, business or power specified or mentioned shall be limited or restricted by reference to or inference
from any other object, business or power, or the name of the Company, or by the juxtaposition of two or more objects, businesses
or powers and that, in the event of any ambiguity in this clause or elsewhere in this Memorandum of Association, the same shall be
resolved by such interpretation and construction as will widen and enlarge and not restrict the objects, businesses and powers of
and exercisable by the Company. |
4. |
Except
as prohibited or limited by the Companies Act (as revised), the Company shall have full power and authority to carry out any object
and shall have and be capable of from time to time and at all times exercising any and all of the powers at any time or from time
to time exercisable by a natural person or body corporate in doing in any part of the world whether as principal, agent, contractor
or otherwise whatever may be considered by it necessary for the attainment of its objects and whatever else may be considered by
it as incidental or conducive thereto or consequential thereon, including, but without in any way restricting the generality of the
foregoing, the power to make any alterations or amendments to this Memorandum of Association and the Articles of Association of the
Company considered necessary or convenient in the manner set out in the Articles of Association of the Company, and the power to
do any of the following acts or things, viz: |
|
to pay all expenses of and incidental to the promotion, formation and incorporation of
the Company; to register the Company to do business in any other jurisdiction; to sell, lease or dispose of any property of the Company;
to draw, make, accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue
promissory notes, debentures, bills of exchange, bills of lading, warrants and other negotiable or transferable instruments; to lend
money or other assets and to act as guarantors; to borrow or raise money on the security of the undertaking or on all or any of the
assets of the Company including uncalled capital or without security; to invest monies of the Company in such manner as the Directors
determine; to promote other companies; to sell the undertaking of the Company for cash or any other consideration; to distribute
assets in specie to Members of the Company; to make charitable or benevolent donations; to pay pensions or gratuities or provide
other benefits in cash or kind to Directors, officers, employees, past or present and their families; to purchase Directors and officers
liability insurance and to carry on any trade or business and generally to do all acts and things which, in the opinion of the Company
or the Directors, may be conveniently or profitably or usefully acquired and dealt with, carried on, executed or done by the Company
in connection with the business aforesaid PROVIDED THAT the Company shall only carry on the businesses for which a license is required
under the laws of the Cayman Islands when so licensed under the terms of such laws. |
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5. |
The liability of each Member
is limited to the amount from time to time unpaid on such Member’s shares. |
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6. |
The share capital of the
Company is US$[58,000] divided into [500,000,000] Class A ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0001 each and [80,000,000]
Class B ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0001 each with power for the Company insofar as is permitted by law,
to redeem or purchase any of its shares and to increase or reduce the said capital subject to the provisions of the Companies Act
(as revised) and the Articles of Association and to issue any part of its capital, whether original, redeemed or increased with or
without any preference, priority or special privilege or subject to any postponement of rights or to any conditions or restrictions
and so that unless the conditions of issue shall otherwise expressly declare every issue of shares whether declared to be preference
or otherwise shall be subject to the powers hereinbefore contained. |
|
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7. |
If the Company is registered as an exempted company
in accordance with Part VII of the Companies Act (as revised), the Company will comply with the provisions of such law relating
to exempted companies and, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and the Articles of Association, it shall have the
power to register by way of continuation as a body corporate limited by shares under the laws of any jurisdiction outside the
Cayman Islands and to be deregistered in the Cayman Islands. |
THE
COMPANIES ACT (AS REVISED)
OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD
Adopted by Special Resolution on [●],
2024
| 1. | In
these Articles Table A in the Schedule to the Statute does not apply and, unless there is
something in the subject or context inconsistent therewith, |
| “Affiliate” | in the
case of a natural person, such person’s parents, parents-in-law, spouse, children or
grandchildren, a trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing, a company, partnership or
any natural person or entity wholly or jointly owned by such person or any of the foregoing, (ii) in
the case of an entity, a partnership, a corporation or any natural person or entity which
directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or
is under common control with, such entity. The term “control” shall mean the
ownership, directly or indirectly, of shares possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of
the voting power of the corporation, or the partnership or other entity (other than, in the
case of corporation, share having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency),
or having the power to control the management or elect a majority of members to the board
of directors or equivalent decision-making body of such corporation, partnership or other
entity. |
| “Articles” | means these
Articles as originally framed or as from time to time altered by Special Resolution. |
| “Auditors” | means the
persons for the time being performing the duties of auditors of the Company. |
| “Chairman” | means the
Chairman of the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with Article 91. |
| “Class” | means
a class of Director established pursuant to Article 68. |
| | |
| “Class A Ordinary Shares” | means
the Class A ordinary shares in the capital of the Company of US$0.0001 par value
each, having the rights provided for in these Articles. |
| “Class B
Ordinary Shares” | means the Class B ordinary shares in the capital of
the Company of US$0.0001 par value each, having the rights provided for in these Articles. |
| | |
| “Company” | means
Recon Technology, Ltd |
| | |
| “debenture” | means
debenture stock, mortgages, bonds and any other such securities of the Company whether
constituting a charge on the assets of the Company or not. |
| | |
| “Designated Exchange” | means
The Nasdaq Stock Market, the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE Market or any other
internationally recognized stock exchange where the Company’s securities are traded; |
| | |
| “Directors” | means
the directors for the time being of the Company. |
| | |
| “dividend” | includes
bonuses. |
| | |
| “Exchange Rules” | means
the relevant code, rules and regulations, as amended, from time to time, applicable
as a result of the original and continued listing of any shares on the Designated Exchange; |
| | |
| “Member” | shall
bear the meaning as ascribed to it in the Statute. |
| | |
| “month” | means
calendar month. |
| | |
| “Original Articles” | means
the First Amended and Restated Articles of Association of the Company adopted by Special
Resolutions dated 23rd day of June, 2009 |
| | |
| “paid-up” | means
paid-up and/or credited as paid-up. |
| | |
| “registered office” | means
the registered office for the time being of the Company. |
| | |
| “Seal” | means
the common seal of the Company and includes every duplicate seal. |
| | |
| “Secretary” | includes
an Assistant Secretary and any person appointed to perform the duties of Secretary
of the Company. |
| | |
| “Share Premium Account” | means
the account of the Company which the Company is required by the Statute to maintain,
to which all premiums over nominal or par value received by the Company in respect of issues
of shares from time to time are credited. |
| | |
| “shares” | means
any share in the capital of the Company, including Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B
Ordinary Shares and shares of other classes. |
| “Special Resolution” | has
the same meaning as in the Statute and includes a resolution approved in writing as
described therein. |
| | |
| “Statute” | means the
Companies Act of the Cayman Islands as amended and every statutory modification or re-enactment
thereof for the time being in force. |
| | |
| “written” and “in writing” | include
all modes of representing or reproducing words in visible form. |
Words importing the singular number include the plural
number and vice-versa.
Words importing the masculine gender include the feminine
gender.
Words importing persons include corporations.
| 2. | The
business of the Company may be commenced as soon after incorporation as the Directors shall
see fit, notwithstanding that only part of the shares may have been allotted. |
| 3. | The
Directors may pay, out of the capital or any other monies of the Company, all expenses incurred
in or about the formation and establishment of the Company including the expenses of registration. |
CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES
| 4. | Certificates
representing shares of the Company shall be in such form as shall be determined or agreed
to by the Directors. Such certificates may be under Seal. All certificates for shares shall
be consecutively numbered or otherwise identified and shall specify the shares to which they
relate. The name and address of the person to whom the shares represented thereby are issued,
with the number of shares and date of issue, shall be entered in the register of Members
of the Company. All certificates surrendered to the Company or any agent appointed by the
Company for the purpose of maintaining the Company’s register of Members and registering
transfer of the Company’s shares (the “Share Registrar”) for transfer shall
be cancelled and no new certificate shall be issued until the former certificate for a like
number of shares shall have been surrendered and cancelled. The Directors may authorize certificates
to be issued with the seal and authorized signature(s) affixed by some method or system
of mechanical process. |
| 5. | Notwithstanding
Article 4 of these Articles, if a share certificate be defaced, lost or destroyed, it
may be renewed on payment of a fee of one dollar (US$l.00) or such other sum determined by
the Directors or the Share Registrar and on such terms (if any) as to evidence and indemnity
and the payment of the expenses incurred by the Company in investigating evidence, as the
Directors or Share Registrar may prescribe. |
ISSUE OF SHARES
| 6. | Subject
to the relevant provisions, if any, in the Memorandum of Association and to any direction
that may be given by the Company in general meeting and without prejudice to any special
rights previously conferred on the holders of existing shares, the Directors may, in their
absolute discretion and without approval of the holders of shares, allot, issue, grant options
over or otherwise dispose of shares of the Company (including fractions of a share) with
or without preferred, deferred or other special rights or restrictions, whether with
regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise and to such persons, at such times
and on such other terms as they think proper. The Company shall not issue shares in bearer
form. |
REGISTER OF MEMBERS AND SHARE CERTIFICATES
| 7. | The
Company shall maintain a register of its Members and every person whose name is entered as
a Member in the register of Members shall be entitled without payment to receive within two
months after allotment or lodgement of transfer (or within such other period as the conditions
of issue shall provide) one certificate for all his shares or several certificates each for
one or more of his shares upon payment of fifty cents (US$0.50) for every certificate after
the first or such sum as the Directors of the Share Registrar shall from time to time determine
provided that in respect of a share or shares held jointly by several persons the Company
shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate and delivery of a certificate for a
share to one of the several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all such holders.
The Directors may appoint a Share Registrar to maintain the Company’s register of Members. |
TRANSFER OF SHARES
| 8. | The
instrument of transfer of any share shall be in writing and shall be executed by or on behalf
of the transferor and the transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of a share until
the name of the transferee is entered in the register in respect thereof. The Directors may
in their absolute discretion decline to register any transfer of shares without assigning
any reason therefor. If the Directors refuse to register a transfer they shall notify the
transferee within two months of such refusal. |
| 9. | The
registration of transfers may be suspended at such time and for such periods as the Directors
may from time to time determine. |
REDEEMABLE SHARES
| 10. | (a) Subject
to the provisions of the Statute and the Memorandum of Association, shares may be issued
on the terms that they are, or at the option of the Company or the holder are, to be redeemed
on such terms and in such manner as the Company, before the issue of the shares, may by Special
Resolution determine. |
| | |
| | (b) Subject
to the provisions of the Statute and the Memorandum of Association, the Company may purchase its own shares
(including fractions of a share), including any redeemable shares, provided that the manner of purchase
has first been authorized by the Company in general meeting and may make payment therefor in any manner
authorized by the Statute, including out of capital. |
VARIATION OF RIGHTS OF SHARES
| 11. | If
at any time the share capital of the Company is divided into different classes of shares,
the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the
shares of that class) may, whether or not the Company is being wound-up and except where
these Articles or the Statute impose any stricter quorum, voting or procedural requirements
in regard to the variation of rights attached to a specific class, be varied with the consent
in writing of the holders of at least 50% of the issued shares of that class, or with the
sanction of a Special Resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the
shares of that class. |
| | The provisions of these Articles relating to general meetings shall apply
to every such general meeting of the holders of one class of shares except that the necessary quorum shall
be one or more persons holding or representing by proxy at least one-third of the issued shares of the
class and that any holder of shares of the class present in person or by proxy may demand a poll. |
| | |
| 12. | The
rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued with preferred or other
rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares
of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking
pari passu therewith. |
COMMISSION ON SALE OF SHARES
| 13. | The
Company may insofar as the Statute from time to time permits pay a commission to any person
in consideration of his subscribing or agreeing to subscribe whether absolutely or conditionally
for any shares of the Company. Such commissions may be satisfied by the payment of cash or
the lodgement of fully or partly paid-up shares or partly in one way and partly in the other.
The Company may also on any issue of shares pay such brokerage as may be lawful. |
NON-RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS
| 14. | No
person shall be recognized by the Company as holding any share upon any trust and the Company
shall not be bound by or be compelled in any way to recognize (even when having notice thereof)
any equitable, contingent, future, or partial interest in any share, or any interest in any
fractional part of a share, or (except only as is otherwise provided by these Articles or
the Statute) any other rights in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety
thereof in the registered holder. |
LIEN ON SHARES
| 15. | The
Company shall have a first and paramount lien and charge on all shares (whether fully paid-up
or not) registered in the name of a Member (whether solely or jointly with others) for all
debts, liabilities or engagements to or with the Company (whether presently payable or not)
by such Member or his estate, either alone or jointly with any other person, whether a Member
or not, but the Directors may at any time declare any share to be wholly or in part exempt
from the provisions of this Article. The registration of a transfer of any such share shall
operate as a waiver of the Company’s lien (if any) thereon. The Company’s lien
(if any) on a share shall extend to all dividends or other monies payable in respect thereof. |
| 16. | The
Company may sell, in such manner as the Directors think fit, any shares on which the Company
has a lien, but no sale shall be made unless a sum in respect of which the lien exists is
presently payable, nor until the expiration of fourteen days after a notice in writing stating
and demanding payment of such part of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is
presently payable, has been given to the registered holder or holders for the time being
of the share, or the person, of which the Company has notice, entitled thereto by reason
of his death or bankruptcy. |
| 17. | To
give effect to any such sale, the Directors may authorize some person to transfer the shares
sold to the purchaser thereof. The purchaser shall be registered as the holder of the
shares comprised in any such transfer, and he shall not be bound to see to the application
of the purchase money, nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity
or invalidity in the proceedings in reference to the sale. |
| 18. | The
proceeds of such sale shall be received by the Company and applied in payment of such part
of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is presently payable and the residue,
if any, shall (subject to a like lien for sums not presently payable as existed upon the
shares before the sale) be paid to the person entitled to the shares at the date of the sale. |
CALL ON SHARES
| 19. | (a) The
Directors may from time to time make calls upon the Members in respect of any monies unpaid
on their shares (whether on account of the nominal value of the shares or by way of premium
or otherwise) and not by the conditions of allotment thereof made payable at fixed terms,
provided that no call shall be payable at less than one month from the date fixed for the
payment of the last preceding call, and each Member shall (subject to receiving at least
fourteen (14) days’ notice specifying the time or times of payment) pay to the Company
at the time or times so specified the amount called on the shares. A call may be revoked
or postponed as the Directors may determine. A call may be made payable by installments. |
| | |
| | (b) A
call shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the Directors authorizing such
call was passed. |
| | |
| | (c) The
joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect thereof. |
| 20. | If
a sum called in respect of a share is not paid before or on a day appointed for payment thereof,
the persons from whom the sum is due shall pay interest on the sum from the day appointed
for payment thereof to the time of actual payment at such rate not exceeding ten per cent
per annum as the Directors may determine, but the Directors shall be at liberty to waive
payment of such interest either wholly or in part. |
| 21. | Any
sum which by the terms of issue of a share becomes payable on allotment or at any fixed date,
whether on account of the nominal value of the share or by way of premium or otherwise, shall
for the purposes of these Articles be deemed to be a call duly made, notified and payable
on the date on which by the terms of issue the same becomes payable, and in the case of non-payment
all the relevant provisions of these Articles as to payment of interest forfeiture or otherwise
shall apply as if such sum had become payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified. |
| 22. | The
Directors may, on the issue of shares, differentiate between the holders as to the amount
of calls or interest to be paid and the times of payment. |
| 23. | (a) The
Directors may, if they think fit, receive from any Member willing to advance the same, all
or any part of the monies uncalled and unpaid upon any shares held by him, and upon all or
any of the monies so advanced may (until the same would but for such advances, become payable)
pay interest at such rate not exceeding (unless the Company in general meeting shall otherwise
direct) seven per cent per annum, as may be agreed upon between the Directors and the Member
paying such sum in advance. |
| | (b) No
such sum paid in advance of calls shall entitle the Member paying such sum to any portion
of a dividend declared in respect of any period prior to the date upon which such sum would,
but for such payment, become presently payable. |
FORFEITURE OF SHARES
| 24. | (a) If
a Member fails to pay any call or installment of a call or to make any payment required by
the terms of issue on the day appointed for payment thereof, the Directors may, at any time
thereafter during such time as any part of the call, installment or payment remains unpaid,
give notice requiring payment of any part of the call, installment or payment that is unpaid,
together with any interest which may have accrued and all expenses that have been incurred
by the Company by reason of such non-payment. Such notice shall name a day (not earlier than
the expiration of fourteen (14) days’ from the date of giving of the notice)
on or before which the payment required by the notice is to be made, and shall state that,
in the event of non-payment at or before the time appointed the shares in respect of which
such notice was given will be liable to be forfeited. |
| | |
| | (b) If
the requirements of any such notice as aforesaid are not complied with, any share in respect of which the
notice has been given may at any time thereafter, before the payment required by the notice has been made,
be forfeited by a resolution of the Directors to that effect. Such forfeiture shall include all dividends
declared in respect of the forfeited share and not actually paid before the forfeiture. |
| | |
| | (c) A
forfeited share may be sold or otherwise disposed of on such terms and in such manner as the Directors
think fit, and at any time before a sale or disposition, the forfeiture may be cancelled on such terms
as the Directors see fit. |
| 25. | A
person whose shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a Member in respect of the forfeited
shares, but shall, notwithstanding, remain liable to pay to the Company all monies which,
at the date of forfeiture, were payable by him to the Company in respect of the shares together
with interest thereon, but his liability shall cease if and when the Company shall have received
payment in full of all monies whenever payable in respect of the shares. |
| 26. | A
certificate in writing under the hand of one Director or the Secretary of the Company that
a share in the Company has been duly forfeited on a date stated in the declaration shall
be conclusive evidence of the fact therein stated as against all persons claiming to be entitled
to the share. The Company may receive the consideration given for the share on any sale or
disposition thereof and may execute a transfer of the share in favor of the person to whom
the share is sold or disposed of and he shall thereupon be registered as the holder of the
share and shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money, if any, nor
shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings
in reference to the forfeiture, sale or disposal of the share. |
| 27. | The
provisions of these Articles as to forfeiture shall apply in the case of non-payment of any
sum which, by the terms of issue of a share, becomes payable at a fixed time, whether on
account of the nominal value of the share or by way of premium as if the same had been payable
by virtue of a call duly made and notified. |
REGISTRATION OF EMPOWERING INSTRUMENTS
| 28. | The
Company shall be entitled to charge a fee not exceeding one dollar (US$1.00) on the
registration of every probate, letter of administration, certificate of death or marriage,
power of attorney, notice in lieu of distringas, or other instrument. |
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
| 29. | In
case of the death of a Member, the survivor or survivors where the deceased was a joint holder,
and the legal personal representatives of the deceased where he was a sole holder, shall
be the only persons recognized by the Company as having any title to his interest in the
shares, but nothing herein contained shall release the estate of any such deceased holder
from any liability in respect of any shares which had been held by him solely or jointly
with other persons. |
| 30. | (a) Any
person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy or liquidation
or dissolution of a Member (or in any other way than by transfer) may, upon such evidence
being produced as may from time to time be required by the Directors and subject as hereinafter
provided, elect either to be registered himself as holder of the share or to make such transfer
of the share to such other person nominated by him as the deceased or bankrupt person could
have made and to have such person registered as the transferee thereof, but the Directors
shall, in either case, have the same right to decline or suspend registration as they would
have had in the case of a transfer of the share by that Member before his death or bankruptcy
as the case may be. |
| | |
| | (b) If
the person so becoming entitled shall elect to be registered himself as holder he shall deliver or send
to the Company a notice in writing signed by him stating that he so elects. |
| 31. | A
person becoming entitled to a share by reason of the death or bankruptcy or liquidation or
dissolution of the holder (or in any other case than by transfer) shall be entitled to the
same dividends and other advantages to which he would be entitled if he were the registered
holder of the share, except that he shall not, before being registered as a Member in respect
of the share, be entitled in respect of it to exercise any right conferred by membership
in relation to meetings of the Company; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Directors may at any
time give notice requiring any such person to elect either to be registered himself or to
transfer the share, and if the notice is not complied with within ninety (90) days, the Directors
may thereafter withhold payment of all dividends, bonuses or other monies payable in respect
of the share until the requirements of the notice have been complied with. |
RIGHTS CONFERRED BY CLASS A
ORDINARY SHARES AND CLASS B ORDINARY SHARES
| 32. | Each
Class A Ordinary Share and Class B Ordinary Share confers on its holder: |
| (a) | the
right to vote as provided in Article 33 hereof; |
| (b) | the
right to an equal share in any dividend paid by the Company; and |
| (c) | the
right to an equal share in the distribution of the surplus of the Company. |
| 33. | Holders
of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares shall at all times vote
together as one class on all resolutions submitted to a vote by the Members. Each Class A
Ordinary Share shall be entitled to one (1) vote on all matters subject to vote at general
meetings of the Company, and each Class B Ordinary Share shall be entitled to fifteen
(15) votes on all matters subject to vote at general meetings of the Company. |
| 34. | Each
Class B Ordinary Share is convertible into [●] of one Class A1
Ordinary Share at any time by the holder thereof. The right to convert shall
be exercisable by the holder of the Class B Ordinary Share delivering a written notice
to the Company that such holder elects to convert a specified number of Class B Ordinary
Shares into Class A Ordinary Shares. |
| 35. | The
number of Class B Ordinary Shares held by a holder thereof will be automatically and
immediately converted into the corresponding number of Class A Ordinary Shares in the
ratio set forth in Article 34 hereof upon any direct or indirect sale, transfer, assignment
or disposition of such number of Class B Ordinary Shares by the holder thereof or an
Affiliate or such holder or the direct or indirect transfer or assignment of the voting power
attached to such number of Class B Ordinary Shares through voting proxy or otherwise
to any person or entity that is not an Affiliate of such holder. For the avoidance of doubt,
the creation of any pledge, charge, encumbrance or other third party right of whatever description
on any of Class B Ordinary Shares to secure contractual or legal obligations shall not
be deemed as a sale, transfer, assignment or disposition unless and until any such pledge,
charge, encumbrance or other third-party right is enforced and results in the third party
holding directly or indirectly beneficial ownership or voting power through voting proxy
or otherwise to the related Class B Ordinary Shares, in which case all the related Class B
Ordinary Shares shall be automatically converted into the same number of Class A Ordinary
Shares. |
| 36. | Any
conversion of Class B Ordinary Shares into Class A Ordinary Shares pursuant to
these Articles shall be effected by means of the conversion into stock of each relevant Class B
Ordinary Share and their reconversion into a Class A Ordinary Share. |
| 37. | Class A
Ordinary Shares are not convertible into Class B Ordinary Shares under any circumstances. |
| 38. | Save
and except for voting rights and conversion rights as set out in Articles 33 to 37 (inclusive),
the Class A Ordinary Shares and the Class B Ordinary Shares shall rank pari passu
and shall have the same rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions. |
AMENDMENT OF MEMORANDUM
OF ASSOCIATION, ALTERATION OF CAPITAL & CHANGE OF LOCATION OF REGISTERED OFFICE
| 39. | (a) Subject
to and in so far as permitted by the provisions of the Statute, the Company may from time
to time by Special Resolution alter or amend its Memorandum of Association with respect to
its name and objects, powers or other matters specified therein provided that the Company
may by ordinary resolution, without restricting the generality of the foregoing: |
| (i) | increase
the share capital by such sum to be divided into shares of such amount or without nominal
or par value as the resolution shall prescribe and with such rights, priorities and privileges
annexed thereto, as the Company in general meeting may determine; |
| (ii) | consolidate
and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of larger amount than its existing
shares; |
1
To be confirmed at AGM.
| (iii) | by
subdivision of its existing shares or any of them divide the whole or any part of its
share capital into shares of smaller amount than is fixed by the Memorandum of Association
or into shares without nominal or par value; |
| (iv) | cancel
any shares that at the date of the passing of the resolution have not been taken or agreed
to be taken by any person. |
| | (b) All
new shares created hereunder shall be subject to the same provisions with reference to the
payment of calls, liens, transfer, transmission, forfeiture and otherwise as the shares in
the original share capital. |
| | |
| | (c) Without
prejudice to Article 11 hereof and subject to the provisions of the Statute, the Company
may by Special Resolution reduce its share capital and any capital redemption reserve fund. |
| | |
| | (d) Subject
to the provisions of the Statute, the Company may by resolution of the Directors change the
location of its registered office. |
CLOSING REGISTER OF MEMBERS OR FIXING RECORD
DATE
| 40. | For
the purpose of determining Members entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of Members
or any adjournment thereof, or Members entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in
order to make a determination of Members for any other proper purpose, the Directors of the
Company may provide that the register of Members shall be closed for transfers for a stated
period but not to exceed in any case forty (40) days. If the register of Members shall be
so closed for the purpose of determining Members entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting
of Members, such register shall be so closed for at least ten (10) days immediately
preceding such meeting and the record date for such determination shall be the date of the
closure of the register of Members. |
| 41. | In
lieu of or apart from closing the register of Members, the Directors may fix in advance a
date as the record date for any such determination of Members entitled to notice of or to
vote at a meeting of the Members and for the purpose of determining the Members entitled
to receive payment of any dividend the Directors may, at or within ninety (90) days prior
to the date of declaration of such dividend, fix a subsequent date as the record date for
such determination. |
| 42. | If
the register of Members is not so closed and no record date is fixed for the determination
of Members entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of Members or Members entitled to
receive payment of a dividend, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date
on which the resolution of the Directors declaring such dividend is adopted, as the case
may be, shall be the record date for such determination of Members. When a determination
of Members entitled to vote at any meeting of Members has been made as provided in this section,
such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof. |
GENERAL MEETING
| 43. | All
general meetings of the Company other than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary
general meetings. |
| 44. | (a) The
Directors may whenever they think fit, and they shall on the requisition of Members
of the Company holding at the date of the deposit of the requisition not less than one tenth
(1/10) of such of the paid-up capital of the Company as at the date of the deposit carries
the right of voting at general meetings of the Company, proceed to convene a general meeting
of the Company. |
| | |
| | (b) The
requisition must state the object of the meeting and must be signed by the requisitionists and deposited
at the registered office of the Company and may consist of several documents in like form each signed by
one or more requisitionists. |
| | |
| | (c) If
the Directors do not within twenty one (21) days from the date of the deposit of the requisition duly proceed
to convene a general meeting, the requisitionists, or any of them representing more than one half (1/2)
of the total voting rights of all of them, may themselves convene a general meeting, but any meeting so
convened shall not be held after the expiration of three (3) months after the expiration of the said
twenty-one (21) days. |
| | |
| | (d) A general
meeting convened as aforesaid by requisitionists shall be convened in the same manner as nearly as possible
as that in which general meetings are to be convened by Directors. |
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS
| 45. | At
least ten (10) days’ notice shall be given for an annual general meeting or any
other general meeting. Every notice shall be exclusive of the day on which it is given or
deemed to be given and of the day for which it is given and shall specify the place, the
day and the hour of the meeting and the general nature of the business and shall be given
in the manner hereinafter mentioned or in such other manner if any as may be prescribed by
the Company; PROVIDED, that a general meeting of the Company shall be deemed to have been
duly convened if it is called as an annual general meeting if it is so agreed by all the
Members entitled to attend and vote thereat or their proxies. |
| 46. | In
cases where instruments of proxy are sent out with notices, the accidental omission to send
such instrument of proxy to, or the non-receipt of any such instrument of proxy by, any person
entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate any resolution passed or any proceeding at
any such meeting. |
| 47. | No
business may be transacted at any annual general meeting, other than business that is either
(A) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the
direction of the Board (or any duly authorized committee thereof), (B) otherwise properly
brought before an annual general meeting by or at the direction of the Board (or any duly
authorized committee thereof) or (C) otherwise properly brought before an annual general
meeting by any Member of the Company who (i) is a Member of record on both (x) the
date of the giving of the notice by such Member provided for in this Article and (y) the
record date for the determination of Members entitled to vote at such annual general meeting
and (ii) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Article. |
| | |
| | (a) In
addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be brought properly before an annual general
meeting by a Member, such Member must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary
of the Company. |
(b) For
matters other than for the nomination for election of a Director to be made by a Member of the Company, to be timely, such Member’s
notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than sixty (60)
days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual general meeting; provided, however,
that in the event that the date of the annual general meeting is advanced by more than thirty (30) days or delayed by more than sixty
(60) days from such anniversary date, notice by a Member to be timely must be delivered not earlier than the ninetieth (90th) day prior
to such annual general meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the sixtieth (60th) day prior to such annual
general meeting or the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.
(c) To
be in proper written form, a Member’s notice to the Secretary must set forth as to such matter such Member proposes to bring before
the annual general meeting (1) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual general meeting and the
reasons for conducting such business at the annual general meeting, (2) the name and address, as they appear on the Company’s
books, of the Member proposing such business and any Member Associated Person (as defined below), (3) the class or series and number
of shares of the Company that are held of record or are beneficially owned by such Member or any Member Associated Person and any derivative
positions held or beneficially held by the Member or any Member Associated Person, (4) whether and the extent to which any hedging
or other transaction or series of transactions has been entered into by or on behalf of such Member or any Member Associated Person with
respect to any securities of the Company, and a description of any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short
position or any borrowing or lending of shares), the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, or to manage the risk or benefit
from share price changes for, or to increase or decrease the voting power of, such Member or any Member Associated Person with respect
to any securities of the corporation, (5) any material interest of the Member or a Member Associated Person in such business, and
(6) a statement whether either such Member or any Member Associated Person will deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders
of at least the percentage of the Company’s voting shares required under applicable law. For purposes of this Article 43(c),
a “Member Associated Person” of any Member shall mean (i) any person controlling, directly or indirectly, or acting
in concert with, such Member, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of the Company owned of record or beneficially by such Member
and on whose behalf the proposal or nomination, as the case may be, is being made, or (iii) any person controlling, controlled by
or under common control with such person referred to in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii).
(d) No
business shall be conducted at the annual general meeting except business brought before the annual general meeting in accordance with
the procedures set forth in this Article, provided, however, that once business has been properly brought before the annual general meeting
in accordance with such procedures, nothing in this Article shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any Member of any such business.
If the Chairman of an annual general meeting determines that business was not properly brought before the annual general meeting in accordance
with the foregoing procedures, the Chairman shall declare to the meeting that the business was not properly brought before the meeting
and such business shall not be transacted.
(e) In
addition to any other applicable requirements, for a nomination for election of a Director to be made by a Member of the Company, such
Member must (A) be a Member of record on both (x) the date of the giving of the notice by such Member provided for in this
Article and (y) the record date for the determination of Members entitled to vote at such annual general meeting; (B) have
held at least 100,000 Class A Ordinary Shares or Class B Ordinary Shares for at least twelve (12) months; and (C) have
given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Company. If a Member is entitled to vote only for a specific
class or category of directors at a meeting of the Members, such Member’s right to nominate one or more persons for election as
a director at the meeting shall be limited to such class or category of directors.
(f) To
be timely for purposes of Article 41(e) in connection with the annual general meeting, a Member’s notice shall be delivered
to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company. In the event the Company calls an extraordinary general meeting for
the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board, any Member entitled to vote for the election of such director(s) at
such meeting and satisfying the requirements specified above may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such
position(s) as are specified in the Company’s notice of such meeting, but only if the Member notice required hereof shall
be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Company. The period for lodgment of the notices by a Member referred
to in this Article shall commence no earlier than the day after the dispatch of the notice of the meeting appointed for such election
and end no later than (7) days prior to the date of such meeting and shall be for a minimum period of seven (7) days .
(g) To
be in proper written form for purposes of Article 43(e), a Member’s notice to the Secretary must be set forth (A) as
to each person whom the Member proposes to nominate for election as a director (1) the name, age, business address and residence
address of the person, (2) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (3) the class or series and number of shares
of the Company, if any, which are owned beneficially or of record by the person and (4) any other information relating to the person
that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to any Exchange Rules; and (B) as to the Member giving notice (1) the
name and record address of such Member, (2) the class or series and number of Shares of the Company which are owned beneficially
or of record by such Member, (3) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such Member and each proposed nominee
and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such Member, (4) a
representation that such Member intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to nominate the person(s) named in
its notice and (5) any other information relating to such Member that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to any Exchange
Rules. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director
if elected.
(h) No
person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Company unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in these
Articles under this heading of “NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS”. If the Chairman of an annual general meeting determines that
a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the Chairman shall declare to the meeting that the nomination
was defective and such defective nomination shall be disregarded.
| 48. | The
accidental omission to give notice of a general meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice
of a meeting by any person entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings
of that meeting. |
PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS
| 49. | No
business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of Members is present
at the time when the meeting proceeds to business. Members present in person or by proxy
holding not less than one thirds (1/3) of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company
shall be a quorum. |
| 50. | Members
may participate in a general meeting at which no special resolutions are proposed by means
of conference telephone or other electronic means by which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other and participation in a meeting pursuant to this provision shall
constitute presence in person at such meeting. |
| 51. | A
resolution (including a Special Resolution) in writing (in one or more counterparts) signed
by all Members for the time being entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at
general meetings (or being corporations by their duly authorized representatives) shall be
as valid and effective as if the same had been passed at a general meeting of the Company
duly convened and held. |
| 52. | If
within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, the
meeting, shall be dissolved and in any other case it shall stand adjourned to the same day
in the next week at the same time and place or to such other time or such other place as
the Directors may determine and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within
half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, the Members present shall be a quorum,
subject to compliance with applicable laws, regulations and listing requirements. |
| 53. | The
Chairman, if any, of the Board of Directors shall preside as Chairman at every general meeting
of the Company. If there is a Chairman of the Board of Directors and he shall not be present
within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for the holding of the meeting or is unwilling
to act, the Directors present shall elect one of their number to be Chairman of the meeting. |
| 54. | If
at any general meeting no Director is willing to act as Chairman or if no Director is present
within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Members present
shall choose one of their own number to be Chairman of the meeting. |
| 55. | The
Chairman may, with the consent of any general meeting duly constituted hereunder, and shall
if so directed by the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place,
but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left
unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. When a general meeting is
adjourned for thirty (30) days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as
in the case of an original meeting; save as aforesaid it shall not be necessary to give any
notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned general meeting. |
| 56. | At
any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show
of hands unless a poll is, before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands,
demanded by the Chairman or any other Member present in person or by proxy. |
| 57. | Unless
a poll be so demanded a declaration by the Chairman that a resolution has on a show of hands
been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, and an entry
to that effect in the Company’s Minute Book containing the Minutes of the proceedings
of the meeting shall be conclusive evidence of that fact without proof of the number or proportion
of the votes recorded in favor of or against such resolution. |
| 58. | The
demand for a poll may be withdrawn. |
| 59. | If
a poll is duly demanded it shall be taken in such manner as the Chairman directs and the
result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the general meeting at which the
poll was demanded. |
| 60. | In
the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the Chairman of
the general meeting at which the show of hands takes place or at which the poll is demanded,
shall be entitled to a second or casting vote. |
| 61. | A
poll demanded on the election of a Chairman or on a question of adjournment shall be taken
forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken at such time as the Chairman
of the general meeting directs and any business other than that upon which a poll has been
demanded or is contingent thereon may be proceeded with pending the taking of the poll. |
VOTES OF MEMBERS
| 62. | Except
as otherwise required by law or as set forth herein, the holder of each Class A Ordinary
Share issued and outstanding shall have one (1) vote for each share held by such holder,
and the holder of each Class B Ordinary Share issued and outstanding shall have fifteen
(15) vote for each share held by such holder, at the record date for determination of the
Members entitled to vote on such matters, or, if no such record date is established, at the
date such vote is taken or any written consent of Members is solicited. No cumulative voting
shall be allowed. |
| 63. | All
votes put before the Members of the Company, or any class or subdivision thereof, shall be
by way of poll and shall therefore be made giving regards to the number of votes to which
each Member is entitled in accordance with Article 54. |
| 64. | In
the case of joint holders of record the vote of the senior
who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of
the votes of the other joint holders, and for this purpose seniority shall be determined
by the order in which the names stand in the register of Members. |
| 65. | A
Member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made by any court, having
jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his committee,
receiver, curator bonis, or other person in the nature of a committee, receiver or curator
bonis appointed by that court, and any such committee, receiver, curator bonis or other persons
may vote by proxy. |
| 66. | No
Member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless he is registered as a Member
of the Company on the record date for such meeting nor unless all calls or other sums presently
payable by him in respect of shares in the Company have been paid. |
| 67. | No
objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter except at the general meeting
or adjourned general meeting at which the vote objected to is given or tendered and every
vote not disallowed at such general meeting shall be valid for all purposes. Any such objection
made in due time shall be referred to the Chairman of the general meeting whose decision
shall be final and conclusive. |
| 68. | On
a poll votes may be given either personally or by proxy. |
PROXIES
| 69. | The
instrument appointing a proxy shall be (a) in writing and executed under the hand of
the appointor or of his attorney duly authorized in writing, or, if the appointor is a corporation
under the hand of an officer or attorney duly authorized in that behalf; or (b)) authorized
by the transmission of an electronic record by the Member to the person who will be the holder
of the proxy or to a firm which solicits proxies or like agent who is authorized by the person
who will be the holder of the proxy to receive the transmission subject to any procedures
the Board of Directors may adopt from time to time to determine that the electronic record
is authorized by the Member. A proxy need not be a Member of the Company |
| 70. | The
instrument appointing a proxy shall be deposited at the registered office of the Company
or at such other place as is specified for that purpose in the notice convening the meeting
no later than the time for holding the meeting, or adjourned meeting provided that the Chairman
of the Meeting may at his discretion direct that an instrument of proxy shall be deemed to
have been duly deposited upon receipt of telex, cable or telecopy confirmation from the appointor
that the instrument of proxy duly signed is in the course of transmission to the Company. |
| 71. | The
instrument appointing a proxy may be in any usual or common form and may be expressed to
be for a particular meeting or any adjournment thereof or generally until revoked. An instrument
appointing a proxy shall be deemed to include the power to demand or join or concur in demanding
a poll. |
| 72. | A
vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy shall be valid notwithstanding
the previous death or insanity of the principal or revocation of the proxy or of the authority
under which the proxy was executed, or the transfer of the share in respect of which the
proxy is given provided that no intimation in writing of such death, insanity, revocation
or transfer as aforesaid shall have been received by the Company at the registered office
before the commencement of the general meeting, or adjourned meeting at which it is sought
to use the proxy. |
| 73. | Any
corporation which is a Member of record of the Company may in accordance with its Articles
or in the absence of such provision by resolution of its Directors or other governing body
authorize such person as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of the
Company or of any class of Members of the Company, and the person so authorized shall be
entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which he represents as
the corporation could exercise if it were an individual Member of record of the Company. |
| 74. | Shares
of its own capital belonging to the Company or held by it in a fiduciary capacity shall not
be voted, directly or indirectly, at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining
the total number of outstanding shares at any given time. |
DIRECTORS
| 75. | There
shall be a Board of Directors consisting of between five (5) and nine (9) persons
(exclusive of alternate Directors) who shall be appointed in three classes hereinafter designated
as Class I, Class II and Class III, each consisting of an equal number of
directors, as nearly as possible. The Directors designated in each Class shall be as
designated following the adoption of the Original Articles . |
| 76. | The
remuneration to be paid to the Directors shall be such remuneration as the Directors shall
determine. Such remuneration shall be deemed to accrue from day to day. The Directors shall
also be entitled to be paid their traveling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by
them in going to, attending and returning from meetings of the Directors, or any committee
of the Directors, or general meetings of the Company, or otherwise in connection with the
business of the Company, or to receive a fixed allowance in respect thereof as may be determined
by the Directors from time to time, or a combination partly of one such method and partly
the other. |
| 77. | The
Directors may by resolution award special remuneration to any Director of the Company undertaking
any special work or services for, or undertaking any special mission on behalf of, the Company
other than his ordinary routine work as a Director. Any fees paid to a Director who is also
counsel or solicitor to the Company, or otherwise serves it in a professional capacity shall
be in addition to his remuneration as a Director. |
| 78. | A
Director or alternate Director may hold any other office or place of profit under the Company
(other than the office of Auditor) in conjunction with his office of Director for such period
and on such terms as to remuneration and otherwise as the Directors may determine. |
| 79. | A
Director or alternate Director may act by himself or his firm in a professional capacity
for the Company and he or his firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional services
as if he were not a Director or alternate Director. |
| 80. | A
shareholding qualification for Directors may be fixed by the Company in general meeting,
but unless and until so fixed no qualification shall be required. |
| 81. | A
Director or alternate Director of the Company may be or become a director or other officer
of or otherwise interested in any company promoted by the Company or in which the Company
may be interested as Member or otherwise and no such Director or alternate Director shall
be accountable to the Company for any remuneration or other benefits received by him as a
director or officer of, or from his interest in, such other company. |
| 82. | No
person shall be disqualified from the office of Director or alternate Director or prevented
by such office from contracting with the Company, either as vendor, purchaser or otherwise,
nor shall any such contract or any contract or transaction entered into by or on behalf of
the Company in which any Director or alternate Director shall be in any way interested be
or be liable to be avoided, nor shall any Director or alternate Director so contracting or
being so interested be liable to account to the Company for any profit realized by any such
contract or transaction by reason of such Director holding office or of the fiduciary relation
thereby established. A Director (or his alternate Director in his absence) shall be at liberty
to vote in respect of any contract or transaction in which he is so interested as aforesaid;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the nature of the interest of any Director or alternate Director
in any such contract or transaction shall be disclosed by him or the alternate Director appointed
by him at or prior to its consideration and any vote thereon. |
| 83. | A
general notice or disclosure to the Directors or otherwise contained in the minutes of a
Meeting or a written resolution of the Directors or any committee thereof that a Director
or alternate Director is a Member of any specified firm or company and is to be regarded
as interested in any transaction with such firm or company shall be sufficient disclosure
under the preceding Article and after such general notice it shall not be necessary
to give special notice relating to any particular transaction. |
ALTERNATE DIRECTORS
| 84. | A
Director who expects to be unable to attend Directors’ Meetings because of absence,
illness or otherwise may appoint any person to be an alternate Director to act in his stead
and such appointee whilst he holds office as an alternate Director shall, in the event of
absence therefrom of his appointor, be entitled to attend meetings of the Directors and to
vote thereat and to do, in the place and stead of his appointor, any other act or thing which
his appointor is permitted or required to do by virtue of his being a Director as if the
alternate Director were the appointor, other than appointment of an alternate to himself,
and he shall ipso facto vacate office if and when his appointor ceases to be a Director or
removes the appointee from office. Any appointment or removal under this Article shall
be effected by notice in writing under the hand of the Director making the same. |
POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
| 85. | The
business of the Company shall be managed by the Directors (or a sole Director if only one
is appointed) who may pay all expenses incurred in promoting, registering and setting up
the Company, and may exercise all such powers of the Company as are not, from time to time
by the Statute, or by these Articles, or such regulations, being not inconsistent with the
aforesaid, as may be prescribed by the Company in general meeting required to be exercised
by the Company in general meeting; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no regulations made by the Company
in general meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Directors which would have been
valid if that regulation had not been made. |
| 86. | The
Directors may from time to time and at any time by powers of attorney appoint any company,
firm, person or body of persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Directors,
to be the attorney or attorneys of the Company for such purpose and with such powers, authorities
and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Directors under these
Articles) and for such period and subject to such conditions as they may think fit, and any
such powers of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of
persons dealing with any such attorneys as the Directors may think fit and may also authorize
any such attorney to delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions vested
in him. |
| 87. | All
cheques, promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange and other negotiable instruments and
all receipts for monies paid to the Company shall be signed, drawn, accepted, endorsed or
otherwise executed as the case may be in such manner as the Directors shall from time to
time by resolution determine. |
| 88. | The
Directors shall cause minutes to be made in books provided for the purpose: |
| (a) | of
all appointments of officers made by the Directors; |
| | |
| (b) | of the names of the Directors (including those
represented thereat by an alternate or by proxy) present at each meeting of the Directors and of any committee
of the Directors; |
| (c) | of
all resolutions and proceedings at all meetings of the Company and of the Directors and of
committees of Directors. |
| 89. | The
Directors on behalf of the Company may pay a gratuity or pension or allowance on retirement
to any Director who has held any other salaried office or place of profit with the Company
or to his widow or dependants and may make contributions to any fund and pay premiums for
the purchase or provision of any such gratuity, pension or allowance. |
| 90. | The
Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge
its undertaking, property and uncalled capital or any part thereof and to issue debentures,
debenture stock and other securities whether outright or as security for any debt, liability
or obligation of the Company or of any third party. |
MANAGEMENT
| 91. | (a) The
Directors may from time to time provide for the management of the affairs of the Company
in such manner as they shall think fit and the provisions contained in the three next following
paragraphs shall be without prejudice to the general powers conferred by this paragraph. |
| | |
| | (b) The
Directors from time to time and at any time may establish any committees, local boards or agencies for
managing any of the affairs of the Company and may appoint any persons to be members of such committees
or local boards or any managers or agents and may fix their remuneration. |
| | |
| | (c) The
Directors from time to time and at any time may delegate to any such committee, local board, manager or
agent any of the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in the Directors and may
authorize the members for the time being of any such local board, or any of them to fill up any vacancies
therein and to act notwithstanding vacancies and any such appointment or delegation may be made on such
terms and subject to such conditions as the Directors may think fit and the Directors may at any time remove
any person so appointed and may annul or vary any such delegation, but no person dealing in good faith
and without notice of any such annulment or variation shall be affected thereby. |
| | |
| | (d) Any
such delegates as aforesaid may be authorized by the Directors to subdelegate all or any of the powers,
authorities, and discretions for the time being vested in them. |
MANAGING DIRECTORS
| 92. | The
Directors may, from time to time, appoint one or more of their body (but not an alternate
Director) to the office of Managing Director for such term and at such remuneration (whether
by way of salary, or commission, or participation in profits, or partly in one way and partly
in another) as they may think fit but his appointment shall be subject to determination ipso
facto if he ceases for any cause to be a Director and no alternate Director appointed by
him can act in his stead as a Director or Managing Director. |
| 93. | The
Directors may entrust to and confer upon a Managing Director any of the powers exercisable
by them upon such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as they may think fit and
either collaterally with or to the exclusion of their own powers and may from time
to time revoke, withdraw, alter or vary all or any of such powers. |
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
| 94. | Except
as otherwise provided by these Articles, the Directors shall meet together for the conduct
of business, convening, adjourning and otherwise regulating their meetings as they think
fit. Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes of the Directors
and alternate Directors present at a meeting at which there is a quorum, the vote of an alternate
Director not being counted if his appointor is present at such meeting. In case of an equality
of votes, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote. |
| 95. | A
Director or alternate Director may, and the Secretary on the requisition of a Director or
alternate Director shall, at any time summon a meeting of the Directors by at least two (2) days’
notice in writing to every Director and alternate Director which notice shall set forth the
general nature of the business to be considered unless notice is waived by all the Directors
(or their alternates) either at, before or after the meeting is held; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that if notice is given in person, by facsimile, electronic mail, telegraph or telex, the
same shall be deemed to have been given on the day it is delivered to the Directors or transmitting
organization as the case may be. The provisions of Article 38 shall apply mutatis mutandis
with respect to notices of meetings of Directors. |
| 96. | The
quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Directors shall be a majority
of the Directors then in office. If at any time there is only a sole Director, then the quorum
shall be one (1) Director. A Director and his appointed alternate Director shall be
considered only one person for this purpose. For the purposes of this Article, an alternate
Director or proxy appointed by a Director shall be counted in a quorum at a meeting at which
the Director appointing him is not present. |
| 97. | The
continuing Directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in their body. |
| 98. | The
Directors may elect a Chairman of their Board and determine the period for which he is to
hold office, but if no such Chairman is elected, or if at any meeting the Chairman is not
present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the same, the Directors
present may choose one of their number to be Chairman of the meeting. |
| 99. | The
Directors may delegate any of their powers to committees consisting of such member or members
of the Board of Directors (including Alternate Directors in the absence of their appointors)
as they think fit; any committee so formed shall in the exercise of the powers so delegated
conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the Directors. |
| 100. | A
committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper. Questions arising at any meeting shall
be determined by a majority of votes of the members present, and in the case of an equality
of votes the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote. |
| 101. | All
acts done by any meeting of the Directors or of a committee of Directors (including any person
acting as an alternate Director) shall, notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered
that there was some defect in the appointment of any Director or alternate Director, or that
they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid as if every such person had been duly
appointed and qualified to be a Director or alternate Director as the case may be. |
| 102. | Members
of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the
Board or of such committee by means of conference telephone or other electronic means by
which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and participation in a
meeting pursuant to this provision shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. A
resolution in writing (in one or more counterparts), signed by all the Directors for the
time being or all the members of a committee of Directors (an alternate Director being entitled
to sign such resolution on behalf of his appointor) shall be as valid and effectual as if
it had been passed at a meeting of the Directors or committee as the case may be duly convened
and held. |
VACATION OF OFFICE OF DIRECTOR
| 103. | The
office of a Director shall be vacated: |
|
(a) if
he gives notice in writing to the Company that he resigns the office of Director; |
|
|
|
(b) if
he absents himself (without being represented by proxy or an alternate Director appointed by him) from three (3) consecutive
meetings of the Board of Directors without special leave of absence from the Directors, and they pass a resolution that he has by
reason of such absence vacated office; |
|
|
|
(c) if
he dies, becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors generally; |
|
|
|
(d)
if he is found a lunatic or becomes of unsound mind; or |
|
|
|
(e) if
the term of his appointment expires pursuant to Article 93 below and he is not reappointed. |
APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
| 104. | (a) At
the first annual general meeting of the Company following the original adoption of the Original
Articles the Class I Directors shall retire. At the second annual general meeting of
the Company following the adoption of the Original Articles the Class II Directors shall
retire. At the third annual general meeting of the Company following the adoption of the
Original Articles, the Class III Directors shall retire. |
|
(b) At
each annual general meeting where a class of Directors retires, the members shall by ordinary resolution elect replacement Directors
to serve as Class I, II, or III (as the case may be) Directors, provided always that any retiring Director may stand for
re-election. |
|
|
|
(c) Subject
to sub-article (a) above, each Director shall be appointed for a term of up to three (3) years and each Director shall
retire at the annual general meeting held in the calendar year of his retirement. |
|
|
|
(d) Notwithstanding
any other provision in these Articles, the Company may by Special Resolution remove any Director for negligence, breach of fiduciary
duty or other reasonable cause at any time before the expiration of his term. |
|
(e) The
Company may, by ordinary resolution, appoint another person in place of a Director removed from office under the immediately preceding
Article, and without prejudice to the powers of the Directors, in general meeting may appoint any person to be a Director to fill
a vacancy that may have arisen. A person appointed, pursuant to this paragraph or the paragraph below, in place of a Director removed
or to fill a vacancy shall hold office only until the close of the next following annual general meeting at which the class he is
appointed to is due to retire. |
|
|
|
(f) The
Directors shall have power at any time and from time to time to appoint any person to be a Director to fill a casual vacancy in any
class of Directors. |
PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT
| 105. | A
Director of the Company who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which action
on any Company matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless
his dissent shall be entered in the Minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his written
dissent from such action with the person acting as the Secretary of the meeting before the
adjournment thereof or shall forward such dissent by registered mail to such person immediately
after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a Director
who voted in favor of such action. |
SEAL
| 106. | (a) The
Company may, if the Directors so determine, have a Seal which shall, subject to paragraph
(c) hereof, only be used by the authority of the Directors or of a committee of the
Directors authorized by the Directors in that behalf and every instrument to which the Seal
has been affixed shall be signed by one person who shall be either a Director or the Secretary
or Secretary-Treasurer or some person appointed by the Directors for the purpose. |
| | |
| | (b) The
Company may have a duplicate Seal or Seals each of which shall be a facsimile of the Common Seal of the
Company and, if the Directors so determine, with the addition on its face of the name of every place where
it is to be used. |
| | |
| | (c) A Director,
Secretary or other officer or representative or attorney may without further authority of the Directors
affix the Seal of the Company over his signature alone to any document of the Company required to be authenticated
by him under Seal or to be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere wheresoever. |
OFFICERS
| 107. | The
Company may have a President, a Secretary or Secretary-Treasurer appointed by the Directors
who may also from time to time appoint such other officers as they consider necessary, all
for such terms, at such remuneration and to perform such duties, and subject to such provisions
as to disqualification and removal as the Directors from time to time prescribe. |
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND RESERVE
| 108. | Subject
to the Statute, the Directors may from time to time declare dividends (including interim
dividends) and distributions on shares of the Company outstanding and authorize payment of
the same out of the funds of the Company lawfully available therefor. |
| 109. | The
Directors may, before declaring any dividends or distributions, set aside such sums as they
think proper as a reserve or reserves which shall at the discretion of the Directors, be
applicable for any purpose of the Company and pending such application may, at the like discretion,
be employed in the business of the Company. |
| 110. | No
dividend or distribution shall be payable except out of the profits of the Company, realized
or unrealized, or out of the Share Premium Account or as otherwise permitted by the Statute. |
| 111. | Subject
to the rights of persons, if any, entitled to shares with special rights as to dividends
or distributions, if dividends or distributions are to be declared on a class of shares they
shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid or credited as paid on the shares
of such class outstanding on the record date for such dividend or distribution as determined
in accordance with these Articles but no amount paid or credited as paid on a share in advance
of calls shall be treated for the purpose of this Article as paid on the share. |
| 112. | The
Directors may deduct from any dividend or distribution payable to any Member all sums of
money (if any) presently payable by him to the Company on account of calls or otherwise. |
| 113. | The
Directors may declare that any dividend or distribution be paid wholly or partly by the distribution
of specific assets and in particular of paid up shares, debentures, or debenture stock of
any other company or in any one or more of such ways and where any difficulty arises in regard
to such distribution, the Directors may settle the same as they think expedient and in particular
may issue fractional certificates and fix the value for distribution of such specific assets
or any part thereof and may determine that cash payments shall be made to any Members upon
the footing of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of all Members and may vest
any such specific assets in trustees as may seem expedient to the Directors. |
| 114. | Any
dividend, distribution, interest or other monies payable in cash in respect of shares may
be paid by cheque or warrant sent through the post directed to the registered address of
the holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the holder who is first named on the register
of Members or to such person and to such address as such holder or joint holders may in writing
direct. Every such cheque or warrant shall be made payable to the order of the person to
whom it is sent. Any one of two or more joint holders may give effectual receipts for any
dividends, bonuses, or other monies payable in respect of the share held by them as joint
holders. |
| 115. | No
dividend or distribution shall bear interest against the Company. |
CAPITALIZATION
| 116. | The
Company may upon the recommendation of the Directors by ordinary resolution authorize the
Directors to capitalize any sum standing to the credit of any of the Company’s reserve
accounts (including Share Premium Account and capital redemption reserve fund) or any sum
standing to the credit of profit and loss account or otherwise available for distribution
and to appropriate such sum to Members in the proportions in which such sum would have been
divisible amongst them had the same been a distribution of profits by way of dividend and
to apply such sum on their behalf in paying up in full unissued shares for allotment
and distribution credited as fully paid up to and amongst them in the proportion aforesaid.
In such event the Directors shall do all acts and things required to give effect to such
capitalization, with full power to the Directors to make such provisions as they think fit
for the case of shares becoming distributable in fractions (including provisions whereby
the benefit of fractional entitlements accrue to the Company rather than to the Members concerned).
The Directors may authorize any person to enter on behalf of all of the Members interested
into an agreement with the Company providing for such capitalization and matters incidental
thereto and any agreement made under such authority shall be effective and binding on all
concerned. |
BOOKS OF ACCOUNT
| 117. | The
Directors shall cause proper books of account to be kept with respect to: |
| (a) | all
sums of money received and expended by the Company and the matters in respect of which the
receipt or expenditure takes place; |
| | |
| (b) | all
sales and purchases of goods by the Company; |
| (c) | the
assets and liabilities of the Company. |
| Proper books shall not be deemed to be kept if
there are not kept such books of account as are necessary to give a true and fair view of
the state of the Company’s affairs and to explain its transactions. |
| 118. | The
Directors shall from time to time determine whether and to what extent and at what times
and places and under what conditions or regulations the accounts and books of the Company
or any of them shall be open to the inspection of Members not being Directors and no Member
(not being a Director) shall have any right of inspecting any account or book or document
of the Company except as conferred by the Statute or authorized by the Directors or by the
Company in general meeting. |
| 119. | The
Directors may from time to time cause to be prepared and to be laid before the Company in
general meeting profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, group accounts (if any) and such
other reports and accounts as may be required by law. |
AUDIT
| 120. | The
Company may at any annual general meeting appoint an Auditor or Auditors of the Company who
shall hold office until the next annual general meeting and may fix his or their remuneration. |
| 121. | The
Directors may before the first annual general meeting appoint an Auditor or Auditors of the
Company who shall hold office until the first annual general meeting unless previously removed
by an ordinary resolution of the Members in general meeting in which case the Members at
that meeting may appoint Auditors. The Directors may fill any casual vacancy in the office
of Auditor but while any such vacancy continues the surviving or continuing Auditor or Auditors,
if any, may act. The remuneration of any Auditor appointed by the Directors under this Article may
be fixed by the Directors. |
| 122. | Every
Auditor of the Company shall have a right of access at all times to the books and accounts
and vouchers of the Company and shall be entitled to require from the Directors and Officers
of the Company such information and explanation as may be necessary for the performance of
the duties of the auditors. |
| 123. | Auditors
shall at the next annual general meeting following their appointment and at any other time
during their term of office, upon request of the Directors or any general meeting of the
Members, make a report on the accounts of the Company in general meeting during their tenure
of office. |
NOTICES
| 124. | Notices
shall be in writing and may be given by the Company to any Member either personally or by
sending it by facsimile, electronic mail, telegraph or telex to him or to his address as
shown in the register of Members, such notice, if mailed, to be forwarded airmail if the
address be outside the Cayman Islands. |
| 125. | (a) Where
a notice is sent by post, service of the notice shall be deemed to be effected by properly
addressing, pre-paying and posting a letter containing the notice, and to have been effected
at the expiration of 24 (24) hours after the letter containing the same is posted as aforesaid. |
| | |
| | (b) Where
a notice is sent by facsimile, electronic mail, telegraph or telex, service of the notice shall be deemed
to be effected by properly addressing, and sending such notice through a transmitting organization and
to have been effected on the day the same is sent as aforesaid. |
| 126. | A
notice may be given by the Company to the joint holders of record of a share by giving the
notice to the joint holder first named on the register of Members in respect of the share. |
| 127. | A
notice may be given by the Company to the person or persons which the Company has been advised
are entitled to a share or shares in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Member by
sending it through the post as aforesaid in a pre-paid letter addressed to them by name,
or by the title of representatives of the deceased, or trustee of the bankrupt, or by any
like description at the address supplied for that purpose by the persons claiming to be so
entitled, or at the option of the Company by giving the notice in any manner in which the
same might have been given if the death or bankruptcy had not occurred. |
| 128. | Notice
of every general meeting shall be given in any manner hereinbefore authorized to: |
| | |
| | (a) every
person shown as a Member in the register of Members as of the record date for such meeting except that
in the case of joint holders the notice shall be sufficient if given to the joint holder first named in
the register of Members; and |
| | |
| | (b) every
person upon whom the ownership of a share devolves by reason of his being a legal personal representative
or a trustee in bankruptcy of a Member of record where the Member of record but for his death or bankruptcy
would be entitled to receive notice of the meeting. |
| | |
| | Any Member present, either personally or by proxy,
at any meeting of the Company shall for all purposes be deemed to have received due notice of such meeting, and,
where requisite, of the purposes for which such meeting was convened. No other person shall be entitled
to receive notices of general meetings. |
WINDING UP
| 129. | If
the Company shall be wound up the liquidator may, with the sanction of a Special Resolution
of the Company and any other sanction required by the Statute, divide amongst the Members
in specie or kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company (whether they shall
consist of property of the same kind or not) and may for such purpose set such value as he
deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division
shall be carried out as between the Members or different classes of Members. The liquidator
may with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such
trusts for the benefit of the contributories as the liquidator, with the like sanction, shall
think fit, but so that no Member shall be compelled to accept any shares or other securities
whereon there is any liability. |
INDEMNITY
| 130. | The
Directors and officers for the time being of the Company and any trustee for the time being
acting in relation to any of the affairs of the Company and their heirs, executors, administrators
and personal representatives respectively shall be indemnified out of the assets of the Company
from and against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses which
they or any of them shall or may incur or sustain by reason of any act done or omitted in
or about the execution of their duty in their respective offices or trusts, except such (if
any) as they shall incur or sustain by or through their own fraud, willful neglect or default
respectively and no such Director, officer or trustee shall be answerable for the acts, receipts,
neglects or defaults of any other Director, officer or trustee or for joining in any receipt
for the sake of conformity or for the solvency or honesty of any banker or other persons
with whom any monies or effects belonging to the Company may be lodged or deposited for safe
custody or for any insufficiency of any security upon which any monies of the Company may
be invested or for any other loss or damage due to any such cause as aforesaid or which may
happen in or about the execution of his office or trust unless the same shall happen through
the fraud, willful neglect or default of such Director, Officer or trustee. |
FINANCIAL YEAR
| 131. | Unless
the Directors otherwise prescribe, the financial year of the Company shall end on June 30
in each year and shall begin on July 1 in each year. |
AMENDMENTS OF ARTICLES
| 132. | Subject
to the Statute and to any quorum, voting or procedural requirements expressly imposed by
these Articles in regard to the variation of rights attached to a specific class of Shares
of the Company, the Company may at any time and from time to time by Special Resolution change
the name of the Company or alter or amend these Articles or the Company’s Memorandum
of Association, in whole or in part. |
TRANSFER BY WAY OF CONTINUATION
| 133. | If
the Company is exempted as defined in the Statute, it shall, subject to the provisions of
the Statute and with the approval of a Special Resolution, have the power to register by
way of continuation as a body corporate under the laws of any jurisdiction outside the Cayman
Islands and to be deregistered in the Cayman Islands. |
Annex B
2024 Equity Incentive Plan
RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD
2024 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1.
Purpose. The purpose of the Recon Technology, Ltd 2024 Equity Incentive Plan is to provide a means through which the Company and
its Affiliates may attract and retain key personnel and to provide a means whereby directors, officers, managers, employees, consultants
and advisors (and prospective directors, officers, managers, employees, consultants and advisors) of the Company and its Affiliates can
acquire and maintain an equity interest in the Company, or be paid incentive compensation, which may (but need not) be measured by reference
to the value of Class A and/or Class B Ordinary Shares, thereby strengthening their commitment to the welfare of the Company
and its Affiliates and aligning their interests with those of the Company’s stockholders.
2.
Definitions. The following definitions shall be applicable throughout this Plan:
(a) “Affiliate”
means (i) any person or entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company
and/or (ii) to the extent provided by the Committee, any person or entity in which the Company has a significant interest as determined
by the Committee in its discretion. The term “control” (including, with correlative meaning, the terms “controlled
by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any person or entity, means the possession, directly or indirectly,
of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person or entity, whether through the ownership
of voting or other securities, by contract or otherwise.
(b)
“Award” means, individually or collectively, any Incentive Stock Option, Nonqualified Stock Option, Stock Appreciation
Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Stock Bonus Award and Performance Compensation Award granted under this Plan.
(c)
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d)
“Business Combination” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Change in Control.”
(e)
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in New
York City are authorized or obligated by federal law or executive order to be closed.
(f)
“Cause” means, in the case of a particular Award, unless the applicable Award agreement states otherwise, (i) the
Company or an Affiliate having “cause” to terminate a Participant’s employment or service, as defined in any employment
or consulting agreement or similar document or policy between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate in effect at the time of
such termination or (ii) in the absence of any such employment or consulting agreement, document or policy (or the absence of any
definition of “Cause” contained therein), (A) a continuing material breach or material default (including, without limitation,
any material dereliction of duty) by Participant of any agreement between the Participant and the Company, except for any such breach
or default which is caused by the physical disability of the Participant (as determined by a neutral physician), or a continuing failure
by the Participant to follow the direction of a duly authorized representative of the Company; (B) gross negligence, willful misfeasance
or breach of fiduciary duty by the Participant; (C) the commission by the Participant of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation
of the Company or its Affiliate’s assets or any felony or other crime of dishonesty in connection with the Participant’s
duties; (D) conviction of the Participant of a felony or any other crime that would materially and adversely affect: (i) the
business reputation of the Company or (ii) the performance of the Participant’s duties to the Company, or (E) failure
by a Participant to follow the lawful directions of a superior officer or the Board. Any determination of whether Cause exists shall
be made by the Committee in its sole discretion.
(g)
“Change in Control” shall, in the case of a particular Award, unless the applicable Award agreement states
otherwise or contains a different definition of “Change in Control,” be deemed to occur upon:
(i) An
acquisition (whether directly from the Company or otherwise) of any voting securities of the Company (the “Voting Securities”)
by any “Person” (as the term person is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities and Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), immediately after which such Person has ownership of more than
fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities.
(ii) The
individuals who constitute the members of the Board cease, by reason of a financing, merger, combination, acquisition, takeover or other
non-ordinary course transaction affecting the Company, to constitute at least forty percent (40%) of the members of the Board; or
(iii) The
consummation of any of the following events:
(A) A
merger, consolidation or reorganization involving the Company, where either or both of the events described in clauses (i) or (ii) above
would be the result;
(B) A
liquidation or dissolution of or appointment of a receiver, rehabilitator, conservator or similar person for, or the filing by a third
party of an involuntary bankruptcy against, the Company; provided, however, that to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A
of the Code, the occurrence of an event described in this subsection (B) shall not permit the settlement of Restricted Stock Units
granted under this Plan; or
(C) An
agreement for the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person (other than a transfer
to a subsidiary of the Company).
(h)
“Class A Ordinary Shares” means the Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of the
Company (and any stock or other securities into which such ordinary shares may be converted or into which they may be exchanged).
(i)
“Class B Ordinary Shares” means the Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of the
Company (and any stock or other securities into which such ordinary shares may be converted or into which they may be exchanged).
(j)
“Closing Price” means (A) during such time as the Class A Ordinary Shares are registered under Section 12
of the Exchange Act, the closing price of the Class A Ordinary Shares as reported by an established stock exchange or automated
quotation system on the day for which such value is to be determined, or, if no sale of the Class A Ordinary Shares shall have been
made on any such stock exchange or automated quotation system that day, on the next preceding day on which there was a sale of such Class A
Ordinary Shares, or (B) during any such time as the Class A Ordinary Shares are not listed upon an established stock exchange
or automated quotation system, the mean between dealer “bid” and “ask” prices of the Class A Ordinary Shares
in the over-the-counter market on the day for which such value is to be determined, as reported by the Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, Inc., or (C) during any such time as the Class A Ordinary Shares cannot be valued pursuant to (A) or (B) above,
the fair market value shall be as determined by the Committee considering all relevant information including, by example and not by limitation,
the services of an independent appraiser.
(k)
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor thereto. References in this Plan
to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any regulations or other interpretative guidance under such section, and any amendments
or successor provisions to such section, regulations or guidance.
(l)
“Committee” means a committee of at least two people as the Board may appoint to administer this Plan or, if
no such committee has been appointed by the Board, the Board. Unless altered by an action of the Board, the Committee shall be the Compensation
Committee of the Board.
(m) “Company”
means Recon Technology, Ltd, a Cayman Island company, together with its successors and assigns.
(n) “Date
of Grant” means the date on which the granting of an Award is authorized, or such other date as may be specified in such
authorization.
(o)
“Disability”. As to an Incentive Stock Option, a Disability means permanent and total disability as defined
in section 22 (e) (3) of the Code. As to other Awards, a Disability means a “permanent and total” disability incurred
by a Participant while in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate. For this purpose, a permanent and total disability shall mean that
the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment
that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.
(p)
“Effective Date” means the date when the Plan is adopted by the Board.
(q)
“Eligible Director” means a person who is (i) a “non-employee director” within the meaning
of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and (ii) an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of
the Code.
(r)
“Eligible Person” means regarding Class A Ordinary Shares, any (i) individual employed by the Company
or an Affiliate; provided, however, that no such employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement shall be
an Eligible Person unless and to the extent that such eligibility is set forth in such collective bargaining agreement or in an agreement
or instrument relating thereto; (ii) director of the Company or an Affiliate; (iii) consultant or advisor to the Company or
an Affiliate, provided that if the Securities Act applies such persons must be eligible to be offered securities registrable on Form S-8
under the Securities Act; or (iv) prospective employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisors who have accepted offers of
employment or consultancy from the Company or its Affiliates (and would satisfy the provisions of clauses (i) through (iii) above
once he or she begins employment with or begins providing services to the Company or its Affiliates), or regarding Class B Ordinary
Shares, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Technology Officer employed by the Company.
(sr) “Exchange
Act” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Change in Control,” and any reference in this Plan
to any section of (or rule promulgated under) the Exchange Act shall be deemed to include any rules, regulations or other interpretative
guidance under such section or rule, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, rules, regulations or guidance.
(t)
“Exercise Price” has the meaning given such term in Section 7(b) of this Plan.
(u)
“Fair Market Value”, unless otherwise provided by the Committee in accordance with all applicable laws, rules regulations
and standards, means, on a given date, (i) if the Ordinary Shares (A) are listed on a national securities exchange or (B) are
not listed on a national securities exchange, but are quoted by the OTC Markets Group, Inc. (www.otcmarkets.com) or any successor
or alternative recognized over-the-counter market or another inter-dealer quotation system, on a last sale basis, the average selling
price of the Ordinary Shares reported on such national securities exchange or other inter-dealer quotation system, determined as the
arithmetic mean of such selling prices over the thirty (30)-Business Day period preceding the Date of Grant, weighted based on the volume
of trading of such Ordinary Shares on each trading day during such period; or (ii) if the Ordinary Shares are not listed on a national
securities exchange or quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system on a last sale basis, the amount determined by the Committee in good
faith to be the fair market value of the Ordinary Shares.
(v)
“Immediate Family Members” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15(b) of this Plan.
(w)
“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that is designated by the Committee as an incentive stock option as
described in Section 422 of the Code and otherwise meets the requirements set forth in this Plan.
(x) “Indemnifiable
Person” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(e) of this Plan.
(y)
“Intellectual Property Products” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15(c) of this Plan.
(z)
“Mature Shares” means Ordinary Shares owned by a Participant that are not subject to any pledge or security
interest and that have been either previously acquired by the Participant on the open market or meet such other requirements, if any,
as the Committee may determine are necessary in order to avoid an accounting earnings charge on account of the use of such shares to
pay the Exercise Price or satisfy a withholding obligation of the Participant.
(aa)
“Negative Discretion” shall mean the discretion authorized by this Plan to be applied by the Committee to eliminate
or reduce the size of a Performance Compensation Award consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code.
(bb)
“Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option that is not designated by the Committee
as an Incentive Stock Option.
(cc)
“Ordinary Share” means the Class A Ordinary Shares and/or Class B
Ordinary Shares, of the Company.
(dd) “Option”
means an Award granted under Section 7 of this Plan.
(ee) “Option
Period” has the meaning given such term in Section 7(c) of this Plan.
(ff) “Participant”
means an Eligible Person who has been selected by the Committee to participate in this Plan and to receive an Award pursuant to Section 6
of this Plan.
(gg) “Performance
Compensation Award” shall mean any Award designated by the Committee as a Performance Compensation Award pursuant to Section 11
of this Plan.
(hh) “Performance
Criteria” shall mean the criterion or criteria that the Committee shall select for purposes of establishing the Performance
Goal(s) for a Performance Period with respect to any Performance Compensation Award under this Plan.
(ii) “Performance
Formula” shall mean, for a Performance Period, the one or more objective formulae applied against the relevant Performance
Goal to determine, with regard to the Performance Compensation Award of a particular Participant, whether all, some portion but less
than all, or none of the Performance Compensation Award has been earned for the Performance Period.
(jj)
“Performance Goals” shall mean, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Committee
for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria.
(kk)
“Performance Period” shall mean the one or more periods of time, as the Committee may select, over which the
attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to, and the payment
of, a Performance Compensation Award.
(ll) “Permitted
Transferee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15(b) of this Plan.
(mm)
“Person” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Change in Control.”
(nn)
“Plan” means this Recon Technology, Ltd 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
(oo) “Retirement”
means the fulfillment of each of the following conditions: (i) the Participant is good standing with the Company as determined by
the Committee; (ii) the voluntary termination by a Participant of such Participant’s employment or service to the Company
and (B) that at the time of such voluntary termination, the sum of: (1) the Participant’s age (calculated to the nearest
month, with any resulting fraction of a year being calculated as the number of months in the year divided by 12) and (2) the Participant’s
years of employment or service with the Company (calculated to the nearest month, with any resulting fraction of a year being calculated
as the number of months in the year divided by 12) equals at least 62 (provided that, in any case, the foregoing shall only be applicable
if, at the time of Retirement, the Participant shall be at least 55 years of age and shall have been employed by or served with the Company
for no less than 5 years).
(pp)
“Restricted Period” means the period of time determined by the Committee during which an Award is subject to
restrictions or, as applicable, the period of time within which performance is measured for purposes of determining whether an Award
has been earned.
(qq)
“Restricted Stock Unit” means an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver Ordinary Shares, cash, other securities
or other property, subject to certain restrictions (including, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant remain continuously
employed or provide continuous services for a specified period of time), granted under Section 9 of this Plan.
(rr)
“Restricted Stock” means Ordinary Shares, subject to certain specified restrictions (including, without limitation,
a requirement that the Participant remain continuously employed or provide continuous services for a specified period of time), granted
under Section 9 of this Plan.
(ss)
“SAR Period” has the meaning given such term in Section 8(c) of this Plan.
(tt)
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in this
Plan to any section of the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any rules, regulations or other official interpretative guidance
under such section, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, rules, regulations or guidance.
(uu)
“Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award granted under Section 8 of
this Plan which meets all of the requirements of Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(i)(B) of the Treasury Regulations.
(vv)
“Stock Bonus Award” means an Award granted under Section 10 of this Plan.
(ww) “Strike
Price” means, except as otherwise provided by the Committee in the case of Substitute Awards, (i) in the case of a
SAR granted in tandem with an Option, the Exercise Price of the related Option, or (ii) in the case of a SAR granted independent
of an Option, the Fair Market Value on the Date of Grant.
(xx)
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person:
(i)
any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Outstanding Company
Voting Securities (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency and after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders’
agreement that effectively transfers voting power) is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one
or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof); and
(ii)
any partnership or limited liability company (or any comparable foreign entity) (a) the sole general partner or managing member
(or functional equivalent thereof) or the managing general partner of which is such Person or Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the
only general partners or managing members (or functional equivalents thereof) of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of
that Person (or any combination thereof).
(yy)
“Substitute Award” has the meaning given such term in Section 5(e).
(zz)
“Treasury Regulations” means any regulations, whether proposed, temporary or final, promulgated by the U.S.
Department of Treasury under the Code, and any successor provisions.
(aaa)
“Voting Securities” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Change in Control.”
3.
Effective Date; Duration. The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date, but no Award shall be exercised or paid (or, in
the case of a stock Award, shall be granted unless contingent on stockholder approval) unless and until this Plan has been approved by
the stockholders of the Company, which approval shall be within twelve (12) months after the Effective Date. The expiration date of this
Plan, on and after which date no Awards may be granted hereunder, shall be March 29, 2034, or the tenth anniversary of the
Effective Date; provided, however, that such expiration shall not affect Awards then outstanding, and the terms
and conditions of this Plan shall continue to apply to such Awards.
4.
Administration.
(a)
The Committee shall administer this Plan. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
Exchange Act (if the Board is not acting as the Committee under this Plan) or necessary to obtain the exception for performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, as applicable, it is intended that each member of the Committee shall, at the
time he takes any action with respect to an Award under this Plan, be an Eligible Director. However, the fact that a Committee member
shall fail to qualify as an Eligible Director shall not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted
under this Plan. The acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present or acts approved in writing
by a majority of the Committee shall be deemed the acts of the Committee. Whether a quorum is present shall be determined based on the
Committee’s charter as approved by the Board.
(b)
Subject to the provisions of this Plan and applicable law, the Board shall have the authority and may delegate its authority to the Committee,
to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to a Participant; (iii) determine
the number of Ordinary Shares to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection
with, Awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances
Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Ordinary Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited,
or suspended and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) determine
whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances the delivery of cash, Ordinary Shares, other securities, other Awards or other
property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award; (vii) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, settle
any controversy regarding, correct any defect in and/or complete any omission in this Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to,
or Award granted under, this Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive any rules, conditions and regulations and appoint
such agents as the Committee shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of this Plan; (ix) accelerate the vesting or exercisability
of, payment for or lapse of restrictions on, Awards; and (x) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee
deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan.
(c)
The Committee may delegate to one or more officers of the Company or any Affiliate the authority to act on behalf of the Committee with
respect to any matter, right, obligation, or election that is the responsibility of or that is allocated to the Committee herein, and
that may be so delegated as a matter of law, except for grants of Awards to persons (i) subject to Section 16 of the Exchange
Act or (ii) who are, or who are reasonably expected to be, “covered employees” for purposes of Section 162(m) of
the Code.
(d)
Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with
respect to this Plan or any Award or any documents evidencing Awards granted pursuant to this Plan shall be within the sole discretion
of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons or entities, including, without
limitation, the Company, any Affiliate, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Award, and any stockholder of the Company.
(e)
No member of the Board, the Committee, delegate of the Committee or any employee, advisor or agent of the Company or the Board or the
Committee (each such person, an “Indemnifiable Person”) shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to
be taken or any determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan or any Award hereunder. Each Indemnifiable Person shall be
indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from (and the Company shall pay or reimburse on demand for) any loss, cost,
liability, or expense (including attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or incurred by such Indemnifiable Person in connection
with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Indemnifiable Person may be a party or in which such Indemnifiable
Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken under this Plan or any Award agreement and against and from
any and all amounts paid by such Indemnifiable Person with the Company’s approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Indemnifiable
Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Indemnifiable Person, provided, that
the Company shall have the right, at its own expense, to assume and defend any such action, suit or proceeding and once the Company gives
notice of its intent to assume the defense, the Company shall have sole control over such defense with counsel of the Company’s
choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to an Indemnifiable Person to the extent that a final judgment
or other final adjudication (in either case not subject to further appeal) binding upon such Indemnifiable Person determines that the
acts or omissions of such Indemnifiable Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Indemnifiable Person’s
bad faith, fraud or willful criminal act or omission or that such right of indemnification is otherwise prohibited by law or by the Company’s
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification
to which such Indemnifiable Persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of
law, or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such Indemnifiable Persons or hold them harmless.
(f)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan, the Board may, in its sole discretion, at any time and from time to
time, grant Awards and administer this Plan with respect to such Awards. In any such case, the Board shall have all the authority granted
to the Committee under this Plan.
5.
Grant of Awards; Shares Subject to this Plan; Limitations.
(a)
The Committee may, from time to time, grant Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Bonus
Awards and/or Performance Compensation Awards to one or more Eligible Persons.
(b)
Subject to Section 3 and Section 12 of this Plan, the Committee is authorized to issue under this Plan, on the first business
day of each fiscal year thereafter while the Plan is in effect, the maximum number of Class A and Class B Ordinary Shares available
for issuance under this Plan during that fiscal year shall be increased such that, as of such first business day, the maximum aggregate
number of Class A and Class B Ordinary Shares available for issuance under this Plan during that fiscal year shall be equal
to Fifteen Percent (15%) of the number of total issued and outstanding Class A and Class B Ordinary Shares of the Company as
recorded by the Company’s transfer agent on the last business day of the prior fiscal year. Each Class A or Class B
Ordinary Share subject to an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right will reduce the number of Class A or Class B Ordinary Shares
available for issuance by one share, and each Class A or Class B Ordinary Share underlying an Award of Restricted Stock, Restricted
Stock Units, Stock Bonus Awards and Performance Compensation Awards will reduce the number of Class A or Class B Ordinary Shares
available for issuance by one share.
(c)
Ordinary Shares underlying Awards under this Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, expire unexercised or otherwise terminated or not being
issued shall be available again for Awards under this Plan during that fiscal year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following Ordinary
Shares shall not be available again for Awards under the Plan: (i) shares tendered or held back upon the exercise of an Option or
settlement of an Award to cover the Exercise Price of an Award; (ii) shares that are used or withheld to satisfy tax obligations
of the Participant; and (iii) shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement
of the SAR upon exercise thereof.
(d)
Ordinary Shares delivered by the Company in settlement of Awards may be authorized and unissued shares, shares held in the treasury of
the Company, shares purchased on the open market or by private purchase, or a combination of the foregoing.
(e)
Subject to compliance with Section 1.409A-3(f) of the Treasury Regulations, Awards may, in the sole discretion of the Committee,
be granted under this Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity acquired by the
Company or with which the Company combines (“Substitute Awards”). The number of Ordinary Shares underlying
any Substitute Awards shall be counted against the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares available for Awards under this Plan.
6.
Eligibility. Participation shall be limited to Eligible Persons who have entered into an Award agreement or who have received
written notification from the Committee, or from a person designated by the Committee, that they have been selected to participate in
this Plan.
7.
Options.
(a)
Generally. Each Option granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award agreement (whether in paper or electronic
medium (including email or the posting on a web site maintained by the Company or a third party under contract with the Company)). Each
Option so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7, and to such other conditions not inconsistent
with this Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award agreement. All Options granted under this Plan shall be Nonqualified Stock
Options unless the applicable Award agreement expressly states that the Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option. Notwithstanding
any designation of an Option, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of Ordinary Shares with respect to which Options designated
as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company
or any Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options. Incentive Stock Options shall
be granted only to Eligible Persons who are employees of the Company and its Affiliates, and no Incentive Stock Option shall be granted
to any Eligible Person who is ineligible to receive an Incentive Stock Option under the Code. No Option shall be treated as an Incentive
Stock Option unless this Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company in a manner intended to comply with the stockholder
approval requirements of Section 422(b)(1) of the Code, provided that any Option intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall
not fail to be effective solely on account of a failure to obtain such approval, but rather such Option shall be treated as a Nonqualified
Stock Option unless and until such approval is obtained. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the terms and conditions of such grant
shall be subject to and comply with such rules as may be prescribed by Section 422 of the Code. If for any reason an Option
intended to be an Incentive Stock Option (or any portion thereof) shall not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, then, to the extent
of such nonqualification, such Option or portion thereof shall be regarded as a Nonqualified Stock Option appropriately granted under
this Plan.
(b)
Exercise Price. The exercise price (“Exercise Price”) per Ordinary Share for each Option shall
not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share determined as of the Date of Grant; provided, however, that in the
case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an employee who, at the time of the grant of such Option, owns shares representing more
than 10% of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Company or any Affiliate, the Exercise Price per share shall not be less
than 110% of the Fair Market Value per share on the Date of Grant; and, provided further, that notwithstanding any provision herein
to the contrary, the Exercise Price shall not be less than the par value per Ordinary Share.
(c)
Vesting and Expiration. Options shall vest and become exercisable in such manner and on such date or dates determined by
the Committee and as set forth in the applicable Award agreement, and shall expire after such period, not to exceed ten (10) years
from the Date of Grant, as may be determined by the Committee (the “Option Period”); provided, however,
that the Option Period shall not exceed five (5) years from the Date of Grant in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to
a Participant who on the Date of Grant owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Company
or any Affiliate; and, provided, further, that notwithstanding any vesting dates set by the Committee, the Committee
may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the exercisability of any Option, which acceleration shall not affect the terms and conditions
of such Option other than with respect to exercisability. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award agreement:
(i) an
Option shall vest and become exercisable with respect to 100% of the Ordinary Shares subject to such Option on the third (3rd)
anniversary of the Date of Grant;
(ii) the unvested portion
of an Option shall expire upon termination of employment or service of the Participant granted the Option, and the vested portion of
such Option shall remain exercisable for:
(A) one year following termination
of employment or service by reason of such Participant’s death or Disability (with the determination of Disability to be made by
the Committee on a case by case basis), but not later than the expiration of the Option Period;
(B) for directors, officers and
employees of the Company only, for the remainder of the Option Period following termination of employment or service by reason of such
Participant’s Retirement (it being understood that any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant shall be treated as a Nonqualified
Stock Option if exercise is not undertaken within 90 days of the date of Retirement);
(C) 90 calendar days following
termination of employment or service for any reason other than such Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement, and other than
such Participant’s termination of employment or service for Cause, but not later than the expiration of the Option Period; and
(iii) both the unvested and the
vested portion of an Option shall immediately expire upon the termination of the Participant’s employment or service by the Company
for Cause.
(d)
Method of Exercise and Form of Payment. No Ordinary Shares shall be delivered pursuant to any exercise of an Option
until payment in full of the Exercise Price therefor is received by the Company and the Participant has paid to the Company an amount
equal to any federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and employment taxes required to be withheld. Options that have become exercisable
may be exercised by delivery of written or electronic notice of exercise to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Award agreement
accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price shall be payable (i) in cash, check (subject to collection), or
at consent of the Committee, in cash equivalent and/or Ordinary Shares that the Participant has owned for at least six months (valued
at the Closing Price at the time the Option is exercised, including, pursuant to procedures approved by the Committee, by means of attestation
of ownership of a sufficient number of Ordinary Shares in lieu of actual delivery of such shares to the Company); provided,
however, that such Ordinary Shares are not subject to any pledge or other security interest and are Mature Shares and; (ii) by
such other method as the Committee may permit in accordance with applicable law, in its sole discretion, including without limitation:
(A) in other property having a fair market value (as determined by the Committee in its discretion) on the date of exercise equal
to the Exercise Price or (B) if there is a public market for the Ordinary Shares at such time, by means of a broker-assisted “cashless
exercise” pursuant to which the Company is delivered a copy of irrevocable instructions to a stockbroker to sell the Ordinary Shares
otherwise deliverable upon the exercise of the Option and to deliver promptly to the Company an amount equal to the Exercise Price or
(C) by a “net exercise” method whereby the Company withholds from the delivery of the Ordinary Shares for which the
Option was exercised that number of Ordinary Shares having a Closing Price equal to the aggregate Exercise Price for the Ordinary Shares
for which the Option was exercised. Any fractional Ordinary Shares shall be settled in cash.
(e)
Notification upon Disqualifying Disposition of an Incentive Stock Option. Each Participant awarded an Incentive Stock Option
under this Plan shall notify the Company in writing immediately after the date he makes a disqualifying disposition of any Ordinary Shares
acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Incentive Stock Option. A disqualifying disposition is any disposition (including, without
limitation, any sale) of such Ordinary Shares before the later of (A) two years after the Date of Grant of the Incentive Stock Option
or (B) one year after the date of exercise of the Incentive Stock Option. The Company may, if determined by the Committee and in
accordance with procedures established by the Committee, retain possession of any Ordinary Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of
an Incentive Stock Option as agent for the applicable Participant until the end of the period described in the preceding sentence.
(f)
Compliance With Laws, etc. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall a Participant be permitted to exercise
an Option in a manner that the Committee determines would violate the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, if applicable, or any other applicable
law or the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the applicable rules and regulations
of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or traded.
8.
Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a)
Generally. Each SAR granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award agreement (whether in paper or electronic medium
(including email or the posting on a web site maintained by the Company or a third party under contract with the Company)). Each SAR
so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 8, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with this
Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award agreement. Any Option granted under this Plan may include tandem SARs. The Committee
also may award SARs to Eligible Persons independent of any Option.
(b)
Vesting and Expiration. A SAR granted in connection with an Option shall become exercisable and shall expire according
to the same vesting schedule and expiration provisions as the corresponding Option. A SAR granted independent of an Option shall vest
and become exercisable and shall expire in such manner and on such date or dates determined by the Committee and shall expire after such
period, not to exceed ten years, as may be determined by the Committee (the “SAR Period”); provided, however,
that notwithstanding any vesting dates set by the Committee, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the exercisability
of any SAR, which acceleration shall not affect the terms and conditions of such SAR other than with respect to exercisability. Unless
otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award agreement:
(i) a SAR shall vest
and become exercisable with respect to 100% of the Ordinary Shares subject to such SAR on the third anniversary of the Date of Grant;
(ii) the unvested portion of a
SAR shall expire upon termination of employment or service of the Participant granted the SAR, and the vested portion of such SAR shall
remain exercisable for:
(A) one year following termination of employment
or service by reason of such Participant’s death or Disability (with the determination of Disability to be made by the Committee
on a case by case basis), but not later than the expiration of the SAR Period;
(B) for directors, officers and employees
of the Company only, for the remainder of the SAR Period following termination of employment or service by reason of such Participant’s
Retirement;
(C) 90 calendar days following termination
of employment or service for any reason other than such Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement, and other than such Participant’s
termination of employment or service for Cause, but not later than the expiration of the SAR Period; and
(iii) both the unvested and the vested portion
of a SAR shall expire immediately upon the termination of the Participant’s employment or service by the Company for Cause.
(c)
Method of Exercise. SARs that have become exercisable may be exercised by delivery of written or electronic notice of exercise
to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Award, specifying the number of SARs to be exercised and the date on which such SARs
were awarded. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if on the last day of the Option Period (or in the case of a SAR independent of an option,
the SAR Period), the Closing Price exceeds the Strike Price, the Participant has not exercised the SAR or the corresponding Option (if
applicable), and neither the SAR nor the corresponding Option (if applicable) has expired, such SAR shall be deemed to have been exercised
by the Participant on such last day and the Company shall make the appropriate payment therefor.
(d)
Payment. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the Company shall pay to the Participant an amount equal to the number of shares subject
to the SAR that are being exercised multiplied by the excess, if any, of the Closing Price of one Ordinary Share on the exercise date
over the Strike Price, less an amount equal to any federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and employment taxes required to be withheld.
The Company shall pay such amount in cash, in Ordinary Shares valued at fair market value, or any combination thereof, as determined
by the Committee. Any fractional Ordinary Share shall be settled in cash.
9.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.
(a)
Generally. Each grant of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Award agreement (whether
in paper or electronic medium (including email or the posting on a web site maintained by the Company or a third party under contract
with the Company)). Each such grant shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 9, and to such other conditions
not inconsistent with this Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award agreement.
(b)
Restricted Accounts; Escrow or Similar Arrangement. Upon the grant of Restricted Stock, a book entry in a restricted account
shall be established in the Participant’s name at the Company’s transfer agent and, if the Committee determines that the
Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company or in escrow rather than held in such restricted account pending the release of the applicable
restrictions, the Committee may require the Participant to additionally execute and deliver to the Company (i) an escrow agreement
satisfactory to the Committee, if applicable, and (ii) the appropriate share power (endorsed in blank) with respect to the Restricted
Stock covered by such agreement. If a Participant shall fail to execute an agreement evidencing an Award of Restricted Stock and, if
applicable, an escrow agreement and blank share power within the amount of time specified by the Committee, the Award shall be null and
void ab initio. Subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 9 and the applicable Award agreement, the Participant
generally shall have the rights and privileges of a stockholder as to such Restricted Stock, including without limitation the right to
vote such Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends, if applicable. To the extent shares of Restricted Stock are forfeited,
any share certificates issued to the Participant evidencing such shares shall be returned to the Company, and all rights of the Participant
to such shares and as a stockholder with respect thereto shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company.
(c)
Vesting; Acceleration of Lapse of Restrictions. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award agreement, the unvested
portion of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall terminate and be forfeited upon termination of employment or service of
the Participant granted the applicable Award.
(d)
Delivery of Restricted Stock and Settlement of Restricted Stock Units. (i) Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period
with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock, the restrictions set forth in the applicable certificate shall be of no further force
or effect with respect to such shares, except as set forth in the applicable Award agreement. If an escrow arrangement is used, upon
such expiration, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his beneficiary, without charge, the share certificate evidencing the
shares of Restricted Stock that have not then been forfeited and with respect to which the Restricted Period has expired (rounded down
to the nearest full share). Dividends, if any, that may have been withheld by the Committee and attributable to any particular share
of Restricted Stock shall be distributed to the Participant in cash or, at the sole discretion of the Committee, in Ordinary Shares having
a Closing Price equal to the amount of such dividends, upon the release of restrictions on such share and, if such share is forfeited,
the Participant shall have no right to such dividends (except as otherwise set forth by the Committee in the applicable Award agreement).
(ii)
Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award agreement, upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any outstanding
Restricted Stock Units, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his beneficiary, without charge, one Ordinary Share for each
such outstanding Restricted Stock Unit; provided, however, that the Committee may, in its sole discretion and subject
to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, elect to (i) pay cash or part cash and part Ordinary Share in lieu of delivering
only Ordinary Shares in respect of such Restricted Stock Units or (ii) defer the delivery of Ordinary Shares (or cash or part Ordinary
Shares and part cash, as the case may be) beyond the expiration of the Restricted Period if such delivery would result in a violation
of applicable law until such time as is no longer the case. If a cash payment is made in lieu of delivering Ordinary Shares, the amount
of such payment shall be equal to the Closing Price of the Ordinary Shares as of the date on which the Restricted Period lapsed with
respect to such Restricted Stock Units, less an amount equal to any federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and employment taxes required
to be withheld.
10.
Stock Bonus Awards. The Committee may issue unrestricted Ordinary Shares, or other Awards denominated in Ordinary Shares, under
this Plan to Eligible Persons, either alone or in tandem with other awards, in such amounts as the Committee shall from time to time
in its sole discretion determine. Each Stock Bonus Award granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award agreement (whether in
paper or electronic medium (including email or the posting on a web site maintained by the Company or a third party under contract with
the Company)). Each Stock Bonus Award so granted shall be subject to such conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as may be reflected
in the applicable Award agreement.
11.
Performance Compensation Awards.
(a)
Generally. The Committee shall have the authority, at the time of grant of any Award described in Sections 7 through
10 of this Plan, to designate such Award as a Performance Compensation Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation”
under Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee shall have the authority to make an award of a cash bonus to any Participant
and designate such Award as a Performance Compensation Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under
Section 162(m) of the Code.
(b)
Discretion of Committee with Respect to Performance Compensation Awards. With regard to a particular Performance Period,
the Committee shall have sole discretion to select the length of such Performance Period, the type(s) of Performance Compensation
Awards to be issued, the Performance Criteria that will be used to establish the Performance Goal(s), the kind(s) and/or level(s) of
the Performance Goals(s) that is (are) to apply and the Performance Formula. Within the first 90 calendar days of a Performance
Period (or, if longer or shorter, within the maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code, if applicable), the Committee
shall, with regard to the Performance Compensation Awards to be issued for such Performance Period, exercise its discretion with respect
to each of the matters enumerated in the immediately preceding sentence and record the same in writing.
(c)
Performance Criteria. The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish the Performance Goal(s) shall be based
on the attainment of specific levels of performance of the Company and/or one or more Affiliates, divisions or operational units, or
any combination of the foregoing, as determined by the Committee. Any one or more of the Performance Criteria adopted by the Committee
may be used on an absolute or relative basis to measure the performance of the Company and/or one or more Affiliates as a whole or any
business unit(s) of the Company and/or one or more Affiliates or any combination thereof, as the Committee may deem appropriate,
or any of the above Performance Criteria may be compared to the performance of a selected group of comparison companies, or a published
or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, or as compared to various stock market indices. The Committee
also has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of any Award based on the achievement of Performance Goals pursuant to the
Performance Criteria specified in this paragraph. To the extent required under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee shall,
within the first 90 calendar days of a Performance Period (or, if longer or shorter, within the maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of
the Code), define in an objective fashion the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period
and thereafter promptly communicate such Performance Criteria to the Participant.
(d)
Modification of Performance Goal(s). In the event that applicable tax and/or securities laws change to permit Committee
discretion to alter the governing Performance Criteria without obtaining stockholder approval of such alterations, the Committee shall
have sole discretion to make such alterations without obtaining stockholder approval. The Committee is authorized at any time during
the first 90 calendar days of a Performance Period (or, if longer or shorter, within the maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of
the Code, if applicable), or at any time thereafter to the extent the exercise of such authority at such time would not cause the Performance
Compensation Awards granted to any Participant for such Performance Period to fail to qualify as “performance-based compensation”
under Section 162(m) of the Code, in its sole discretion, to adjust or modify the calculation of a Performance Goal for such
Performance Period, based on and in order to appropriately reflect the following events: (i) asset write-downs; (ii) litigation
or claim judgments or settlements; (iii) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or regulatory rules affecting
reported results; (iv) any reorganization and restructuring programs; (v) extraordinary nonrecurring items as described in
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 (or any successor pronouncement thereto) and/or in management’s discussion and
analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to stockholders for the applicable
year; (vi) acquisitions or divestitures; (vii) any other specific unusual or nonrecurring events, or objectively determinable
category thereof; (viii) foreign exchange gains and losses; and (ix) a change in the Company’s fiscal year.
(e)
Payment of Performance Compensation Awards.
(i)
Condition to Receipt of Payment. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award agreement, a Participant must be employed
by the Company on the last day of a Performance Period to be eligible for payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award for
such Performance Period.
(ii)
Limitation. A Participant shall be eligible to receive payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award only to the
extent that: (A) the Performance Goals for such period are achieved; and (B) all or some of the portion of such Participant’s
Performance Compensation Award has been earned for the Performance Period based on the application of the Performance Formula to such
achieved Performance Goals.
(iii)
Certification. Following the completion of a Performance Period, the Committee shall review and certify in writing whether,
and to what extent, the Performance Goals for the Performance Period have been achieved and, if so, calculate and certify in writing
that amount of the Performance Compensation Awards earned for the period based upon the Performance Formula. The Committee shall then
determine the amount of each Participant’s Performance Compensation Award actually payable for the Performance Period and, in so
doing, may apply Negative Discretion.
(iv)
Use of Negative Discretion. In determining the actual amount of an individual Participant’s Performance Compensation
Award for a Performance Period, the Committee may reduce or eliminate the amount of the Performance Compensation Award earned under the
Performance Formula in the Performance Period through the use of Negative Discretion if, in its sole judgment, such reduction or elimination
is appropriate. The Committee shall not have the discretion, except as is otherwise provided in this Plan, to (A) grant or provide
payment in respect of Performance Compensation Awards for a Performance Period if the Performance Goals for such Performance Period have
not been attained; or (B) increase a Performance Compensation Award above the applicable limitations set forth in Section 5
of this Plan.
(f) Timing
of Award Payments. Performance Compensation Awards granted for a Performance Period shall be paid to Participants as soon as
administratively practicable following completion of the certifications required by this Section 11, but in no event later than
two-and-one-half months following the end of the fiscal year during which the Performance Period is completed in order to comply with
the short-term deferral rules under Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
payment of a Performance Compensation Award may be delayed, as permitted by Section 1.409A-2(b)(7)(i) of the Treasury Regulations,
to the extent that the Company reasonably anticipates that if such payment were made as scheduled, the Company’s tax deduction
with respect to such payment would not be permitted due to the application of Section 162(m) of the Code.
12.
Changes in Capital Structure and Similar Events. In the event of (a) any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form
of cash, Ordinary Shares, other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger,
amalgamation, consolidation, split-up, split-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company,
issuance of warrants or other rights to acquire Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction
or event (including, without limitation, a Change in Control) that affects the Ordinary Shares, or (b) unusual or nonrecurring events
(including, without limitation, a Change in Control) affecting the Company, any Affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company
or any Affiliate, or changes in applicable rules, rulings, regulations or other requirements of any governmental body or securities exchange
or inter-dealer quotation system, accounting principles or law, such that in either case an adjustment is determined by the Committee
in its sole discretion to be necessary or appropriate, then the Committee shall make any such adjustments that are equitable, including
without limitation any or all of the following:
(i)
adjusting any or all of (A) the number of Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities
or other property) that may be delivered in respect of Awards or with respect to which Awards may be granted under this Plan (including,
without limitation, adjusting any or all of the limitations under Section 5 of this Plan) and (B) the terms of any outstanding
Award, including, without limitation, (1) the number of Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of
other securities or other property) subject to outstanding Awards or to which outstanding Awards relate, (2) the Exercise Price
or Strike Price with respect to any Award or (3) any applicable performance measures (including, without limitation, Performance
Criteria and Performance Goals);
(ii)
providing for a substitution or assumption of Awards, accelerating the exercisability of, lapse of restrictions on, or termination of,
Awards or providing for a period of time for exercise prior to the occurrence of such event; and
(iii)
subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, canceling any one or more outstanding Awards and causing to be paid to
the holders thereof, in cash, Ordinary Shares, other securities or other property, or any combination thereof, the value of such Awards,
if any, as determined by the Committee (which if applicable may be based upon the price per Ordinary Share received or to be received
by other stockholders of the Company in such event), including without limitation, in the case of an outstanding Option or SAR, a cash
payment in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value (as of a date specified by the Committee) of the Ordinary
Shares subject to such Option or SAR over the aggregate Exercise Price or Strike Price of such Option or SAR, respectively (it being
understood that, in such event, any Option or SAR having a per share Exercise Price or Strike Price equal to, or in excess of, the fair
market value of an Ordinary Share subject thereto may be canceled and terminated without any payment or consideration therefor);
provided,
however, that in the case of any “equity restructuring” (within the meaning of the Financial Accounting Standards
Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) or ASC Topic 718, or any successor thereto), the Committee
shall make an equitable or proportionate adjustment to outstanding Awards to reflect such equity restructuring. Any adjustment in Incentive
Stock Options under this Section 12 (other than any cancellation of Incentive Stock Options) shall be made only to the extent not
constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code, and any adjustments under this
Section 12 shall be made in a manner that does not adversely affect the exemption provided pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the
Exchange Act. The Company shall give each Participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive
and binding for all purposes.
13.
Effect of Change in Control. Except to the extent otherwise provided in an Award agreement or as determined by the Committee in
its sole discretion, in the event of a Change in Control, notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, with respect to
all or any portion of a particular outstanding Award or Awards:
(a) all
of the then outstanding Options and SARs may immediately vest and may become immediately exercisable as of a time prior to the Change
in Control;
(b)
the Restricted Period may expire as of a time prior to the Change in Control (including without limitation a waiver of any applicable
Performance Goals);
(c)
Performance Periods in effect on the date the Change in Control occurs may end on such date, and the Committee (i) shall determine
the extent to which Performance Goals with respect to each such Performance Period have been met based upon such audited or unaudited
financial information or other information then available as it deems relevant and (ii) may cause the Participant to receive partial
or full payment of Awards for each such Performance Period based upon the Committee’s determination of the degree of attainment
of the Performance Goals, or assuming that the applicable “target” levels of performance have been attained or on such other
basis determined by the Committee.
To the extent practicable,
any actions taken by the Committee under the immediately preceding clauses (a) through (c) shall occur in a manner and at a
time which allows affected Participants the ability to participate in the Change in Control transactions with respect to the Ordinary
Shares subject to their Awards. In the event no action is taken by the Committee to allow for the changes set forth in immediately preceding
clauses (a) through (c), then no changes to the Award shall be effected.
14.
Amendments and Termination.
(a)
Amendment and Termination of this Plan. The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate this Plan or any
portion thereof at any time; provided, that (i) no amendment to the definition of Eligible Employee in Section 2, Section 5(b),
Section 11(c) or Section 14(b) (to the extent required by the proviso in such Section 14(b)) shall be made without
stockholder approval and (ii) no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made without stockholder
approval if such approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement applicable to this Plan (including, without limitation,
as necessary to comply with any rules or requirements of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the Ordinary
Shares may be listed or quoted or to prevent the Company from being denied a tax deduction under Section 162(m) of the Code);
and, provided, further, that any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination that would
materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant or any holder or beneficiary of any Award theretofore granted shall not
to that extent be effective without the prior written consent of the affected Participant, holder or beneficiary.
(c)
Amendment of Award Agreements. The Committee may, to the extent consistent with the terms of any applicable Award agreement,
waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate, any Award theretofore
granted or the associated Award agreement, prospectively or retroactively; provided, however that any such waiver, amendment,
alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant
with respect to any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant;
and, provided, further, that without stockholder approval, except as otherwise permitted under Section 12 of
this Plan, (i) no amendment or modification may reduce the Exercise Price of any Option or the Strike Price of any SAR, (ii) the
Committee may not cancel any outstanding Option or SAR and replace it with a new Option or SAR, another Award or cash or take any action
that would have the effect of treating such Award as a new Award for tax or accounting purposes and (iii) the Committee may not
take any other action that is considered a “repricing” for purposes of the stockholder approval rules of the applicable
securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the Ordinary Shares are listed or quoted.
15.
General.
(a)
Award Agreements. Each Award under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award agreement, which shall be delivered to the
Participant (whether in paper or electronic medium (including email or the posting on a web site maintained by the Company or a third
party under contract with the Company)) and shall specify the terms and conditions of the Award and any rules applicable thereto,
including without limitation, the effect on such Award of the death, Disability or termination of employment or service of a Participant,
or of such other events as may be determined by the Committee. The Company’s failure to specify any term of any Award in any particular
Award agreement shall not invalidate such term, provided such terms was duly adopted by the Board or the Committee.
(b)
Nontransferability; Trading Restrictions.
(i)
Each Award shall be exercisable only by a Participant during the Participant’s lifetime, or, if permissible under applicable law,
by the Participant’s legal guardian or representative. No Award may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise
transferred or encumbered by a Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and any such purported assignment,
alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or an Affiliate; provided
that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance.
(ii)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, permit Awards (other than Incentive Stock Options) to be transferred
by a Participant, with or without consideration, subject to such rules as the Committee may adopt consistent with any applicable
Award agreement to preserve the purposes of this Plan, to: (A) any person who is a “family member” of the Participant,
as such term is used in the instructions to Form S-8 under the Securities Act (collectively, the “Immediate Family Members”);
(B) a trust solely for the benefit of the Participant and his or her Immediate Family Members; or (C) a partnership or limited
liability company whose only partners or stockholders are the Participant and his or her Immediate Family Members; or (D) any other
transferee as may be approved either (I) by the Board or the Committee in its sole discretion, or (II) as provided in the applicable
Award agreement (each transferee described in clauses (A), (B) (C) and (D) above is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted
Transferee”); provided, that the Participant gives the Committee advance written notice describing the terms and
conditions of the proposed transfer and the Committee notifies the Participant in writing that such a transfer would comply with the
requirements of this Plan.
(iii)
The terms of any Award transferred in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence shall apply to the Permitted Transferee and
any reference in this Plan, or in any applicable Award agreement, to a Participant shall be deemed to refer to the Permitted Transferee,
except that (A) Permitted Transferees shall not be entitled to transfer any Award, other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution; (B) Permitted Transferees shall not be entitled to exercise any transferred Option unless there shall be in effect
a registration statement on an appropriate form covering the Ordinary Shares to be acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Option if
the Committee determines, consistent with any applicable Award agreement, that such a registration statement is necessary or appropriate;
(C) the Committee or the Company shall not be required to provide any notice to a Permitted Transferee, whether or not such notice
is or would otherwise have been required to be given to the Participant under this Plan or otherwise; and (D) the consequences of
the termination of the Participant’s employment by, or services to, the Company or an Affiliate under the terms of this Plan and
the applicable Award agreement shall continue to be applied with respect to the Participant, including, without limitation, that an Option
shall be exercisable by the Permitted Transferee only to the extent, and for the periods, specified in this Plan and the applicable Award
agreement.
(iv)
The Committee shall have the right, either on an Award-by-Award basis or as a matter of policy for all Awards or one or more classes
of Awards, to condition the delivery of vested Ordinary Shares received in connection with such Award on the Participant’s agreement
to such restrictions as the Committee may determine.
(c)
Tax Withholding.
(i)
A Participant shall be required to pay to the Company or any Affiliate, or the Company or any Affiliate shall have the right and is hereby
authorized to withhold, from any cash, Ordinary Shares, other securities or other property deliverable under any Award or from any compensation
or other amounts owing to a Participant, the amount (in cash, Ordinary Shares, other securities or other property) of any required withholding
taxes in respect of an Award, its exercise, or any payment or transfer under an Award or under this Plan and to take such other action
as may be necessary in the opinion of the Committee or the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding and
taxes.
(ii)
Without limiting the generality of clause (i) above, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, permit a Participant to satisfy,
in whole or in part, the foregoing withholding liability by (A) the delivery of Ordinary Shares (which are not subject to any pledge
or other security interest and are Mature Shares) owned by the Participant having a fair market value equal to such withholding liability
or (B) having the Company withhold from the number of Ordinary Shares otherwise issuable or deliverable pursuant to the exercise
or settlement of the Award a number of shares with a fair market value equal to such withholding liability (but no more than the minimum
required statutory withholding liability).
(d)
No Claim to Awards; No Rights to Continued Employment; Waiver. No employee of the Company or an Affiliate, or other person,
shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award under this Plan or, having been selected for the grant of an Award, to be selected
for a grant of any other Award. There is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards.
The terms and conditions of Awards and the Committee’s determinations and interpretations with respect thereto need not be the
same with respect to each Participant and may be made selectively among Participants, whether or not such Participants are similarly
situated. Neither this Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any Participant any right to be retained in the
employ or service of the Company or an Affiliate, nor shall it be construed as giving any Participant any rights to continued service
on the Board. The Company or any of its Affiliates may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment or discontinue any consulting
relationship, free from any liability or any claim under this Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in this Plan or any Award agreement.
By accepting an Award under this Plan, a Participant shall thereby be deemed to have waived any claim to continued exercise or vesting
of an Award or to damages or severance entitlement related to non-continuation of the Award beyond the period provided under this Plan
or any Award agreement, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any written employment contract or other agreement between the
Company and its Affiliates and the Participant, whether any such agreement is executed before, on or after the Date of Grant.
(e)
International Participants. With respect to Participants who reside or work outside of the United States of America and
who are not (and who are not expected to be) “covered employees” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code,
the Committee may in its sole discretion amend the terms of this Plan or outstanding Awards (or establish a sub-plan) with respect to
such Participants in order to conform such terms with the requirements of local law or to obtain more favorable tax or other treatment
for a Participant, the Company or its Affiliates.
(f)
Designation and Change of Beneficiary. Each Participant may file with the Committee a written designation of one or more
persons as the beneficiary(ies) who shall be entitled to receive the amounts payable with respect to an Award, if any, due under this
Plan upon his or her death. A Participant may, from time to time, revoke or change his or her beneficiary designation without the consent
of any prior beneficiary by filing a new designation with the Committee. The last such designation filed with the Committee shall be
controlling; provided, however, that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless
received by the Committee prior to the Participant’s death, and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to such receipt.
If no beneficiary designation is filed by a Participant, the beneficiary shall be deemed to be his or her spouse or, if the Participant
is unmarried at the time of death, his or her estate. Upon the occurrence of a Participant’s divorce (as evidenced by a final order
or decree of divorce), any spousal designation previously given by such Participant shall automatically terminate.
(g)
Termination of Employment/Service. Unless determined otherwise by the Committee at any point following such event: (i) neither
a temporary absence from employment or service due to illness, vacation or leave of absence nor a transfer from employment or service
with the Company to employment or service with an Affiliate (or vice-versa) shall be considered a termination of employment or service
with the Company or an Affiliate; and (ii) if a Participant’s employment with the Company and its Affiliates terminates, but
such Participant continues to provide services to the Company and its Affiliates in a non-employee capacity (or vice-versa), such change
in status shall not be considered a termination of employment with the Company or an Affiliate.
(h)
No Rights as a Stockholder. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Plan or any Award agreement, no person shall
be entitled to the privileges of ownership in respect of Ordinary Shares that are subject to Awards hereunder until such shares have
been issued or delivered to that person.
(i)
Government and Other Regulations.
(i)
The obligation of the Company to settle Awards in Ordinary Shares or other consideration shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules,
and regulations, and to such approvals by governmental agencies as may be required. Notwithstanding any terms or conditions of any Award
to the contrary, the Company shall be under no obligation to offer to sell or to sell, and shall be prohibited from offering to sell
or selling, any Ordinary Shares pursuant to an Award unless such shares have been properly registered for sale pursuant to the Securities
Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission or unless the Company has received an opinion of counsel, satisfactory to the Company,
that such shares may be offered or sold without such registration pursuant to an available exemption therefrom and the terms and conditions
of such exemption have been fully complied with. The Company shall be under no obligation to register for sale under the Securities Act
any of the Ordinary Shares to be offered or sold under this Plan. The Committee shall have the authority to provide that all certificates
for Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any Affiliate delivered under this Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer
orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under this Plan, the applicable Award agreement, the federal securities
laws, or the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange or inter-dealer
quotation system upon which such shares or other securities are then listed or quoted and any other applicable federal, state, local
or non-U.S. laws, and, without limiting the generality of Section 9 of this Plan, the Committee may cause a legend or legends to
be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Plan to the
contrary, the Committee reserves the right to add any additional terms or provisions to any Award granted under this Plan that it in
its sole discretion deems necessary or advisable in order that such Award complies with the legal requirements of any governmental entity
to whose jurisdiction the Award is subject.
(ii)
The Committee may cancel an Award or any portion thereof if it determines, in its sole discretion, that legal or contractual restrictions
and/or blockage and/or other market considerations would make the Company’s acquisition of Ordinary Shares from the public markets,
the Company’s issuance of Ordinary Shares to the Participant, the Participant’s acquisition of Ordinary Shares from the Company
and/or the Participant’s sale of Ordinary Shares to the public markets, illegal, impracticable or inadvisable. If the Committee
determines to cancel all or any portion of an Award in accordance with the foregoing, unless doing so would violate Section 409A
of the Code, the Company shall pay to the Participant an amount equal to the excess of (A) the aggregate fair market value of the
Ordinary Shares subject to such Award or portion thereof canceled (determined as of the applicable exercise date, or the date that the
shares would have been vested or delivered, as applicable), over (B) the aggregate Exercise Price or Strike Price (in the case of
an Option or SAR, respectively) or any amount payable as a condition of delivery of Ordinary Shares (in the case of any other Award).
Such amount shall be delivered to the Participant as soon as practicable following the cancellation of such Award or portion thereof.
The Committee shall have the discretion to consider and take action to mitigate the tax consequence to the Participant in cancelling
an Award in accordance with this clause.
(j)
Payments to Persons Other Than Participants. If the Committee shall find that any person to whom any amount is payable
under this Plan is unable to care for his affairs because of illness or accident, or is a minor, or has died, then any payment due to
such person or his estate (unless a prior claim therefor has been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may, if the Committee
so directs the Company, be paid to his spouse, child, relative, an institution maintaining or having custody of such person, or any other
person deemed by the Committee to be a proper recipient on behalf of such person otherwise entitled to payment. Any such payment shall
be a complete discharge of the liability of the Committee and the Company therefor.
(k)
Nonexclusivity of this Plan. Neither the adoption of this Plan by the Board nor the submission of this Plan to the stockholders
of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements
as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock options or other equity-based awards otherwise than under
this Plan, and such arrangements may be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.
(l)
No Trust or Fund Created. Neither this Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund
of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Affiliate, on the one hand, and a Participant or other person or entity,
on the other hand. No provision of this Plan or any Award shall require the Company, for the purpose of satisfying any obligations under
this Plan, to purchase assets or place any assets in a trust or other entity to which contributions are made or otherwise to segregate
any assets, nor shall the Company maintain separate bank accounts, books, records or other evidence of the existence of a segregated
or separately maintained or administered fund for such purposes. Participants shall have no rights under this Plan other than as general
unsecured creditors of the Company, except that insofar as they may have become entitled to payment of additional compensation by performance
of services, they shall have the same rights as other employees under general law.
(m) Reliance
on Reports. Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in acting or failing to act, as
the case may be, and shall not be liable for having so acted or failed to act in good faith, in reliance upon any report made by the
independent public accountant of the Company and its Affiliates and/or any other information furnished in connection with this Plan by
any agent of the Company or the Committee or the Board, other than himself.
(n)
Relationship to Other Benefits. No payment under this Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under
any pension, retirement, profit sharing, group insurance or other benefit plan of the Company except as otherwise specifically provided
in such other plan.
(o)
Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware,
without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions.
(p)
Severability. If any provision of this Plan or any Award or Award agreement is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal,
or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any person or entity or Award, or would disqualify this Plan or any Award under any law
deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable laws in the manner
that most closely reflects the original intent of the Award or the Plan, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the
determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of this Plan or the Award, such provision shall be construed or deemed
stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or entity or Award and the remainder of this Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force
and effect.
(q)
Obligations Binding on Successors. The obligations of the Company under this Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation
or organization resulting from the merger, amalgamation, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor
corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company.
(r)
Code Section 162(m) Approval. If so determined by the Committee, the provisions of this Plan regarding Performance
Compensation Awards shall be disclosed and reapproved by stockholders no later than the first stockholder meeting that occurs in the
fifth year following the year in which stockholders previously approved such provisions, in each case in order for certain Awards granted
after such time to be exempt from the deduction limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code. Nothing in this clause, however,
shall affect the validity of Awards granted after such time if such stockholder approval has not been obtained.
(s)
Expenses; Gender; Titles and Headings. The expenses of administering this Plan shall be borne by the Company and its Affiliates.
Masculine pronouns and other words of masculine gender shall refer to both men and women. The titles and headings of the sections in
this Plan are for convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of this Plan, rather than such titles or
headings shall control.
(t)
Other Agreements. Notwithstanding the above, the Committee may require, as a condition to the grant of and/or the receipt
of Ordinary Shares under an Award, that the Participant execute lock-up, stockholder or other agreements, as it may determine in its
sole and absolute discretion.
(u)
Section 409A. The Plan and all Awards granted hereunder are intended to comply with, or otherwise be exempt from,
the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The Plan and all Awards granted under this Plan shall be administered, interpreted,
and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A of the Code to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of additional
taxes under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, in no event shall the
Committee exercise its discretion to accelerate the payment or settlement of an Award where such payment or settlement constitutes deferred
compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code unless, and solely to the extent that, such accelerated payment or settlement
is permissible under Section 1.409A-3(j)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. If a Participant is a “specified employee”
(within the meaning of Section 1.409A-1(i) of the Treasury Regulations) at any time during the twelve (12)-month period ending
on the date of his termination of employment, and any Award hereunder subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code is
to be satisfied on account of the Participant’s termination of employment, satisfaction of such Award shall be suspended until
the date that is six (6) months after the date of such termination of employment.
(v)
Payments. Participants shall be required to pay, to the extent required by applicable law, any amounts required to receive
Ordinary Shares under any Award made under this Plan.
* * *
Exhibit 99.2
RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD
Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street
Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012
People’s Republic of China
+86 (10) 8494-5799
VOTE
BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions
and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your
proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting
instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred
by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically
via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when
prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your
voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when
you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid
envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the director
nominees and FOR Proposals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
1. To
elect the Class II nominees named in the attached proxy statement to serve on the Board of Directors until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 or until their successors are duly elected and qualified;
1a. | |
Nelson N.S. Wong | |
For | |
Against | |
Abstain |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
1b. | |
Jijun Hu | |
For | |
Against | |
Abstain |
2. To ratify the appointment of Enrome LLP as the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
3. To
approve as a special resolution that every [TBD] Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 (including issued and
unissued Class A Ordinary Shares) be consolidated into 1 Class A Ordinary Share with a nominal or par value of US$[TBD] at a ratio of
between 1:15 and 1:40, in such number as recommended by the Board and approved by the shareholders (“ Share Consolidation”),
and the authorized share capital amended accordingly.
4. To
resolve as a special resolution that the authorized share capital be further amended immediately following the Share Consolidation becoming
effective, as follows (although to be determined and confirmed at the AGM) (“Amendment”)
From: US$53,650,000 divided
into [TBD] Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$[TBD] each, and 80,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal
or par value of US$0.0925 each,
To: US$58,000 divided into
500,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0001 each and 80,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal
or par value of US$0.0001 each,
by: first, the creation of
[TBD] Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.0925 and 60,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value
of US$0.0925 each, each having the rights and subject to the restrictions set out in the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles
of Association (“Fourth M&AA”) adopted pursuant to the resolutions below, second a subdivision of all shares at a ratio
of [TBD] such that each Class A Share of US$[TBD] par value shall become [TBD] Shares with a par value of US$0.0001 each, and each Class
B Share shall become [TBD] Shares with a par value of US$0.0001 each, and third, a capital reduction whereby [TBD] authorized but unissued
Class A Shares and [TBD] authorized but unissued Class B Shares are cancelled; and that as a result of the Amendment, each Member shall
retain that number of Class A Ordinary Shares and/or Class B Ordinary Shares held in their name, as adjusted to account for the Share
Consolidation and subsequent Amendment.
5. To
resolve as a special resolution that the Company’s memorandum and articles of association be amended and restated by way of adopting
the Fourth M&AA to reflect each of first, the Share Consolidation and second, the Amendment and third, any consequential changes as
a result of the Share Consolidation and Amendment, in substitution for and to the exclusion of the current memorandum and articles of
association of the Company.
6. To
resolve as an ordinary resolution the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan is approved and that the Company be and is hereby authorized to enter
into any agreements and issue any shares in accordance with the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan.
7. To resolve as an ordinary
resolution that the Company’s registered office service provider and/or registered transfer agent (as applicable) be authorized
and instructed to update the Company’s registers and to file the Fourth M&AA with the Registrar of Companies for and on behalf
of the Company.
8. To transact any other business
properly coming before the meeting.
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing
as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All
holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.
RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned, revoking
all prior proxies, hereby appoints each of Mr. Shenping Yin, Ms. Jia Liu or either of them, with full power of substitution, as proxies
to represent and vote all ordinary shares, of Recon Technology, Ltd (the “Company”), which the undersigned will be entitled
to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of the Company to be held on March 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Beijing
Time at Room 601, No. 1 Shui’an South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100012, People’s Republic of China, upon matters
set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a copy of which has been received by the undersigned. Each Class A ordinary
share is entitled to one vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to fifteen votes. The proxies are further authorized to vote,
in their discretion, upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted
as directed. If no direction is made, the proxy shall be voted FOR the listed nominees, FOR the ratification of Enrome LLP,
FOR the approval of a special resolution to authorize the share consolidation of Class A Ordinary Shares only, FOR the approval
of a special resolution to amend the authorized share capital, FOR the approval of a special resolution to adopt the Fourth Amended
and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, FOR the authorization and instruction to the Company’s registered office
service provider to update the Company’s registers and to file the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association,
and FOR to transact any other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Please check here if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
on March 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Beijing Time.
(Continued and to be signed on Reverse Side)
Grafico Azioni Recon Technology (NASDAQ:RCON)
Storico
Da Nov 2024 a Dic 2024
Grafico Azioni Recon Technology (NASDAQ:RCON)
Storico
Da Dic 2023 a Dic 2024