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Leader Education Limited — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2023
Dec 21, 2023
49930_rns_2023-12-21_81b6df2c-e85f-42ce-aa7c-22326e4db473.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
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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 licensed securities dealer, bank manager, solicitor, professional accountant or other professional advisers.
If you have sold or transferred all your shares in Leader Education Limited, you should at once hand this circular and the accompanying form of proxy to the purchaser(s) or the transferee(s) or to the bank, licensed securities dealer or registered institution in securities or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was effected for transmission to the purchaser(s) or the transferee(s).
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.
Leader Education Limited 立德教育股份有限公司
(Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability) (Stock code: 1449)
MAJOR TRANSACTION FINANCE LEASE ARRANGEMENT (HAIER)
A letter from the Board is set out on pages 4 to 12 of this circular.
The Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) and the transactions contemplated thereunder have been approved by written shareholder’s approval obtained from Shuren Education and Junhua Education, being a closely allied group of Shareholders, which together hold 496,674,000 issued shares of the Company (representing approximately 74.50% of the total issued shares of the Company) pursuant to Rule 14.44 of the Listing Rules in lieu of holding a general meeting of the Company. This circular is being despatched to the Shareholder for information only.
22 December 2023
CONTENTS
| Pages | |
|---|---|
| DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 1 |
| LETTER FROM THE BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 4 |
| APPENDIX I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE GROUP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 13 |
| APPENDIX II — GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 20 |
– i –
DEFINITIONS
In this circular, unless the context requires otherwise, the following expressions have the following meanings:
“Announcement” the announcement of the Company dated 13 December 2023 in relation to, among other things, Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier)
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“associate(s)” has the meaning ascribed thereto under the Listing Rules “Board” the board of Directors
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“Company” Leader Education Limited (立德教育股份有限公司) (stock code: 1449), an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability on 17 June 2019
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“connected person(s)” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Listing Rules “Consultation Service Agreement the consultation service agreement dated 13 December 2023 (Haier)” between Haier and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology as part of Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier)
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“controlling shareholders” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Listing Rules “Directors” the director(s) of the Company
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“Finance Lease Arrangement (i) the purchase of the Leased Assets (Haier) by Haier and (Haier)” the lease back of the Leased Assets (Haier) to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology; and (ii) the provision of the finance lease consultancy services by Haier to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology, pursuant to the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier) and the Consultation Service Agreement (Haier) respectively
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“Group” the Company, its subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities from time to time
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“Haier” Haier Financial Services China Co., Ltd.* (海爾融資租賃股 份有限公司), a limited liability company established under the laws of the PRC
– 1 –
DEFINITIONS
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“Harbin Xiangge”
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“Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology”
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“Hong Kong”
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“Independent Third Parties”
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“Junhua Education”
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“Latest Practicable Date”
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“Leased Assets (Haier)”
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“Listing Rules”
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“Mr. Liu”
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“Ms. Dong”
Harbin Xiangge Enterprise Management Ltd. (哈爾濱祥閣 企業管理有限公司), formerly known as Harbin Xiangge Zhiye Co., Ltd. (哈爾濱祥閣置業有限公司), a limited liability company established under the laws of the PRC and a consolidated affiliated entity of the Company
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Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology (黑龍江 工商學院), a private regular undergraduate institution approved and established under the laws of PRC and a consolidated affiliated entity of the Company
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the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
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person(s) or company(ies) which is/are independent of and not connected with the Company and its connected persons
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Junhua Education Limited (竣華教育有限公司), a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands on 18 June 2019 and wholly-owned by Mr. Liu
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18 December 2023, being the latest practicable date for ascertaining certain information in this circular
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certain assets, including server, exchange board, stereos, displayer, desks, chairs, beds, blackboards etc, which were sold by Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology to Haier and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier)
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the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange
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Mr. Liu Laixiang (劉來祥), the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, an executive Director and the spouse of Ms. Dong
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Ms. Dong Ling (董玲), an executive Director and the spouse of Mr. Liu
– 2 –
DEFINITIONS
“Nantong Junhua” Nantong Junhua Kechuangyuan Ltd* (南通峻華科創園有限 公司), a limited liability company established under the laws of the PRC, which is held as to 55.97% by Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology and 44.03% by Leader Education (HK) Limited
“PRC” the People’s Republic of China “Previous Finance Lease (i) the purchase of certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Arrangement (Haier)” Business and Technology by Haier and the lease-back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to the sale and leaseback agreement entered into between Haier and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology on 18 January 2023; and (ii) the provision of the finance lease consultation services by Haier to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to the consultation service agreement entered into between Haier and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology on 18 January 2023
“RMB” Renminbi, the lawful currency of the PRC
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“Sale and Leaseback Agreement the finance lease agreement dated 13 December 2023 (Haier)” between Haier and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology in terms of Leased Assets (Haier)
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“Share(s)” the ordinary share(s) in the share capital of the Company “Shareholder(s)” holder(s) of Share(s) “Shuren Education” Shuren Education Limited (樹人教育有限公司), a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands on 18 June 2019 and wholly-owned by Ms. Dong
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“Stock Exchange” The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited “%” per cent.
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for identification purpose only
– 3 –
LETTER FROM THE BOARD
Leader Education Limited 立德教育股份有限公司
(Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability) (Stock code: 1449)
Executive Directors:
Mr. Liu Laixiang (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) Ms. Dong Ling Mr. Wang Yunfu Mr. Che Wenge
Independent non-executive Directors:
Mr. Zhang Su Mr. Cao Shaoshan Mr. Chan Ngai Fan
Registered office:
Cricket Square Hutchins Drive PO Box 2681 Grand Cayman, KY1-1111 Cayman Islands Hutchins Drive
Principal place of business in Hong Kong: Unit 26, 14/F., Solo Building 41−43 Carnarvon Road Tsimshatsui, Kowloon Hong Kong
22 December 2023
To the Shareholders
Dear Sir or Madam,
MAJOR TRANSACTION FINANCE LEASE ARRANGEMENT (HAIER)
INTRODUCTION
Reference is made to the Announcement.
The purpose of this circular is to provide the Shareholders with, among other things, (i) details of the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) and the transactions contemplated thereunder; and (ii) other general information of the Company.
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
BACKGROUND
On 13 December 2023 (after trading hours), Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology entered into the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier) and the Consultation Service Agreement (Haier) with Haier in respect of the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier).
FINANCE LEASE ARRANGEMENT (HAIER)
The principal terms of the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) are summarized as follows:
Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier)
Date: 13 December 2023 (after trading hours)
Parties: (i) Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology (as the lessee), and (ii) Haier (as the lessor)
Sale Price and The total sale price is RMB40,000,000 which was determined after arm’s Payment: length negotiations with reference to the valuation price of approximately RMB40,095,765 as at 31 October 2023 and the fair market price of the similar assets.
The sale price shall be paid by Haier to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology in two instalments. The first instalment of RMB1,560,000 (after deducting the security deposit of RMB400,000) shall be paid by Haier within 10 business days after the fulfilment of the following conditions:
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(i) Haier having received a receipt from Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology in the amount of RMB40,000,000;
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(ii) Haier having received a drawdown notice issued by Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology in respect of the payment of the first instalment;
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(iii) Haier having received and endorsed the original valuation report for the Leased Assets (Haier) provided by Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology; and
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
- (iv) Haier having received the checking and acceptance confirmation letter of the Leased Assets (Haier) issued by Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology.
The second instalment of RMB38,040,000 shall be paid by Haier within 10 business days after the fulfilment of the following conditions:
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(i) the conditions for the first instalment as described above having been satisfied;
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(ii) Haier having received a drawdown notice issued by Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology in respect of the payment of the second instalment.
Leased Assets The Leased Assets (Haier) comprises of servers, exchange boards, stereos, (Haier): displayer, desks, chairs, beds, blackboards etc.
The unaudited book value of the Leased Assets (Haier) as at 31 October 2023 amounts to approximately RMB72,372,568.
Lease Term: 36 months
Total Lease The total lease payment is approximately RMB45,450,100, including the Payment: finance lease payment and the retention fee of RMB100, which was determined after arm’s length negotiations with reference to the appraised net value and the prevailing market interest rates and trading terms of the similar finance lease arrangements.
After the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier) becoming effective, Haier shall have the right to make adjustments to the lease payment in accordance with the adjustments of the loan prime rate published by the People’s Bank of China. The actual lease payment amount shall be confirmed in the Actual Lease Payment Schedule (實際租金支付表) and the Lease Adjustment Notice (租金調整通知書) issued by Haier.
Security Deposit: The total security deposit is RMB400,000, which shall be deducted from the first instalment of the sale price paid by Haier to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology.
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
Haier shall have the right to use the security deposit to set off any due payables of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology under the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology shall top up the security deposit to RMB400,000 in such cases.
The security deposit of RMB400,000 shall be used to set off the final portion(s) of the lease payment and the retention fee to be made by Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology provided that there are no default events or the default events have been rectified. Haier shall return the remaining balance of the security deposit (if any) to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology.
- Ownership of the The ownership of the Leased Assets (Haier) shall be transferred to Haier Leased Assets upon the issuance of the checking and acceptance confirmation letter of the (Haier): Leased Assets (Haier) by Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology.
Upon the expiry of the lease term, provided that there are no continuing events of default, and subject to receipt of all lease payments and other receivables under the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier), Haier shall transfer the ownership of the Leased Assets (Haier) to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology on an “as-is” basis.
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Effectiveness of the The Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier) shall come into effect upon the Sale and fulfilment of the following conditions: Leaseback Agreement (i) Haier having received the original resolution(s) or other similar (Haier): documents issued by the internal authority(ies) of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology consenting to the transaction contemplated under the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier);
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(ii) Haier having received the original resolution(s) issued by the internal authority(ies) of the guarantors under the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier) consenting to their guarantees for Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology to perform its obligations thereunder;
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
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(iii) each of Ms. Dong and Mr. Liu entered into the guarantee agreement with Haier; and
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(iv) each of Harbin Xiangge and Nantong Junhua entered into the guarantee agreement with Haier.
Consultation Service Agreement (Haier)
Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology and Haier also entered into the Consultation Service Agreement (Haier) on 13 December 2023 (after trading hours) under which Haier agreed to provide consultancy services to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology will pay a service fee of RMB1,560,000 to Haier within three business days after signing the Consultation Service Agreement (Haier). The consultancy services cover professional advice and guidance on macro-economy analysis, finance lease introduction and finance lease arrangement analysis etc.
Guarantee for the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier)
Mr. Liu, Ms. Dong, Harbin Xiangge and Nantong Junhua are the joint liability guarantors for Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology to perform its obligations under the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier). The guarantors provide joint liability guarantee to Haier for the liabilities of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology under the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier).
EFFECTIVE INTEREST RATES
Set out below are the effective interest rates for the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier):
Effective Interest Rate
Leased Assets (Haier)
7.99%
– 8 –
LETTER FROM THE BOARD
BOOK VALUE OF AND NET PROFITS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE LEASED ASSETS (HAIER)
The book value and the net profits attributable to the Leased Assets (Haier) for each of the financial years ended 31 August 2022 and 31 August 2023 are as follows:
| Year ended 31 August | Year ended 31 August | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | ||||
| (RMB) | (RMB) | ||||
| Leased | Assets | (Haier) | Book Value | 72,372,568 | 72,372,568 |
| Net Profits | N/A | N/A |
The unaudited book value of the Leased Assets (Haier) as at 31 October 2023 amounts to approximately RMB72,372,568.
REASONS FOR AND BENEFITS OF ENTERING INTO THE FINANCE LEASE ARRANGEMENT (HAIER)
By entering into the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier), the Group would gain access to financial resources to fund the construction of Hanan Campus and support its general working capital needs while the Group’s operation would not be adversely affected by the sale of the Leased Assets (Haier), because such assets are immediately leased back to the Group. There is no transfer of possession or use of the assets to Haier under the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier). According to the International Financial Reporting Standards, the transactions contemplated under the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) do not constitute a disposal of assets and will not give rise to any gain or loss to be recorded in the Group’s income statement. Upon expiry of the lease term, the Group could pay the nominal retention money to have the Leased Assets (Haier) transferred back to the Group. Therefore, in substance and in terms of accounting treatment, the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) are in effect the largely similar to borrowing a secured loan.
The Directors are of the opinion that the terms and conditions of the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) are on normal commercial terms, fair and reasonable and in the interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole.
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF ENTERING INTO THE FINANCE LEASE ARRANGEMENT (HAIER)
According to the International Financial Reporting Standards, the transactions contemplated under the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) do not constitute a disposal of assets and will not give rise to any gain or loss to be recorded in the Group’s income statement.
Under the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier), it is expected that (i) the total assets of the Group will be increased to reflect the cash to be received from the sale proceeds of the Leased Assets (Haier) of RMB40,000,000 respectively and (ii) the total liabilities of the Group will be increased by the amount of such proceeds, being RMB40,000,000 for the Leased Assets (Haier), to reflect the liability of the Group.
LISTING RULES IMPLICATIONS
As the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) and Previous Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) were entered into with the same party during the 12-month period, the transactions contemplated thereunder shall be aggregated pursuant to Rules 14.22 and 14.23 of the Listing Rules. As the highest applicable ratio of the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) and Previous Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) on an aggregated basis exceeds 25% but is less than 100%, the transaction contemplated under the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) constitutes a major transaction for the Company and therefore shall subject to the reporting, announcement and Shareholders’ approval requirements under Chapter 14 of the Listing Rules.
To the best of the Directors’ knowledge, information and belief having made all reasonable enquiries, no Shareholder has a material interest in, and would be required to abstain from voting on, any resolution to approve, confirm and/or ratify the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) if the Company were to convene a general meeting to approve, confirm and/or ratify the same. The Company has received written certificate to approve the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) from Shuren Education (holding 300,000,000 Shares, and 100% owned by Ms. Dong) and Junhua Education (holding 196,674,000 Shares, and 100% owned by Mr. Liu, the spouse of Ms. Dong), being a closely allied group of Shareholders, which together hold 496,674,000 issued shares of the Company (representing approximately 74.50% of the total issued shares of the Company) as at the date of this announcement, in accordance with Rule 14.44 of the Listing Rules. No Shareholders’ meeting will be convened by the Company to approve, confirm and/or ratify the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier).
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
INFORMATION ON THE PARTIES
The Group
The Company is principally engaged in investment holding and the Group is principally engaged in providing private higher education services in the PRC through Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology.
Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology is a consolidated affiliated entity of the Company, and is a private regular undergraduate institution approved and established under the laws of PRC.
Haier
Haier is a limited liability company established under the laws of the PRC and is principally engaged in financial leasing business and financial services in the PRC. Haier is owned as to 37.65%, 33% and 29.35% by Haier Group (Qingdao) Finance Holding Co., Ltd. (海爾集團(青 島)金融控股有限公司), Shanghai Haizhu Yunju Enterprise Management Consulting Partnership (Limited Partnership) (上海海鑄雲聚企業管理諮詢合夥企業(有限合夥)) and Haier International Co., Limited respectively.
Haier Group (Qingdao) Finance Holding Co., Ltd. (海爾集團(青島)金融控股有限公司) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Haier Electric Appliances International Co., Ltd. (海爾卡奧斯股份有 限公司). Haier Electric Appliances International Co., Ltd. (海爾卡奧斯股份有限公司) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Haier Group Corporation (海爾集團公司) (“ Haier Group ”). Shanghai Haizhu Yunju Enterprise Management Consulting Partnership (Limited Partnership) (上海海鑄雲 聚企業管理諮詢合夥企業(有限合夥)) is owned as to 99% by Qingdao Haier Venture Capital Investment Co., Ltd. (青島海爾創業投資有限責任公司), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Haier Group (Qingdao) Finance Holding Co., Ltd.* (海爾集團(青島)金融控股有限公司). Haier International Co., Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Haier (HK) Investment Co., Limited. Haier (HK) Investment Co., Limited, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Haier Group. According to publicly available information, the nature of Haier Group is a collectively-owned enterprise. Pursuant to the Regulation of the People’s Republic of China on Urban Collectively-Owned Enterprises (2016 Revision), the property of Haier Group, being a socialist economic organisation, is collectively owned by the working masses, subject to joint work, with distribution according to work as the principal distribution method. In light of its enterprise nature, Haier Group has no shareholders.
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
To the best of the Directors’ knowledge, information and belief having made all reasonable enquiries, Haier and its ultimate beneficial owner (if applicable) are third parties independent from the Company and its connected persons (as defined in the Listing Rules).
FURTHER INFORMATION
Your attention is also drawn to the additional information contained in the appendices to this circular
Yours faithfully, By order of the Board Leader Education Limited LIU Laixiang
Chairman
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE GROUP
APPENDIX I
1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Details of the financial information of the Group for each of the financial years ended 31 August 2021, 31 August 2022 and 31 August 2023 are disclosed in the following documents which have been published on both the website of the Stock Exchange) and the website of the Company ( http://www.leader-education.cn ).
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Annul results announcement of the Company for the year ended 31 August 2023 published on 30 November 2023 (pages 2 to 13) (available on https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2023/1130/2023113001766.pdf );
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Annual report of the Company for the year ended 31 August 2022 published on 22 December 2022 (pages 65 to 140) (available on: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2022/1222/2022122200451.pdf ); and
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Annual report of the Company for the year ended 31 August 2021 published on 30 December 2021 (pages 66 to 145) (available on:
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https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/1230/2021123000354.pdf ).
2. INDEBTEDNESS STATEMENT
As at the close of business on 31 October 2023, being the latest practicable date for the purpose of ascertaining the indebtedness of the Group prior to the printing of this circular, the Group had the following indebtedness:
Security and guarantees
As at the close of business of 31 October 2023, the Group’s sale and leaseback borrowings were secured by the Group’s assets of approximately RMB186.41 million.
Bank and other borrowings and interest accruals
As at the close of business of 31 October 2023, the Group had bank and other outstanding borrowings and interest accruals of approximately RMB949.73 million, of which approximately RMB5.94 million was guaranteed, approximately RMB638.12 million was guaranteed and secured and approximately RMB305.67 million were unguaranteed and unsecured.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE GROUP
APPENDIX I
Commitments
As at the close of business of 31 October 2023, the Group’s capital commitments to make contracted payment amounted to RMB144.55 million.
Contingent liabilities
As at 31 October 2023, the Group did not incur any material contingent liabilities.
Save as aforesaid or as otherwise disclosed above, and apart from intra-group liabilities and normal trade payables, the Group did not have at the close of business on 31 October 2023 any other debt securities issued and outstanding or agreed to be issued, bank overdrafts, loans or other similar indebtedness, liabilities under acceptances or acceptable credits, debentures, mortgages, charges, hire purchase commitments, guarantees or other material contingent liabilities.
3. WORKING CAPITAL
The Directors are satisfied after due and careful consideration and taking into account the present internal financial resources available to the Group, the banking facilities presently available, the effect of the transactions contemplated under the Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier) and in the absence of unforeseen circumstances, the Group will have sufficient working capital for its present requirements for at least the next twelve months from the date of this circular. The Company has obtained the relevant confirmation as required under Rule 14.66(12).
4. MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE
The Directors confirm that, as at the Latest Practicable Date, the Directors were not aware of any material adverse change in the financial or trading position of the Group since 31 August 2022, being the date to which the latest published audited consolidated accounts of the Group were made up.
5. FINANCIAL AND TRADING PROSPECTS
Market Overview
The Company is a large private formal higher education service provider in Heilongjiang Province, ranking top in the private education sector of the province. It has been growing rapidly over the last few years.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE GROUP
APPENDIX I
As of 31 August 2023, the State issued many policy documents to support and encourage the development of education, including vocational and private education.
Policy documents that were published in recent years included the Overall Plan for Coordinating and Promoting the Construction of World-Class Universities and First-class Disciplines, Implementation Plan for the Reform on National Vocational Education, Proposal of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Comprehensively Deepening the Reform of Teacher Force Construction in the New Era, China’s Education Modernization 2035, and Proposal of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Comprehensively Strengthening the Labor Education in Universities, Middle Schools and Primary Schools in the New Era, which have established the top-level design and strategic deployment for the development of higher education in China.
In particular, favourable policies for private and vocational education announced in 2021 included:
In June 2021, the Vocational Education Law of the People’s Republic of China (Revised Draft) was submitted to the National People’s Congress for deliberation. The draft stated that “vocational education and general education have the same importance” and supported private schools.
Decree No. 741 of the Implementing Regulations of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Promotion of Private Education, which came into effect on 1 September 2021, expressly encourages enterprises to organise or participate in organizing private vocational schools through sole proprietorship, joint venture and cooperation in accordance to relevant laws. It also grants all private schools the right to change their sponsors regardless of their nature.
During the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, the Company will closely follow the national education development policies and market demand, continuously expand the offering of majors, promote teaching reform, insist on high-quality and high-standard education, and continuously improve the quality and connotation of an application-oriented college to cultivate more application-oriented and inter-disciplinary talents that are in great demand and shortage for the society.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE GROUP
APPENDIX I
Business Progress
Remarkable enrollment results
In 2023, the School formulated its enrollment plan and declaration based on the student structure and industry development trend in different provinces, the School’s 14th Five-Year Plan, development of talents of different disciplines, employment status and other factors, and strengthened its enrollment and promotion effort. The School was open to enrollment in 24 majors in 22 provinces across China, expanding its planned enrollment size to 3,959, among which enrollments of regular bachelor’s program and junior college to bachelor’s degree transfer program were 2,959 and 1,000, respectively. Enrollment rate was 100%, with 3,676 students registering, representing an increase of 292 as compared to the registered students in 2022. Overall speaking, the number of enrolled students saw a net increase of 932 as compared to the previous year.
New achievements were made in employment
In terms of student employment, the School always prioritised employment. All our faculties and staff focused on employment to promote the adequate and high-quality employment of graduates. The Industry-Education Integration Base set up by the School in the Yangtze River Delta region has greatly boosted and promoted the employment of students in the past two years. The School was awarded the title of “Talent Introduction Workstation for Universities and Colleges in Kunshan”, and won employment honors in Kunshan for three consecutive years. The School was granted the “Set Sail Program” fund by the Ministry of Education, provided training for 38 private undergraduate colleges and certain higher vocational colleges in Heilongjiang Province, and successfully completed four training sessions for 377 graduates in 2022. It was also granted special fund for maintaining employment within the province.
In addition, the School hosted the 2023 private university job fair, which attracted many high-quality enterprises, including those based in the Yangtze River Delta region. The job fair offered not only a wide space and platform for students’ employment, but also talent support for employers. The year-end graduate placement rate of the class of 2023 has been high. As of 31 August 2023, employed graduates amounted to 2,230, representing a graduate employment rate of 81.83%. The School’s employment rate ranked first among private colleges in Heilongjiang Province.
Exceptional results in building teaching team
In order to strengthen its teaching team and improve its education quality, the School recruited 93 talents of various types in the year and began solid trainings for young teachers, which was trained a total of 421 people. Through introducing talents, we significantly optimised
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE GROUP
APPENDIX I
the structure of its teaching team. Through large scale concentrated trainings, not only could our teachers expand their visions, such training could also improve the operation capability and comprehensive qualities of its teachers and employees.
Smooth progress of title evaluation
In 2022 and 2023, Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology organised the provincial private college title joint evaluation, and was unanimously praised by Heilongjiang Human Resources and Social Security Bureau and various private colleges. In this school year, 5 of our teachers were recognised as professor, 9 were recognised as associate professor and 19 were recognised as lecturer.
With the mission of cultivating application-oriented talents, the School upgraded the construction of the internship and training centre, and continued to improve schooling conditions
The new “Intelligent Internship and Training Centre for New Business Discipline and New Finance” invested and built in 2022 made the School the only private undergraduate college in Heilongjiang Province approved by the Ministry of Education. It is one of the most advanced modern student training centres for business majors, and a comprehensive virtual simulation training platform for the intelligent learning of new business discipline and new finance, which integrates informatisation, intelligence and specialisation.
The School’s new metalworking lab, railway museum and other projects were generally completed, providing a new modern application platform of cultural significance for engineering students’ practice and training, further enhancing students’ practical skills, and thus improving their employment competitiveness.
In this year, the School began the construction of a student apartment with an area of 13,495 sq.m., and is expected to complete and launch by the end of the year. In 2023, the School is recognized as a national 3A-level tourist scenic spot.
New progress was attained in open schooling
The School actively promoted school-local and school-enterprise cooperation, and has joined the Kunshan Industry-Education Integration Collaboration Alliance, the Digital Economy Community of Harbin New District, and the E-Commerce Community of Harbin New District among other governmental organizations. Despite the adverse impact of the pandemic, we visited 208 enterprises through various ways online and offline, including 95 enterprises within the province and 113 enterprises outside the province, and discussed with many well-known
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE GROUP
APPENDIX I
enterprises on cooperation matters. 792 visitors from 132 enterprises visited the school for exchanges and inspection. A total of 45 school-enterprise cooperation agreements were signed. We strove to attain complementary advantages, mutual benefits and joint growth.
Development Direction and Targets
The Company has firmly established the talent cultivation positioning of “fostering inter-disciplinary application-oriented talents with noble moral character, service dedication, innovation and entrepreneurship awareness, solid professional and theoretical knowledge, strong practical ability and great competence”; adhered to the service orientation of “establishing foothold in Heilongjiang, seeking further development around the Yangtze River Delta in the pursuit of nationwide presence, catering to industry needs, and actively integrating itself into the dual circulation of domestic and foreign markets”; and defined the development target of “constructing a high-level application-oriented private college that meets social needs, serves regional economic and social development and has distinctive characteristics”.
Development Plan
Firstly, we will establish in-depth cooperation with international education groups to improve dual education and talent training model.
Secondly, we will invest in vocational education and establish vocational colleges, education groups and school-enterprise integration bases in the Yangtze River Delta and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, gradually forming a new schooling model of school-enterprise integration.
Thirdly, we will develop big health-related majors and sub-academies.
Fourthly, we will develop a digital lifelong learning system, and create a “future learning centre” and a website featuring a wide selection of digital education.
Fifthly, we will combine our leading majors with the Belt and Road Initiative, and actively promote education for foreign students.
In the future, the Company will develop systematic, multi-tiered and multi-dimensional operation of education services, scale up schooling step by step, and create values for Shareholders.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE GROUP
APPENDIX I
Progress of transforming into a For-profit Private School
In accordance with the Implementation Rules for the Classification and Registration of Private Schools issued by the Ministry of Education and other four agencies and relevant documents, as well as the implementation opinion on “encouraging social forces to engage in education to promote the healthy development of private schools” announced successively in various provinces, the Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology has made significant progress in its application for transforming into a for-profit school, and its application has been approved by the Ministry of Education. In compliance with relevant documents and policies to be issued by the competent education authorities, the School will firmly protect the legal rights of students during the three-year transition period, complete the transfer of assets from non-profit to for-profit school, and enforce the property rights of legal entities. We will complete the procedures of credit and debt disposal, and transfer of teachers’ employment contracts and employment affiliation. We will improve its operation and management plan during the transition period to achieve smooth non-profit to for-profit transformation.
Updates to the Plan to Comply with the Qualification Requirement
As disclosed in the Prospectus and the 2022 Annual Report, we have adopted a specific plan and have taken concrete steps which we believe are meaningful endeavors to demonstrate compliance with the Qualification Requirement. On 15 October 2019, Leader Education LLC was established in Chicago, Illinois and is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Leader Education LLC plans to operate and manage a higher education institution (the “ US School ”) in the State of Illinois, US to be established, which is planned to provide programs focusing on business studies. On 21 February 2020, we filed a notice of intent for operation to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (“ IBHE ”). On 22 May 2020, we entered into a service agreement with an independent third party, with an aim to design the education program to be offered by the US School and submit applications with the IBHE regarding the establishment of the US School. Due to the spread of the COVID-19 in various countries around the world from 2020 to 2022, the Group’s progress in establishing the US School has been slow and was unable to advance in a timely manner. Although the COVID-19 came to an end in 2023, due to the increasingly complicated international environment, particularly the fierce international competition, our progress in establishing the US School has also been affected. Competition is emphasized in the education system of the United States. Keen competition can be seen both in terms of standardized examinations and courses, but we did not adopt a blind approach to proceed, which resulted in the failure of the establishment of the US School as scheduled. However, we will actively identify problems and continue to improve, hoping to complete the application for establishment of the US School as soon as possible.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
APPENDIX II
1. RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
This circular, for which the Directors collectively and individually accept full responsibility, includes particulars given in compliance with the Listing Rules for the purpose of giving information with regard to the Company. The Directors, having made all reasonable enquiries, confirm that to the best of their knowledge and belief the information contained in this circular is accurate and complete in all material respects and not misleading or deceptive, and there are no other matters the omission of which would make any statement herein or this circular misleading.
2. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST BY DIRECTORS
As at the Latest Practicable Date, the interests and short positions of Directors and the chief executive of the Company in the Shares, underlying Shares and debentures of the Company or any of its associated corporation (within the meaning of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the laws of Hong Kong) (the “ SFO ”)) as recorded in the register required to be kept under section 352 of the SFO, or as notified the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to the Model Code, are as follows:
Directors’ interests in the Company:
| Approximate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| percentage of | |||
| Issued share | |||
| Number of Shares | capital of the | ||
| Name | Capacity | Interested(1) | Company(1) |
| Mr. Liu(2)(3) | Interest in a controlled | 496,674,000 (L) | 74.5% (L) |
| corporation | |||
| Ms. Dong(4)(5) | Interest in a controlled | 496,674,000 (L) | 74.5% (L) |
| corporation |
Notes:
-
(1) The letter “L” denotes the person’s long position in the Shares.
-
(2) Junhua Education is 100% owned by Mr. Liu and he is therefore deemed to be interested in all the Shares held by Junhua Education.
-
(3) Mr. Liu is the spouse of Ms. Dong and he is therefore deemed to be interested in the Shares held by Ms. Dong.
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APPENDIX II
GENERAL INFORMATION
-
(4) Shuren Education is 100% owned by Ms. Dong and she is therefore deemed to be interested in all the Shares held by Shuren Education.
-
(5) Ms. Dong is the spouse of Mr. Liu and she is therefore deemed to be interested in the Shares held by Mr. Liu.
Long positions in the Shares and/or underlying Shares of the associated corporations
| Amount of | Percentage of | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Capacity | Associated corporation | registered capital | Shareholding(1) |
| Mr. Liu(2)(4) | Beneficial owner/interest of | Harbin Xiangge Zhiye Co., Ltd.* | RMB40,000,000 | 100% (L) |
| spouse | (哈爾濱祥閣置業有限公司) | |||
| Interest in a controlled | Heilongjiang College of Business | RMB183,000,000 | 100% (L) | |
| corporation/interest of spouse | and Technology | |||
| Ms. Dong(3)(5) | Beneficial owner/interest of | Harbin Xiangge Zhiye Co., Ltd.* | RMB40,000,000 | 100% (L) |
| spouse | (哈爾濱祥閣置業有限公司) | |||
| Interest in a controlled | Heilongjiang College of Business | RMB183,000,000 | 100% (L) | |
| corporation/interest of spouse | and Technology |
Notes:
-
(1) The letter “L” denotes the person’s long position in the relevant shares/securities.
-
(2) Mr. Liu is the beneficial owner of 40% of equity interest in Harbin Xiangge; his spouse, Ms. Dong is the beneficial owner of the remaining 60% of equity interest. Mr. Liu is deemed to be interest in all the equity interest held by Ms. Dong in Harbin Xiangge.
-
(3) Ms. Dong is the beneficial owner of 60% of equity interest in Harbin Xiangge; her spouse, Mr. Liu is the beneficial owner of the remaining 40% of equity interest. Ms. Dong is deemed to be interest in all the equity interest held by Mr. Liu in Harbin Xiangge.
-
(4) Harbin Xiangge is the sole school sponsor and holding all equity interest of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology. Harbin Xiangge is 40% owned by Mr. Liu and thus he is deemed to be interested in all the shares held by Harbin Xiangge in Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology; at the same time, he is the spouse of Ms. Dong and he is therefore deemed to be interested in the shares held by Ms. Dong through Harbin Xiangge under the SFO.
-
(5) Harbin Xiangge is the sole school sponsor and holding all equity interest of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology. Harbin Xiangge is 60% owned by Ms. Dong and thus she is deemed to be interested in all the shares held by Harbin Xiangge in Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology; at the same time, she is the spouse of Mr. Liu and she is therefore deemed to be interested in the shares held by Mr. Liu through Harbin Xiangge under the SFO.
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APPENDIX II
GENERAL INFORMATION
Save as disclosed above and to the best knowledge of the Directors, as at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors or the chief executive of the Company has any interests and/or short positions in the Shares, underlying shares or debentures of the Company or its associated corporations (within the meaning of Part XV of the SFO) which were required to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of Part XV of the SFO (including interests and short positions which they are taken or deemed to have under such provisions of the SFO) or which were required, pursuant to section 352 of the SFO, to be entered in the register referred to therein or which were required, pursuant to the Model Code, to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange.
Save as disclosed above, no Director was a director or employee of a company which has an interest or short position in the shares and underlying shares of the Company which would fall to be disclosed to the Company under the provisions of Division 2 and 3 of Part XV of the SFO.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, no Directors had any existing or proposed service contracts with the Company or any of its subsidiaries which is not determinable within one year without payment of compensation other than statutory compensation.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors had direct or indirect material interest in any assets which have been, since 31 August 2022 (being the date to which the latest published audited financial statements of the Company were made up), acquired or disposed of by or leased to or by or proposed to be acquired or disposed of by or leased to or by any member of the Group.
There is no contract or arrangement subsisting at the date of this circular in which any of the Directors is materially interested and which is significant in relation to the business of the Group.
3. SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS
So far as is known to any Director or chief executive of the Company, as at the Latest Practicable Date, the following corporations/persons (other than Directors or the chief executive of the Company) had interests of 5% or more in the issued shares of the Company according to the register of interests required to be kept by the Company under section 336 of the SFO:
| Approximate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Shares | percentage of | ||
| Name | Capacity | Interested(1) | shareholding(1) |
| Junhua Education | Beneficial owner | 196,674,000 | 29.5% |
| Limited(2)(3) |
– 22 –
GENERAL INFORMATION
APPENDIX II
| Approximate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Shares | percentage of | ||
| Name | Capacity | Interested(1) | shareholding(1) |
| Shuren Education | Beneficial owner | 300,000,000 | 45.0% |
| Limited(4)(5) | |||
| Huatai Securities | Interest in a controlled | 498,853,000 | 74.82% |
| Co., Ltd.(6) | corporation |
Notes:
-
(1) The letter “L” denotes the person’s long position in the Shares.
-
(2) Junhua Education is 100% owned by Mr. Liu and he is therefore deemed to be interested in all the shares of the Company held by Junhua Education under the SFO.
-
(3) Mr. Liu is the spouse of Ms. Dong. Mr. Liu is deemed to be interested in all the shares of the Company in which Ms. Dong is interested under the SFO.
-
(4) Shuren Education is 100% owned by Ms. Dong and she is therefore deemed to be interested in all the shares of held by Shuren Education under the SFO.
-
(5) Ms. Dong is the spouse of Mr. Liu. Ms. Dong is deemed to be interested in all the shares of the Company in which Mr. Liu is interested under the SFO.
-
(6) Huatai International Greater Bay Area Investment Fund II, L.P. is 100% owned by Huatai Capital Investment Partners Limited, while Huatai Capital Investment Partners Limited is 100% owned by Principle Solution Group Limited, and Principle Solution Group Limited is 100% owned by Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited. Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited is 100% owned by Huatai Securities Co., Ltd through Huatai International Financial Holdings Company Limited. Huatai Securities Co., Ltd is therefore deemed under the SFO to be interested in all the shares of the Company which Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited and Huatai International Greater Bay Area Investment Fund II, L.P. held or was interested in.
Save as disclosed above and to the best knowledge of the Directors, as at the Latest Practicable Date, no person (other than the Directors or chief executives of the Company) had registered an interest or a short position in the Shares or underlying shares of the Company as recorded in the register required to be kept by the Company under section 336 of the SFO.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
APPENDIX II
4. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The Group has entered into the following contract (not being contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business) within the two years preceding the date of this circular which is or may be material:
-
(1) the finance lease agreement dated 19 October 2022 between Anhui Derun Leasing Co., Ltd. (安徽德潤融資租賃股份有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology and Liankang Consulting pursuant to which the certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Anhui Derun Leasing Co., Ltd. (安徽德潤融資租賃股份有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB15,000,000 and the total lease payment of RMB17,030,985;
-
(2) the finance lease agreement dated 19 October 2022 between Anhui Derun Leasing Co., Ltd. (安徽德潤融資租賃股份有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology and Liankang Consulting pursuant to which the certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Anhui Derun Leasing Co., Ltd. (安徽德潤融資租賃股份有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB35,000,000 and the total lease payment of RMB39,274,508;
-
(3) the finance lease agreement dated 27 October 2022 between Shanghai Guojin Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (上海國金融資租賃有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Shanghai Guojin Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (上海國金融資租賃有 限公司) at the purchase price of RMB50,000,000 and the total lease payment of RMB54,723,097.44;
-
(4) the ownership transfer agreement dated 24 November 2022 between Chengtay Finance Lease Shanghai Co., Ltd. (誠泰融資租賃(上海)有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased a by Chengtay Finance Lease Shanghai Co., Ltd. (誠泰融資租賃(上海)有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB57,000,000;
-
(5) the sale and leaseback agreement dated 24 November 2022 between Chengtay Finance Lease Shanghai Co., Ltd.* (誠泰融資租賃(上海)有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which certain assets of Heilongjiang College of
– 24 –
GENERAL INFORMATION
APPENDIX II
Business and Technology were leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Chengtay Finance Lease Shanghai Co., Ltd.* (誠泰融資租賃(上海)有限 公司) at the total lease payment of RMB62,200,000;
-
(6) the sale and leaseback agreement dated 18 January 2023 between Haier Financial Services China Co., Ltd. (海爾融資租賃股份有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which the certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Haier Financial Services China Co., Ltd. (海爾融資租賃 股份有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB50,750,000 and the total lease payment of RMB57,680,100;
-
(7) the sale and leaseback agreement I dated 13 June 2023 between Shanghai A-JEX Finance Lease Co., Ltd. (上海愛建融資租賃股份有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which the certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Shanghai A-JEX Finance Lease Co., Ltd. (上海 愛建融資租賃股份有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB20,000,000 and the total lease payment of RMB22,450,000;
-
(8) the sale and leaseback agreement II dated 13 June 2023 between Shanghai A-JEX Finance Lease Co., Ltd. (上海愛建融資租賃股份有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which the certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Shanghai A-JEX Finance Lease Co., Ltd. (上海 愛建融資租賃股份有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB20,000,000 and the total lease payment of RMB22,450,000;
-
(9) the sale and leaseback agreement dated 13 June 2023 between Haitong Unitrust International Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (海通恆信國際融資租賃股份有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which the certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Haitong Unitrust International Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (海通恆信國際融資租賃股份有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB70,000,000 and the total lease payment of RMB80,000,000;
-
(10) the sale and leaseback agreement dated 26 September 2023 between Jinyuan Huaxing (China) Finance Lease Co., Ltd.* (金源華興融資租賃有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which the certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to
– 25 –
GENERAL INFORMATION
APPENDIX II
Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Jinyuan Huaxing (China) Finance Lease Co., Ltd.* (金源華興融資租賃有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB30,000,000 and the total lease payment of RMB33,300,000;
-
(11) the sale and leaseback agreement I dated 26 September 2023 between Guoyao Holdings (China) Finance Lease Co., Ltd. (國藥控股(中國)融資租賃有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which the certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Guoyao Holdings (China) Finance Lease Co., Ltd. (國藥控股(中國)融資租賃有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB27,500,000 and the total lease payment of RMB32,400,000;
-
(12) the sale and leaseback agreement II dated 26 September 2023 between Guoyao Holdings (China) Finance Lease Co., Ltd. (國藥控股(中國)融資租賃有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which the certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Guoyao Holdings (China) Finance Lease Co., Ltd. (國藥控股(中國)融資租賃有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB27,500,000 and the total lease payment of RMB32,400,000; and
-
(13) the finance lease agreement dated 9 November 2023 between Tonghui Jiatai Financial Leasing (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (通匯嘉泰融資租賃(天津)有限公司) and Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology pursuant to which the certain assets of Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology were purchased and leased back to Heilongjiang College of Business and Technology by Tonghui Jiatai Financial Leasing (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (通匯嘉泰融資租賃(天津)有限公司) at the purchase price of RMB60,000,000 and the total lease payment of RMB66,450,000; and
-
(14) the Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier).
5. LITIGATION AND CLAIMS
At as the Latest Practicable Date, the Group was not engaged in any litigation or arbitration of material importance and no litigation or claim of material importance was known to the Directors to be pending or threatened by or against the Group.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
APPENDIX II
6. DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN COMPETING BUSINESS
As at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors or their respective associates had any personal interests in companies engaged in businesses, which compete or may compete with the Group.
7. GENERAL
The English text of this circular shall prevail over the Chinese text in case of inconsistency.
The company secretary of the Company is Mr. Chang Eric Jackson, who is a member of Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The registered office of the Company is at Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, PO Box 2681, Grand Cayman, KY1-1111, Cayman Islands, Hutchins Drive. The Headquarters and principal place of business in PRC is at Qunying Jie No. 33, Xueyuan Road, Limin Development Zone, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, the PRC. The principal place of business in Hong Kong is at Unit 26, 14/F., Solo Building, 41−43 Carnarvon Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Share Registrar of the Company is Tricor Investor Services Limited, 17/F, Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong.
8. DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE ON DISPLAY
Copies of the following documents will be published on the websites of the Stock Exchange (e) and the Company ( http://www.leader-education.cn ) for a period of 14 days from the date of this circular:
-
Sale and Leaseback Agreement (Haier)
-
Consultation Service Agreement (Haier)
-
Personal guarantee of Mr. Liu and Ms. Dong in respect of Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier)
-
Corporate guarantee of Harbin Xiangge in respect of Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier)
-
Corporate guarantee of Nantong Junhua in respect of Finance Lease Arrangement (Haier)
– 27 –