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HC Group Inc. AGM Information 2020

Apr 27, 2020

50493_rns_2020-04-27_f8606f13-8ecf-4a6d-a863-8ebe64ed3c78.pdf

AGM Information

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THIS CIRCULAR IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

If you are in any doubt as to any aspect of this circular or as to the action to be taken, you should consult your stockbroker or other registered dealer in securities, bank manager, solicitor, professional accountant or other professional adviser.

If you have sold or transferred all your shares in HC Group Inc. (the “ Company ”), you should at once hand this circular to the purchaser or the transferee or to the bank, stockbroker or other agent through whom the sale was effected for transmission to the purchaser or the transferee.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no responsibility for the contents of this circular, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this circular.

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HC GROUP INC. 慧聰集團有限公司

(incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability)

(Stock code: 2280)

RENEWAL OF GENERAL MANDATES TO ISSUE SHARES AND TO REPURCHASE SHARES; RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; AND NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The notice convening the annual general meeting of the Company to be held at 7th Floor, Tower A1, Junhao Central Park Plaza, No.10 Chaoyang Park South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China (100026) on Friday, 19 June 2020, at 4:00 p.m. (the “ AGM ”) is set out on pages 16 to 21 of this circular.

Whether or not you intend to attend the AGM, you are requested to complete the enclosed form of proxy and return the same to the Company’s Hong Kong branch share registrar and transfer office, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, at 17M Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong in accordance with the instructions printed thereon as soon as possible but in any event not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the holding of the AGM or any adjournment thereof (as the case may be). Completion and return of the form of proxy will not preclude you from attending and voting at the AGM or any adjournment thereof (as the case may be) thereof if you so wish.

28 April 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pages
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Letter from the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Appendix I
Explanatory Statement
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Appendix II
Details of Directors for Re-election
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
**Notice of the ** AGM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

– i –

DEFINITIONS

In this circular, the following expressions shall have the following meanings unless the context requires otherwise:

  • “AGM”

  • an annual general meeting of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2019 to be held at 7th Floor, Tower A1, Junhao Central Park Plaza, No.10 Chaoyang Park South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China (100026) on 19 June 2020 at 4:00 p.m. or any adjournment thereof

  • “AGM Notice”

  • the notice convening the AGM set out on pages 16 to 21 of this circular

  • “Articles of Association” the articles of association of the Company, amended and restated as amended from time to time

  • “associates” has the same meaning as defined in the Listing Rules

  • “Board” the board of directors of the Company

  • “close associate(s)” has the meaning ascribed thereto under the Listing Rules

  • “Company”

  • HC Group Inc., an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and the Shares of which are listed on the Stock Exchange

  • “core connected person(s)”

  • has the meaning ascribed thereto under the Listing Rules

  • “Director(s)” director(s) of the Company

  • “Group”

  • the Company and its subsidiaries

  • “Hong Kong”

  • the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China

  • “Issue Mandate”

  • a general and unconditional mandate proposed to be granted to the Directors to exercise all power of the Company to allot, issue and otherwise deal with Shares of up to 20% of the issued share capital of the Company on the date of the AGM, as set out in resolution number 4(A) in the AGM Notice

  • “Latest Practicable Date”

  • 21 April 2020, being the latest practicable date prior to the printing of this circular for ascertaining certain information contained herein

– 1 –

DEFINITIONS

  • “Listing Rules”

  • the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange

  • “PRC”

  • the People’s Republic of China

  • “Registrar”

  • the branch share registrar of the Company in Hong Kong, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, at Shops 1712–1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong

  • “Repurchase Mandate”

  • a general and unconditional mandate proposed to be granted to the Directors to exercise all powers of the Company to repurchase Shares of up to 10% of the issued share capital of the Company on the date of AGM, as set out in resolution number 4(B) in the AGM Notice

  • “Repurchase Resolution”

  • the proposed ordinary resolution in the terms set out in resolution number 4(B) of the AGM Notice

  • “SFO”

  • the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong)

  • “Share(s)”

  • share(s) of nominal value of HK$0.10 each in the share capital of the Company

  • “Share Option(s)”

  • share option(s) granted under the Share Option Scheme

  • “Share Option Scheme(s)”

  • the share option scheme(s) adopted by the Company

  • “Shareholder(s)” holder(s) of Shares

  • “Stock Exchange”

  • The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

  • “Takeovers Code”

  • The Codes on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Buy-backs

  • “HK$”

  • Hong Kong dollars, the lawful currency of Hong Kong

– 2 –

LETTER FROM THE BOARD

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HC GROUP INC. 慧聰集團有限公司

(incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability)

(Stock code: 2280)

Executive Directors: Liu Jun (Chairman) Zhang Yonghong (Chief Executive Officer) Liu Xiaodong (President)

Non-executive Directors: Guo Fansheng Li Jianguang Sun Yang

Independent non-executive Directors: Zhang Ke Zhang Tim Tianwei Qi Yan

Registered Office: 4th Floor One Capital Place P.O. Box 847 George Town Grand Cayman Cayman Islands

Head Office and

Principal Place of Business in the PRC: 7th Floor Tower A1 Junhao Central Park Plaza No. 10 Chaoyang Park South Road Chaoyang District Beijing 100026 The People’s Republic of China

28 April 2020

To the Shareholders

Dear Sir or Madam,

RENEWAL OF GENERAL MANDATES TO ISSUE SHARES AND TO REPURCHASE SHARES; RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; AND NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this circular is to provide you with information regarding the proposed general mandates to issue shares and to repurchase shares, and the re-election of Directors in accordance with the Articles of Association and to give you the notice of the AGM.

– 3 –

LETTER FROM THE BOARD

GENERAL MANDATE TO ISSUE SHARES

The Company’s existing mandate to issue Shares was approved by its then Shareholders on 24 May 2019. Unless otherwise renewed, the existing mandate to issue Shares will lapse at the conclusion of the AGM.

At the AGM, an ordinary resolution will be proposed to grant to the Directors new general and unconditional mandate to allot, issue and otherwise deal with Shares of up to 20% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of the passing of the proposed resolution.

In addition, a separate ordinary resolution will be proposed at the AGM to add to the Issue Mandate those Shares repurchased by the Company pursuant to the Repurchase Mandate (if so granted to the Directors at the AGM).

The Issue Mandate allows the Company to allot, issue and otherwise deal with Shares only during the period ending on the earliest of (i) the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company; (ii) the date by which the next annual general meeting of the Company is required to be held by its Articles of Association or the laws of the Cayman Islands; or (iii) the date upon which such authority is revoked or varied by an ordinary resolution of the Shareholders in a general meeting of the Company (the “ Relevant Period ”).

As at the Latest Practicable Date, the issued share capital of the Company comprised 1,120,652,210 Shares. Subject to the passing of the relevant resolution to approve the Issue Mandate and on the basis that no further Shares are allotted and issued or repurchased prior to the date of the AGM, the Directors would be authorised to allot, issue and otherwise deal with a maximum of 224,130,442 new Shares under the Issue Mandate, representing approximately 20% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of the AGM.

GENERAL MANDATE TO REPURCHASE SHARES

The Company’s existing mandate to repurchase Shares was approved by its then Shareholders on 24 May 2019. Unless otherwise renewed, the existing mandate to repurchase Shares will lapse at the conclusion of the AGM.

At the AGM, an ordinary resolution will be proposed to grant to the Directors new general and unconditional mandate to repurchase Shares of up to 10% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of the passing of the proposed resolution. The Repurchase Mandate allows the Company to make purchases only during the Relevant Period.

As at the Latest Practicable Date, the issued share capital of the Company comprised 1,120,652,210 Shares. Subject to the passing of the Repurchase Resolution and on the basis that no further Shares are allotted and issued or repurchased prior to the date of the AGM, the Company would be allowed to repurchase a maximum of 112,065,221 Shares under the Repurchase Mandate, representing approximately 10% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of the AGM.

– 4 –

LETTER FROM THE BOARD

An explanatory statement required to be sent to the Shareholders under the Listing Rules is set out in Appendix I to this circular to provide the requisite information regarding the Repurchase Mandate to the Shareholders.

RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

In accordance with Article 87 of the Articles of Association, Mr. Liu Jun, Mr. Zhang Tim Tianwei and Mr. Guo Fansheng, will retire from office as Directors by rotation and being eligible to offer himself for re-election at the AGM.

In accordance with Article 86 of the Articles of Association, Mr. Sun Yang, will be subject to, and eligible to offer themselves for re-election at the AGM.

In considering re-election of the aforesaid retiring Directors, the nomination committee of the Company (the “ Nomination Committee ”) has reviewed and assessed: (i) the suitability of each of the retiring Directors based on a range of criteria, including but not limited to, reputation, integrity, qualifications, commitment in respect of available time and relevant interest, the board diversity policy as adopted by the Company, and the standards as set forth in Rules 3.08 and 3.09 of the Listing Rules; (ii) the code provision A.5.2(c) of the Corporate Governance Code contained in Appendix 14 to the Listing Rules; and (iii) the independence of the independent non-executive Director according to Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules. Furthermore, the Board, with the assistance and recommendation from the Nomination Committee, has reviewed the structure, size, composition and diversity of the Board from a number of aspects, including but not limited to age, gender, geographical background, length of service, and the professional experience, skills and expertise each of the retiring Directors can provide.

The particulars of the above-mentioned Directors proposed to be re-elected at the AGM are set out in Appendix II to this circular.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The notice convening the AGM to be held at 7th Floor, Tower A1, Junhao Central Park Plaza, No.10 Chaoyang Park South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China (100026) on 19 June 2020 at 4:00 p.m. is set out on pages 16 to 21 of this circular.

Pursuant to Rule 13.39(4) of the Listing Rules, any vote of Shareholders at a general meeting must be taken by poll.

Whether or not you intend to attend the AGM, you are requested to complete the enclosed form of proxy and return it to the Registrar in accordance with the instructions printed thereon as soon as possible but in any event not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the holding of the AGM or any adjournment thereof (as the case may be). Completion and return of the form of proxy will not preclude you from attending and voting in person at the AGM or any adjournment thereof (as the case may be) if you so wish.

– 5 –

LETTER FROM THE BOARD

RECOMMENDATION

The Directors consider that the proposed granting of the Issue Mandate and the Repurchase Mandate, and the re-election of the Directors set out above are in the best interests of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the Directors recommend the Shareholders to vote in favour of the relevant resolutions as set out in the AGM Notice at the AGM.

Yours faithfully, By order of the Board Liu Jun Chairman

– 6 –

APPENDIX I

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

This appendix serves as an explanatory statement required to be sent to the Shareholders pursuant to Rule 10.06 of the Listing Rules to provide the requisite information to you to make an informed decision in relation to the Repurchase Resolution proposed under the notice convening the AGM.

SHARE CAPITAL

As at the Latest Practicable Date, the issued share capital of the Company comprised 1,120,652,210 Shares. Subject to the passing of the relevant resolution and on the basis that no further Shares are allotted and issued or repurchased between the Latest Practicable Date and the AGM, the Company will be allowed to repurchase a maximum of 112,065,221 Shares during the Relevant Period.

REASONS FOR REPURCHASES

The Directors believe that it is in the best interests of the Company and the Shareholders to have general authority from the Shareholders to enable the Directors to repurchase Shares on the Stock Exchange. Such repurchase may, depending on market conditions and funding arrangements at the relevant time, lead to an enhancement of the net asset value and/or earnings per Share of the Company. The Repurchase Mandate will only be exercised when the Directors believe that such repurchase(s) will benefit the Company and the Shareholders.

DIRECTORS, CLOSE ASSOCIATES AND CORE CONNECTED PERSONS

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Directors having made all reasonable enquiries, none of the Directors and their respective close associates has a present intention, in the event that the Repurchase Mandate is approved and exercised, to sell any securities of the Company to the Company and any of its subsidiaries. No core connected person of the Company has notified the Company that he/she/it has a present intention to sell any securities of the Company to the Company, or has undertaken not to do so, in the event that the Repurchase Mandate is approved and exercised.

FUNDING OF REPURCHASES

In repurchasing Shares, the Company will only apply funds legally available for such purpose, being distributable profit of the Company or proceeds of a fresh issue of Shares made for such purpose in accordance with its memorandum of association, the Articles of Association and the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Company will not purchase Shares on the Stock Exchange for a consideration other than cash or for settlement otherwise than in accordance with the trading rules of the Stock Exchange from time to time.

– 7 –

APPENDIX I

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

There might be a material adverse impact on the working capital or gearing position of the Company as compared with the financial position of the Company as at 31 December 2019 (being the date of its latest published audited consolidated accounts) in the event that the repurchase of Shares were to be carried out in full at any time during the Relevant Period. However, the Directors do not propose to exercise the Repurchase Mandate to such extent as would, in the circumstances, have a material adverse effect on the working capital requirements of the Company or the gearing levels which in the opinion of the Directors are from time to time appropriate for the Company.

SHARE PRICES

The highest and lowest prices at which the Shares have been traded on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange during each of the previous twelve months and up to the Latest Practicable Date were as follows:

Highest Lowest
Month HK$ HK$
2019
April 4.49 3.86
May 3.96 3.02
June 3.50 3.12
July 3.24 1.99
August 2.41 1.78
September 3.32 2.38
October 3.54 2.81
November 3.00 2.46
December 2.67 2.22
2020
January 2.94 1.95
February 2.48 1.98
March 2.17 1.28
April (up to the Latest Practicable Date) 1.38 1.18

UNDERTAKING

The Directors have undertaken to the Stock Exchange that, so far as the same may be applicable, they will exercise the powers of the Company to make repurchases pursuant to the Repurchase Mandate in accordance with the Listing Rules, the Articles of Association and the applicable laws of the Cayman Islands.

EFFECT OF THE TAKEOVERS CODE

If as a result of a repurchase of Shares pursuant to the Repurchase Mandate, a Shareholder’s proportionate interest in the voting rights of the Company increases, such increase will be treated as an acquisition for the purposes of the Takeovers Code. As a result, a Shareholder, or a group of Shareholders acting in concert (as defined in the

– 8 –

APPENDIX I

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Takeovers Code), depending on the level of increase of the Shareholder’s interest, could obtain or consolidate control of the Company and become obliged to make a mandatory offer in accordance with Rule 26 of the Takeover Code.

As at the Latest Practicable Date, the following persons were interested in 5% or more of the issued share capital of the Company. In the event that the Repurchase Mandate is exercised in full, the interest of such persons will be increased to approximately the percentage set out in the last column as follows:

Approximate percentage of shareholding Approximate percentage of shareholding
If the Repurchase
Name of Class of No. of shares Natures of interests/ As at the Latest Mandate is
Substantial Shareholder Shares held/ interested Holding capacity Practicable Date exercised in full
(Note 1)
Talent Gain Developments Ordinary 253,671,964 Beneficial Owner and 22.64% 25.15%
Limited (long position) Interest in controlled (long position) (long position)
(Note 2) corporation
Digital China Holdings Ordinary 341,314,821 Interest in controlled 30.46% 33.84%
Limited (long position) corporation (long position) (long position)
(Note 2)
Liu Jun Ordinary 80,150,000 Beneficial Owner 7.15% 7.95%
(long position) (long position) (long position)
(Note 5)
Liu Xiaodong Ordinary 68,273,794 Interest in controlled 6.09% (long 6.77%
(long position) corporation and position) (long position)
(Note 3) Beneficial Owner
Guo Fansheng Ordinary 57,749,015 Beneficial Owner and 5.15% 5.73%
(long position) Interest in trust (long position) (long position)
(Note 4)
China Construction Bank Ordinary 123,810,461 Interest in controlled 11.05% 12.28%
Corporation (long position) corporation (long position) (long position)
(Note 6)
Central Huijin Investment Ordinary 123,810,461 Interest in controlled 11.05% 12.28%
Ltd. (long position) corporation (long position) (long position)
(Note 6)
Chance Talent Management Ordinary 123,810,461 Beneficial Owner 11.05% 12.28%
Limited (long position) (long position) (long position)
(Note 6)

– 9 –

APPENDIX I

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Notes:

  1. Assuming no repurchase of any of the Shares held by stated Shareholders.

  2. Such interests in the Company comprise: (i) 230,263,964 Shares held by Talent Gain Developments Limited; (ii) 23,408,000 Shares held by Unique Golden Limited; and (iii) 87,642,857 underlying shares derived from the subscription of new Shares by Digital China Holdings Limited pursuant to the formal sale and purchase agreement dated 19 May 2017. Unique Golden Limited is wholly and beneficially owned by Talent Gain Developments Limited, which in turn is wholly and beneficially owned by Digital China (BVI) Limited and indirectly wholly and beneficially owned by Digital China Holdings Limited, a company whose shares are listed on the Stock Exchange (stock code: 861). Therefore, Talent Gain Developments Limited, is deemed to be interested in the Shares held by Unique Golden Limited, and each of Digital China (BVI) Limited and Digital China Holdings Limited is deemed to be interested in the Shares held by Talent Gain Developments Limited and Unique Golden Limited.

  3. Such interests in the Company comprise: (i) 4,000,000 underlying Shares from the Options held by Mr. Liu Xiaodong; (ii) 2,000,000 underlying Shares derived from the awarded shares granted to Mr. Liu Xiaodong under the employees’ share awarded scheme adopted on 17 November 2011 and (iii) 62,273,794 Shares held by Wisdom Limited (a company wholly and beneficially owned by Mr. Liu Xiaodong) which have been provided as security to Chance Talent Management Limited for the 2.85% guaranteed and secured notes due 2020 and the 2.85% guaranteed and secured convertible bonds due 2020 issued by the Company (the “ 2018 Convertible Bonds ”). Mr. Liu Xiaodong is deemed, or taken to have, interested in all the Shares held by Wisdom Limited pursuant to the SFO.

  4. Such interests in the Company comprise:

  5. (a) 35,000,000 Shares (long position) held by Mr. Guo Fansheng; and

  6. (b) 22,749,015 Shares (long position) held by a trustee of a trust of which Mr. Guo Fansheng is a founder of a discretionary trust.

  7. Such interests in the Company comprise: (i) 50,220,000 Shares; and (ii) 29,930,000 underlying Shares derived from the Share Options held by Mr. Liu Jun.

  8. Such interests in the Company comprise: (1) the 2018 Convertible Bonds subscribed to by Chance Talent Management Limited on 16 November 2018 which may be fully converted to 16,666,667 Shares; and (2) 107,143,794 Shares held by Chance Talent Management Limited as person having security interest. Chance Talent Management Limited is wholly and beneficially owned by CCBI Investments Limited which in turn is wholly and beneficially owned by CCB International (Holdings) Limited which in turn is wholly and beneficially owned by CCB Financial Holdings Limited which in turn is wholly and beneficially owned by CCB International Group Holdings Limited which in turn is wholly and beneficially owned by China Construction Bank Corporation, a company listed on the main board of the Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 939) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 601939). China Construction Bank Corporation is owned as to 57.11% by Central Huijin Investment Ltd. Therefore, all of the abovementioned companies in this note 6 and Central Huijin Investment Ltd. are deemed to be interested in the Shares held by Chance Talent Management Limited pursuant to the SFO.

The Directors will not repurchase the Shares on the Stock Exchange if the repurchase would result in the number of the listed securities which are in the hands of the public falling below 25%, being the relevant minimum prescribed percentage for the Company as required by the Stock Exchange.

The Directors are not aware of any consequences which may arise under the Takeovers Code as a result of any repurchases made under the Repurchase Mandate.

SHARE REPURCHASES MADE BY THE COMPANY

The Company has not repurchased any Shares (whether on the Stock Exchange or otherwise) in the six months preceding the Latest Practicable Date.

– 10 –

APPENDIX II

DETAILS OF DIRECTORS FOR RE-ELECTION

Set out below are details of the Directors who will retire at the conclusion of the AGM and will be proposed to be re-elected at the AGM:

Mr. Liu Jun (劉軍) (“Mr. Liu”), an executive Director

Qualification and Experience

Aged 42, is an executive Director and the chairman of the Company, he is also the chairman of the Nomination Committee and a member of the remuneration committee of the Company (the “ Remuneration Committee ”). Mr. Liu was appointed as an executive Director with effect from 12 September 2016.

Mr. Liu had been appointed as the chief executive officer of the Group from October 2017 to January 2019 and is the chairman of the Board who has been so appointed since March 2018. From 2004 to 2011, Mr. Liu was the chief executive officer of 頤高集團有限公司 (Yigao Group Company Limited*), leading the company to enter into the information technology businesses. Mr. Liu has also been a director of several subsidiaries of the Company. Mr. Liu was awarded a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Zhejiang University in March 2004 and a bachelor’s degree in Engineering in Chemical Engineering and Bio-engineering from Zhejiang University as well in June 2000.

Save as disclosed above, Mr. Liu does not hold any directorship in any other listed company in Hong Kong or overseas in the past three years prior to the Latest Practicable Date.

Length of Service

Mr. Liu was appointed as an executive Director on 12 September 2016. Mr. Liu has entered into a service contract for a term of three years commencing on 12 September 2019, which may be terminated by either the Company or Mr. Liu by giving three months’ written notice or otherwise in accordance with the terms of the director’s service contract entered into between Mr. Liu and the Company. Pursuant to Article 87 of the Articles of Association of the Company. Mr. Liu will retire at the AGM, at which he will, being eligible, offer himself for re-election and thereafter, be subject to rotation and re-election at the AGM.

Relationship with other Directors, senior management, substantial or controlling Shareholders

Mr. Liu does not have any relationship with any Directors, senior management, substantial Shareholders or controlling Shareholder.

Interests in Shares

As at the Latest Practicable Date, Mr. Liu is interested in 80,150,000 Shares, comprising 50,220,000 Shares beneficially held by Mr. Liu and 29,930,000 underlying Shares derived from the Share Options granted to him. Save as disclosed

– 11 –

APPENDIX II

DETAILS OF DIRECTORS FOR RE-ELECTION

above, Mr. Liu does not have any other interest in the securities of the Company within the meaning of Part XV of the SFO.

Amount of Emoluments

Under the service contract entered into between the Company and Mr. Liu, Mr. Liu is entitled to basic annual salaries of RMB600,000, which was determined with reference to his roles and responsibilities, and the prevailing market conditions, and discretionary bonus, which is determined with reference to his performance during the relevant period of time. Save for the said salary and discretionary bonus, Mr. Liu is not entitled to any other emolument for holding his office as an executive Director.

Save as disclosed above, Mr. Liu and the Company are not aware of any other matter that needs to be brought to the attention of Shareholders pursuant to the Listing Rules. There is no information which is required to be disclosed under Rule 13.51(2) of the Listing Rules.

Mr. Guo Fansheng (郭凡生) (“Mr. Guo”), a non-executive Director

Qualification and Experience

Aged 64, is a non-executive Director. Mr. Guo was appointed as an executive Director on 21 March 2000.

Mr. Guo found the Group in October 1992. From 1990 to 1992, Mr. Guo worked as a manager in a State-owned business information company in Beijing, the PRC. From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Guo served as a director of the Liaison Office and General Office of the Economic System Reform Institute under the State Commission for Economic Restructuring, and as the deputy director of the Western China Development Research Centre. Prior to working at the State Commission for Economic Restructuring, Mr. Guo served from 1982 to 1987 as a senior official in the government of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Mr. Guo obtained a bachelor’s degree in industrial economics from Renmin University of China, the PRC in 1982.

Save as disclosed above, Mr. Guo does not hold any directorship in any other listed company in Hong Kong or overseas in the past three years prior to the Latest Practicable Date.

Length of Service

Mr. Guo was appointed as a non-executive Director on 21 March 2000. Pursuant to Article 87 of the Articles of Association of the Company. Mr. Guo will retire at the AGM, at which he will, being eligible, offer himself for re-election and thereafter, be subject to rotation and re-election at the AGM.

– 12 –

APPENDIX II

DETAILS OF DIRECTORS FOR RE-ELECTION

Relationship with other Directors, senior management, substantial or controlling Shareholders

Mr. Guo does not have any relationship with any Directors, senior management, substantial Shareholders or controlling Shareholder.

Interests in Shares

As at the Latest Practicable Date, Mr. Guo is interested in 57,749,015 Shares, comprising 35,000,000 Shares beneficially held by Mr. Guo and 22,749,015 Shares held by a trustee of a trust of which Mr. Guo is a beneficiary. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Guo does not have any other interest in the securities of the Company within the meaning of Part XV of the SFO.

Amount of Emoluments

Mr. Guo has not entered into any service contract and is not entitled to any other emolument for holding his office as a non-executive Director.

Save as disclosed above, Mr. Guo and the Company are not aware of any other matter that needs to be brought to the attention of Shareholders pursuant to the Listing Rules. There is no information which is required to be disclosed under Rule 13.51(2) of the Listing Rules.

Mr. Sun Yang (孫洋) (“Mr. Sun”), a non-executive Director

Qualification and Experience

Aged 49, is a non-executive Director and a member of the Remuneration Committee. Mr. Sun was appointed as a non-executive Director with effect from 27 May 2019.

Mr. Sun currently is the vice president of Digital China Holdings Limited (神 州數碼控股有限公司) (a company listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange with stock code: 00861.HK) (“Digital China Holdings”), the president of Smart Financial Services Group* (智慧金融服務集團), a business group of Digital China Holdings, and the chairman of the board of directors of Digital China Software Limited (神州數碼軟件有限公司).

Mr. Sun graduated with bachelor’s degree in engineering in applied computing from Harbin University of Science and Technology (哈爾濱理工大學) in July 1995 and with a master’s degree in engineering from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (北京郵電大學) in January 2010.

Save as disclosed above, Mr. Sun does not hold any directorship in any other listed company in Hong Kong or overseas in the past three years prior to the Latest Practicable Date.

– 13 –

APPENDIX II

DETAILS OF DIRECTORS FOR RE-ELECTION

Length of Service

Mr. Sun was appointed as a non-executive Director on 27 May 2019. Pursuant to Article 86 of the Articles of Association of the Company. Mr. Sun will retire at the AGM, at which he will, being eligible, offer himself for re-election and thereafter, be subject to rotation and re-election at the AGM.

Relationship with other Directors, senior management, substantial or controlling Shareholders

Mr. Sun does not have any relationship with any Directors, senior management, substantial Shareholders or controlling Shareholder.

Interests in Shares

Mr. Sun does not have any other interest in the securities of the Company within the meaning of Part XV of the SFO.

Amount of Emoluments

Mr. Sun has not entered into any service contract and is not entitled to any other emolument for holding his office as a non-executive Director.

Save as disclosed above, Mr. Sun and the Company are not aware of any other matter that needs to be brought to the attention of Shareholders pursuant to the Listing Rules. There is no information which is required to be disclosed under Rules 13.51(2) of the Listing Rules.

Mr. Zhang Tim Tianwei (張天偉) (“Mr. Zhang ”), an independent non-executive Director

Qualification and Experience

Aged 56, is an independent non-executive Director. He is also a member of each of the Nomination Committee and the Remuneration Committee. Mr. Zhang was appointed as an independent non-executive Director on 1 November 2011.

Mr. Zhang is currently the chief investment officer of China Resources Capital Management Ltd. He was the founder and managing director of Taconic Capital Ltd. from September 2003 to September 2005. He acted as the vice-chairman and general manager of Unicredit China Capital Limited from September 2005 to June 2007. He served as the managing director of J.P. Morgan Securities (Asia Pacific) from July 2007 to October 2011 and acted as the chairman of J.P. Morgan (China) Venture Capital Investment Co. Ltd. since its incorporation in 2010 to October 2011. He served as the managing director of Taconic Capital Group from November 2011 to March 2012, and as the chief operating officer of China Merchants Capital Management Limited from April 2012 to December 2014. He was the managing director of Mount Flag Capital Ltd. from January 2015 to September 2018 and was also the chief executive officer of Mount Flag LLC from August 2015 to September 2018. Mr. Zhang was a non-executive director to China ITS (Holdings) Co., Ltd (stock code: 1900) from May 2014 to July 2019, whose shares are listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange.

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APPENDIX II

DETAILS OF DIRECTORS FOR RE-ELECTION

Mr. Zhang graduated from Tsinghua University (清華大學) at the Faculty of Precision Instruments & Mechanology in July 1986. He obtained a master’s degree in Economics from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (中國社會科學院) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The University of Chicago. Mr. Zhang has over 20 years of experience in financial and business management.

Mr. Zhang does not hold any directorship in any other listed company in Hong Kong or overseas in the past three years prior to the Latest Practicable Date.

Length of Service

Mr. Zhang was appointed as an independent non-executive Director on 1 November 2011. Mr. Zhang has entered into a service contract with the Company for an initial term of one year commencing from 1 November 2011, and would continue thereafter unless and until terminated by either the Company or Mr. Zhang by giving one month’s written notice and such appointment is subject at all times to the Articles of Association. Although Mr. Zhang has served the Company as an independent non-executive Director for more than nine years, Mr. Zhang meets the independent guidelines set out in Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules, and the Board is of the view that his independence is not affected by his long service with the Company. Hence, the Board considered Mr. Zhang as independent and should be re-elected as an independent non-executive Director at the AGM.

Pursuant to Article 87 of the Articles of Association of the Company. Mr. Zhang will retire at the AGM, at which he will, being eligible, offer himself for re-election and thereafter, be subject to rotation and re-election at the AGM.

Relationship with other Directors, senior management, substantial or controlling Shareholders

Mr. Zhang does not have any relationship with any Directors, senior management, substantial Shareholders or controlling Shareholder.

Interests in Shares

Mr. Zhang does not have any other interest in the securities of the Company within the meaning of Part XV of the SFO.

Amount of Emoluments

Under the service contract entered into between the Company and Mr. Zhang, Mr. Zhang is entitled to a director’s fee of RMB100,000, which is determined with reference to his roles and responsibilities, and the prevailing market conditions. Save for the said director’s fee, Mr. Zhang is not entitled to any other emolument for holding his office as an independent non-executive Director.

Save as disclosed above, Mr. Zhang and the Company are not aware of any other matter that needs to be brought to the attention of Shareholders pursuant to the Listing Rules. There is no information which is required to be disclosed under Rules 13.51(2) of the Listing Rules.

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NOTICE OF THE AGM

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HC GROUP INC. 慧聰集團有限公司

(incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability)

(Stock code: 2280)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the annual general meeting of the members of HC International, Inc. (the “ Company ”) will be held at 7th Floor, Tower A1, Junhao Central Park Plaza, No.10 Chaoyang Park South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China (100026) on Friday, 19 June 2020, at 4:00 p.m. for the following purposes:

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

  1. To receive and consider the audited financial statements and the reports of the directors and auditors of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2019.

  2. To re-appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers as the auditors of the Company and to authorise the board of directors of the Company to fix their remuneration.

  3. (A) Mr. Liu Jun be re-elected as an executive director of the Company;

  4. (B) Mr. Guo Fansheng be re-elected as a non-executive director of the Company;

  5. (C) Mr. Sun Yang be re-elected as a non-executive director of the Company;

  6. (D) Mr. Zhang Tim Tianwei be re-elected as an independent non-executive director of the Company; and

  7. (E) To authorise the board of directors of the Company to fix the remuneration of the directors of the Company.

  8. (A) “ THAT :

    • (i) subject to paragraph (iii) of this resolution below, the exercise by the directors of the Company (the “ Directors ”) during the Relevant Period (as hereinafter defined) of all the powers of the Company to allot, issue and deal with additional shares or securities convertible into shares in the capital of the Company and to make or grant offers, agreements and options (including but not limited to warrants, bonds, debentures and other

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NOTICE OF THE AGM

securities convertible into shares of the Company) which might require the exercise of such power be and is hereby generally and unconditionally approved;

  • (ii) the Directors be and are hereby authorised during the Relevant Period to make or grant offers, agreements and options (including but not limited to warrants, bonds, debentures and other securities convertible into shares of the Company) which might or would require the exercise of such powers (including but not limited to the power to allot, issue and deal with additional shares in the capital of the Company) during or after the end of the Relevant Period;

  • (iii) the number of share capital allotted, issued or dealt with or agreed conditionally or unconditionally to be allotted, issued or dealt with (whether pursuant to an options or otherwise) by the Directors pursuant to the approval in paragraph (i) and (ii) of this resolution, otherwise than pursuant to: (a) a Rights Issue (as hereinafter defined); or (b) the exercise of any option granted under the share option scheme or similar arrangement of the Company for the time being adopted for the grant or issue to officers and/or employees of the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries of shares or rights to subscribe for shares of the Company; or (c) any scrip dividend or similar arrangement providing for the allotment of shares of the Company in lieu of the whole or part of a dividend on shares of the Company in accordance with the articles of association of the Company in force from time to time, shall not exceed 20% of the issued share capital of the Company in issue at the time of passing this resolution and the said approval shall be limited accordingly; and that this resolution shall be limited by the applicable rules and requirements of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited as amended from time to time, including the restrictions for using the general mandate to issue (i) securities convertible into new shares of the Company for cash consideration, if the initial conversion price of such convertible securities is lower than the Benchmarked Price (as defined below) of the shares of the Company at the time of the relevant placing; and (ii) warrants, options or similar rights to subscribe for new shares or securities of the Company convertible into new shares of the Company for cash consideration; and

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NOTICE OF THE AGM

(iv) for the purpose of this resolution,

“Benchmarked Price” means the higher of:

  • (a) the closing price on the date of the relevant placing agreement or other agreement involving the proposed issue of securities under the general mandate to be approved under this resolution; and

  • (b) the average closing price in the 5 trading days immediately prior to the earlier of:

  • (i) the date of announcement of the placing or the proposed transaction or arrangement involving the proposed issue of securities under the general mandate to be approved under this resolution;

  • (ii) the date of the placing agreement or other agreement involving the proposed issue of securities under the general mandate to be approved under this resolution; and

  • (iii) the date on which the placing or subscription price is fixed.

“Relevant Period” means the period from the date of passing of this resolution until whichever is the earliest of:

  • (a) the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company;

  • (b) the expiration of the period within which the next annual general meeting of the Company is required by the laws of the Cayman Islands or the articles of association of the Company to be held; and

  • (c) the revocation or variation of the authority given under this resolution by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders of the Company in general meeting.

“Rights Issue” means an offer of shares open for a period fixed by the Directors to holders of shares on the register of members on a fixed record date in proportion to their then holdings of such shares (subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements or having regard to any restrictions or obligations under the laws of any relevant jurisdiction, or the requirements of any recognised regulatory body or any stock exchange).”

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NOTICE OF THE AGM

(B) “ THAT :

  • (i) subject to paragraph (iii) of this resolution below, the exercise by the directors of the Company (the “ Directors ”) during the Relevant Period (as hereinafter defined) of all the powers of the Company to repurchase issued shares in the capital of the Company on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “ Stock Exchange ”) or any other stock exchange on which the shares of the Company may be listed and which are recognised for this purpose by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong and the Stock Exchange, in accordance with all applicable laws and/or the requirements of the Stock Exchange or of any other stock exchange and the Hong Kong Code on Share Repurchases as amended from time to time, be and is hereby generally and unconditionally approved;

  • (ii) the approval in paragraph (i) of this resolution above shall be in addition to any other authorisation given to the Directors and shall authorise the Directors on behalf of the Company during the Relevant Period to procure the Company to repurchase its shares at a price determined by the Directors;

  • (iii) the number of shares of the Company repurchased or agreed conditionally or unconditionally to be repurchased by the Company pursuant to the approval in paragraph (i) of this resolution during the Relevant Period shall not exceed 10% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of passing this resolution; and

  • (iv) for the purpose of this resolution,

“Relevant Period” means the period from the date of passing of this resolution until whichever is the earliest of:

  • (a) the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company;

  • (b) the expiration of the period within which the next annual general meeting of the Company is required by the laws of the Cayman Islands or the articles of association of the Company to be held; and

  • (c) the revocation or variation of the authority given under this resolution by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders of the Company in general meeting.”

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NOTICE OF THE AGM

  • (C) “ THAT conditional upon the passing of resolutions number 4(A) and 4(B) as set out in the notice convening this meeting of which this resolution forms part, the general mandate granted to the directors of the Company pursuant to resolution number 4(A) as set out in this notice convening this meeting of which this resolution forms part be and is hereby extended by the addition thereto of an amount representing the number of share capital of the Company repurchased by the Company under the authority granted pursuant to resolution number 4(B) as set out in this notice convening this meeting of which this resolution forms part, provided that such amount shall not exceed 10% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of passing this resolution.”

By Order of the board of the Directors HC GROUP INC. Liu Jun Chairman

Beijing, PRC, 28 April 2020

Notes:

  1. Any member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting shall be entitled to appoint another person as his/her proxy to attend and vote instead of him. A member who is the holder of two or more shares may appoint more than one proxy to represent him and vote on his behalf at the Meeting. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. On a poll, votes may be given either personally or by proxy.

  2. The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the appointer or of his attorney duly authorised in writing or, if the appointer is a corporation, either under its seal or under the hand of an officer, attorney or other person authorised to sign the same.

  3. To be valid, the instrument appointing a proxy and (if required by the Board) the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed, or a notarially certified copy of such power or authority, shall be delivered to the office of the Hong Kong branch share registrar and transfer office of the Company, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, at 17M Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

  4. No instrument appointing a proxy shall be valid after expiration of 12 months from the date named in it as the date of its execution, except at an adjourned meeting or on a poll demanded at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof in cases where the Meeting was originally held within 12 months from such date.

  5. Where there are joint holders of any shares, any one of such joint holders may vote at the Meeting, either in person or by proxy, in respect of such share as if he/she were solely entitled thereto, but if more than one of such joint holders be present at the Meeting, 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 of the Company in respect of the joint holding.

  6. Completion and delivery of an instrument appointing a proxy shall not preclude a member from attending and voting in person at the Meeting if the member so wish and in such event, the instrument appointing a proxy should be deemed to be revoked.

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NOTICE OF THE AGM

  1. An explanatory statement containing the information necessary to enable the members to make an informed decision as to whether to vote for or against the ordinary resolution number 4 as set out in this notice is enclosed.

  2. The transfer books and Register of Members of the Company will be closed from 16 June 2020 to 19 June 2020, both days inclusive. During such period, no share transfers will be effected. In order to qualify for attending the Meeting, all transfer documents, accompanied by the relevant share certificates, must be lodged with the office of the Hong Kong branch share registrar and transfer office of the Company, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, at 17M Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong for registration no later than 4:30 p.m. on 15 June 2020.

  3. Details of Mr. Liu Jun, Mr. Guo Fansheng, Mr. Sun Yang and Mr. Zhang Tim Tianwei, proposed to be re-elected as directors of the Company at the Meeting are set out in Appendix II to this circular.

  4. A form of proxy for use at the Meeting is enclosed.

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