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Luxxu Group Limited — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2026
Jun 1, 2026
49853_rns_2026-06-01_0c43cf8a-307d-4bf0-a0fd-1306f28f7044.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
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Luxxu Group Limited
(incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability)
(Stock code: 1327)
SHARE OPTION SCHEME
Adoption Date: [***] June 2026
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DEFINITIONS
"2026 Share Option Scheme"
the share option scheme of the Company proposed to be adopted by the Company on the Adoption Date, a summary of the principal term of which is set out in Appendix III of this circular
"Adoption Date"
the date on which 2026 Share Option Scheme is approved by the Shareholder at the AGM
"Articles of Association"
the articles of association of the Company, as amended from time to time
"Board"
the board of Directors
"Companies Act"
the Company Act (as Revised) of the Cayman Islands as amended from time to time
"Company"
Luxxu Group Limited, a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability, the issued Shares of which are listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange
"Director(s)"
the director(s) of the Company
"Eligible Participant(s)"
(a) any full time or part-time employee of any member of the Group; or (b) any director (including executive, non executive or independent non-executive directors) of any member of the Group; and (c) Related Entity Participant to be determined absolutely by the Board whether or not one falls within the above category, subject to compliance with the Listing Rules
"Employee Participant(s)"
the director(s) and employee(s) (whether full-time or part-time) of any member of the Group (including persons who are granted Options under the 2026 Share Option Scheme as inducement to renew employment contracts with the Group)
"Grantee"
means any Eligible Participant who accepts an Option in accordance with the terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme or, where the context so permits, a person entitled to any such Option in consequence of the death of the original Grantee or the legal personal representative of such person
"Group"
the Company and its subsidiaries
"Hong Kong"
the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC
"Listing Rules"
the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange
| “Offer Date” | the date of offer of the Option by the Company to an Eligible Participant |
|---|---|
| “Option(s)” | an option(s) to subscribe for shares granted under the 2026 Share Option Scheme |
| “PRC” | the People’s Republic of China, which for the purpose of this circular, shall exclude Hong Kong, the Macau Special Administrative Region of the China and Taiwan |
| “Related Entity(ies)” | the holding companies, fellow subsidiaries or associated companies of the Company |
| “Related Entity Participant(s)” | directors and employees (whether full time or part time) of the Related Entity |
| “Scheme Limit/Scheme Mandate Limit” | the total number of Shares which may be issued in respect of all Options which may be granted at any time under the 2026 Share Option Scheme, together with options and awards which may be granted under any other share schemes for the time being of the Company shall not exceed such number of Shares as equals to 10% of the issued share capital of the Company (excluding Treasury Shares) as at the Adoption Date |
| “Share(s)” | ordinary share(s) of HK$0.01 each in the share capital of the Company |
| “Shareholder(s)” | holder(s) of the Share(s) |
| “Stock Exchange” | The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited |
| “HK$” | Hong Kong dollars, the lawful currency of Hong Kong |
| “%” | per cent. |
The following is a summary of the principal terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme proposed to be adopted at the AGM.
(A) PURPOSE
The purpose of the 2026 Share Option Scheme is to recognise and acknowledge the contributions which the Eligible Participants have made or may make to the Group.
(B) WHO MAY JOIN
Eligible Participants for the 2026 Share Option Scheme consist of:
(a) Employee Participant(s) including the director(s) and employee(s) (whether full-time or part-time) of any member of the Group (including persons who are granted Options under the 2026 Share Option Scheme as inducement to renew employment contracts with the Group); and
(b) Related Entity Participant(s) including directors and employees (whether full time or part time) of the holding companies, fellow subsidiaries or associated companies of the Company.
In determining the basis of eligibility of each Eligible Participant, the Board would take into account of (i) the experience of the Eligible Participant on the Group’s business; (ii) the length of service of the Eligible Participant with the Group (if the Eligible Participant is an Employee Participant); and (iii) the amount of support, assistance, guidance, advice, efforts and contributions the Eligible Participant has exerted and given towards the success of the Group and/or the amount of potential support, assistance, guidance, advice, efforts and contributions the Eligible Participant is likely to be able to give or make towards the success of the Group in the future.
For Employee Participants, the Board will consider their (i) general working experience; (ii) time commitment (full-time or part-time); (iii) length of their service within the Group; (iv) roles and responsibilities; (v) employment conditions according to the prevailing market practice and industry standard; or where appropriate; and (vi) contribution or potential contribution to the Group. In determining whether a person has contributed or will contribute to the Group, the Group will take into account whether contribution has been made to or will be made to the Group in terms of operation, financial performance, prospects, growth, reputation and image of the Group.
The inclusion of non-executive directors and independent non-executive directors in the 2026 Share Option Scheme is designed to align their interests with the long-term growth and sustainable performance of the Company. Non-executive directors and independent non-executive directors play a critical role in providing strategic oversight and safeguarding shareholder interests, and their participation in the scheme reinforces their commitment to the Company’s success. The structure of the scheme ensures that any performance-related elements are tied to overarching corporate goals, such as long-term shareholder value creation, rather than short-term metrics, thereby maintaining alignment with the scheme’s purpose of fostering sustained value for stakeholders.
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The Board has carefully assessed the proposed inclusion of independent non-executive directors and concluded that it will not compromise their objectivity or independence. The performance conditions attached to the equity awards are based on objective, predetermined criteria linked to the Company's long-term performance, ensuring no undue influence on decision-making. The Board believes that the structure of the scheme, which emphasizes alignment with shareholder interests rather than individual incentives, upholds the independent non-executive director's ability to exercise independent judgment in line with their fiduciary duties.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, the Board has no plan to grant any Option under the 2026 Share Option Scheme to the non-executive directors and/or the independent non-executive directors in the next 12 months.
The Board believes including part-time employees as Eligible Participants will drive long term growth and profitability by enhancing engagement, retention, and inclusivity. Extending incentives to part-time staff fosters a shared success culture, motivating broader contributions to performance. This approach strengthens loyalty, reduces turnover costs, and leverages diverse perspectives for innovation. Aligning all employees with strategic goals ensures a cohesive, high performing workforce. By valuing part-time roles equally, the Group maximizes productivity and operational flexibility. The Board is confident this policy will sustain growth, improve efficiency, and deliver long-term value for both employees and shareholders.
For Related Entity Participants, the Board will consider (i) the positive impact brought by or expected from, the Related Entity Participant on the Group's business in terms of an increase in revenue or profits and/or an addition of expertise to the Group; (ii) the period of engagement or employment of the Related Entity Participant by the Group; (iii) the number, scale and nature of the projects in which the Related Entity Participant is involved; (iv) whether the Related Entity Participant has or is expected to refer or introduce opportunities to the Group which have or are likely to materialise into further business relationships; and (v) the materiality and nature of the business relations of holding companies, fellow subsidiaries or associated companies with the Group and the Related Entity Participant's contribution in such holding companies, fellow subsidiaries or associated companies of the Group which may benefit the core business of the Group through a collaborative relationship.
(C) DURATION OF THE 2026 SHARE OPTION SCHEME
The 2026 Share Option Scheme shall be valid and effective for a period of 10 years commencing on the date it was adopted.
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(D) ACCEPTANCE AND EXERCISE OF OPTION
An offer of the grant of an Option may be accepted within 30 days from the Offer Date together with a remittance of HK$1.00 by way of consideration for the grant thereof. An Option may be exercised during such period as the Board may in its absolute discretion determine, save that such period shall not be more than ten (10) years from the date of grant.
Subject to paragraphs (j), (k), (1) and (m), an option shall be exercised in whole or in part and, other than where it is exercised to the full extent outstanding, shall be exercised in integral multiples of such number of Shares as shall represent one board lot for dealing in Shares on the Stock Exchange for the time being, by the grantee by giving notice in writing to the Company stating that the option is thereby exercised and the number of Shares in respect of which it is exercised. Each such notice must be accompanied by a remittance for the full amount of the exercise price for the Shares in respect of which the notice is given.
Within 21 days after receipt of the notice and the remittance and, where appropriate, receipt of the certificate by the auditors to the Company or the independent financial adviser as the case may be pursuant to paragraph (t), the Company shall allot and issue the relevant number of Shares to the grantee credited as fully paid and issue to the grantee share certificates in respect of the Shares so allotted.
The exercise of any option shall be subject to the Shareholders in general meeting approving any necessary increase in the authorised share capital of the Company. Subject thereto, the Board shall make available sufficient authorised but unissued share capital of the Company to allot the Shares on the exercise of share options.
(E) SUBSCRIPTION PRICE
The subscription price of the Option shall be determined at the discretion of the Directors which shall not be less than the higher of (i) the closing price of the Shares as stated in the daily quotations sheet of the Exchange on the Offer Date, which must be a Business Day; (ii) the average of the closing prices of the Shares as stated in the daily quotations sheets of the Exchange for the five (5) consecutive Business Days immediately preceding the Offer Date; and (iii) the nominal value of the Share on the Offer Date.
(F) MINIMUM HOLDING PERIOD
Save as determined at the discretion of the Board, there is no minimum holding period before an Option is exercisable.
(G) PERFORMANCE TARGET
The Board may at its discretion specify any condition in the offer letter at the grant of the relevant share options which must be satisfied before the vesting of the share options. Save as determined by the Board and provided in the offer letter, there is no performance target which must be achieved before the vesting of the share options under the terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme. The Directors (including the independent non-executive Directors) are of the view that the flexibility given to the Directors in relation to the performance targets will place the Group in a better position to reward the Eligible Participants and retain human resources that are valuable to the growth and development of the Group as a whole.
If performance targets are imposed upon grant of share options, the Board will have regard to the purpose of the 2026 Share Option Scheme in assessing such performance targets, with reference to factors including but not limited to, as and when appropriate, sales performance (e.g. revenue), operating performance (e.g. profits, operation efficiency in term of cost control), financial performance (e.g. profits, cash flow, earnings, market capitalization, return on equity) of the Group, corporate sustainability parameter (e.g. timeliness and accuracy in handling customer feedback, team work capabilities, adherence to corporate culture) and discipline and responsibility (e.g. punctuality, integrity, honesty or compliance with internal business procedures), the satisfaction of which shall be assessed and determined by the Board at its sole discretion.
The method for assessing whether performance targets are satisfied shall be determined by the Board at its sole discretion. Such method may include, without limitation, review of quantitative data (e.g., revenue, profits, cost control efficiency, cash flow, earnings, market capitalization, return on equity) and qualitative evaluation (e.g., customer feedback handling, teamwork, corporate culture adherence, punctuality, integrity, honesty, and compliance with internal procedures). The Board may apply different assessment methods for different Eligible Participants or different performance targets as it deems fit. All assessment results and determinations made by the Board shall be final and conclusive.
(H) VESTING PERIOD
An Option must be held by the Grantee for at least twelve (12) months before the Option can be exercised. For grants made to grantees other than Employee Participants, a minimum vesting period of 12 months would apply for situations under paragraphs (J), (K), (L) and (M) below.
The Board (or the remuneration committee of the Company where it relates to grants of Options to an Eligible Participant who is a Director and/or senior manager of the Company) may at its discretion grant a shorter Vesting Period to an Eligible Participant, where the Eligible Participant is an Employee Participant. Set out below is the exhaustive circumstances which may trigger a shorter Vesting Period:
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(1) grants of “make-whole” Option(s) to new joiners to replace the share options they forfeited when leaving the previous employers;
(2) grants to an Eligible Participant whose employment is terminated due to death or disability or occurrence of any out of control event;
(3) grants that are made in batches during a year for administrative and compliance reasons, which include Options that should have been granted earlier if not for such administrative or compliance reasons but had to wait for subsequent batch. In such case, the Vesting Period may be shorter to reflect the time from which the Option would have been granted;
(4) grants of Options with a mixed or accelerated vesting schedule such as where the Options may vest evenly over a period of twelve (12) months; or
(5) grants with performance-based vesting conditions in lieu of time-based vesting criteria.
(I) TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS
An Option shall be personal to the Grantee and shall not be assignable or transferable and no Grantee shall in any way sell, transfer, charge, mortgage, encumber or create any interest in favour of any other person over or in relation to any Option. Any breach of the foregoing by the Grantee shall entitle the Company to lapse any outstanding Option or any part thereof granted to such Grantee to the extent not already exercised without incurring any liability on the part of the Company.
(J) RIGHTS ON CEASING TO BE AN ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANT
(1) in the event of the Grantee ceasing to be an Eligible Participant by reason of his/her death before exercising the Option in full, and where the Grantee is an Eligible Participant and none of the events which would be a ground for termination of his/her employment or directorship under paragraph (j)(3)(ii) arises, his/her Personal Representative(s) may exercise the Option (to the extent not already exercised) in whole or in part in accordance with the terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme within a period of one (1) month following the date of death, or up to the expiration of the Option Period, whichever is earlier, and such Option to the extent not so exercised shall lapse and determine at the end of the period of one (1) month or at the expiration of the Option Period, whichever is earlier, if any of the events referred to in paragraph (k), (l) or (m) occur during such period, exercise the Option pursuant to paragraph (k), (1) or (m) respectively;
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(2) in the event of the Grantee ceasing to be an Eligible Participant by reason of ill-health as an employee of the Company in accordance with his/her contract of employment before exercising the Option in full, he/she may exercise the Option (to the extent not already exercised) in whole or in part in accordance with the terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme within a period of one (1) month following the date of such cessation or, if any of the events referred to in paragraph (k), (1) or (m) occurs during such period, exercise the Option pursuant to paragraph (k), (1) or (m) respectively. The date of cessation as aforesaid shall be the last day on which the Grantee is actually at work with the Group or related entity whether salary is paid in lieu of notice or not; and
(3) (i) in the event of the Grantee ceasing to be an Eligible Participant for any reason other than the reasons specified in paragraphs (l) and (j)(2); or (ii) where the Grantee by reason of voluntary resignation or dismissal or upon expiration of his/her term of directorship (unless immediately renewed upon expiration), or by termination of his/her employment or directorship on any one or more of the grounds that he/she has been guilty of persistent or serious misconduct, or has become bankrupt or has become insolvent or has made any arrangement or composition with his/her creditors generally, or has been convicted of any criminal offence (other than an offence which in the opinion of the Directors does not bring the Grantee, the Group or related entity into disrepute) or any other ground(s) on which the Group or related entity would be entitled to terminate the Grantee's employment or directorship pursuant to any applicable law before exercising the Option in full, his/her Option (to the extent not already exercised) shall lapse on the date of cessation or termination and not be exercisable and any Option exercised (if any) but the Shares of which have not been allotted, shall be deemed not to have so exercised and the amount of the Subscription Price for the Shares in respect of the purported exercise of such Option shall be returned.
(4) In the event that the Grantee who is a Related Entity Participant ceases to be an Eligible Participant by reason of any one or more of the following grounds:
(a) in the case of the Grantee who is a Related Entity Participant, that he/she ceases to be associated with the Related Entity as a result of resignation, termination, dismissal or retirement;
(b) that there has been a breach of contract entered into between the Grantee and any member of the Group or any Related Entity;
(c) that the Grantee's engagement or appointment has been terminated in the sole and absolute opinion of the Board;
(d) that the Board, in its sole and absolute opinion, believes that the Grantee is no longer contributing to the development or success of the Group, or has become a competitor of any member of the Group;
(e) that the Grantee has become bankrupt or insolvent or made any arrangement or composition with his/her creditors generally;
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(f) that the Grantee has committed any serious misconduct;
(g) that the Grantee has been convicted of any criminal offence (other than an offence which, in the sole and absolute opinion of the Board, does not bring the Grantee or any member the Group into disrepute);
(h) the entity of which the relevant Grantee is a director or employee (whether full-time, part-time or other employment arrangement) ceases to be a Related Entity; or
(i) on any other ground as determined by the Board that would warrant the termination of the Grantee’s engagement or appointment in the sole and absolute opinion of the Board, the Options (to the extent vested but not already exercised) shall lapse and shall not be exercisable on the date of the Board’s determination.
(K) RIGHTS ON A GENERAL OR PARTIAL OFFER
In the event a general or partial offer, whether by way of takeover offer, share repurchase offer, or scheme of arrangement or otherwise in like manner is made to all the Shareholders (or all such holders other than the offeror and/or any person controlled by the offeror and/or any person acting in association or concert (as defined in the Takeovers Code) with the offeror), the Company shall use all its reasonable endeavours to procure that such offer is extended to all the Grantees on the same terms, mutatis mutandis, and assuming that they will become, by the exercise in full of the Options granted to them, the Shareholders. If such offer becomes or is declared unconditional or such scheme of arrangement is formally proposed to the Shareholders, the Grantee shall, notwithstanding any other terms on which his/her/its Options were granted, be entitled to exercise the Option (to the extent not already exercised) to its full extent or to the extent specified in the Grantee’s notice to the Company in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) at any time within one (1) month after the date on which such offer becomes or is declared unconditional, or within one (1) month after the record date for entitlements under the scheme of arrangement, as the case may be.
(L) RIGHTS ON WINDING UP
In the event a notice is given by the Company to the Shareholders to convene a general meeting for the purposes of considering, and if thought fit, approving a resolution to voluntarily wind-up the Company, the Company shall on the same date as it despatches such notice to each Shareholder give notice thereof to all Grantees (containing an extract of the provisions of this sub-paragraph) and thereupon, each Grantee or his/her Personal Representative(s) shall be entitled to exercise all or any of his/her/its Options (to the extent not already exercised) by giving notice in writing to the Company in accordance with the terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme (such notice shall be received by the Company no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the proposed general meeting), accompanied by a remittance for the full amount of the aggregate Subscription Price for the Shares in respect of which the notice is given whereupon the Company shall as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than the Business Day immediately prior to the date of the proposed general meeting referred to above, allot and issue the relevant Shares to the Grantee credited as fully paid.
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(M) RIGHTS ON COMPROMISE OR ARRANGEMENT
In the event of a compromise or arrangement between the Company and the Shareholders or its creditors being proposed for the purpose of or in connection with a scheme for the reconstruction or amalgamation of the Company, the Company shall give notice thereof to all Grantees on the same date as it gives notice of the meeting to the Shareholders or its creditors to summon a meeting to consider such a scheme or arrangement and the Options (to the extent not already exercised) shall become exercisable in whole or in part on such date until the earlier of (i) two (2) months after that date or (ii) at any time not later than two (2) Business Days prior to the date of the meeting directed to be convened by the court for the purposes of considering such a scheme or arrangement (the “Suspension Date”). Any Grantee or his/her Personal Representative(s) may by notice in writing to the Company in accordance with the terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme, accompanied by a remittance of the full amount of the aggregate Subscription Price for the Shares in respect of which the notice is given whereupon the Company shall as soon as possible and in any event no later than 3:00 p.m. on the Business Day immediately prior to the date of the proposed meeting, allot and issue such number of Shares to the Grantee or his/her Personal Representative(s) which falls to be issued on such exercise of the Option credited as fully paid and register the Grantee as holder thereof. With effect from the Suspension Date, the rights of all Grantees to exercise their respective Options shall forthwith be suspended. Upon such compromise or arrangement becoming effective, all Options shall, to the extent that they have not been exercised, lapse and terminated.
(N) RANKING OF THE SHARE
The Shares to be allotted upon the exercise of an Option shall be subject to all the provisions of the bye-laws of the Company for the time being in force and shall rank pari passu in all respects (including the rights arising on a liquidation of the Company) with the existing fully paid Shares in issue (excluding treasury Shares) on the date on which those Shares are allotted on exercise of the Option and accordingly shall entitle the holders to participate in all dividends or other distributions paid or made after the date on which Shares are allotted other than any dividends or distributions previously declared or recommended or resolved to be paid or made if the record date thereof shall be on or before the date on which the Shares are allotted. A Share to be allotted upon the exercise of an Option shall not carry voting rights until the name of the Grantee has been duly entered on the register of members of the Company as the holder thereof.
(O) LAPSE OF OPTIONS
An Option shall lapse automatically and not be exercisable (to the extent not already exercised) on the earliest of:
(1) the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph (c) above;
(2) the expiry of the periods referred to in paragraphs (j), (k), (1) and (m) above;
(3) the date of the commencement of the winding-up of the Company;
(4) the date on which the Grantee commits a breach of paragraph (i) above; and
(5) the date on which Grantee (i) ceases to be an employee of the Group by reason of the termination of his/her employment on grounds entitling the employer to effect such termination without notice or payment in lieu of notice; (ii) having been convicted of any criminal offence involving his/her integrity or honesty; (iii) has been guilty of persistent or serious misconduct; (iv) has committed any act of bankruptcy; (v) has made any arrangement or composition with his/her creditors generally; or (vi) having done something which brings the Group into disrepute or causes damages to the Group (including, among others, causing material misstatement of the financial statements of the Company).
(P) CANCELLATION OF OPTIONS
Any cancellation of options granted but not exercised may be effected on such terms as may be agreed with the relevant grantee, as the Board may in its absolute discretion sees fit and in manner that complies with all applicable legal requirements for such cancellation.
Where the Company cancels options and offers new options to the same grantee, the offer of such new options may only be made under the 2026 Share Option Scheme with available unissued options (excluding the cancelled options) within the limit approved by the Shareholders.
(Q) MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SHARE
The total number of Shares which may be issued in respect of all Options which may be granted at any time under the 2026 Share Option Scheme, together with options and awards which may be granted under any other share schemes for the time being of the Company, shall not exceed such number of Shares as equals 10% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the Adoption Date, representing 21,565,440 Shares, assuming that there is no change in the issued share capital of the Company before the AGM and the Company will not have Treasury Shares between Latest Practicable Date. Options lapsed in accordance with the terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme will not be regarded as utilised for the purpose of calculating the Scheme Limit. If the Company conducts a share consolidation or subdivision after the Scheme Limit have been approved in general meeting, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued in respect of all Options to be granted under the 2026 Share Option Scheme, together with options and awards which may be granted under any other share schemes for the time being of the Company under the Scheme Limit as a percentage of the total number of issued Shares at the date immediately before and after such consolidation or subdivision shall be the same, rounded to the nearest whole Share.
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The Company may seek approval of the Shareholders in general meeting to refresh the Scheme Limit under the 2026 Share Option Scheme after three (3) years from the Adoption Date (or the date of Shareholders’ approval for the last refreshment), provided that the limit so refreshed must not exceed 10% of the relevant class of Shares in issue as at the date of passing the relevant resolution for the approval of the refreshed Scheme Limit. For the purpose of seeking approval of Shareholders, the Company must send a circular to the Shareholders containing such information as required under the Listing Rules. Any refreshment of the Scheme Limit to be made within three (3) years from the Adoption Date (or the date of Shareholders’ approval for the last refreshment) shall be subject to independent Shareholders’ approval pursuant to Rule 17.03C(1) of the Listing Rules.
The Company may also seek separate approval of the Shareholders in general meeting for granting Options beyond the Scheme Limit provided that the Options in excess of the Scheme Limit are granted only to Eligible Participants specifically identified by the Company before such approval is sought. For the purpose of seeking approval of Shareholders under this paragraph, the Company must send a circular to the Shareholders containing the name of each Eligible Participants who may be granted such Options, the number and terms of the Options to be granted, the purpose of granting Options to the specified Eligible Participants with an explanation as to how the terms of the Options serve such purpose, and such other information as required under the Listing Rules. The number and terms (including the Subscription Price) of Options to be granted to such Eligible Participant must be fixed before Shareholders’ approval and the date of Board meeting for proposing such grant should be taken as the date of grant for the purpose of calculating the Subscription Price.
The Board shall not make any grant of Options that may result in the total number of Shares which may be issued upon exercise of all Options to be granted under the 2026 Share Option Scheme and any options and/or awards granted under any other share scheme exceeding 10% of the total number of Shares in issue as at the Adoption Date (excluding any Treasury Shares), unless:
(a) the Scheme Limit shall have been “refreshed” in accordance with the requirements of the Listing Rules; or
(b) such Options are made to Eligible Participants and on terms specifically identified with the separate approval by Shareholders in general meeting and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of the Listing Rules.
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(R) MAXIMUM ENTITLEMENT OF EACH GRANTEE
Where any grant of Options to an Eligible Participant would result in the Shares issued and to be issued in respect of all options and awards granted to such Eligible Participant (excluding any options and awards lapsed in accordance with the terms of the relevant schemes) in the twelve (12)-month period up to and including the date of such grant representing in aggregate over 1% of the Shares in issue (excluding Treasury Shares), such grant must be separately approved by the Shareholders in general meeting with such Eligible Participant and his/her close associates (or associates if the Eligible Participant is a connected person) abstaining from voting. The Company must send a circular to the Shareholders and the circular must disclose the identity of the Eligible Participant, the number and terms of the Options to be granted (and options previously granted to such Eligible Participant in such twelve (12)-month period), the purpose of granting Options to the Eligible Participant, an explanation as to how the terms of the Options serve such purpose and such information as may be required by the Stock Exchange from time to time. The number and terms (including the Subscription Price) of Options to be granted to such Eligible Participant must be fixed before Shareholders’ approval and the date of Board meeting for proposing such further grant should be taken as the date of grant for the purpose of calculating the Subscription Price.
(S) GRANT OF OPTIONS TO CONNECTED PERSONS
Any grant of Options to any of the Directors, chief executive of the Company or substantial Shareholders (as defined in the Listing Rules), or any of their respective associates must be approved by the independent non-executive Directors (excluding any independent non-executive Director who and whose associate is the proposed Grantee of the Option (if any)). Where any grant of Options to a director (other than an independent non-executive director) or chief executive of the Company or any of their respective associates would result in the Shares issued and to be issued in respect of all options granted and to be granted (excluding any options lapsed in accordance with the terms of the relevant schemes) to such person in the twelve (12)-month period up to and including the date of such grant representing in aggregate over 0.1% of the total issued Shares (excluding treasury Shares), such further grant of Options must be approved by the Shareholders in a general meeting of the Company in the manner set out below.
Where any grant of Options to an independent non-executive Director or a substantial Shareholder or any of their respective associates would result in the Shares issued and to be issued in respect of all options granted and to be granted (excluding any options lapsed in accordance with the terms of the relevant schemes) to such person in the twelve (12)-month period up to and including the date of such grant representing in aggregate over 0.1% of the total issued Shares (excluding treasury Shares), such further grant of Options must be approved by the Shareholders in a general meeting of the Company in the manner set out below.
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The Company must send a circular to the Shareholders. The Grantee, his/her associates and all core connected persons of the Company must abstain from voting in favour of the proposed grant at such general meeting. Parties that are required to abstain from voting in favour at the general meeting pursuant to Rule 17.04(3) of the Listing Rules may vote against the resolution at the general meeting of the Company, provided that their intention to do so has been stated in the relevant circular to the Shareholders. Any vote taken at the general meeting to approve the grant of such Options must be taken on a poll and comply with the requirements under the Listing Rules. The circular must contain:
(1) details of the number and terms of the Options to be granted to each Eligible Participant, which must be fixed before the Shareholders’ meeting. In respect of any Options to be granted, the date of the Board meeting for proposing such further grant should be taken as the Offer Date for the purpose of calculating the Subscription Price;
(2) the views of the independent non-executive Directors (excluding any independent non executive Director who and whose associate is the proposed Grantee) as to whether the terms of the grant are fair and reasonable and whether such grant is in the interests of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole, and their recommendation to the independent Shareholders as to voting; and
(3) the information required under the Listing Rules and the Exchange from time to time.
Any change in the terms of Options granted to a Grantee who is a Director, chief executive of the Company or substantial Shareholder (as defined in the Listing Rules), or any of their respective associates, must be approved by the Shareholders in the manner as set out in this paragraph if the initial grant of the Options requires such approval (except where the changes take effect automatically under the existing terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme).
(T) ADJUSTMENTS
In the event of any alteration in the capital structure of the Company whilst any Option remains exercisable or the 2026 Share Option Scheme remains in effect, and such event arises from a capitalisation issue, rights issue, consolidation, sub-division or reduction of the share capital of the Company (other than an issue of Shares as consideration in respect of a transaction while any Option remains exercisable), the Company shall make adjustments of the exercise price and/or the number of shares subject to options granted under the 2026 Share Option Scheme, then, in any such case (other than in the case of capitalisation issue) the Company shall instruct the auditors or independent financial adviser to certify in writing:
(a) the adjustment, if any, that ought in their opinion fairly and reasonably to be made either generally or as regards any particular Grantee, to:
(i) the number or nominal amount of Shares to which the 2026 Share Option Scheme or any Option(s) relates (insofar as it is/they are unexercised); and/or
(ii) the Subscription Prices of any unexercised Options,
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and an adjustment as so certified by the auditors or the independent financial adviser shall be made, provided that:
(1) any such adjustment shall be made on the basis that the aggregate Subscription Price payable by a Grantee on the full exercise of any Option shall remain as nearly as possible the same (but shall not be greater than) as it was before such event;
(2) no such adjustment shall be made the effect of which would be to enable a Share to be issued at less than its nominal value;
(3) any such adjustment shall be made on the basis that a Grantee shall be given the same proportion of the issued share capital of the Company for which such Grantee would have been entitled to subscribe had he/she/it exercised all the Options held by him/her/it immediately prior to such event (as interpreted in accordance with the appendix referred to the frequently asked questions on adjustments of the exercise price of share options (FAQ 13 – No. 16) or any guidance/interpretation of the Listing Rules issued by the Exchange and the note thereto from time to time);
(4) the issue of securities of the Company as consideration in a transaction shall not be regarded as a circumstance requiring any such adjustment; and
(b) in respect of any such adjustments, the auditors or the independent financial adviser must confirm to the Directors in writing that the adjustments satisfy the requirements set out in the above, the requirements of Rule 17.03(13) of the Listing Rules, the appendix referred to the frequently asked questions on adjustments of the exercise price of share options (FAQ 13 – No. 16), any relevant provisions of the Listing Rules and any guidance/interpretation of the Listing Rules issued by the Exchange and the note thereto from time to time.
If there has been any alteration in the capital structure of the Company as referred to in paragraph (t), the Company shall, upon receipt of a notice from a Grantee in accordance with paragraph (d), inform the Grantee of such alteration and shall either inform the Grantee of the adjustment to be made in accordance with the certificate of the auditors or the independent financial adviser obtained by the Company for such purpose or, if no such certificate has been obtained, inform the Grantee of such fact and instruct the auditors or an independent financial adviser as soon as practicable thereafter to issue a certificate in that regard in accordance with paragraph (t).
In giving any certificate under this paragraph, the auditors and independent financial adviser shall be deemed to be acting as experts and not as arbitrators and their certificate shall, in the absence of manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding on the Company and all persons who may be affected thereby.
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(U) VARIATIONS
The 2026 Share Option Scheme may be altered in any respect by a resolution of the Board or administrator of the 2026 Share Option Scheme except:
(a) any alterations to the terms and conditions of the 2026 Share Option Scheme which are of a material nature or any alterations to the provisions relating to the matters set out in Rule 17.03 of the Listing Rules to the advantage of participants must be approved by the Shareholders in general meeting;
(b) any change to the authority of the Directors or the administrators of the 2026 Share Option Scheme to alter the terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme must be approved by the Shareholders in general meeting;
(c) any change to the terms of the Option granted to a participant must be approved by the Board, the remuneration committee of the Company, the independent non executive Directors and/or the Shareholders (as the case may be) if the initial grant of the Options was approved by the Board, the remuneration committee of the Company, the independent non-executive Directors and/or the Shareholders (as the case may be). This requirement does not apply where the alterations take effect automatically under the existing terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme; and
(d) the amended terms of the 2026 Share Option Scheme or the Options must still comply with the relevant requirements of the Chapter 17 of the Listing Rules.
(V) CLAWBACK
Where such Grantee (i) ceases to be an employee of the Group by reason of the termination of his/her employment on grounds entitling the employer to effect such termination without notice or payment in lieu of notice; (ii) having been convicted of any criminal offence involving his/her integrity or honesty; (iii) has been guilty of persistent or serious misconduct; (iv) has committed any act of bankruptcy; (v) has made any arrangement or composition with his/her creditors generally; or (vi) having done something which brings the Group into disrepute or causes damages to the Group (including, among others, causing material misstatement of the financial statements of the Company), any Option granted to such Grantee (to the extent not being exercised) shall lapse immediately and automatically. If the Grantee ceases to be an Eligible Participant for any reason other than the above-mentioned, the Option (to the extent not being exercised) shall lapse forthwith unless the Board determines otherwise in which event the Option (or such remaining part thereof) shall vest.
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(W) TERMINATION
The Company by an ordinary resolution in general meeting may at any time terminate the operation of the 2026 Share Option Scheme and in such event no further Options will be offered but in all other respects the provisions of the 2026 Share Option Scheme shall remain in force to the extent necessary to give effect to the exercise of any Options granted prior thereto or otherwise as may be required in accordance with the provisions of the 2026 Share Option Scheme and Options granted prior to such termination shall continue to be valid and exercisable in accordance with the 2026 Share Option Scheme.
(Y) DEALING RESTRICTIONS
The Board shall not grant any Options after inside information has come to its knowledge until (and including) the trading day after it has announced the information. In particular, the Board shall not grant any Options during the period commencing 30 days immediately preceding the earlier of:
(a) the date of the Board meeting (as such date is first notified to the Stock Exchange in accordance with the Listing Rules) for the approval of the Company’s results for any year, half-year, quarterly or any other interim period (whether or not required under the Listing Rules); and
(b) the deadline for the Company to announce its results for any year or half-year under the Listing Rules, or quarterly or any other interim period (whether or not required under the Listing Rules),
and ending on the date of the results announcements.
No Options shall be granted during any period of delay in publishing a results announcement or during any period specified in the Listing Rules as being a period during which no Option may be granted.
For the avoidance of doubt, in compliance with the Listing Rules, a Director must not deal in any of the securities of the Company (and no Options may be granted to a Director) at any time when he possesses inside information in relation to those securities, or where clearance to deal is not otherwise conferred upon him under rule B.8 of the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers (the “Model Code”) as set out in Appendix 10 to the Listing Rules.
A Director must not deal in any securities of the Company (and no Options may be granted to a Director) on any day on which its financial results are published and:
(a) during the period of 60 days immediately preceding the publication date of the annual results or, if shorter, the period from the end of the relevant financial year up to the publication date of the results; and
(b) during the period of 30 days immediately preceding the publication date of the quarterly results (if any) and half-year results or, if shorter, the period from the end of the relevant quarterly or half-year period up to the publication date of the results,
unless the circumstances are exceptional, for example, where a pressing financial commitment has to be met as described in section C of the Model Code. In any event, the director must comply with the procedure in rules B.8 and B.9 of the Model Code.
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