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TS Holdings — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2024
Oct 25, 2024
52218_rns_2024-10-25_6c31e3ae-274c-467b-b852-16dc4a34699b.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
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、 、 、 Stock Code: 2887 2887E 2887F 2887Z1
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2024 Special Shareholders' Meeting (Common / Class E preferred / Class F preferred)
Meeting Manual
(Translation)
Time: 9:00 am, October 9, 2024
Venue: 2F, No. 118, Sec. 4, Ren-ai Rd., Taipei City, Taiwan (Taishin Financial Holding Tower)
Table of Contents
Meeting Proceedings --------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
Report Items:
- I. The Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Audit Committee’s Report on the Merger of Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd.,
reviewing the plan for the Merger and the fairness and rationality of the transaction.--- 2
Discussions:
- I. The Merger of Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. and Shin Kong Financial Holding
Co., Ltd.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
- II. Amendments to the "Articles of Incorporation."-----------------------------------------------5
Other Items and Special Motions
2
Attachments
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(1) The Written Opinion on the Reasonableness of the Share Exchange Ratio in the Merger of Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
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(2) The Review Report of the Audit Committee
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(3) The Merger Agreement (including Amendment to Merger Agreement)
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(4) The Financial Statements Audited and Certified by a CPA and Checked by the Audit Committee and Property Inventory
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(5) Articles of Incorporation
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(6) Rules of Procedure for Shareholder Meetings
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(7) Shareholdings of the Board of Directors
Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
2024 Special Shareholders' Meeting
(Common / Class E preferred / Class F preferred)
Meeting Proceedings
Time: 9:00 am, October 9, 2024
Venue: 2F, No. 118, Sec. 4, Ren-ai Rd., Taipei City, Taiwan
(Taishin Financial Holding Tower)
Convening method: physical shareholders’ meeting
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I. Commencement of meeting
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II. Chairman's speech
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III. Report items
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IV. Discussions
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V. Other Items and Special motions
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VI. Meeting ends
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[ Report items]
Agenda item #1 Proposed by the Audit Committee
- Summary: The Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Audit Committee’s Report on the Merger of Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd., reviewing the plan for the Merger and the fairness and rationality of the transaction.
Description:
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The Review Reprt is processed subject to Article 6 of the Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act.
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In accordance with the resolution passed by the Audit Committee on July 26, 2024, ChinFeng Lin from Crowe (TW) CPAs firm (hereinafter referred to as “the independent expert”) was appointed to assist in providing opinions on the fairness of the share exchange ratio in the merger plan between Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd., with the deal hereinafter being referred to as “the Merger.” The independent expert has issued a fairness opinion regarding the share exchange ratio in the Merger.
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The written opinion on the reasonableness of the share exchange ratio in the Merger and The Review Report of the Audit Committee (issued on September 11, 2024) are presented as Attachments 1 and 2, respectively.
2
[ Discussions]
Agenda item #1 Proposed by the Board of Directors
Summary: The Merger of Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
Description:
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The Merger is processed subject to the Financial Institutions Merger Act, Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act, Financial Holding Company Act, Securities and Exchange Act, and Regulations Governing the Acquisition and Disposal of Assets by Public Companies.
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In order to capture various opportunities for growth, expand the scale of the Company, sharpen competitiveness, boost performance, increase resilience, and create a new landscape for Taiwan's financial market, the Company plans to merge with Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Shin Kong FHC”).
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The summary of the merger between the Company and Shin Kong FHC is as follows:
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(1) Method of merger: In the Merger between the Company and Shin Kong FHC, the Company will be the surviving company after the Merger, and Shin Kong FHC will be the dissolved company after the Merger and will be dissolved as a result of the Merger. The name of the surviving company after the Merger will be TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
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(2) Adjustment mechanism of share exchange ratio:
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i. The Merger is to be executed through the issuance of new shares (including common shares and preferred shares) by the Company, exchanging 0.6720 common shares and 0.175 “Class H registered preferred shares” (hereinafter referred to as “Class H preferred shares”) of the Company for every one common share of Shin Kong FHC; one "Class G preferred share I” of the Company for every one “Class A preferred share” of Shin Kong FHC; and one “Class G preferred share II” of the company for every one “Class B preferred share” of Shin Kong FHC.
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ii. For details of the share exchange ratio adjustment mechanism please refer to Articles 2.3 and 2.4 of the Merger Agreement (including adjustments made in accordance with the Amendments to the Merger Agreement).
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iii. The share exchange ratio disclosed above was reviewed by the independent expert, who was appointed by the Audit Committee. She concluded that the share exchange ratio in this Merger is fair and issued an opinion letter.
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iv. If Shin Kong FHC’s shareholders acquire any odd-lot shares of less than one share, the Company will, in lieu of such odd-lot shares, pay cash to such Shin Kong FHC’s shareholders on a pro rata basis based on the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the last trading day prior to the Merger Record Date and the issue price of the Class H preferred share (fractions of NT$1 shall be rounded to the nearest NT$),
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and the Company may authorize the Chairman or his designee to approach a specific person to take up such odd-lot shares at such aforementioned market price or issue price (whichever may be applicable). In the event that there is a need to change the handling of these odd-lot shares in accordance with the laws and regulations or operational requirements, the Chairman or his delegate shall have full authority to handle the matter.
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(3) Long stop date: The Merger and the Merger Agreement must be approved by both parties’ Board Meetings in accordance with the law, and approval from the competent authority must be obtained to complete the Merger. If any of the conditions precedent are unfulfilled and have not been waived by the other party in accordance with this Agreement by December 31, 2025 (or by a date otherwise agreed by the parties in writing), the Merger Agreement shall be automatically terminated unless otherwise agreed upon by the chairpersons of the boards of directors of the parties or the designees of the chairpersons as authorized by the boards of directors of the parties.
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(4) Protection of employees: All job positions of managers and employees in Shin Kong FHC will be retained and will be handled subject to the provisions of the Financial Holding Company Act, Financial Institutions Merger Act, Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act, and relevant labor laws.
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(5) Purchase of shares from dissenting shareholders, protection of creditors, etc., will be handled in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
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The fairness of the transaction and the reasonableness of the merger plan were reviewed at the fourth meeting of the fourth term of the Audit Committee on August 22, 2024 and at the seventh meeting of the fourth term of the Audit Committee on September 11, 2024.
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To execute the Merger, in addition to matters that are legally within the rights of the Board of Directors or matters that should be decided by the Board of Directors that are stipulated in the Merger Agreement, the extraordinary shareholders' meeting is obligated to authorize the Chairman or a designated person to handle matters related to the Merger, including but not limited to signing; negotiating; revising; making changes or additions to the Merger Agreement and other documents that are related to the Merger (including employee retention and placement plans, etc.); setting, extending, and changing the merger record date and long stop date; adjusting the share exchange ratio in accordance with the common share exchange ratio adjustment formula stipulated in the Merger Agreement; negotiating with specific person(s) to acquire the odd-lot shares based on the market price and/or handling matters related to the odd-lot shares upon the acquisition of common shares and/or Class H preferred shares of the Company by Shin Kong FHC Shareholders; negotiating, adjusting, and making changes to the Merger and the Merger Agreement when the conditions precedent have not been fulfilled or have been waived by either party on the long stop date; submitting an application or report to the competent authority; and adjusting other relevant implementation
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in accordance with laws and regulations, instructions from competent authorities, or in response to changes in market environment.
- The written opinion from the independent expert on the reasonableness of the share exchange ratio in the Merger, the Review Report of the Audit Committee (issued on September 11, 2024), and the Merger Agreement (including the Amendments to the Merger Agreement) are presented as Attachments 1 to 4.
Resolution:
5
Agenda item #2 Proposed by the Board of Directors
Summary: Amendments to the “Articles of Incorporation”
Description:
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Due to the merger between the Company and Shin Kong FHC, the Board of Directors has proposed: changing the Company’s name after the Merger’s completion; raising the authorized capital of the Company; adding rights, obligations, and other important issuance conditions for Class G registered preferred shares and Class H registered preferred shares; changing Articles 1, 5, 8-4, 8-5, and 8-8 of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation; and adding Article 8-6 and 8-7 to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation.
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Below is a comparison between the original and amended terms. Please refer to Attachment 5 for the full text of the unamended “Articles of Incorporation”
Article Amended Articles Original Articles Notes Article 1 The Company is incorporated The Company is incorporated In the case of a pursuant to the Financial Holding pursuant to the Financial Holding successful merger Company Act, the Company Act, Company Act, the Company Act, of the Company and other relevant laws and and other relevant laws and and Shin Kong regulations. The name of the regulations. The name of the Financial Holding Company shall be “Taishin Company shall be “Taishin Co., Ltd., the Financial Holding Co., Ltd.” Financial Holding Co., Ltd.” Company’s name (abbreviated to “Taishin (abbreviated to “Taishin will be changed. Holdings”). Holdings”). If the Company completes a merger with Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (Shin Kong Holdings) , the Company will be renamed “TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd.” (abbreviated to “TS Holdings”) as of the record date of the merger. Amendment of this paragraph shall become effective as from the record date of the merger. Article 5 The authorized capital of the The authorized capital of the Due to the merger Company is NT$ 35 0,000,000,000, Company is NT$200,000,000,000, of the company divided into 35 billion divided into 20 billion shares at par and Shin Kong shares at par value of NT$10. The value of NT$10. The Board of FHC, the total Board of Directors is authorized to Directors is authorized to issue the capital amount issue the shares of capital in shares of capital in installments. 2 will be raised installments. 3.5 billion shares billion shares shall be reserved for from NT$ 200 shall be reserved for the Company the Company to issue shares for billion to NT$350 to issue shares for stock warrants, stock warrants, shares with billion shares with warrants or corporate warrants or corporate bonds with . bonds with warrants. warrants.
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| Article 8-4 | The Company issues 3,500,000,000 Class E registered preferred shares ("Class E preferred shares"), which may be issued in installment. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issue associated with Class E preferred shares are as follows: 1. The dividend rate for Class E preferred shares should not exceed 8.00% p.a. of the issue price. In years when there is insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class E preferred shareholders, or if the capital adequacy ratio of the Company will fall below the minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for Class E preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors, the Company may resolve not to distribute dividends, andthe unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. 2. The Company has sole discretion over the distribution of Class E preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution proposals will be devised by the board of directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the annual general meeting of shareholders for acknowledgment. Any earnings available for distribution under an acknowledged earnings distribution proposal will be distributed first to Class E preferred shares. Any |
The Company issues 3,500,000,000 Class E registered preferred shares ("Class E preferred shares"), which may be issued in installment. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issue associated with Class E preferred shares are as follows: 1. The dividend rate for Class E preferred shares should not exceed 8.00% p.a. of the issue price. In years when there is insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class E preferred shareholders, or if the capital adequacy ratio of the Company will fall below the minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for Class E preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors, the Company may resolve not to distribute dividends, andthe unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. 2. The Company has sole discretion over the distribution of Class E preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution proposals will be devised by the board of directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the annual general meeting of shareholders for acknowledgment. Any earnings available for distribution under an acknowledged earnings distribution proposal will be distributed first to Class E preferred shares. Any |
The Company issues 3,500,000,000 Class E registered preferred shares ("Class E preferred shares"), which may be issued in installment. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issue associated with Class E preferred shares are as follows: 1. The dividend rate for Class E preferred shares should not exceed 8.00% p.a. of the issue price. In years when there is insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class E preferred shareholders, the unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. 2. The Company has sole discretion over the distribution of Class E preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution proposals will be devised by the board of directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the annual general meeting of shareholders for acknowledgment. Any earnings available for distributionto preferred shares and ordinary shares under an acknowledged earnings distribution proposal will be distributed first to Class |
1. To comply with the latest updates to “Regulations Governing the Consolidated Capital Adequacy of Financial Holding Companies,” changes have been proposed to Article 8-4 of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. 2. Some of the article’s wording has been modified. |
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below the minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for Class E preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors, the Company may resolve not to |
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distribute dividends, andthe unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. The Company has sole discretion over the distribution of Class E preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution proposals will be devised by the board of directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the annual general meeting of shareholders for acknowledgment. Any earnings available for distribution under an acknowledged earnings distribution proposal will be distributed first to Class E preferred shares. Any |
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| remaining balance shall be distributed according to the Articles of Incorporation. 3. Dividends on Class E preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements have been acknowledged and earnings distributions approved during the annual general meeting of shareholders, the board of directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class E preferred share dividend. Dividends that are payable for the year of issuance shall be prorated according to the actual number of days the shares have been in circulation since the date of issue, relative to the total number of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year. 4. Except for the dividends prescribed in the three preceding subparagraphs herein, Class E preferred shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to the ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves. 5. In the event of liquidation, Class E preferred shareholders shall be given priority over ordinary shareholders when claiming the Company's remaining assets. The amount claimed shall not exceed the issuance amount of outstanding Class E preferred |
E preferred shares. Any remaining balance shall be distributed according to the Articles of Incorporation. 3. Dividends on Class E preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements have been acknowledged and earnings distributions approved during the annual general meeting of shareholders, the board of directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class E preferred share dividend. Dividends that are payable for the year of issuance shall be prorated according to the actual number of days the shares have been in circulation since the date of issue, relative to the total number of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year. 4. Except for the dividends prescribed in the three preceding subparagraphs herein, Class E preferred shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to the ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves. 5. In the event of liquidation, Class E preferred shareholders shall be given priority over ordinary shareholders when claiming the Company's remaining assets. The amount claimed shall not exceed the issuance amount of outstanding Class E preferred |
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| shares. 6. Any premium received on the issuance of Class E preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into paid-in capital during the circulation period of Class E preferred shares. 7. Class E preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, they may vote in Class E preferred shareholders’ meetings and in general shareholders’ meetings with regard to agenda items concerning the rights and obligations of Class E preferred shareholders. 8. When the Company issues new shares for capital raising, Class E preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalent to those of ordinary shareholders. 9. Seven years after the issue date, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall a portion or all of the outstanding Class E preferred shares at the issue price. The rights and obligations associated with any remaining outstanding Class E preferred shares shall continue as specified herein. 10. Matters regarding the issuance of Class E preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and the competent authority's rules. If the competent authority deems it necessary to modify the terms of issuance for Class E preferred shares, the board |
shares. 6. Any premium received on the issuance of Class E preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into paid-in capital during the circulation period of Class E preferred shares. 7. Class E preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, they may vote in Class E preferred shareholders’ meetings and in general shareholders’ meetings with regard to agenda items concerning the rights and obligations of Class E preferred shareholders. 8. When the Company issues new shares for capital raising, Class E preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalent to those of ordinary shareholders. 9. Seven years after the issue date, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall a portion or all of the outstanding Class E preferred shares at the issue price. The rights and obligations associated with any remaining outstanding Class E preferred shares shall continue as specified herein. 10. Matters regarding the issuance of Class E preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and the competent authority's rules. If the competent authority deems it necessary to modify the terms of issuance for Class E preferred shares, the board |
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| of directors is authorized to proceed accordingly. When Class E preferred shares are issued in installment within the limit described under the first paragraph, the board of directors is authorized to decide the actual number of shares, issue price, and dividend rate for each issuance according to the Company's capital plans, market conditions at the time of issuance, and the terms of issuance detailed under the preceding subparagraphs. Details of issuance by private placement or issuances involving an increased percentage of public offering shall be submitted to the shareholders’ meeting for approval. |
of directors is authorized to proceed accordingly. When Class E preferred shares are issued in installment within the limit described under the first paragraph, the board of directors is authorized to decide the actual number of shares, issue price, and dividend rate for each issuance according to the Company's capital plans, market conditions at the time of issuance, and the terms of issuance detailed under the preceding subparagraphs. Details of issuance by private placement or issuances involving an increased percentage of public offering shall be submitted to the shareholders’ meeting for approval. |
of directors is authorized to proceed accordingly. When Class E preferred shares are issued in installment within the limit described under the first paragraph, the board of directors is authorized to decide the actual number of shares, issue price, and dividend rate for each issuance according to the Company's capital plans, market conditions at the time of issuance, and the terms of issuance detailed under the preceding subparagraphs. Details of issuance by private placement or issuances involving an increased percentage of public offering shall be submitted to the shareholders’ meeting for approval. |
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| Article 8-5 | The Company issues 800,000,000 Class F registered exchangeable preferred shares ("Class F preferred shares"), which may be issued in installment. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issuance associated with Class F preferred shares are as follows: 1. The dividend rate for Class F preferred shares should not exceed 4.5% p.a. of the issue price. Unless otherwise specified by the Articles of Incorporation, in years that conclude with insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class F preferred shareholders, or if the capital adequacy ratio of the Company will fall below the minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for Class F preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors, the Company may resolve not to |
The Company issues 800,000,000 Class F registered exchangeable preferred shares ("Class F preferred shares"), which may be issued in installment. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issuance associated with Class F preferred shares are as follows: 1. The dividend rate for Class F preferred shares should not exceed 4.5% p.a. of the issue price. Unless otherwise specified by the Articles of Incorporation, in years that conclude with insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class F preferred shareholders, the unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. |
1.To comply with the latest updates to “Regulations Governing the Consolidated Capital Adequacy of Financial Holding Companies,” changes have been proposed to Article 8-5 of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. 2. In light of the Company planning to issue Class G preferred shares to replace Shin Kong FHC’s Class A and B preferred shares, the earnings |
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minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent |
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authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for |
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| Class F preferred shares, or out of consideration for other |
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| essential factors, the Company may resolve not to |
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| distribute dividends, andthe unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. 2. The Company has sole discretion on the distribution of Class F preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals will be devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to Class E preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain,to Class G preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain,to Class F preferred shares. Any remaining balance shall be distributed ordinary shares. 3. Dividends on Class F preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements have been acknowledged and the earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals approved have been approved during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class F preferred share dividend. Dividends that are payable for the year of issuance shall be prorated according to the actual number of days the shares have been in circulation since the date of issue, relative to the total number of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be |
distribute dividends, andthe unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. 2. The Company has sole discretion on the distribution of Class F preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals will be devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to Class E preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain,to Class G preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain,to Class F preferred shares. Any remaining balance shall be distributed ordinary shares. 3. Dividends on Class F preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements have been acknowledged and the earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals approved have been approved during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class F preferred share dividend. Dividends that are payable for the year of issuance shall be prorated according to the actual number of days the shares have been in circulation since the date of issue, relative to the total number of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be |
2. The Company has sole discretion on the distribution of Class F preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals will be devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to Class E preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain, to Class F preferred shares. Any remaining balance shall be distributed ordinary shares. 3. Dividends on Class F preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements have been acknowledged and the earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals approved have been approved during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class F preferred share dividend. Dividends that are payable for the year of issuance shall be prorated according to the actual number of days the shares have been in circulation since the date of issue, relative to the total number of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be |
distribution has been adjusted. |
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if any earnings remain,to Class F preferred shares. Any remaining balance shall be distributed ordinary shares. Dividends on Class F preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements have been acknowledged and the earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals approved have been approved during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class F preferred share dividend. Dividends that are payable for the year of issuance shall be prorated according to the actual number of days the shares have been in circulation since the date of issue, relative to the total number of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be |
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| calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year. 4. Except for dividends prescribed in the three preceding subparagraphs herein, Class F preferred shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves. 5. In the event of liquidation, Class F preferred shareholders shall be limited to claiming on the ordinary shares of Chang Hwa Commercial Bank Ltd owned by the Company (CHB shares). Class F preferred shareholders shall be given distribution sequence priority over ordinary shareholders. The exchange ratio of Class F preferred shares and CHB shares shall be set at 1:1. 6. Any premium received on the issue of Class F preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into paid-in capital during the circulation period of Class F preferred shares. 7. Class F preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in Shareholders’ Meetings. However, they may vote in Class F preferred shareholder meetings on amendments to the Articles of Incorporation which damage the rights of Class F preferred shareholders. The provisions governing Shareholders' Meetings shall apply. 8. When the Company issues new |
calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year. 4. Except for dividends prescribed in the three preceding subparagraphs herein, Class F preferred shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves. 5. In the event of liquidation, Class F preferred shareholders shall be limited to claiming on the ordinary shares of Chang Hwa Commercial Bank Ltd owned by the Company (CHB shares). Class F preferred shareholders shall be given distribution sequence priority over ordinary shareholders. The exchange ratio of Class F preferred shares and CHB shares shall be set at 1:1. 6. Any premium received on the issue of Class F preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into paid-in capital during the circulation period of Class F preferred shares. 7. Class F preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in Shareholders’ Meetings. However, they may vote in Class F preferred shareholder meetings on amendments to the Articles of Incorporation which damage the rights of Class F preferred shareholders. The provisions governing Shareholders' Meetings shall apply. 8. When the Company issues new |
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| shares for capital raising, Class F preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalents to those of ordinary shareholders and Class E preferred shareholders. 9. The Company may notify Class F preferred shareholders of their right to exchange Class F preferred shares for CHB shares at the exchange ratio of 1:1 from the beginning of the 8th year of issuance up to the end of the 10th year of issuance 10. Ten years after the issue date, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall all outstanding Class F preferred shares and exchange them for CHB shares at the ratio of 1:1. If the 90-business-day weighted average price of CHB shares prior to the record date is lower than the issue price, the Company shall make up the gap with cash. The specifics of the cash reimbursement shall be determined by the Board. 11. On the issue date, the Company shall set aside and deliver to the appointed custodian for safekeeping a number of CHB shares equal to that of the total number of Class F preferred shares. In the event that Class F preferred shares are redeemed, the Company shall deliver the CHB shares from the custodian to the Class F preferred shareholders. 12. In the event that Class F preferred shareholders’ equity decreases proportionally due to a reduction of share capital against cumulative losses, |
shares for capital raising, Class F preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalents to those of ordinary shareholders and Class E preferred shareholders. 9. The Company may notify Class F preferred shareholders of their right to exchange Class F preferred shares for CHB shares at the exchange ratio of 1:1 from the beginning of the 8th year of issuance up to the end of the 10th year of issuance 10. Ten years after the issue date, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall all outstanding Class F preferred shares and exchange them for CHB shares at the ratio of 1:1. If the 90-business-day weighted average price of CHB shares prior to the record date is lower than the issue price, the Company shall make up the gap with cash. The specifics of the cash reimbursement shall be determined by the Board. 11. On the issue date, the Company shall set aside and deliver to the appointed custodian for safekeeping a number of CHB shares equal to that of the total number of Class F preferred shares. In the event that Class F preferred shares are redeemed, the Company shall deliver the CHB shares from the custodian to the Class F preferred shareholders. 12. In the event that Class F preferred shareholders’ equity decreases proportionally due to a reduction of share capital against cumulative losses, |
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| Class F preferred shareholders’ equity shall be adjusted/made up for the amount decreased so that Class F preferred shareholders’ interest is maintained at the same level as when the shares were initially issued. 13.Matters regarding the issuance of Class F preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and the competent authority's rules. If the competent authority deems it necessary to modify the terms of issuance for Class F preferred shares, the Board of Directors is authorized to proceed accordingly. When Class F preferred shares are issued in installment within the limit described under the first paragraph, the Board of Directors is authorized to decide the actual number of shares, issue price, issue date, dividend rate, etc. for each issuance according to the Company's capital plans and market conditions at the time of issuance and according to the terms of issuance described under the preceding subparagraphs. |
Class F preferred shareholders’ equity shall be adjusted/made up for the amount decreased so that Class F preferred shareholders’ interest is maintained at the same level as when the shares were initially issued. 13.Matters regarding the issuance of Class F preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and the competent authority's rules. If the competent authority deems it necessary to modify the terms of issuance for Class F preferred shares, the Board of Directors is authorized to proceed accordingly. When Class F preferred shares are issued in installment within the limit described under the first paragraph, the Board of Directors is authorized to decide the actual number of shares, issue price, issue date, dividend rate, etc. for each issuance according to the Company's capital plans and market conditions at the time of issuance and according to the terms of issuance described under the preceding subparagraphs. |
Class F preferred shareholders’ equity shall be adjusted/made up for the amount decreased so that Class F preferred shareholders’ interest is maintained at the same level as when the shares were initially issued. 13.Matters regarding the issuance of Class F preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and the competent authority's rules. If the competent authority deems it necessary to modify the terms of issuance for Class F preferred shares, the Board of Directors is authorized to proceed accordingly. When Class F preferred shares are issued in installment within the limit described under the first paragraph, the Board of Directors is authorized to decide the actual number of shares, issue price, issue date, dividend rate, etc. for each issuance according to the Company's capital plans and market conditions at the time of issuance and according to the terms of issuance described under the preceding subparagraphs. |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article 8-6 | The Company issues 297,000,000 | (New) |
1. New Article. 2. Due to the Company planning to issue Class G preferred shares, Article 8-6 explains the rights, obligations, and other important terms of issue associated with Class G |
|
Class G registered preferred |
||||
shares ("Class G preferred |
||||
shares") in total, divided into |
||||
Class G preferred shares I and |
||||
Class G preferred shares II. The rights, obligations, and |
||||
other important terms of |
||||
issuance associated with Class G |
||||
| preferred shares are as follows: 1. Class G preferred shares I are |
||||
1. |
||||
issued for the purpose of |
||||
assuming Shin Kong |
||||
Holdings’ Class A preferred |
||||
shares. The rights and |
||||
obligations associated with |
- New Article. 2. Due to the Company planning to issue Class G preferred shares, Article 8-6 explains the rights, obligations, and other important terms of issue associated with Class G
14
| 2. | the issue date shall be based | preferred shares. |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| on September 27, 2019 as the | ||||
issue date. Class G preferred |
||||
shares II are issued for the |
||||
| purpose of assuming Shin | ||||
Kong Holdings’ Class B |
||||
preferred shares. The rights |
||||
and obligations associated |
||||
with the issue date shall be |
||||
| based on September 1, 2020 | ||||
as the issue date. The dividend rate of Class G |
||||
| preferred shares I is 3.8% p.a. with issue price NT$45, and the dividend rate of Class G preferred shares II is 4.00% p.a. with issue price NT$45. In years that conclude with insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class G preferred shares, or if the capital adequacy ratio of the Company will fall below the minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for Class G preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors, the Company may resolve not to distribute dividends, and the unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. 3. The Company has sole discretion on the distribution of Class G preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution proposals will be devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Once the aforementioned proposal is |
preferred shares I is 3.8% p.a. | |||
with issue price NT$45, and |
||||
the dividend rate of Class G |
||||
| preferred shares II is 4.00% | ||||
p.a. with issue price NT$45. |
||||
In years that conclude with |
||||
insufficient or no surplus to |
||||
fully pay off dividends for |
||||
Class G preferred shares, or if |
||||
the capital adequacy ratio of |
||||
the Company will fall below |
||||
the minimum requirement |
||||
prescribed by laws and |
||||
regulations or the competent |
||||
authority as a result of the |
||||
distribution of dividends for |
||||
| Class G preferred shares, or | ||||
out of consideration for other |
||||
| essential factors, the |
||||
Company may resolve not to |
||||
distribute dividends, and the |
||||
unpaid dividend will not be |
||||
carried forward to years with |
||||
| of Class G preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution proposals will be |
||||
devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with |
||||
| Article 40-1 of the Articles of | ||||
| Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Once the aforementioned proposal is |
15
acknowledged, earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to Class E preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain, to Class G preferred shares I, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class G preferred shares II. 4. Dividends on Class G preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's account statements and the earnings distribution proposals have been acknowledged during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class G preferred share dividend, based on which to pay the dividends distributable for the previous year. Notwithstanding, if, in the year in which the record date of the merger falls, Shin Kong Holdings’ original Class A preferred shared and Class B preferred shares - have participated in ex dividend and Shin Kong Holdings has distributed dividends, Class G preferred shares may no longer participate in the Company’s distribution of dividends in the current year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year. 5. Except for dividends prescribed in the preceding four subparagraphs herein, Class G preferred
16
shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves. 6. In the event of liquidation, Class G preferred shareholders shall be given priority over ordinary shareholders when claiming the Company's remaining assets. The amount claimed shall not exceed the issuance amount of outstanding Class G preferred shares. 7. Any premium received on the issue of Class G preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into - paid in capital during the circulation period of Class G preferred shares. 8. Class G preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, they may vote in Class G preferred shareholders’ meetings and in general shareholders’ meetings with regard to agenda items concerning the rights and obligations of Class G preferred shareholders. 9. When the Company issues new shares for capital raising, Class G preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalent to those of ordinary shareholders. 10. Seven years after the issue date September 27, 2019, the
17
| Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall a portion or all of the outstanding Class G preferred shares I at the issue price. Seven years after the issue date September 1, 2020, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall a portion or all of the outstanding Class G preferred shares II at the issue price. The rights and obligations associated with any remaining outstanding Class G preferred shares shall continue as specified herein. 11. Matters regarding the issuance of Class G preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and the competent authority's rules. If the competent authority deems it necessary to modify the terms of issuance for Class G preferred shares, the Board of Directors is authorized to proceed accordingly. |
Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall a |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
portion or all of the outstanding Class G preferred shares I at the issue price. Seven years after |
||||
the issue date September 1, 2020, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall a portion or |
||||
all of the outstanding Class G |
||||
shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and the competent authority's rules. |
||||
If the competent authority deems it necessary to modify |
||||
the terms of issuance for Class G preferred shares, the |
||||
Board of Directors is authorized to proceed accordingly. |
||||
| Article 8-7 | The Company issues |
(New) |
1. New Article. 2. Due to the Company planning to issue Class H preferred shares, Article 8-7 explains the rights, obligations, and other important terms of issue associated with Class H |
|
3,099,683,861 Class H registered |
||||
preferred shares ("Class H |
||||
preferred shares"), with a par |
||||
value of NT$ 10 each. The rights, |
||||
obligations, and other important |
||||
terms of issuance associated with |
||||
| Class H preferred shares are as | ||||
follows: 1. Class H preferred shares are issued at their par value. The dividend rate of Class H preferred shares is 1.665% p.a. In years that conclude with insufficient or no |
||||
| **1. ** |
18
| surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class H preferred shares, or if the capital adequacy ratio of the Company will fall below the minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for Class H preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors, the unpaid dividends or under- distributed dividends should be accumulated to and made up in years with earnings thereafter. 2. The earnings distribution proposals of Class H preferred share dividends will be devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Once the aforementioned proposal is acknowledged, earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to Class E preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain, to Class G preferred shares I, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class G preferred shares II, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class F preferred shares, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class H preferred shares for the dividends for such year and the accumulated unpaid or under-distributed dividends in each previous year. Any remaining balance shall be distributed to ordinary shares. |
surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class H preferred shares, or if the capital adequacy ratio of the Company will fall below the minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for Class H preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors, the unpaid dividends or under- distributed dividends should be accumulated to and made up in years with earnings thereafter. 2. The earnings distribution proposals of Class H preferred share dividends will be devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Once the aforementioned proposal is acknowledged, earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to Class E preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain, to Class G preferred shares I, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class G preferred shares II, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class F preferred shares, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class H preferred shares for the dividends for such year and the accumulated unpaid or under-distributed dividends in each previous year. Any remaining balance shall be distributed to ordinary shares. |
preferred shares. |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and |
||||
then submitted to the Annual |
||||
| General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Once the aforementioned proposal is acknowledged, earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to |
||||
Class E preferred shares and |
||||
then, if any earnings remain, |
||||
to Class G preferred shares I, |
||||
and then, if any earnings remain, to Class G preferred |
||||
shares II, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class F preferred shares, and then, if |
||||
any earnings remain, to Class H preferred shares for |
||||
the dividends for such year and the accumulated unpaid |
||||
or under-distributed dividends in each previous year. Any remaining balance |
||||
shall be distributed to ordinary shares. |
19
3. Dividends on Class H preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements and the earnings distribution proposals have been acknowledged during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class H preferred share dividend, based on which to pay the dividends that should be distributed for the last year and the accumulated unpaid or under-distributed dividends in each previous year. In the year of issuance, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated starting from the issue date (capital increase record date) based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year. Upon or after redemption of Class H preferred shares, the Company should make up the accumulated unpaid dividends in full in such year or in the years after based on the order of priority for dividend distribution set - forth in the preceding sub paragraph. 4. Except for dividends prescribed in the preceding three subparagraphs herein, Class H preferred shareholders are not entitled
20
to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves. 5. In the event of liquidation, Class H preferred shareholders shall be given priority over ordinary shareholders when claiming the Company's remaining assets. The amount claimed shall not exceed the issuance amount of outstanding Class H preferred shares. 6. Class H preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, they may vote in Class H preferred shareholders’ meetings and in general shareholders’ meetings with regard to agenda items concerning the rights and obligations of Class H preferred shareholders. 7. When the Company issues new shares for capital raising, Class H preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalent to those of ordinary shareholders. - 8. Upon expiry of a three year period from the issue date, the Company will recall all of the outstanding Class H preferred shares at the issue price. 9. Matters regarding the issuance of Class H preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and
21
| regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and the competent authority's rules. |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
If the competent authority deems it necessary to modify |
||||
the terms of issuance for Class H preferred shares, the |
||||
Board of Directors is authorized to proceed accordingly. |
||||
| Article 8-8 | Unless otherwise prescribed by law or stipulated in the Articles of Incorporation, the Company shall ensure that all shareholders are granted the same rights to participate in the distribution in the event that the Company wishes to return capital by means of capital allocation or reduction, or if it wishes to make exceptional cash payments for reasons other than earnings distribution. |
Unless otherwise prescribed by law or stipulated in the Articles of Incorporation, the Company shall ensure that all shareholders are granted the same rights to participate in the distribution in the event that the Company wishes to return capital by means of capital allocation or reduction, or if it wishes to make exceptional cash payments for reasons other than earnings distribution. |
Due to the addition of Article 8-6 and 8-7 of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, the original Article 8- 6 has become Article 8-8. |
Resolution:
22
[Other Items and Special motion]
23
1
【 Attachment 1 】
The written opinion on the reasonableness of Share Exchange Ratio in the Merger of Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
2
The written opinion on the reasonableness of Share Exchange Ratio (or this “Opinion”) in the merger of Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (Summary)
(This Opinion is originally prepared in Mandarin. Should any conflict or discrepancy arise between the Mandarin version of this Opinion and any other translation, the Mandarin version shall prevail.)
Recipient: The Audit Committee of Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
Subject: Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred the "Taishin FHC”) and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred the " Shin Kong FHC ") is conducting a merger by share exchange (the “Meger”), and accordingly has appointed this accountant (the “Independent Expert”) to issue a fairness opinion on the share exchange ratio of the Merger. Since Shin Kong FHC’s market value has undergone major changes after the issuance of the prior fairness opinion letter, the Independent Expert’s appointment has subsequently been revised in accordance with Article 8 of the "Expert Opinion Issuance Guidelines ".
Explanation:
-
Taishin FHC plans to merge with Shin Kong FHC through the share exchange, to expand its business scale, to improve its operating performance, and to enhance its overall competitiveness in the financial market. The following summary of this Opinion is prepared in accordance to Announcement No. 1120005564, of the " Expert Opinion Issuance Guidelines " released by Taiwan Securities Exchange Co., Ltd. on April 24, 2023:
-
The appointer and the recipient of the reasonableness review opinion: Taishin FHC’s Audit Committee
-
Appointment scope : Assess the reasonableness of the share exchange ratio of the Merger.
-
Relevant Laws and Regulations: Financial Institutions Merger Act, the Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act, Securities and Exchange Act, the Financial Supervisory Commission’s " Regulations Governing the Acquisition and Disposal of
3
Assets by Public Companies " and other relevant laws and regulations .
-
The basis of reference for the appointer's price decision: the evaluation reports by other appointed experts, comprehensive assessment results of merger synergies and strategic rationales of the transaction.
-
This Opinion utilizes financial data of Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC as March 31, 2024 and market price over a specific period prior to August 9, 2024 as bases for valuations. On August 14, 2024 the Independent Expert issued a prior letter in support of the share exchange ratio of one common share of Shin Kong FHC in exchange for 0.6022 of Taishin FHC’s common shares. The prior report also supports a range between 0.5505 shares and 0.6383 shares of Taishin FHC’s common shares for one common share of Shin Kong FHC reasonable range for the aforementioned share exchange ratio. The prior report also supports the exchange of 1 share of Taishin FHC's "Class G Preferred Shares I" for each Shin Kong FHC’s "Class A Preferred shares" and 1 share of Taishin FHC's "Class G Preferred Shares II" for each Shin Kong FHC’s "Class B Preferred shares" as reasonable. The merger of Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC is a consensual merger as it is approved by the board of directors of both Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC on August 22, 2024.
After the issuance of the prior opinion letter, on August 23, 2024 CTBC Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (“CTBC FHC”) passed a resolution by its board of directors to solicit approval from the Financial Supervisory Commission for it to acquire Shin Kong FHC via a public tender offer. Considering the significant changes in Shin Kong FHC’s stock price since the development and and also considering changes in the respective networth of Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC per second quarter 2024 financial reports , the Independent Expert reissues this Opinion as of September 6, 2024.
◼ Conclusion
This Opinion is based on financial data of Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC as of June 30, 2024 and the market price for a specific period prior to September 6, 2024. The methodologies utilized in this Opinion are “Market Price” method and “Market
4
Comparables” approach. The Independent Experts considers the share exchange ratio of one Shin Kong FHC’s common share in exchange of 0.6720 of Taishin FHC’s common shares plus 0.175 of Taishin FHC’s "Class H Preferred Shares" (to be issued)as reasonable as it is within the updated range of reasonable share exchange ratios after accounting for major changes outlined in previous paragraph.
In addition, Shin Kong FHC has issued, and in circulation, 297,000,000 of preferred shares. Taishin FHC intends to issue a total of 297,000,000 "Class G Preferred Shares" (hereinafter referred to as "Class G Preferred Shares"), whinin which the "Class G Preferred Shares I" is intended to be exchanged for Shin Kong FHC’s "Class A Preferred shares" with the rights and obligations dating from September 27, 2019; "Class G Preferred Shares II" is intended to be exchanged for Shin Kong FHC’s "Class B Preferred shares" with rights and obligations dating from September 1, 2020. Since the amount and conditions of the preferred shares to be issued by Taishin FHC are the same as those corresponding originalissuances by Shin Kong FHC, the 1:1 share exchange ratio for these preferred shares is deemed reasonable.
- This Opinion on the reasonableness of the share exchange ratio is to be used as a decision making reference for Taishin FHC’s internal evaluation, and fir its audit committee, board of directors and shareholders’ meetingonly; it is not to be used for any other purposes. Taishin FHC should carefully evaluate other factors that may impact the decision making in relation to this transaction. This Opinion does not provide specific recommendation to the transaction.
Crowe (TW) CPAs
Accountant: Lin, Chin-Feng
Date: September 11, 2024
5
Main context of the opinion
-
Description of appointment scope
-
(1) Basis of share exchange ratio reasonableness assessment
Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC are both listed companies, and both have actively traded market prices. The reference basis for this Opion includes evaluation reports by other appointed experts, a comprehensive assessment of merger synergies and strategic rationales behind the transaction. The prior report was based on financial results as of March 31, 2024 as the appraisal base date. Due to the emergence of another bidder in the market, the stock price of Shin Kong FHC fluctuated significantly. The merger consideration was subsequently adjusted to support achieving the potential synergy and
the strategic visions of the Merger.
- (2) Evaluation Target
Share exchange ratio between Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC.
- (3) Evaluation Reference Date
This Opinion is based on financial data as of June 30, 2024 and market price for a specific period prior to September 6, 2024.
- (4) Evaluation Standard
Market value is used as the valuation standard.
According to the Valuation Standards No. 4 "Valuation Process", market value refers to the appraisal of an asset / liability exchange on the valuation date between buyers and sellers who are willing to complete a ordinary transactionon a prudent, fully understanding relevant facts, unforced,and after appropriate marketing activities basis.
(5) Valuation Premise
The assumed scenario in which the evaluated entities may be used. This Opinion assumes the scenario of continuing operations for evaluated entities for valuation purpose.
6
(6) Valuation Procedures
The valuation procedures the Independent Expert utilized for this Opion is based on the provisions of the "Expert Opinion Issuance Guidelines" and considers independently obatined publically informations to analyze the valuation targets’ past and current operations. This Opinion also takes into accounts of macroeconomy, industry andmarket capital conditions, relevant laws and other information in deriving the conclusion.
(7) Information Sources
The main sources of data for the valuation are as follows:
-
Official Website of Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC
-
MOPS
-
Taiwan Stock Exchange(TWSE)
4. Taipei Exchange(TPEx)
- Additional data sources relevant to this valuation are detailed in the respective
sections where the information is used.
- (8) Assumptions and Limitations of Valuation
Please refer to Appendix 1
7
2. Overview of the evalued Companies
Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
(1) Company background
Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWSE: 2887) was established via the merger of Taishin International Bank Co., Ltd. and Dah An Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. pursuant to the Financial Holding Company Act on February 18, 2002. Taishin International Bank is the surviving company after the merger and Taishin FHC was formed and listed on the same day. As a financial holding company, Taishin FHC’s business activity is limited to investment and management of invested enterprises. Taishin FHC subsequently acquired the control right -- through ways of share swap, share purchase and establishment – over Taishin Securities Co., Ltd., Taishin Asset Management Co., Ltd., Taishin Venture Capital Co., Ltd., Taishin Securities Investment Advisory Co., Ltd., Taishin Securities Investment Trust Co., Ltd. and Taishin Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
(2) Financial information
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
Unit: NTD million
| Period ended Item |
June 30,2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
December 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTEREST INCOME | 42,460 | 74,097 | 46,392 |
| INTEREST EXPENSES | (25,567) | (43,769) | (17,169) |
| NET INTEREST INCOME | 16,893 | 30,328 | 29,223 |
| NET REVENUE AND GAINS | 42,684 | 69,918 | 66,442 |
| NET INCOME | 10,577 | 14,604 | 14,856 |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Owners ofparent |
10,576 | 14,602 | 14,864 |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Non-controlling interests |
1 | 2 | (8) |
Source: MOPS, 2024Q2 Financial Statements and the accountants review and
organize the financial statements for each year
8
Condensed Balance Sheet
Unit: NTD million
| Period ended Item |
June 30,2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
December 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | 3,237,695 | 3,035,951 | 2,764,805 |
| Total Liabilities | 3,017,572 | 2,819,389 | 2,561,911 |
| Total Equity | 220,123 | 216,562 | 202,894 |
| Attributable to parent Equity Company Shareholder’s Equity |
220,097 | 216,535 | 202,868 |
Less:Unrealized Gains and Losses onFinancial Asset Measured at FVOCI |
(1,021) | (987) | (3,800) |
Less:Other Comprehensive IncomeReclassified under the Overlay Approach |
2,480 | 215 | (3,637) |
| Adjusted Net Worth | 218,638 | 217,307 | 210,305 |
| Preferred Equity | 45,295 | 45,295 | 45,295 |
| Adjusted Equity for Common Shares | 173,343 | 172,012 | 165,010 |
| Non-controlling Interests | 26 | 27 | 26 |
| Source: MOPS, 2024Q2 Financial Statements and the accountants review and |
organize the financial statements for each year
Note: As of June 30, 2024, the total number of ordinary shares of Taishin FHC was 12,477,062 thousand shares, and the total number of ordinary shares issued by the capital increase due to the dividend of shares to be
distributed under the share capital account was 499,082 thousand shares, which was changed and registered by the Ministry of Economic Affairs on August 14, 2024, and the number of ordinary shares after the change totaled 12,976,144 thousand shares.
Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
(1) Company background
Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWSE: 2888) was established by Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred the "Shin Kong Life”) and
9
Taiwan Shin Kong Security Co., Ltd. through a stock swap on February 19, 2002 and becoming a financial holding company and listed on the same day. Its main business is financial holding industry, which is limited to investment and management of invested enterprises. To expand the business scale and maximize the effectiveness and competitiveness of financial institutions, the company is subsequently acquired the control right through the way of share swap and share purchase on Taiwan Shin Kong Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred the “Taiwan Shin Kong Commercial Bank”) and Shin Kong Venture Capital International Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred the “Shin Kong Venture Capital”), Shin Kong Property Insurance Agency Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred the “Shin Kong Property Insurance Agency”) and MasterLink Securities Corporation (hereinafter referred the “MasterLink Securities”) and other companies. Please refer to Appendix 2 for a summary table of subsidiaries of Shin Kong Financial Holdings Co., Ltd.
(2) Financial information
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
| Condensed Consolidated Income Statement | Condensed Consolidated Income Statement | Condensed Consolidated Income Statement | Condensed Consolidated Income Statement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit: NTD million | |||
| Period ended Item |
June 30,2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
December 31, 2022 |
| INTEREST INCOME | 67,049 | 131,452 | 120,790 |
| INTEREST EXPENSES | (10,373) | (17,615) | (8,814) |
| NET INTEREST INCOME | 56,676 | 113,837 | 111,976 |
| NET REVENUE AND GAINS | 31,590 | 25,405 | 100,908 |
| NET INCOME | 20,534 | (7,324) | 2,169 |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Owners ofparent |
20,487 | (7,409) | 2,087 |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Non-controlling interests |
47 | 85 | 82 |
| Source: MOPS, 2024Q2 Financial Statements and the accountants review and |
organize the financial statements for each year
10
Condensed Balance Sheet
Unit: NTD million
| Period ended Item |
June 30,2024 | December 31, 2023 |
December 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | 5,108,803 | 4,952,418 | 4,850,699 |
| Total Liabilities | 4,838,585 | 4,706,338 | 4,638,569 |
| Total Equity | 270,218 | 246,080 | 212,130 |
| Attributable to parent Equity Company Shareholder’s Equity |
269,805 | 245,647 | 211,721 |
Less:Unrealized Gainsand Losses on Financial Asset Measured at FVOCI |
(1,357) | (4,203) | (18,859) |
Less:OtherComprehensive Income Reclassified under the Overlay Approach |
(20,912) | (20,405) | (43,101) |
| Adjusted Net Worth | 292,074 | 270,255 | 273,681 |
| Preferred Equity | 13,365 | 13,365 | 13,365 |
| Adjusted Equity for Common Shares |
278,709 | 256,890 | 260,316 |
| Non-controlling Interests | 413 | 433 | 409 |
| Source: MOPS, 2024Q2 Financial Statements and the accountants review |
and organize the financial statements for each year
3. Industry Analysis
According to the 2023 annual report of Taishin FHC global economy continued to be affected by high inflation and high interest rates. The U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank raised interest rates to the highest levels in more than 20 years. The high interest rate environment not only suppressed debt-financed consumption in households and investments in businesses, but also increased the cost of refinancing existing debts, leading to a gradual slowdown of economic activities. As a result, core inflation rates fell at a faster rate in the second half of 2023 in Europe and USA.
11
Taiwan's economic performance in 2023 was affected by high global inflation, which suppressed demand for consumer goods, leading to a sharp decline in foreign demand. Only domestic consumption remained relatively stable. However, following the rise of AI applications in the second half of 2023, demand for AIrelated computer hardware surged, and, as the inventory of consumer goods returned to a healthy level, demand for Taiwan's exports recovered. The decline of exports and foreign orders narrowed month after month, until the Monitoring Indicator finally turned away from blue. Looking forward to 2024, global demand for consumer goods will again increase, and, although rising electricity fees will force higher inflation and the Taiwan Central Bank may increase interest rates, Taishin FHC nevertheless foresees a continued recovery in Taiwan’s economy.
In 2023, the pre-tax profit of Taiwan's financial industry was NT$703.6 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 46.7%. In particular, the banking industry benefited from widened interest spread and foreign exchange swap transactions. When combined with fee income and capital market gains, the banking industry reported 17.0% higher pre-tax profits, reaching NT$505.7 billion. The securities industry generated higher brokerage income, reporting a 51.0% increase in pre-tax profits to reach NT$99.8 billion. Finally, the insurance industry is recovering from excessive losses caused by COVID-19 claims and has returned to a profitable state: despite increasing hedging costs and NTD appreciations, industry pre-tax profits swung from negative NT$18.6 billion to positive NT$98.1 billion.
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Evaluation of the share exchange ratio reasonableness
-
(1) Share exchange merger structure
Taishin FHC plans to merge with Shin Kong FHC through the share exchange, to expand its business scale, to improve its operating performance, and to enhance its overall competitiveness in the financial market. Taishin FHC will be the surviving company and Shin Kong FHC will be the dissolved company. The merger is expected to be processed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations after it is approved by the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting and approved by the competent authority.
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The number of outstanding common shares and preferred shares issued by Shin Kong FHC is 15,487,629,000 shares and 297,000,000 shares, respectively. Considering the newly issued 1,670,000,000 of common shares in relation to capital injection on August 7, 2024 (issue price at NTD 8.3 per share), the number of outstanding common shares and preferred shares is 17,157,629,000 shares and 297,000,000 shares, respectively, post the issuance
Taishin FHC will issue new common shares and new preferred shares as merger considerations. Shin Kong FHC’s every one common share will be exchanged for 0.175 Class H Preferred Shares to be issued by Taishin FHC plus 0.6720 shares of Taishin FHC’ common shares. In addition, Taishin FHC plans to issue a total of 297,000,000 registered preferred shares G to convert the Shin Kong FHC 297,000,000 preferred shares A and B in total, which are the same amount and conditions as the preferred shares originally issued by Shin Kong FHC.
- (2) Explanation on the evaluation basis for calculation of share exchange ratio
Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC are both listed companies, and both have actively traded market prices. The reference bases for Taishin FHC ' decision on the share exchange ratio are evaluation reports of other experts appointed. The Independent Expert conducted review based on relevant information, transaction conditions and also information provided by Taishin FHC. The results of the review and the evaluation of the share exchange ratio’s reasonableness are summarized as follows.
-
(3) Explanation on evaluation basis for calculating the share exchange ratio
-
With reference to Article 23 of the Valuation Standards No. 4, valuators should use professional judgment, consider the nature of the valuation case and all possible valuation methods, and adopt one or more valuation methods that can best reasonably reflect the value of the valuation target. Commonly used valuation methods for individual asset or liability include market approach, income approach and cost approach; commonly used valuation methods for enterprise valuation include market price approach, market approach, income approach and asset approach, which are explained as below:
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-
i. Market price approach: It is the average market closing price for a period of time before the valuation date, which is used as a reference for calculating the reasonable stock value of the valuation object.
-
ii. Market approach: Including the guideline public company method and the guideline transactions method. According to Article 24 of Valuation Standards No. 4, market approach is based on the transaction price of comparable target and considers the difference between the valuation target and the comparable target, estimate the value of the valuation target with an appropriate multiplier.
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iii. Asset approach: According to Article 29 of Valuation Standard No. 4, the asset approach is to evaluate the total value of individual assets and liabilities to reflect the overall value of the enterprise. The asset approach estimates the consideration required to restructure or obtain the valuation target under the assumption of continuing operations. When using the asset approach to evaluate, the balance sheet of the evaluation target should be used as the basis, and off-balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet liabilities should be considered to evaluate the overall value of the enterprise. This is usually applicable to companies whose assets account for a high value of the enterprise or liquidate companies. Since Taishin FHC refers to financial review and valuation report issued by other appointed experts to set the share exchange ratio and the reports from other experts are limited to Taishin FHC internal evaluate use only. Therefore, the Independent Expert cannot refer to the report to value the company by asset approach.
-
iv. Income approach: According to Article 26 of Valuation Standard No. 4, the income approach is based on the future flow of benefits created by the valuation target, and converts the future flow of benefits into the valuation target through the process of capitalization or discounting. Evaluators who use the income approach to define the benefit flow and use the capitalization interest rate or discount rate corresponding to the benefit flow. Since the financial forecast information of Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC cannot be
14
obtained from public information, the income approach is not applicable.
- Valuation of Equity Value
(1) Taishin FHC
1.Valuation of Market Price Method
Taishin FHC is a listed company, with objectively available market trading prices. This opinion is based on the average market closing prices for trading days up to the valuation date, September 6, 2024 (excluding that day).
Unit:NTD
| Item | Average closing price |
The range of estimated priceper share |
|---|---|---|
| Average closing price of the **previous 10 days ** |
18.79 | 18.79~19.05 |
| Average closing price of the **previous 30 days ** |
18.87 | |
| Average closing price of the **previous 60 days ** |
19.05 | |
| Average closing price of the **previous 90 days ** |
18.89 |
Source: The closing price of the TWSE is calculated using the simple arithmetic mean.
2. Valuation of Market Approach
The market approach includes the guideline public company method and the guideline transactions method. Due to the rarity of merger transactions among financial holding companies in Taiwan, the Market approach is not applicable.
Currently, there are 15 financial holding companies in Taiwan and 14 of them are listed on the TWSE. Taishin FHC primarily operates in banking and life insurance, so the analysis excludes companies with a low proportion of life insurance or those primarily engaged in securities. Four comparable
15
companies were selected for this analysis. Their financial and business information can be found in Attachment 3.
Commonly used indicators in practice include Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio, Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio, Enterprise Value-to-Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EV/EBIT) ratio, and Enterprise Value-to-Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Depreciation (EV/EBITD) ratio. Given the cyclical nature of earnings in the financial industry, which is sensitive to economic cycles and market fluctuations, and referencing the scholar Aswath Damodaran's opinion that market multiples are not applicable for financial industry valuations, this case uses the Comparable Company Method based on the Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio for evaluating equity value.
(1) Business information of comparable companies
| Name | Ticker | Subsidiaries |
|---|---|---|
| CTBC FHC | 2891 | CTBC Bank Co., Ltd., CTBC Securities Co., Ltd., CTBC Venture Capital Co., Ltd., CTBC Asset Management Co., Ltd., CTBC Security Co., Ltd., Taiwan Lottery Co., Ltd., CTBC Investments Co., Ltd., Taiwan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. |
| Hua Nan FHC |
2880 | Hua Nan Commercial Bank Co., Ltd., South China Insurance Company Co., Ltd., EnTrust Securities ., Ltd., Hua Nan Investment Trust Corp., Hua Nan Venture Capital Co., Ltd., Hua Nan Assets Management Co., Ltd. |
| First FHC | 2892 | First Commercial Bank Co., Ltd., First Life Insurance Co., Ltd., First Securities Incorporation, First Securities Investment Trust Co., Ltd., First Venture Capital Co., Ltd., First Financial Assets Management Co., Ltd., First Financial Management Consulting Co., Ltd. |
| Taiwan Cooperative FHC |
5880 | Taiwan Cooperative Bank Co., Ltd., Taiwan Cooperative Bills Finance Co., Ltd., Taiwan Cooperative Securities Co., Ltd., Co-operative Assets Management Co., Ltd., Taiwan Cooperative Securities Investment Trust Co., Ltd., TCB Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Taiwan Cooperative Venture Capital Co., Ltd. |
Source: Financial Supervisory Commission
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(2) Financial information of the guideline public company method
Considering that all comparable companies have life insurance subsidiaries and following the International Financial Reporting Standard 9 “Financial Instruments” (IFRS 9), which requires financial assets to be classified based on the business model for managing the assets and the characteristics of their contractual cash flows into categories such as amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI), or fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), the accounting treatment for insurance assets and liabilities might be inappropriate due to IFRS 17 “Insurance Contracts” not yet in effect. Market interest rate fluctuations cause volatility in the profits and net worth of the insurance industry. Therefore, for the comparable companies, the equity as of June 30, 2024 on audit financial statement, is adjusted by subtracting the "financial asset or financial liability at fair value through profit or loss " and "losses on reclassification under overlay approach" under "other equity" to serve as the basis for valuation calculations.
Unit: NTD million
| Item | CTBC FHC |
Hua Nan FHC |
First FHC | Taiwan Cooperative FHC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticker | 2891 | 2880 | 2892 | 5880 |
| Total Assets | 8,504,875 | 4,172,633 | 4,619,024 | 4,913,214 |
| Total equity attributable to owners of parent. |
454,780 | 207,979 | 254,336 | 244,503 |
| Less:Unrealized Gains and Losses on Financial Asset Measured at FVOCI |
6,695 |
(8,551) | 17,816 | (8,271) |
| Less:Other Comprehensive Income Reclassified under the Overlay Approach |
(19,803) |
614 | 860 | 201 |
| Adjusted Net Worth | 467,888 | 215,916 | 235,660 | 252,573 |
| Preferred Equity | 29,999 | - | - | - |
| Adjusted Equity for Common Shares |
437,889 | 215,916 | 235,660 | 252,573 |
| Number of common shares | 19,621,110 | 13,642,746 | 13,620,146 | 14,709,382 |
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| (thousands of shares) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock dividends (thousand shares) |
- | 136,427 | 408,604 | 514,828 |
| Proposed number of common shares (thousands of shares) |
19,621,110 | 13,779,173 | 14,028,750 | 15,224,210 |
| Net value per share of common stock (yuan) |
22.32 | 15.67 | 16.80 | 16.59 |
Source: MOPS, TWSE, Financial Information of the guideline public company method on June 30, 2024.
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(3) Stock price of the guideline public company method
-
A. Average Closing Price of comparable companies
Unit: NTD
| Item | CTBC FHC |
Hua Nan FHC |
First FHC |
Taiwan Cooperative FHC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticker | 2891 | 2880 | 2892 | 5880 |
| Closing price on the valuation base day |
32.90 | 25.50 | 27.05 | 25.70 |
| Average closing price of the previous 10 days |
32.79 |
25.43 | 27.09 | 25.72 |
| Average closing price of the previous 30 days |
33.97 |
26.25 | 27.58 | 26.10 |
| Average closing price of the previous 60 days |
36.04 |
26.49 | 28.01 | 26.18 |
| Average closing price of the previous 90 days |
36.19 |
26.06 | 27.95 | 26.20 |
Source: MOPS, TWSE, Market price information before September 6, 2024.
B. Average Price‐to‐Book Ratios Approach
| Item | CTBC FHC |
Hua Nan FHC |
First FHC |
Taiwan Cooperative FHC |
Average Price‐to‐ Book ratios Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticker | 2891 | 2880 | 2892 | 5880 | |
| Adjusted Equity per common share |
22.32 | 15.67 | 16.80 | 16.59 | |
| P/B of average | 1.47x | 1.62x | 1.61x | 1.55x | 1.56x |
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| closing price of the previous 10 days |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P/B of average closing price of the previous 30 days |
1.52x | 1.68x | 1.64x | 1.57x | 1.60x |
| P/B average closing price of the previous 60 days |
1.61x | 1.69x | 1.67x | 1.58x | 1.64x |
| P/B of average closing price of the previous 90 days |
1.62x | 1.66x | 1.66x | 1.58x | 1.63x |
Source: MOPS, TWSE, Market price information before September 6, 2024.
The average price-to-book ratio for comparable companies was calculated based on the average closing prices over the 10, 30, 60, and 90 trading days preceding the valuation date. This was used to assess the reasonable market value of Taishin FHC's common stock per share, as shown in the table below:
Unit: NTD
| Item | Comparable companies average price to book value ratio (A) |
Taishin FHC | Taishin FHC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted net value per share of common stock(B) |
The range of estimated price per share (C=A*B) |
||
| Average closing price of the previous **10 days ** |
1.56x | 13.36 | 20.84 |
| Average closing price of the previous **30 days ** |
1.60x | 13.36 | 21.38 |
| Average closing price of the previous **60 days ** |
1.64x | 13.36 | 21.91 |
| Average closing price of theprevious |
1.63x | 13.36 | 21.78 |
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90 days
- Note 1:The Price‐to‐Book Ratios Approach estimates the fair market price per share by multiplying the average price-to-book ratio of comparable companies by the book value per share of Taishin FHC
Note 2:The book value per share of common stock is based on the equity as of June 30, 2024.
- 3.The value of the preferred shares that Taishin Financial Holdings plans to exchange for each ordinary share of Shin Kong Financial Holdings
Taishin FHC plans to issue Class H Preferred Shares as part of the merger consideration; the issuance price per share is 10, the issuance period is 3 years, and the annual dividend interest rate is 1.665%. Considering its issuance conditions and characteristics, this case is based on cash flow discount Calculate the equity value of preferred shares using the DCF method.
The discount rate should consider the risk of the target. In enterprise evaluation, the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of the entire enterprise is often used as the discount rate. WACC is the weighted sum of equity capital cost (Ke) and debt capital cost (Kd). The basic assumption of WACC is that the company uses equity securities and bonds for financing at the same time. Therefore, it is not only necessary to estimate the equity capital cost, but also to estimate the liability capital cost. In this case, since the debt capital costs of comparable companies could not be fully obtained, the preferred shares were calculated using the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) as the discount rate. The discount rate for the preferred shares issued by Taishin Financial Holdings was evaluated to be 4.19%. The fair value of the preferred shares is $9.30. Please see Appendix 5.
4.Equity value of Taishin FHC’ common shares
Taishin FHC is a listed company, with objectively available market trading prices. Therefore, the market price method is given a 70% weight to
20
calculate the reasonable range of estimated price per share as follows:
Unit: NTD
| Valuation Summary |
Valuation method | Valuation method | Weight | Estimated price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The range of estimated price per share |
Market price method |
Average Closing Price |
70% | 18.79~19.05 |
| Market approach -The guideline public company method |
Average Price‐to‐ Book Ratios Approach |
30% | 20.84~21.91 | |
| Conclusion of the range of estimated price per share |
19.41~19.91 |
(2) Shin Kong FHC
- Valuation of Market price method
Shin Kong FHC is a listed company, with objectively available market trading prices. This opinion is based on the average market closing prices for trading days up to the valuation date, September 6, 2024 (excluding that day).
Unit: NTD
| Unit: NTD | ||
|---|---|---|
| Item | Average closing price |
The range of estimated priceper share |
| Average closing price of the **previous 10 days ** |
12.89 | 10.30~12.89 |
| Average closing price of the **previous 30 days ** |
11.53 | |
| Average closing price of the **previous 60 days ** |
10.94 | |
| Average closing price of the **previous 90 days ** |
10.30 |
Source: The closing price of the TWSE is calculated using the simple arithmetic mean.
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2. Valuation of Market Approach
The insurance business as the main business of Shin Kong FHC, it can be compared to the financial holding companies whose main business is insurance business or the insurance companies. The following 4 companies are been selected as comparable companies.
- (1) Business information of comparable companies
| Name | Ticker | Subsidiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Fubon FHC | 2881 |
Fubon Insurance Co., Ltd., Fubon Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank Co., Ltd., Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Fubon Securities Co., Ltd.,、Fubon Assets Investment Co., Ltd., Fubon Financial Holding Venture Capital Co., Ltd., Fubon AMC, Ltd、Fubon Direct MarketingConsultingCo., Ltd. |
| Cathay FHC |
2882 | Cathay Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Cathay Century Insurance Co., Ltd., Cathay United Bank Co., Ltd., Cathay Securities Corporation., Cathay Securities Investment Trust Co., Ltd., CathayVenture Inc. |
| KGI FHC | 2883 | KGI Securities Co., Ltd., KGI Bank Co., Ltd., CDIB Capital Group、China Development Asset Management Corporation, KGI Life Insurance Co., Ltd. |
| Mercuries Life Insurance |
2867 | Mercuries Life Insurance is mainly engaged in life insurance business |
Source: Financial Supervisory Commission
- (2) Financial Information of the guideline public company method
Considering that all comparable companies have life insurance subsidiaries or are engaged in life insurance business, as mentioned above, the comparable companies, the equity as of June 30, 2024 on audit financial statement, is adjusted by subtracting the "financial asset or financial liability at fair value through profit or loss " and "losses on reclassification under overlay approach" under "other equity" to serve as the basis for valuation calculations.
The issued and outstanding common shares of Shin Kong FHC are
22
15,487,629,000 shares. Based on the adjusted equity of common shares of NTD 278,709 million on June 30, 2024, a cash capital increase of common shares was made on the capital increase base date of August 7, 2024. The cash capital increase amount of 1,670,000,000 shares (The issue price is NTD 8.3 per share) is NTD 13,861 million. It is planned that the net value per ordinary share after the capital increase is completed is NTD 17.05.
Unit: NTD million
| Item | Fubon FHC |
Cathay FHC |
KGI FHC | Mercuries Life Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticker | 2881 | 2882 | 2883 | 2867 |
| Total Assets | 11,774,231 | 13,274,717 | 3,912,569 | 1,589,305 |
| Total equity attributable to owners ofparent. |
937,583 | 875,996 | 297,920 | 46,473 |
| Less:Unrealized Gains and Losses on Financial Asset Measured at FVOCI |
(46,406) | (7,388) | (15,263) | (274) |
| Less:Other Comprehensive Income Reclassified under the Overlay Approach |
104,166 | (24,726) | 1,897 | (2,057) |
| Adjusted Net Worth | 879,823 | 908,110 | 311,286 | 48,804 |
| Preferred Equity | 95,999 | 91,998 | 15,821 | - |
| Adjusted Equity for Common Shares |
783,824 | 816,112 | 295,465 | 48,804 |
| Number of common shares (thousands of shares) |
13,014,973 | 14,669,210 | 16,808,699 (Note) |
5,099,501 |
| Stock dividends (thousand shares) |
650,749 | - | - | - |
| Proposed number of common shares (thousands of shares) |
13,665,722 | 14,669,210 | 16,808,699 | 5,099,501 |
| Net valueper share | 57.36 | 55.63 | 17.58 | 9.57 |
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of common stock (yuan)
==> picture [273 x 35] intentionally omitted <==
Source: MOPS, TWSE, Financial Information of the guideline public company method on June 30, 2024
-
(3) Stock price Information of the guideline public company method
-
A. Average Closing Price of the comparable companies
Unit: NTD
| Unit: NTD | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Fubon FHC |
Cathay FHC |
KGI FHC | Mercuries Life Insurance |
| Ticker | 2881 | 2882 | 2883 | 2867 |
| Closing price on the valuation base day |
92.50 | 63.50 | 16.20 | 7.52 |
| Average closing price of the previous 10 days |
91.88 | 63.10 | 16.07 | 7.84 |
| Average closing price of the previous 30 days |
88.44 | 61.60 | 15.85 | 7.68 |
| Average closing price of the previous 60 days |
85.63 | 61.32 | 15.79 | 7.67 |
| Average closing price of the previous 90 days |
81.24 | 59.12 | 15.25 | 7.33 |
Source: MOPS, TWSE, Market price information before September 6,
2024.
B. Average Price‐to‐Book Ratios Approach
| Item | Fubon FHC |
Cathay FHC |
KGI FHC | Mercuries Life Insurance |
Average Price‐to‐ Book ratios Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticker | 2881 | 2882 | 2883 | 2867 | |
| Adjusted Equity per common share |
57.36 | 55.63 | 17.58 | 9.57 |
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| P/B of average closing price of the previous 10 days |
1.60x | 1.13x | 0.91x | 0.82x | 1.12x |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P/B of average closing price of the previous 30 days |
1.54x | 1.11x | 0.90x | 0.80x | 1.09x |
| P/B average closing price of the previous 60 days |
1.49x | 1.10x | 0.90x | 0.80x | 1.07x |
| P/B of average closing price of the previous 90 days |
1.42x | 1.06x | 0.87x | 0.77x | 1.03x |
Source: MOPS, TWSE, Market price information before September 6, 2024.
The average price-to-book ratio for comparable companies was calculated based on the average closing prices over the 10, 30, 60, and 90 trading days preceding the valuation date. This was used to assess the reasonable market value of Shin Kong FHC's common stock per share, as shown in the table below:
Unit: NTD
| Item | Comparable companies average price to book value ratio (A) |
Shin Kong FHC | Shin Kong FHC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted net value per share of common stock(B) |
The range of price per share (C=A*B) |
||
| Average closing price of **theprevious 10 days ** |
1.12x | 17.05 | 19.10 |
| Average closing price of **theprevious 30 days ** |
1.09x | 17.05 | 18.58 |
| Average closing price of **theprevious 60 days ** |
1.07x | 17.05 | 18.24 |
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| Average closing price of **theprevious 90 days ** |
1.03x | 17.05 | 17.56 |
|---|---|---|---|
-
Note 1:The Price‐to‐Book Ratios Approach estimates the fair market price per share by multiplying the average price-to-book ratio of comparable companies by the book value per share of Shin Kong FHC
-
Note 2:The book value per share of common stock is based on the net value as of June 30, 2024. In addition to the amount of cash capital increase of ordinary shares on August 7, 2024, it is calculated based on the number of ordinary shares after the capital increase.
3. Non-quantitative adjustment factors
According to Article 15 of Valuation Standards No. 11 "Enterprise Valuation", when performing enterprise evaluation, the impact of factors such as control rights and market liquidity on the evaluation should be considered before forming a value conclusion. In general, the acquisition premium ranges from 10% to 25%, after reviewing a total of 64 mergers and acquisitions cases in the financial industry of the Banking Bureau of the Financial Supervisory Commission since September 2004, we analyzed the mergers and acquisitions cases or the transaction cases of public acquisition of more than 50% of the equity, and the stock price after the announcement day The premium range is 1.30% to 11.23%. Please refer to Appendix 4 for the details of the merger and acquisition case.
Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC are both large financial holding listed companies. According to the MOPS's ownership structure, neither party has shareholders holding more than 5% of the equity. The original shareholder structure will be merged with the share capital in the future. There should be no major changes in the expansion, so there is no need to adjust the control premium in the analysis of this case. Therefore, in this case, "merger of equals" is the guiding principle for this strategic cooperation.
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However, CTBC Financial Holding Co., Ltd. passed the resolution of the board of directors on August 23, 2024, and applied to the Financial Supervisory Commission to acquire Shin Kong Financial Holdings through a public tender offer. Stock price of Shin Kong Financial Holdings has increased by more than 20% from August 9, 2024 to September 6, 2024. This case has been adjusted with reference to the change in net value in the second quarter financial reports of Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC in 2024. After analysis, no control premium is required for adjustment.
4. Equity value of Shin Kong FHC
Shin Kong FHC is a listed company, with objectively available market trading prices. Therefore, the market price method is given a 70% weight to calculate the reasonable range of estimated price per share as follows
Unit: NTD
| Valuation Summary |
Valuation method | Valuation method | Weight | Estimated price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The range of price per share |
Market price method |
Average Closing Price |
70% | 10.30~12.89 |
| Market approach -The guideline public company method |
Average Price‐to‐ Book Ratios Approach |
30% | 17.56~19.10 | |
| Conclusion | of the range of estimated price per share |
12.48~14.75 |
- Conclusion on the Valuation of Equity Value and Share Exchange Ratio
(1) Common Stock
Based on the results of the above valuation model, the equity value per share of Taishin FHC' common stock is evaluated between NTD 19.41 and 19.91 based on market price method and market approach; The equity value per share of Shin Kong FHC' common stock is evaluated between NTD 12.48 and 14.75 based on market price method and market approach. The
27
reasonable range for calculating the equity exchange ratio is one share of Shin Kong FHC’s common shares exchange for 0.6268 to 0.7599 shares of Taishin FHC’s common shares.
| Target | Valuation method | Valuation method | price range (Adjustment of Merger premium rate) |
Estimated share exchange ratio range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Price method |
Market approach -The guideline public company method |
|||
| Shin Kong FHC |
10.30~12.89 | 17.56~19.10 | 12.48~14.75 | 1 |
| Taishin FHC | 18.79~19.05 | 20.84~21.91 | 19.41~19.91 | 0.6268~0.7599 |
Taishin FHC plans to exchange every one Shin Kong FHC’s common share for 0.6720 Taishin FHC’s common shares and 0.175 Class H Preferred shares; the Independent Expert evaluated the Class H Preferred shares proposed to be issued by Taishin FHC based on the aforementioned evaluation model. The value of the preferred shares is NT$9.30 per share, and is equivalent to an additional NT$1.63 for one share of Shin Kong FHC’s common stock. Assuming the estimated price range of Taishin FHC's common shares is NT$19.41 to NT$19.91, as listed in the table above, it is equivalent of Shin Kong FHC’s common shareholders receiving approximately 0.08 of Taishin FHC’s common shares. Therefore, each one common share of Shin Kong FHC is equivalent to receive approximately 0.7520 Taishin FHC’s common shares. This exchange rate is within the above-mentioned reasonable share exchange range of 0.6268~0.7599.
(2) Preferred Share
Taishin FHC intends to issue a total of 297,000,000 "Class G Preferred Shares" to receive 297,000,000 shares of Shin Kong FHC "Class A&B Preferred shares" Since the amount and conditions of the preferred shares are as same as those originally issued by Shin Kong FHC, the share exchange ratio of 1:1 for Shin
28
Kong FHC's preferred shares to Taishin FHC's preferred shares is deemed reasonable.
7. Conclusion of review opinions
In summary, based on the valuation of the share exchange ratio of the proposed merger of Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC through the issuance of preferred shares and common share exchange, we considered the features of the transaction and the valuation targets, the market price method and the market approach respectively are used to estimate the value of the companies.
The Independent Expert considers that the share exchange that Taishin FHC is expected to pay for each one common share of Shin Kong FHC (0.175 of Taishin FHC’s Class H Preferred shares plus 0.6720 of Taishin FHC’s common shares) is reasonable as the share exchange ratio (after converted the value of preferred share plus the common share exchange ratio) is within the reasonable range between 0.6268 shares and 0.7599, which the Independent Expert estimated above.
According to the earlier analysis, the amount and conditions of "Class G Preferred Shares" to be issued by Taishin FHC are the same as the perferred shares originally issued by Shin Kong FHC. Therefore, the share exchange ratio of 1:1 for Shin Kong FHC's preferred shares to Taishin FHC's preferred shares is deemed reasonable.
Crowe (TW) CPAs
Accountant: Lin, Chin-Feng
Date: September 11, 2024
29
Appendix 1: Assumptions and limitations of the Valuation
-
Our evaluation procedures are based on the financial information and other relevant information provided by the appointor as of the valuation date, and no independent verification or review has been performed on the overall faithfulness, completeness and accuracy of the above information provided by the appointer, and fully trusted in all major aspects, and we have also not audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
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Enterprise evaluation is based on the obtained data and sets certain assumptions before issuing a report. Therefore, there are also differences in the evaluation results of different evaluators. We used currently generally accepted evaluation methods and procedures to express an opinion on the reasonableness of the share exchange ratio between Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC. However, we did not provide any guarantee on the transaction price.
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Our main business is not to provide professional legal services. Therefore, we cannot judge any legal proceedings that affect the evaluation from the perspective of a professional lawyer.
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This opinion is only used by Taishin FHC for the purpose of evaluating this case. It may not be provided to any other third party without the written consent of the accountant, nor may it be used for any other purpose. We shall not bear any responsibility to the third party. This opinion is only related to the above items and shall not be expanded and interpreted to be related to the financial statements of both companies as a whole.
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We assume that there are no significant changes in the political and economic environment, interest rates, exchange rates and relevant regulations of the valuation target and that the industrial development is in line with expectations. We do not consider the impact of unexpected changes on the equity value of Shin Kong FHC. After the issuance of this opinion, if the actual situation changes, we will no longer update it unless it entrusts to re-evaluation.
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In accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of the Evaluation Standards No. 11 "Enterprises Evaluation" issued by the Accounting Research and Development Foundation, we have conducted a reasonable evaluation of the information available in the public market and confirmed that it is reliability and appropriateness of the source. However, based on the scope of the appointment, we did not conduct an audit on the above information in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or in accordance with ISAE 3000: “Assurance Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information” issued by the Accounting Research and Development Foundation. Therefore, no degree of confidence can be provided as to its correctness or adequacy.
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We assume that as of the valuation date, the valuation target has no major pending matters, litigation (including tax and other legal disputes) and contingent liabilities that may affect the equity value of the valuation target.
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Appendix 2: Summary table of subsidiaries of Shin Kong FHC
| NAME ITEM |
Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd. |
Taiwan Shin Kong Commercial. Bank Co., Ltd. |
Shin Kong Investment Trust Co., Ltd. |
Shin Kong Venture Capital International Co., Ltd. |
Shin Kong Property Insurance Agency Co., Ltd |
MasterLink Securities Corporation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main business | Life Insurance | Banking | Securities investment trust business |
Venture capital | Property insurance agency |
Securities brokerage, proprietary and underwriting business |
| Business status in 2023 | ||||||
| Consolidated operating income/net income (thousand) |
259,989,162 | 20,002,869 | 363,699 | 132,761 | 478,384 | 8,787,538 |
| Proportion of revenue of FHC (%) |
1,023.36 | 78.73 | 1.43 | 0.52 | 1.88 | 34.59 |
| Consolidated net income before tax (thousand) |
(23,619,635) | 8,338,065 | 86,497 | 112,145 | 99,892 | 2,841,879 |
| Basic Earnings Per Share |
(2.33) | 1.36 | 1.73 | 0.68 | 79.91 | 1.55 |
Source: 2024 Shin Kong FHC Annual Cash Capital Increase and Issuance of Ordinary Shares Prospectus
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Appendix 3: Financial and business information of each company
Unit: Unless otherwise stated, the remainder is NTD million
| NAME ITEM |
Taishin FHC (2887) |
Shin Kong FHC (2888) |
Fubon FHC (2881) |
Cathay FHC (2882) |
CTBC FHC (2891) |
Mega FHC (2886) |
Yuanta FHC (2885) |
SinoPac FHC (2890) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main business scope |
Banking, Life Insurance, Securities |
Insurance, Banking, Securities |
Life Insurance, Banking, Securities, Non-Life insurance |
Life Insurance, Banking |
Banking, Life Insurance, Others |
Banking, Securities, Others |
Securities, Banking, Insurance |
Banking, Securities |
| Closing price on the valuation date (NTD) |
18.45 | 12.95 | 92.50 | 63.50 | 32.90 | 38.90 | 30.75 | 23.50 |
| Market value on the valuation date (NTD billion) |
2,394 | 2,006 | 12,641 | 9,315 | 6,455 | 5,770 | 3,980 | 2,981 |
| 2024Q2 Financial and business conditions | ||||||||
| Capital - common stock |
129,761 | 154,876 | 136,657 | 146,692 | 196,211 | 148,334 | 129,429 | 126,859 |
| Adjusted net value per share of common stock (NTD) |
13.36 | 17.05 | 57.36 | 55.63 | 22.32 | 23.26 | 21.53 | 15.71 |
| Total assets | 3,237,695 | 5,108,803 | 11,774,231 | 13,274,717 | 8,504,875 | 4,562,933 | 3,591,287 | 2,954,215 |
| Net income | 42,684 | 31,590 | 174,014 | 188,083 | 91,086 | 43,580 | 58,999 | 32,879 |
| Revenue | Note | Note |
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| breakdown Banking Securities Insurance Others |
55% 8% 39% (2)% |
31% 16% 51% 2% |
27% 7% 66% - |
25% 3% 69% 3% |
77% - 12% 11% |
56% 6% 2% 36% |
22% 51% 15% 12% |
72% 25% - 3% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reason for selection |
Appointor | Target | Comparable companies |
Comparable companies |
Comparable companies |
Low proportion of insurance business |
The main business is securities |
No insurance business |
| Source:MOPS, Audited financial statement on June 30, 2024 |
Note: The revenue ratio in the audited financial statement on June 30, 2024of the operating department's financial information does not deduct adjustments and write-offs.
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Unit: Unless otherwise stated, the remainder is NTD million
| NAME ITEM |
KGI FHC (2883) |
First FHC (2892) |
Hua Nan FHC (2880) |
E.SUN FHC (2884) |
Taiwan Cooperative FHC (5880) |
IBF FHC(2889) |
Mercuries Life Insurance (2867) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main business scope |
Securities, Insurance, Banking |
Banking, Insurance, Securities |
Bank, Insurance, Others |
Banking, Securities |
Banking, Insurance, Securities |
Securities, Others |
Life Insurance |
| Closing price on the valuation date (NTD) |
16.20 | 27.05 | 25.50 | 27.50 | 25.70 | 15.80 | 7.52 |
| Market value on the valuation date (NTD) |
2,723 | 3,795 | 3,514 | 4,399 | 3,913 | 558 | 383 |
| 2024Q2 Financial and business conditions | |||||||
| Capital - common stock |
168,087 | 140,287 | 137,792 | 159,958 | 152,242 | 35,322 | 50,995 |
| Adjusted net value per share of common stock (NTD) |
17.58 | 16.80 | 15.67 | 14.89 | 16.59 | 11.33 | 9.57 |
| Total assets | 3,912,569 | 4,619,024 | 4,172,633 | 3,911,418 | 4,913,214 | 388,358 | 1,589,305 |
| Net income | 27,516 | 36,055 | 33,028 | 36,133 | 32,060 | 4,157 | 35,685 (Retained maturity insurance income) |
| Revenue breakdown |
Note 28% |
Note 62% |
83% | 93% | 86% | - | - |
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| Banking Securities Insurance Others |
51% 18% 3% |
3% 5% 30% |
9% - 8%(include insurance) |
6% - 1% |
3% 9% 2% |
62% - 38% |
- 100% - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reason for selection |
Comparable companies |
Comparable companies |
Comparable companies |
No insurance business |
Comparable companies |
Different business scope |
Comparable companies |
Source: MOPS, Audited financial statement on June 30, 2024 Note: The revenue ratio in the audited financial statement on June 30, 2024of the operating department's financial information does not deduct adjustments and write-offs.
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Appendix 4: Control premium rate
| Target | Ticker | Percent of equity interest acquired |
Announced date |
Closing price of Announced date(A) |
Average price of previous 30 days(B) |
Premium Rate (C)=(A- B)/B |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taiwan International Securities Co., Ltd. |
6012 | 67%-100% | 2010/07/26 | 10.30 | 9.26 | 11.23% |
| 2 | Polaris Securities Co., Ltd. |
2854 | 100% | 2011/04/09 | 20.60 | 18.81 | 9.52% |
| 3 | Cosmos Bank Co.,Ltd. |
2837 | 100% | 2014/02/10 | 15.55 | 15.35 | 1.30% |
| 4 | Ta Chong Commercial Bank Co.,Ltd. |
2847 | 100% | 2015/08/13 | 12.45 | 11.87 | 4.89% |
| 5 | Ta Chong Securities Co., Ltd. |
6022 | 100% | 2015/08/13 | 10.30 | 9.67 | 6.51% |
| 6 | Jih Sun Financial Holding Co., Ltd. |
5820 | 50.01%~100% | 2020/12/18 | 10.95 | 10.41 | 5.19% |
| High Third quartile Average Median first quartile Low |
11.23% 8.77% 6.44% 5.85% 4.97% 1.30% |
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Appendix 5: Discount rate
Assessment base date: September 6, 2024
| Keyelement | Explanation | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| September 6,2024 | ||
| Risk-free rate | Taiwan ten-year government bond | 1.5300% |
| yield | ||
| Stock market returns and long-term | ||
| Stock market systemic | Treasurybonds | |
| 2.66% | ||
| risk | The difference in return rates is | |
| multiplied byindustrybeta | ||
| Equitycapital cost | The sum of the above riskpremiums | 4.19% |
| Long run geometric | 4.66% |
|---|---|
| average rate of return | |
| Less: Risk-free interest | -1.5300% |
| rate | |
| 3.13% | |
| Multiply: Beta value | 0.85 |
| Stock market systemic | 2.66% |
| risk premium |
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Declaration of independence of financial expert
I am entrusted to issue the independent expert's written opinion on the reasonableness of the exchange ratio regarding the proposed merger of Taishin Financial Holdings Co., Ltd. and Shin Kong Financial Holdings Co., Ltd. I follow the Expert Opinion Issuance Guidelines and relevant legal provisions and declare as follows:
In order to execute the above business, in addition to complying with the Business Mergers And Acquisitions Act, the Regulations Governing the Acquisition and Disposal of Assets by Public Companies and Expert Opinion Issuance Guidelines , I hereby declare the following:
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I have evaluated that the opinions issued and the data sources, parameters and information used in executing the operating procedures are correct and reasonable, as the basis for issuing this opinion.
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Before taking on this case, I have confirmed that I meet the qualifications of relevant laws and regulations, and carefully evaluated my professional abilities and practical experience.
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When executing this case, the appropriate operating procedures have been properly planned and implemented to form conclusions and issue opinions based on them; the procedures executed, the information collected, and the conclusions have been published in detail in the working papers of this case.
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I have been entrusted to handle this case without receiving any contingent remuneration, and I have no opinions or conclusions that have been set in advance.
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I acknowledge that the project team members have no commercial, financial or employment relationship with Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC and that I hereby declares that, when performing the above assignment, none of the following circumstances or other circumstances that may affect independence has occurred:
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(I) I or my spouse is currently employed by Taishin FHC and Shin Kong FHC for regular work, with a fixed salary or as a director or supervisor
(II) I or my spouse has served as director, supervisor, manager, or employee of parties to the transaction in this case in a position of significant influence in this case, and has been dismissed or resigned for not more than two years
(III) The company in which I or my spouse works is related parties to the transaction in this case.
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(IV) A person who has a spouse or a second‐class kinship with any director, supervisor, manager, or employee of parties to the transaction in this case in a position of significant influence in this case.
(V) I or my spouse has a material investment or financial interest in the parties to the transaction in this case.
Crowe (TW) CPAs
Accountant: LIN,CHIN-FENG
Date: September 11, 2024
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Information of financial expert
| CV of financial expert | CV of financial expert |
|---|---|
| N a m e |
LIN,JIN-FENG |
| E d u c a t i o n | Master of Accountancy, Soochow University Bachelor of Business Administration, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology |
| P o s i t i o n | Partnership Accountant, Crowe (TW) CPAs Independent Director, Wendell Industrial Co., Ltd. |
| C e r t i f i c a t e | Certified Public Accountant (The order No. Financial- Supervisory-Securities-Six-0940131912) Passed the China Certified Tax Agent Examination (No. 03327289) |
【 Attachment 2 】
Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
The Review Report of the Audit Committee
September 11, 2024
To:
2024 Special Shareholders' Meeting (Common / Class E preferred / Class F preferred) of Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
We, the Audit Committee, reviewed the merger plan and the fairness and reasonableness of the proposed merger between the Company and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Shin Kong FHC”) and presented our conclusions in the fourth meeting of the fourth term of the Committee on August 22, 2024. After viewing Shin Kong FHC’s latest financial figures, including its financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2024, and observing significant changes to its share price, the Company modified the merger consideration to better fit the strategic purpose of the merger deal. We further studied the revised merger consideration, the revised merger plan, and the proposed merger’s fairness and reasonableness in the seventh meeting of the fourth term of the Committee on September 11, 2024 and again presented our conclusions. We have produced this report pursuant to Article 6 of Taiwan’s Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act and are seeking your approval.
Convener of Audit Committee CHANG, MIN-YU
Attachment 3 【 】
- [ Translation for reference only; If there is any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail. ]
Merger Agreement
This Merger Agreement ( Agreement ) is entered into by and between Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. ( Party A ) and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. ( Party B ) as of 22 August 2024.
Whereas Party A intends to enter into a merger with Party B pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with the Financial Holding Company Act, the Financial Institutions Merger Act, the Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act and other relevant laws and regulations, whereby Party A will be the surviving company and Party B will be the dissolved company, and Party A will issue new shares to the shareholders of Party B as consideration for the merger ( Merger ).
Therefore, the parties hereby enter into this Agreement for mutual compliance:
1. The Merger
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1.1 Method of merger: Both parties agree to carry out the Merger by way of a “merger by absorption”, whereby Party A will be the surviving company after the merger and Party B will be the dissolved company after the merger and will be dissolved as a result of the Merger.
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1.2 Name, head office address and business territory of the surviving organization: The name of the surviving company after the merger is “ TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd.”, the address of the head office is 12F, 13F, 15F, 16F, 21F, 22F and 23F, No. 118, Sec. 4, Renai Rd., Da-an District, Taipei, and its business territory is in the Republic of China (R.O.C.) (Taiwan) territory and other territories permitted by law.
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1.3
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Total number, type and amount of shares to be issued:
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1.3.1 As at the date of this Agreement, the registered authorized capital of Party A is NT$200,000,000,000, divided into 20,000,000,000 shares with a par value of NT$10 each, and its paid-in capital is NT$140,761,443,120, divided into 12,976,144,312 shares of common share, 500,000,000 shares of the Class E preferred share, 300,000,000 shares of the Year 2018 Class E preferred share and 300,000,000 shares of the Class F exchangeable preferred share, each with a par value of NT$10. Except for those listed in Attachment 1, Party A has no outstanding equity securities as at the date of this Agreement. As at the date of this Agreement, Party A does not hold any treasury shares.
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1.3.2 As at the date of this Agreement, the registered authorized capital of Party B is NT$330,000,000,000, divided into 33,000,000,000 shares with a par value of NT$10 each, and its paid-in capital is NT$174,546,290,420, divided into 17,157,629,042 shares of common share, 75,000,000 shares of Class A preferred share and 222,000,000 Class B preferred share, each with a par value of NT$10. Except for those listed in Attachment 1, Party B has no outstanding equity securities as at the date of this Agreement. As at the date of this Agreement, Party B does not hold any treasury shares.
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1.3.3 Based on the Exchange Ratio set forth in Article 2.1, the registered capital of Party A as the surviving company after the merger is estimated to be NT$300,000,000,000, divided into 30,000,000,000 shares with a par value of NT$10 each, and its paid-in capital is estimated to be NT$250,395,992,910, divided into 23,642,599,291 shares of common share, 800,000,000 shares of Class E preferred share, 300,000,000 shares of Class F preferred share, and 297,000,000 shares of Class G preferred share, each with a par value of NT$10. The expected terms and conditions for the issuance of Party A’s shares of Class G preferred share (including Class G preferred shares I and II) are as set forth in Attachment 2 (the actual provisions should be subject to the version approved at Party A’s shareholders’ meeting and by the competent authorities). The actual paid-in capital and total issued shares of Party A as at the record date of the merger will be subject to increase or decrease on account of an adjustment of the share exchange ratio as stipulated in Article 2.3 or the occurrence of other events.
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1.4 Estimated completion date: If all the conditions precedent stipulated in Article 6 of this Agreement have been fulfilled or waived, the Merger will take effect as of 00:00 ( Merger Effective Time ) on the record date of the merger prescribed in accordance with laws and regulations and Article 10.2 of this Agreement by the chairpersons of the boards of directors or their designees as authorized by the boards of directors of the parties ( Merger Record Date ). The Merger Record Date shall also be the record date of the dissolution of Party B. From the Merger Effective Time, all assets, liabilities and all rights and obligations recorded in the books of Party B shall be assumed by Party A in general.
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1.5 The “competent authorities” referred to in this Agreement include, but are not limited to, the Financial Supervisory Commission ( FSC ), the Fair Trade Commission ( FTC ), the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other relevant competent authorities and organizations entrusted with the exercise of public authority.
2. Consideration for the merger
- 2.1 On the Merger Record Date, all the shares issued and outstanding by Party B shall cease to be outstanding and be canceled as a result of the merger. Party A shall issue new shares and exchange for one share of common share of Party B with 0.6022 share of common share ( Common Share Exchange Ratio ), and exchange for one share of Class A preferred share of Party B with each share of Class G preferred share I and for one share of Class B preferred share of Party B with each share of Class G preferred share II ( Preferred Share Exchange Ratio ) (the Preferred Share Exchange Ratio and Common Share Exchange Ratio are collectively referred to as the Exchange Ratio ). Party A shall pay the share consideration on the Merger Record Date to all the shareholders of Party B as recorded in the shareholders’ register of Party B as at the Merger Record Date. Party A expects to (1) issue a total of 10,666,454,979 shares of common share to all the shareholders of common share of Party B and (2) issue a total of 297,000,000 shares of Class G preferred share to all the shareholders of Class A and Class B preferred shares of Party B on the Merger Record Date, provided that the actual amount of the new shares to be issued by Party A shall be calculated based on Party B’s shareholders’ register as at the Merger Record Date and on the Exchange Ratio adjusted (if applicable) in accordance with
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Article 2.3 of this Agreement. The rights and obligations of the new shares of common share issued by Party A shall be the same as those of the existing common shares issued by Party A. If there is a need to adjust the rights and obligations of the classes of preferred shares issued by Party A per the requirements of the competent authorities, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to adjust such rights and obligations. The consideration for the Merger is the new shares issued by Party A. The consideration will not be paid by distributing the shares of Party A that have been bought back by it (if any) to the shareholders of Party B.
2.2 If Party B’s shareholders acquire any odd-lot shares less than one share, in lieu of such odd-lot shares, Party A will pay cash to such Party B’s shareholders on a pro rata basis based on the closing price of Party A’s shares on the last trading day prior to the Merger Record Date (fractions of NT$1 shall be rounded to the nearest NT$), and Party A may authorize the chairperson of its board of directors or their designee to approach a specific person to take up such odd-lot shares at such market price. In the event that there is a need to change the handling of these odd-lot shares in accordance with the laws and regulations or operational requirements, the chairperson of the board of directors of Party A or their designee shall have full authority to handle the matter.
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2.3 Adjustment to the consideration of the Merger prior to the Merger Record Date:
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2.3.1 Adjustment of the Common Share Exchange Ratio:
The shareholders’ meeting of each of Party A and Party B shall resolve to approve this Agreement in accordance with the law. In the event of any of the following circumstances, the Common Share Exchange Ratio stipulated in Article 2.1 of this Agreement shall be adjusted in accordance with Articles 2.3.2 and 2.3.3 without an additional resolution at the shareholders’ meeting required:
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2.3.1.1 Any of the following by either party: payment of cash dividends or stock dividends (excluding the payment of 2023 annual cash dividends or stock dividends by either party), cash capital increase (excluding cash capital increase by Party A for the payment of the merger consideration), free distribution, issuance of convertible bonds, bonds with warrants, preferred shares with warrants, warrants, or any other marketable securities of an equity nature, or any other events that result in or threaten to result in equity dilution (except where Party B issues new shares to the holders of convertible bonds as a result of the conversion of Party B’s convertible bonds existing prior to the date of this Agreement);
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2.3.1.2 Acquisition or disposal of assets by either party (as individually recognized) that adversely affects its finance or business to the extent of NT$1.5 billion or result in a book loss of NT$1.5 billion or more, except where the acquisition or disposal results from engaging in normal business activities;
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2.3.1.3 Occurrence of any material adverse event (including but not limited to circumstances such as a major disaster) that adversely affects its finance or business to the extent
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of NT$1.5 billion or results in a book loss of NT$1.5 billion or more, except where such event occurs from engaging in normal business activities.
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2.3.1.4 Buyback of the company’s shares or otherwise acquisition of its own shares in each company by either party in accordance with the law that exceed 5% of the total number of issued shares of such party, except where either party buys back its shares from its respective shareholders expressing disagreement with the Merger in accordance with the law;
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2.3.1.5 Changes in a corporate entity or in the number of companies participating in the Merger;
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2.3.1.6 Loss of control by either party in its Major Subsidiaries (including but not limited to the disposal of controlling shareholdings or the loss of a majority of board seats, etc.), or increase or decrease in the number of Major Subsidiaries of either party; or
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2.3.1.7 Any other adjustments to the Exchange Ratio that are necessary as a result of laws and regulations or instructions by the relevant competent authorities, or in order to obtain the approval of the competent authorities for the Merger.
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2.3.1.8 Nothing in this article shall be construed to mean that either party may breach the provisions of this Agreement by engaging in any of the acts set out in Articles 2.3.1.1 to 2.3.1.6 (except, for the avoidance of doubt, where either party make cash dividends or stock dividends in accordance with laws and regulations).
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2.3.2 In the event of any of the circumstances described in Articles 2.3.1.1 to 2.3.1.4, the parties shall authorize the chairpersons of their respective boards of directors to adjust the Common Share Exchange Ratio set forth in Article 2.1 to the Adjusted Exchange Ratio (as hereinafter defined) in accordance with the following formula, which Adjusted Exchange Ratio, as confirmed by calculation pursuant to the formula set forth below, shall be confirmed in writing by the chairpersons of the boards of directors of the parties. For the avoidance of doubt, after the Adjusted Exchange Ratio has been confirmed in writing, such Adjusted Exchange Ratio shall be deemed to be the Common Share Exchange Ratio under this Agreement:
Adjusted Exchange Ratio equals A/B:
A = (Party B Market Value minus Party B Cumulative Adjustment, if any)/Adjusted Number of Fully Diluted Shares of Party B
B = (Party A Market Value minus Party A Cumulative Adjustment, if any)/Adjusted Number of Fully Diluted Shares of Party A
“Party A Market Value” is the closing price per share of Party A’s common share on 13 August 2024, multiplied by the Number of Fully Diluted Shares of Party A.
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“Party B Market Value” is the Common Share Exchange Ratio as set forth in Article 2.1, multiplied by the closing price per share of Party A’s common share on 13 August 2024, multiplied by the Number of Fully Diluted Shares of Party B.
“Party A Cumulative Adjustment” is the amount of financial or operational impact and/or book loss incurred by Party A as a result of the occurrence of the cash dividend payment in accordance with Article 2.3.1.1 or the events set out in Article 2.3.1.2 or 2.3.1.3.
“Party B Cumulative Adjustment” is the amount of financial or operational impact and/or book loss incurred by Party B as a result of the occurrence of the cash dividend payment in Article 2.3.1.1 or the events listed in Article 2.3.1.2 or 2.3.1.3.
“Number of Fully Diluted Shares of Party A” is the number of Party A’s issued and outstanding shares of common share as of the date of this Agreement.
“Number of Fully Diluted Shares of Party B” is the number of Party B’s issued and outstanding shares of common share as of the date of this Agreement plus the number of shares of Party B’s common share convertible from the outstanding domestic convertible bonds issued by Party B as set out in Attachment 1 (and, for the avoidance of doubt, includes the number of shares of Party B’s common share represented by the outstanding units of Party B’s Global Depositary Receipt ( GDR )).
“Adjusted Number of Fully Diluted Shares of Party A “ is the number of issued and outstanding shares of common share of Party A as of the date of this Agreement, plus or minus the number of shares of common share increased or decreased as a result of the circumstance set forth in Article 2.3.1.1 or 2.3.1.4 (if any)
“Adjusted Number of Fully Diluted Shares of Party B” is the number of issued and outstanding shares of Party B’s common share as of the date of this Agreement, plus the number of shares of Party B’s common share convertible from Party B’s issued and outstanding domestic convertible bonds as set forth in Attachment 1, plus or minus the number of shares of common share increased or decreased as a result of the circumstance set forth in Article 2.3.1.1 or 2.3.1.4 (if any) (and, for the avoidance of doubt, including the number of shares of Party B’s common share represented by the outstanding units of its GDR).
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2.3.3 In the event of any of the circumstances listed in Articles 2.3.1.5 to 2.3.1.7, the boards of directors of both parties shall, or the chairpersons of the boards of directors or their designees shall be authorized to make adjustments to the Common Share Exchange Ratio agreed in Article 2.1 through reasonable negotiations.
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2.4 Adjustment of the Preferred Share Exchange Ratio:
Unless instructed by the competent authorities and resolved by the boards of directors of both parties, or adjusted to facilitate the procurement of approval of the relevant competent authorities and as resolved by the boards of directors of both parties, the Preferred Share Exchange Ratio stipulated in this Agreement shall not be changed.
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2.5 After adjusting the merger consideration in accordance with this Article, the parties shall apply for, file or amend the required permissions, approvals or consents with the relevant competent authorities in accordance with laws and regulations.
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2.6 The “Major Subsidiaries” referred to in Article 2.3.1.6 of this Agreement shall mean, in respect of Party A, Taishin International Bank Co., Ltd., Taishin Life Insurance Co., Ltd. and Taishin Securities Co., Ltd. and, in respect of Party B, Shin Kong Bank Co., Ltd., Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd. and MasterLink Securities Corporation.
3. Representations and Warranties of Party A
Party A represents and warrants that the following are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Merger Record Date:
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3.1 Legal incorporation and existence: Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries are companies incorporated and registered and legally exist in accordance with the laws or the relevant applicable laws of the R.O.C. (Taiwan), with all the necessary capacity and authority to engage in their businesses and hold assets. Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have obtained all the necessary licenses, approvals and permits to carry out their current businesses, and have the legal authority to own and use the assets currently owned and used by them. Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have not, without a valid resolution, been dissolved, liquidated, filed a petition for bankruptcy, settlement or reorganization on their own initiative, or been granted such dissolution, settlement, reorganization or declaration of bankruptcy by a court ruling, order or in accordance with the relevant laws.
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3.2
Capital:
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3.2.1 As at the date of this Agreement, the registered capital of Party A is NT$200,000,000,000, divided into 20,000,000,000 shares with a par value of NT$10 per share; its paid-in capital is NT$140,761,443,120, divided into 12,976,144,312 shares of common share, 500,000,000 shares of Class E preferred share, 300,000,000 shares of Year 2018 Class E preferred share and 300,000,000 shares of Year 2018 Class F exchangeable preferred share, all with a par value of NT$10 per share; and it has no treasury shares. As at the date of this Agreement, all of the issued shares of Party A have been legally authorized and issued and fully paid. Except the aforementioned common shares, preferred shares and the shares listed in Attachment 1, Party A has not issued any other marketable securities of an equity nature, and has not issued, granted or entered into any other options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities, rights of first refusal, pre-emptive rights, legally binding undertakings etc. for the acquisition of Party A’s shares.
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3.2.2 Party A has no participating interest or similar contractual agreements that may entitle others to the same rights and interests as shareholders of common share.
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3.2.3 Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Party A is not under any obligation to redeem, buy back or otherwise acquire its shares.
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3.3 Legitimacy and validity of this Agreement: (1) the execution, delivery and performance of this
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Agreement does not violate (i) the provisions of the applicable laws and regulations currently in force; (ii) the judgments, orders or dispositions imposed by courts or the relevant competent authorities; (iii) the articles of incorporation or resolutions of the board of directors or shareholders’ meetings of Party A; or (iv) any of the contracts, undertakings and obligations to which Party A is subject, and (2) the signing of this Agreement is legally and validly authorized and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of Party A upon its execution and delivery.
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3.4 Approvals and permissions: Except the consents of the board of directors and the shareholders’ meeting of Party A and the permissions or approvals of the FSC, FTC and other relevant competent authorities, Party A shall not be required to obtain any other authorization, approval, permission or consent for the execution and performance of this Agreement.
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3.5 Financial statements: The financial statements of Party A and its subsidiaries as audited and certified by a certified public accountant since 2022 have been prepared in accordance with the Criteria Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Financial Holding Companies, Criteria Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Insurance Companies, Criteria Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Securities Firms, Criteria Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Futures Commission Merchants, Criteria Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Public Banks, and the International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards, interpretations and interpretation bulletins in force as accepted and published by the FSC. The contents and other financial information contained in such financial statements are correct and true, present correctly and fairly the financial and operating conditions of Party A and its subsidiaries for the periods covered by the financial statements, and do not conceal any information and are not misleading in any way. Party A and its subsidiaries do not have any material liabilities for direct, indirect and contingent liabilities that should be disclosed in the financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting principles but are not shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
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3.6 No material changes: Except as disclosed in the financial statements of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries that have been audited and certified by a certified public accountant, and in the prospectuses and annual reports of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries, since 2022, Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have conducted their daily operations in accordance with standards of general practice, and none of the following events have occurred to them:
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3.6.1 Distribute dividends and bonuses (including employee bonuses and directors’ and supervisors’ remuneration) in any form.
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3.6.2 Enter into any material transaction or undertaking, or revoke or withdraw any material transaction or other rights, except to the extent consistent with past practice and in the ordinary and usual course of business (for the avoidance of doubt, a long-term investment by a subsidiary of Party A is a transaction or undertaking that is consistent with past practice and in the ordinary and usual course of business for the purposes of this paragraph).
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3.6.3 Any changes in accounting standards or practices, other than those resulting from a change in the R.O.C. (Taiwan) or the applicable generally accepted accounting principles.
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3.7 No material new debt: From 1 January 2024 until the signing of this Agreement, except (1) for obligations to be fulfilled under this Agreement or the Merger; (2) as disclosed in the financial statements of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries for the first quarter of 2024; (3) as arising from ordinary business operations; (4) as required by laws and regulations or necessary to meet the financial and business standards stipulated in laws and regulations; (5) for the performance of contracts entered into before 1 January 2024 (not included) and notified to Party B in writing by Party A; or (6) except as set forth in the disclosures in Attachment 3.7 or as otherwise agreed to by Party B in writing, Party A and its subsidiaries do not have any new liabilities, obligations, encumbrances, or contingent liabilities that may adversely affect their businesses, finances, properties, operations or shareholders’ equities in the amount of NT$300 million or above in a single transaction.
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3.8 Legal compliance: Except as set out in the disclosures in Attachment 3.8:
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3.8.1 The businesses and operations of Party A and its subsidiaries are in compliance with the applicable relevant laws and the regulations and letter directives issued by the competent authorities.
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3.8.2 To Party A’s and its subsidiaries’ knowledge, there are no existing circumstances that may cause Party A and its subsidiaries to be in material breach of the applicable relevant laws and regulations or other requirements relating to assets, liabilities and finances etc.
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3.8.3 Party A and its subsidiaries have not received any allegation that the company has failed to comply with the relevant laws or regulations or requests from the competent authorities (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, letters from the competent authorities requesting statements of opinion), and are not aware of any potential or existing investigative actions by any governmental authorities (excluding regular or ad hoc financial inspections by the competent authorities) with respect to the business and operating practices of the company.
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3.8.4 Since 1 January 2024, Party A and its subsidiaries have not been aware of any disposition imposed by any competent authority, from correction or above, in regard to the business and operating practices of the company.
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3.8.5 Party A and its subsidiaries are not parties to or subject to any order, acknowledgement, arrangement or direction which materially affects their operations.
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3.8.6 There is no violation of court decisions or articles of incorporation and internal regulations by Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries that may have a material adverse impact.
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3.9 Statutory filings or reports: Party A and its subsidiaries have filed any reports, registrations or other documents with the competent authorities and paid all fees in a timely manner in accordance with the applicable regulations. All statutory filings or reports of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have complied with the requirements of the relevant laws and regulations and have not contained any untrue statements or intentional concealment.
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3.10 Legal disputes:
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3.10.1 Except as set out in the disclosures in Attachment 3.10 or as disclosed in the financial statements of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2023 as audited and certified by a certified public accountant or in the notes thereto, Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries are not subject to any litigation, arbitration, non-litigation matter or administrative dispute, or criminal investigative procedure, which may have a material disadvantageous impact on Party A or Party A’s subsidiaries or on the businesses, finances, properties, operations, or shareholders’ equities of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries. To Party A’s knowledge, there is no potential written threat that (1) may have a material adverse impact on Party A and its subsidiaries or (2) may reasonably be expected to materially affect Party A’s performance of or compliance with any obligations under this Agreement.
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3.10.2 To Party A’s and its subsidiaries’ knowledge, there is no litigation, arbitration, non-litigation matter or administrative dispute, criminal investigative procedure or written threat against any of the directors or officers of Party A and its subsidiaries that may have a material adverse impact on Party A and its subsidiaries.
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3.10.3 Party A and its subsidiaries are not subject to any disposition, judgment or order that may, under reasonable circumstances, materially and adversely affect Party A and its subsidiaries.
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3.11 No breach of contracts and undertakings: Except as disclosed in Party A’s and its subsidiaries’ financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 as audited and certified by a certified public accountant or in the notes thereto, Party A and its subsidiaries are not in breach of any mandate agreement, mortgage deed, deed of trust, loan agreement, or any other contract, agreement, representation, warranty, guarantee, arrangement or other obligation, liability or restriction (including undertakings ordered by a competent authority to be given by Party A or its subsidiaries) in connection with any business other than the ordinary course of business to which Party A or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which Party A or any of its subsidiaries is bound or the object of which contract is any property owned by Party A or any of its subsidiaries. Nor does the above increase the liability or obligation of Party A and its subsidiaries or subject Party A and its subsidiaries to a claim of breach of an undertaking or obligation, except to the extent that such breach does not have a material adverse impact on the operations, businesses or other conditions of Party A and its subsidiaries.
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3.12 Assets and liabilities: The assets and liabilities of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries that are necessary for the operation of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries are set forth in the financial statements provided to Party A. Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have legal title to, the right to use, or other legal source of ownership of all of the assets listed therein, and the use, benefit and disposition thereof are not subject to any restrictions or limitations other than as disclosed in the financial statements of Party A for the period ended 31 December 2023 as audited and certified by a certified public accountant or in the notes thereto, except to the extent that such restriction or limitation does not have a material adverse impact on the businesses, operations or other conditions of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries.
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3.13 Contracts and undertakings
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3.13.1 Except in the ordinary course of business, all contracts, agreements, representations,
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warranties, guarantees, arrangements or other obligations, liabilities or restrictions or any material disadvantages entered into, agreed to or undertaken by Party A and its subsidiaries have been provided or communicated to Party B in writing (including, without limitation, in the form of any electromagnetic record or by electronic mail) without any falsehood, concealment or misrepresentation whatsoever, except for those that do not have a material adverse impact on the businesses, operations or other conditions of Party A and its subsidiaries.
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3.13.2 All Material Contracts (as defined in Article 5.1.15) of Party A and its subsidiaries shall be valid and binding.
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3.14 Related party transactions: Any arrangements (including but not limited to transfer pricing) or transactions (including but not limited to other transactions such as purchases, sales, leases, investments, services or operations etc.) of Party A and its subsidiaries with their respective affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders or other related parties shall comply with the relevant laws and regulations and are arm’s length transactions.
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3.15 Derivatives transactions: All derivative commodities held by Party A and its subsidiaries or derivatives transactions that have been conducted by Party A or its subsidiaries or are in progress are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations and the internal rules of Party A and its subsidiaries.
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3.16 Intellectual property rights:
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3.16.1 Party A and its subsidiaries own or have the right to use legally the trademarks, service marks, domain names, patents, copyrights, trade secrets and know-how (collectively Intellectual Property Rights ) currently used by Party A and its subsidiaries or material to their operations.
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3.16.2 To Party A’s and its subsidiaries’ knowledge, the Intellectual Property Rights owned or used by Party A and its subsidiaries do not infringe the rights of others.
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3.16.3 There is no ongoing, or, to Party A’s knowledge, written threat of, litigation regarding the ownership or validity of the Intellectual Property Rights owned by Party A and its subsidiaries.
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3.16.4 To Party A’s and its subsidiaries’ knowledge, the Intellectual Property Rights owned by Party A and its subsidiaries have not been infringed by others or used by others without permission.
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3.17 Networks and systems: Party A and its subsidiaries have the right to use the networks and systems currently in use by Party A and its subsidiaries and have not been involved in any litigation as a result.
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3.18 Insurances: (1) All policies or temporary policies of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries are in force without any notice of revocation, termination, withdrawal or limitation, and no other notification has been received that such policies are no longer in force; (2) there are no outstanding claims rejected by any insurance company in respect of each of such insurance policies of Party A and its subsidiaries, and, to Party A’s and Party A’s subsidiaries’ knowledge, there are no events that may threaten to cause
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the claims to be rejected by an insurance company, except for those that do not have a material impact on the operation of the company; and (3) to Party A’s knowledge, neither Party A nor its subsidiaries have any overdue claims against the insurer in respect of such insurance policies or temporary insurance policies.
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3.19 Taxation: Except as set out in the disclosures in Attachment 3.19:
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3.19.1 Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have filed all tax returns, and such returns are complete and correct in accordance with the relevant applicable tax laws and regulations, and Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have fully paid prior to the Merger Record Date all taxes due and payable.
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3.19.2 Party A and its subsidiaries have made all withholdings in accordance with all tax laws and regulations.
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3.19.3 There are no existing tax disputes between Party A and its subsidiaries and the competent authorities, and Party A and its subsidiaries do not anticipate any tax disputes. No investigation or examination conducted by the competent authorities has revealed that Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have paid insufficient taxes. The competent authorities have not claimed that Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have failed to file tax returns or have evaded taxes.
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3.19.4 Party A and its subsidiaries are not bound by any contract or arrangement entered into between them and the competent authorities in relation to taxation.
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3.19.5 Any claims or allegations of non-payment of taxes against Party A and its subsidiaries have been settled or resolved.
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3.19.6 Party A and its subsidiaries, or persons acting on behalf of Party A and its subsidiaries, have not requested an extension of the time period for filing tax returns, have not extended the time period for making tax calls, and have not waived the completion of any statute of limitations.
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3.19.7 There are no encumbrances on the property of Party A and its subsidiaries arising from taxation.
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3.19.8 Party A and its subsidiaries have not changed their accounting or tax standards, except to the extent that such changes are required by law or arise out of an agreement to a settlement of any tax dispute that may have a material adverse impact on the future tax treatment of Party A and its subsidiaries.
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3.20 Labor relations: (1) The policies, plans, programs or agreements of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries relating to the employment or pensions, salaries and benefits of employees are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have recognized the incurred but not yet paid pensions and employee benefits in the financial statements or made contributions in
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accordance with the provisions of the relevant applicable laws and regulations; (2) Except as disclosed in Party A’s and Party A’s subsidiaries’ financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 as audited and certified by a certified public accountant or in the notes thereto, there have been no material labor disputes involving, material violations of relevant labor laws and regulations by, or dispositions imposed by labor authorities on, Party A and its subsidiaries, nor have there been any strikes or work stoppages against Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries; (3) Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries are not parties to any collective agreement or have entered into any labor contract with any labor union or labor organization; (4) Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries have not promised or provided preferential treatment (as defined below) to their employees or officers except for the protection of officers and employees as provided in Article 8 of this Agreement, for any proposal of employee retention, placement or a similar nature presented or promised for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the competent authorities, or as otherwise agreed to in writing by both parties. For the purpose of this subparagraph, the term “preferential treatment” means that, as a result of the implementation of the Merger, the employees or officers of Party A and Party A’s subsidiaries may claim any payment or benefit (including, without limitation, any measures or proposals of a similar nature that are superior to those under labor-related laws and regulations or collective agreements or those addressing employee rights and interests issues) as a result of a change of control or the early termination or recission of an appointment/employment contract.
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3.21 Correctness of information: Documents provided by Party A to Party B in writing (including, without limitation, in the form of any electromagnetic record or electronic mail) and responses to inquiries from Party B (including those from its consultants), or information contained in this Agreement, the disclosures, the related transaction documents, the financial reports or any certificates issued by Party A and its subsidiaries, have disclosed all agreements or other documents that may have a material adverse impact on or restrict the rights and interests of Party A and its subsidiaries and are true and correct in all material respects and have not been misrepresented or concealed.
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3.22 Disclosure of subsequent events: If Party A discovers after the execution of this Agreement that any of the representations and warranties made by Party A in accordance with Article 3 of this Agreement upon the execution of this Agreement is breached or that any of the matters disclosed by Party A is wrong, omitted, untrue or incorrect, Party A shall immediately notify Party B in writing and shall rectify the information originally provided or update the matters disclosed; provided that such rectification or updating of the matters disclosed by Party A shall not affect the rights that may be claimed or remedies that may be exercised by Party B in accordance with the law or in accordance with this Agreement. If any event occurs after the signing of this Agreement and before the Merger Record Date that causes Party A to breach the representations and warranties provided pursuant to Article 3 of this Agreement or renders the disclosures made by Party A wrong, omitted, untrue or incorrect, Party A shall immediately supplement or update in writing for Party B the information and disclosures originally provided.
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3.23 “material”, “material adverse”, “material disadvantage”, and “material adverse impact” as used in Article 3 of this Agreement shall mean the occurrence of an event or circumstance which has caused or is reasonably expected to cause a negative impact on Party A amounting to NT$300 million or
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above in a single case.
- 3.24 The annual reports of Party A and its subsidiaries which have been published in the Market Observation Post System, and the financial statements audited and certified by a certified public accountant or the notes thereto which have been disclosed, since 2022, shall be deemed to have been included in the disclosure list and disclosed to Party B for the purposes of Article 3 of this Agreement.
4. Representations and Warranties of Party B
Party B represents and warrants that the following are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and the Merger Record Date:
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4.1 Legal incorporation and existence: Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries are companies incorporated and registered and legally exist in accordance with the laws or the relevant applicable laws of the R.O.C. (Taiwan), with all the necessary capacity and authority to engage in their businesses and hold assets. Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have obtained all the necessary licenses, approvals and permits to carry on their current businesses, and have the legal authority to own and use the assets currently owned and used by them. Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have not, without a valid resolution, been dissolved, liquidated, filed a petition for bankruptcy, settlement or reorganization on their own initiative, or been granted such dissolution, settlement, reorganization or declaration of bankruptcy by a court ruling, order or in accordance with the relevant laws.
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4.2
Capital:
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4.2.1 As at the date of this Agreement, the registered capital of Party B is NT$330,000,000,000, divided into 33,000,000,000 shares with a par value of NT$10 each, and its paid-in capital is NT$174,546,290,420, divided into 17,157,629,042 shares of common share, 75,000,000 shares of Class A preferred share, and 222,000,000 shares of Class B preferred share, all with a par value of NT$10 per share; and it has no treasury shares. As at the date of this Agreement, all the issued shares of Party B are legally authorized and issued and fully paid. Except the aforementioned common shares, preferred shares and the shares listed in Attachment 1 and Attachment 4.7, Party B has not issued any other marketable securities of an equity nature, and has not issued, granted or entered into any other options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities, rights of first refusal, pre-emptive rights, legally binding undertakings etc. for the acquisition of Party B’s shares.
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4.2.2 Party B has no participating interest or similar contractual agreements that may entitle others to the same rights and interests as shareholders of common share.
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4.2.3 Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Party B is not under any obligation to redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire its shares.
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4.3 Legitimacy and validity of this Agreement: (1) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement does not violate (i) the provisions of any applicable law currently in force; (ii) any judgments, orders or dispositions imposed by courts or the relevant competent authorities; (iii) the articles of incorporation or resolutions of the board of directors or shareholders’ meetings of Party B;
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or (iv) any of the contracts, undertakings and obligations to which Party B is subject, and (2) the signing of this Agreement is legally and validly authorized and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of Party B upon its execution and delivery.
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4.4 Approvals and permissions: Except the consents of the board of directors and the shareholders’ meeting of Party B, and the permissions or approvals of the FSC, the FTC and other relevant competent authorities, Party B shall not be required to obtain any other authorization, approval, permission or consent for the execution and performance of this Agreement.
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4.5 Financial statements: The financial statements of Party B and its subsidiaries as audited and certified by a certified public accountant since 2022 have been prepared in accordance with the Criteria Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Financial Holding Companies, Criteria Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Insurance Companies, Criteria Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Securities Firms, Criteria Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Futures Commission Merchants, Criteria Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Public Banks, and the International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards, interpretations and interpretation bulletins in force as accepted and published by the FSC. The contents and other financial information contained in such financial statements are correct and true, present correctly and fairly the financial and operating conditions of Party B and its subsidiaries for the period covered by the financial statements, and do not conceal any information and are not misleading in any way. Party B and its subsidiaries do not have any material liabilities for direct, indirect and contingent liabilities that should be disclosed in the financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting principles but are not shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
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4.6 No material changes: Except as disclosed in the financial statements of Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries that have been audited and certified by a certified public accountant, and in the prospectuses and annual reports of Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries, since 2022, or except as disclosed in the disclosures set out in Attachment 4.6, Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have conducted their daily operations in accordance with standards of general practice, and none of the following events have occurred to them:
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4.6.1 Distribute dividends and bonuses (including employee bonuses and directors’ and supervisors’ remuneration) in any form.
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4.6.2 Enter into any material transaction or undertaking, or revoke or withdraw any material transaction or other rights, except to the extent consistent with past practice and in the ordinary and usual course of business (for the avoidance of doubt, a long-term investment by a subsidiary of Party B is a transaction or undertaking that is consistent with past practice and in the ordinary and usual course of business for the purposes of this paragraph).
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4.6.3 Any changes in accounting standards or practices, other than those resulting from a change in the Republic of China or the applicable general accepted accounting principles.
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4.7 No material new debt: From 1 January 2024 until the signing of this Agreement, except (1) for
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obligations to be fulfilled under this Agreement or the Merger; (2) as disclosed in the financial statements of Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries for the first quarter of 2024; (3) as arising from ordinary business operations; (4) as required by laws and regulations or necessary to meet the financial and business standards stipulated in laws and regulations; (5) for the performance of contracts entered into before 1 January 2024 (not included) and notified to Party A in writing by Party B; or (6) except as set forth in the disclosures in Attachment 4.7 or as otherwise agreed to by Party B in writing, Party B and its subsidiaries do not have any new liabilities, obligations, encumbrances, or contingent liabilities that may adversely affect their businesses, finances, properties, operations, or shareholders’ equities in the amount of NT$300 million or above in a single case.
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4.8 Legal compliance: Except as set out in the the disclosures in Attachment 4.8:
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4.8.1 The businesses and operations of Party B and its subsidiaries are in compliance with the applicable relevant laws and the regulations and letter directives issued by the competent authorities.
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4.8.2 To Party B’s and its subsidiaries’ knowledge, there are no existing circumstances that may cause Party B and its subsidiaries to be in violation of applicable relevant laws and regulations or other requirements relating to assets, liabilities, finances etc.
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4.8.3 Party B and its subsidiaries have not received any allegation that the company has failed to comply with the relevant laws or regulations or requests from the competent authorities, and are not aware of any potential or existing investigative actions by any governmental authorities (excluding regular or ad hoc financial inspections by the competent authorities) with respect to the business and operating practices of the company.
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4.8.4 Since 1 January 2024, Party B and its subsidiaries have not been aware of any disposition imposed by any competent authority, from correction or above, in regard to the business and operating practices of the company.
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4.8.5 Party A and its subsidiaries are not parties to or subject to any order, acknowledgement, arrangement or direction which materially affects their operations.
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4.8.6 There is no violation of court decisions or the articles of incorporation and internal regulations by Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries that may have a material adverse impact.
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4.9 Statutory filings or reports: Party B and its subsidiaries have filed any reports, registrations or other documents with the competent authorities and paid all fees in a timely manner in accordance with the applicable regulations. All statutory filings or reports of Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have complied with the requirements of the relevant laws and regulations and do not contain any untrue statements or intentional concealment.
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4.10 Legal disputes:
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4.10.1 Except as set out in the disclosures in Attachment 4.10 or as disclosed in the financial statements of Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2023 as
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audited and certified by a certified public accountant or in the notes thereto, Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries are not subject to any litigation, arbitration, non-litigation matter or administrative dispute or criminal investigative procedure which may have a material disadvantageous impact on Party B or Party B’s subsidiaries or on their businesses, finances, properties, operations, or shareholders’ equities. To Party B’s knowledge, there is no potential written threat that (1) may have a material adverse impact on Party B and its subsidiaries or (2) may reasonably be expected to materially affect Party B’s performance of or compliance with any obligations under this Agreement.
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4.10.2 To Party B’s and its subsidiaries’ knowledge, there is no litigation, arbitration, non-litigation matter or administrative dispute, criminal investigative procedure or written threat against Pany of the directors or officers of Party B or its subsidiaries that could have a material adverse effect on Party B and its subsidiaries.
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4.10.3 Party B and its subsidiaries are not subject to any disposition, judgment or order that may, under reasonable circumstances, materially and adversely affect Party B and its subsidiaries.
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4.11 No breach of contracts and undertakings: Except as disclosed in Party B’s and its subsidiaries’ financial statements of you and your Subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2023 as audited and certified by a certified public accountant or in the notes thereto, Party B and its subsidiaries are not in breach of any mandate agreement, mortgage deed, deed of trust, loan agreement, or any other contract, agreement, representation, warranty, guarantee, arrangement or other obligation, liability or restriction (including undertakings ordered by a competent authority to be given by Party B or its subsidiaries) in connection with any business other than the ordinary course of business to which Party B or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which Party B or any of its subsidiaries is bound or the object of which contract is any property owned by Party B or any of its subsidiaries. Nor does the above increase the liability or obligation of Party B and its subsidiaries or subject Party B and its subsidiaries to a claim of breach of an undertaking or obligations, except to the extent that such breach does not have a material adverse impact on the operations, businesses or other conditions of Party B and its subsidiaries.
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4.12 Assets and liabilities: The assets and liabilities of Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries that are necessary for the operation of Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries are set forth in the financial statements provided to Party B. Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have the legal title to, the right to use, or other legal source of ownership of all of the assets listed therein, and the use, benefit, and disposition thereof are not subject to any restrictions or limitations other than as disclosed in the financial statements of Party B for the period ended 31 December 2023 as audited and certified by a certified public account or in the notes thereto, except to the extent that such restriction or limitation does not have a material adverse impact on the businesses, operations or other conditions of Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries.
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4.13 Contracts and undertakings
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4.13.1 Except in the ordinary course of business, all contracts, agreements, representations, warranties, guarantees, arrangements or other obligations, liabilities or restrictions, or any material disadvantages entered into, agreed to or undertaken by Party B and its subsidiaries
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have been provided or communicated to Party A in writing (including, without limitation, in the form of any electromagnetic record or electronic mail) without any falsehood, concealment or misrepresentation whatsoever, except for those that do not have a material adverse impact on the businesses, operations or other conditions of Party B and its subsidiaries.
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4.13.2 All material contracts (as defined in Article 5.1.15) of Party B and its subsidiaries shall be valid and binding.
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4.14 Related party transactions: Any arrangements (including, without limitation, transfer pricing) or transactions (including, without limitation, other transactions such as purchases, sales, leases, investments, services or operations etc.) of Party B and its subsidiaries with their respective affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, or other related parties shall comply with the relevant laws and regulations and are arm’s length transactions.
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4.15 Derivatives transactions: All derivative commodities held by Party B and its subsidiaries or derivatives transactions that have been conducted by Party B and its subsidiaries or are in progress are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations and the internal rules of Party B and its subsidiaries.
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4.16 Intellectual Property Rights:
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4.16.1 Party B and its subsidiaries own or have the right to use illegally all Intellectual Property Rights currently used by Party B and its subsidiaries or material to their operations.
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4.16.2 To Party B’s and its subsidiaries’ knowledge, the Intellectual Property Rights owned or used by Party B and its subsidiary do not infringe the rights of others.
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4.16.3 There is no ongoing, or, to the Party B’s knowledge, written threat of, litigation regarding the ownership or validity of the Intellectual Property Rights owned by Party B and its subsidiaries.
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4.16.4 To Party B’s and its subsidiaries’ knowledge, the Intellectual Property Rights owned by Party B and its subsidiaries have not been infringed by others or used by others without permission.
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4.17 Networks and systems: Party B and its subsidiaries have the right to use the networks and systems currently in use by Party B and its subsidiaries and have not been involved in any litigation as a result.
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4.18 Insurances: (1) All policies or temporary policies of Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries are in force without any notice of revocation, termination, withdrawal or limitation, and no other notification has been received that such policies are no longer in force; (2) there are no outstanding claims rejected by any insurance company in respect to each of such insurance policies of Party B and its subsidiaries, and, to Party B’s and Party B’s subsidiaries’ knowledge, there are no events that may threaten to cause the claims to be rejected by the insurance company, except for those that do not have a material impact on the operation of the company; and (3) to Party B’s knowledge, neither Party B nor its subsidiaries have any overdue claims against the insurer in respect of such insurance policies or temporary
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insurance policies.
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4.19 Taxation:
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4.19.1 Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have filed all tax returns, and such returns are complete and correct in accordance with the relevant applicable tax laws and regulations, and Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have fully paid prior to the Merger Record Date all taxes due and payable.
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4.19.2 Party B and its subsidiaries have made all withholdings in accordance with all tax laws and regulations.
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4.19.3 There are no existing tax disputes between Party B and its subsidiaries and the competent authorities, and Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries do not anticipate any tax disputes. No investigation or examination conducted by the competent authorities has revealed that Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have paid insufficient taxes. The competent authorities have not claimed that Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have failed to file tax returns or have evaded taxes.
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4.19.4 Party B and its subsidiaries are not bound by any contract or arrangement entered into by them with a competent authority in relation to taxation.
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4.19.5 Any claims or allegations of non-payment of taxes against Party B and its subsidiaries have been settled or resolved.
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4.19.6 Party B and its subsidiaries, or persons acting on behalf of Party B and its subsidiaries, have not requested an extension of time for filing tax returns, have not extended the period for making tax calls, and have not waived the completion of any statute of limitations.
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4.19.7 There are no encumbrances on the property of Party B and its subsidiaries arising from taxation.
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4.19.8 Party B and its subsidiaries have not changed their accounting or tax standards, except to the extent that such changes are required by law or arise out of an agreement to a settlement of any tax dispute that may have a material adverse impact on the future tax treatment of Party B and its subsidiaries.
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4.20 Labor relations: (1) The policies, plans, programs or agreements of Party B and its subsidiaries relating to the employment or pension, salaries and benefits of employees are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have recognized the incurred but not yet paid pensions and employee benefits in the financial statements or made contributions in accordance with the provisions of the relevant applicable laws and regulations; (2) Except as disclosed in Party B’s and Party B’s subsidiaries’ financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 as audited and certified by a certified public accountant or in the notes thereto, there have been no material labor disputes involving, material violations of relevant labor laws and regulations by, or dispositions
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imposed by labor authorities on, Party B and its subsidiaries, nor have there been any strikes or work stoppages against Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries; (3) Party B and Party B subsidiaries are not parties to any collective agreement or have entered into any labor contract with labor union or labor organization (4) Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries have not promised or provided preferential treatment (as defined below) to their employees or officers except for the protection of officers and employees as provided in Article 8 of this Agreement, for any proposal of employee retention, placement or a similar nature presented to promised for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the competent authorities, or as otherwise agreed to in writing by both parties. For the purpose of this subparagraph, the term “preferential treatment” means that, as a result of the implementation of the Merger, the employees or officers of Party B and Party B’s subsidiaries may claim any payment or benefit (including, without limitation, any measures or proposals of a similar nature that are superior to those under labor-related laws and regulations or collective agreements or those addressing employee rights and interests issues) to be paid as a result of a change of control or the early termination or rescission of an appointment/employment contract.
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4.21 Correctness of information: Documents provided by Party B to Party A in writing (including, without limitation, in the form of any electromagnetic record or electronic mail) and responses to inquiries from Party A (including those from its consultants), or information contained in this Agreement, the disclosures, the related transaction documents, the financial reports or any certificates issued by Party B and its subsidiaries, have disclosed all agreements or other documents that may material adverse impact on or restrict the rights and interests of Party B and its subsidiaries and are true and correct in all material respects and have not been misrepresented or concealed.
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4.22 Disclosure of subsequent events: If Party B discovers after the execution of this Agreement that any of the representations and warranties made by Party B in accordance with Article 4 of this Agreement upon the execution of this Agreement is breached or that any of the matters disclosed by Party B is wrong, omitted, untrue or incorrect, Party B shall immediately notify Party A in writing and shall rectify the information originally provided or update the matters disclosed; provided that such rectification or updating of the matters disclosed by Party B shall not affect the rights that may be claimed or remedies that may be exercised by Party A in accordance with the law or in accordance with this Agreement. If any event occurs after the signing of this Agreement and before the Merger Record Date that causes Party B to breach the representations and warranties provided pursuant to Article 4 of this Agreement or renders the disclosures made by Party B wrong, omitted, untrue or incorrect, Party B shall immediately supplement or update in writing for Party A the information and disclosures originally provided.
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4.23 “Material”, “material adverse”, “material disadvantage”, and “material adverse impact” as used in Article 4 of this Agreement shall mean the occurrence of an event or circumstance which has caused or is reasonably expected to cause a negative effect on Party B, amounting to NT$300 million or above in a single case.
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4.24 The annual reports of Party B and its subsidiaries which have been published in the Market Observation Post System, and the financial statements certified by a certified public accountant or the
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notes thereto which have been disclosed, since 2022, shall be deemed to have been included in the disclosure list and disclosed to Party A for the purposes of Article 4 of this Agreement.
5. Covenants
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5.1 Party B undertakes to Party A that, from the execution of this Agreement up to and including the Merger Record Date, Party B shall, and shall procure its subsidiaries to, continue to operate their businesses in a normal and professional manner. Party B shall, and shall procure its subsidiaries to, comply with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations and governmental authorities, and use its and their reasonable commercial efforts to maintain its and each of its subsidiaries’ relationships with customers and employees. In the event of any material adverse change in its condition (operational, financial or otherwise), assets, obligations or revenues or any violation of this paragraph, or upon becoming aware of any material litigation, arbitration, non-litigation matter, administrative remedy, claim or investigation that has occurred or will occur that has a material adverse impact on Party B and its subsidiaries (including those companies’ directors, officers and/or employees who are involved in the company’s business), prompt notice shall be given to Party A in writing In addition, except in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the law, or for the purpose of fulfilling contracts signed, or in accordance with the requirements of laws and regulations or the competent authorities, Party B and its subsidiaries may not engage in any of the following behaviors without Party A’s written consent (provided that Party A may not unreasonably withhold or delay giving such consent), from the signing of this Agreement up to and including the Merger Record Date:
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5.1.1 Amend the Articles of Incorporation and the existing organizational structure of the company.
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5.1.2 (a) Increase capital in cash, issue new shares (unless new shares are issued by Party B to the holders of the converted bonds as a result of the conversion of the converted bonds of Party B existing prior to the date of signing of this Agreement), or pay or distribute dividends or employee bonuses (whether in the form of cash dividends, stock dividends, or any other form of dividends or bonuses, except as set forth in the disclosures in Attachment 4.6 or announced prior to the signing of this Agreement), issue corporate bonds, free distribution, issue convertible corporate bonds, corporate bonds with warrants, preferred shares with warrants, depositary receipts, warrants, call (put) warrants, and other securities or rights of an equity nature, except as stated in the disclosures in Attachment 4.7.
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5.1.3 Except buying back the shares of the dissenting shareholders in accordance with Article 7 hereof as a result of the Merger , , purchase directly or indirectly on its own or through any other third party Party B’s or any of its subsidiaries’ issued shares or marketable securities of an equity nature, effect a capital reduction, or resolve to dissolve, liquidate, petition for reorganization, settlement, or go into bankruptcy, or engage in any other act that is sufficient to cause a material adverse impact on cash flow, shareholders’ equity, or financial structure.
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5.1.4 Change the accounting methods or policies, unless the change is in response to a change in accounting principles.
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5.1.5 Revise the work rules of the company’s employees; change the contracts or terms of employment with employees, officers and directors, including, without limitation, increasing the wages, salaries, compensation, emoluments, perquisites, bonuses, incentives, employee stock options, employee insurance, pensions, severance plans, and other related employee benefits of employees, officers and directors; create, increase or promise to increase any benefits under any employee benefits; or make new appointments of officers, except promotions which should be approved by the board of directors of Party B or its subsidiaries in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations or the internal rules of Party B or its subsidiaries. However, this shall not apply to the renewal of an existing appointment/employment contract upon the expiration of such contract or to the conclusion of a new contract with the same terms for the purpose of renewing an existing contract in the relevant period, or if the established rules and practices relating to personnel compensation and incentives apply.
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5.1.6 Enter into any contract with a third party relating to (1) a merger, demerger, acquisition, stock exchange, transfer of assets, strategic alliance, entrusted operation, joint venture, or investment in any for-profit organization; (2) enter into, change, or terminate early a contract for the lease of the entire business, the entrustment of operation to another person, or the recurring joint venture with another person; (3) transfer business or property to another person; (4) be transferred the business or property of another person; (5) enter into any contract for outsourcing, agency, lease, authorization, appointment, employment, or any other contract that cannot be rescinded or terminated early or whose early rescission would result in material damages; or (6) any transaction, contract, agreement, undertaking, letter of intent, or memorandum that has a similar effect to the foregoing (1) through (5).
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5.1.7
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Loan funds to any shareholder.
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5.1.8 Provide any assets for the creation of security rights or other encumbrances in favor of any third party, or provide any guarantees or endorsements to third parties, except as necessary for complying with laws and regulations and for day-to-day operations.
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5.1.9 Waive, abandon or disclaim any right or interest now validly subsisting or settle any controversy, dispute or litigation with any third party or otherwise act adversely to the company in a manner that may materially and adversely affect the operation, business or other condition of Party B or its subsidiaries.
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5.1.10 Discuss, negotiate, enter into or undertake to enter into Material Contracts with any third party which are not in the ordinary course of business or material contracts which are sufficient to affect the financial or business affairs of Party B or its subsidiaries (Material Contract referred under this subparagraph is defined under Article 5.1.15).
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5.1.11 Except in the ordinary course of business, acquire or dispose of tangible or intangible assets in any manner amounting to NT$300 million in a single transaction, or cause a material change in the company’s business, financial condition, liabilities, or assets, or make capital
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expenditures of up to NT$300 million.
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5.1.12 Terminate or cease the operation of any agency or other business, or carry out mass redundancy, or implement any early retirement or favorable retirement program.
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5.1.13 Approach, negotiate, discuss, offer, sell or accept any proposal from any other person for a sale or joint venture or partnership involving the equities or management rights of Party B and its subsidiaries or a merger with Party B and its subsidiaries or in connection with Party B’s and its subsidiaries’ material businesses or assets.
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5.1.14 Make any new or additional loans or increase any debt or other liabilities amounting to NT$300 million in a single case, except in the ordinary course of business (including any new commercial paper or bank borrowings expected to be taken out by Party B as set out in the disclosures in Attachment 4.7).
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5.1.15 Enter into any Material Contracts. Material Contracts include: (1) contracts relating to Party B’s or its subsidiaries’ own management rights or the acquisition of other companies’ management rights; (2) contracts to acquire or dispose of branch assets amounting to NT$300 million; (3) contracts with annual payments amounting to NT$300 million; (4) contracts restricting the major operating behavior of Party B or its subsidiaries; (5) contracts for settlement or resolution of disputes with third parties amounting to NT$300 million; (6) contracts licensing third parties to use the Intellectual Property Rights owned by Party B or its subsidiaries; (7) contracts with affiliates amounting to NT$300 million; (8) contracts for debts and loan agreements amounting to NT$300 million; and (9) other related joint ventures or long-term equity investments amounting to NT$300 million. The above amounts are calculated on the basis of a single transaction or a single contract.
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5.1.16 “Material adverse” and “material adverse impact” as used in Article 5 of this Agreement shall mean the occurrence of an event or circumstance which has caused or is reasonably expected to cause a negative impact on such party amounting to NT$300 million or more in a single case.
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5.2 Party A and Party B undertake the following to each other from the signing of this Agreement up to and including the Merger Record Date:
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5.2.1 A party shall consult with the other party for the release of any information relating to this Agreement or the Merger; and either party shall obtain the prior consent of the other party to the release of any information relating to this Agreement or the Merger in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations or the Procedures for Verification and Disclosure of Material Information of Companies with Listed Securities of the Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation ( TWSE ), or the relevant regulations of the TWSE; provided, however, that such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld by the other party..
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5.2.2 Except for the contents that have been disclosed by either party in accordance with laws and regulations, either party may not directly or indirectly disclose the related contents of this
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Agreement and the Merger to any third party, except for disclosing the related contents of this Agreement and the Merger to the directors, consultants (including but not limited to accounting, financial or legal consultants) and employees of such party and such party’s subsidiaries as may be required by law or as may be necessary for the fulfillment of this Agreement.
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5.2.3 Upon the signing of this Agreement, both parties shall complete the various legal procedures in respect of the Merger as soon as possible, including but not limited to the following: (1) both parties shall make a filing with the FTC within 20 days (inclusive) after the signing of this Agreement; (2) Party A and Party B shall each convene a shareholders’ meeting after the signing of this Agreement to approve the Merger, this Agreement and all the relevant documents; and (3) within 10 days (inclusive) after the resolution at the shareholders’ meetings of both Party A and Party B to approve the Merger, both parties shall apply to the FSC for approval of the Merger in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Institutions Merger Act. The above timeframe may be extended or shortened if necessary for practical purposes, subject to the mutual agreement of the chairpersons of the boards of directors of the parties or the designees of the chairpersons as authorized by the boards of directors of both parties. If, after the execution of this Agreement, it is necessary for the overseas subordinate companies or branch units of both parties and their subsidiaries to implement filing or application procedures in relation to the Merger under the local laws and regulations of the territories or countries of such overseas subordinate companies or branch units, each of the parties shall cause its overseas subordinate companies or branch units to comply with such filing or application procedures and obtain all necessary approvals (if any). For the avoidance of doubt, either party’s refusal to make or delay in making, without a valid reason, any application or filing for permission or approval from the competent authorities as required for the completion of the Merger shall constitute a breach under Article 9.1 of this Agreement.
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5.2.4 Upon the execution of this Agreement, the Parties shall, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations and in good faith, take all necessary actions as appropriate and desirable to fulfill the other conditions precedent set forth in Article 6 of this Agreement, for the purpose of completing the Merger pursuant to this Agreement. The parties undertake and shall continue to operate their businesses in a consistent professional manner, shall comply in all material respects concerning business operation with applicable laws and regulations, approvals of all governmental authorities and all requirements relating to the company and the operation of its business, and shall use their reasonable commercial endeavors to maintain their relationships with third parties and their employees.
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5.2.5 Unless stipulated by this Agreement or agreed to in writing by the party, no action or inaction by either party that will or is reasonably expected to result in the following circumstances is permitted from the date of this Agreement to the Merger Record Date (inclusive): (1) As of the Merger Record Date, the representations or warranties of the parties set forth in Articles 3 and 4 of this Agreement becoming untrue or constituting a material breach of the parties’
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undertakings or obligations set forth in this Agreement, or (2) the failure to satisfy or fulfill the conditions precedent set out in Article 6 of this Agreement. If, prior to the Merger Record Date, there is any fact, change, condition, circumstance or any event that causes either party to be unable to comply with the requirement in either (1) or (2) above, such party shall immediately notify the other party in writing, provided that such notification shall not affect such party’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.
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5.2.6 In the event any of the circumstances set forth in Article 2.3 hereof has occurred to either party, such party shall immediately notify the other party and provide necessary information.
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5.3 Both parties shall use their best commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the approvals of the competent authorities required for the Merger in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed to by both parties, and shall avoid any conditions not agreed to by either party being included as the condition to approval being applied for. However, in the event that the competent authorities still impose conditions not agreed to by either party as condition to their approval, the parties shall use their best commercially reasonable efforts to discuss, before the Long Stop Date (as defined in Article 6.2), other feasible options that are lawful and reasonable with respect to their respective operations, businesses, finances, legal compliances, human resources etc., in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations and in the best interest of the shareholders and the stakeholders of the respective companies. However, for the avoidance of doubt, neither party shall be obligated to accept any conditions imposed by the competent authorities for the approval of the Merger.
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5.4 In order to facilitate the smooth closing of the Merger, within the scope permitted by laws and regulations, both parties shall form a handover team to carry out preparatory work for business integration and handover, as well as handover matters. The members, duties, mode of operation and other details of the handover team shall be separately agreed upon by both parties based on the principle of good faith.
6. Conditions precedent to the Merger
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6.1 The parties agree that the conditions precedent to the completion of the Merger include:
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6.1.1 The board of directors and the meetings of the shareholders of common and preferred shares of Party A and the board of directors and the meetings of the shareholders of common and preferred shares of Party B have resolved to approve this Agreement and the Merger in accordance with the law.
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6.1.2 The permissions, consents or approvals of the FSC, the FTC, the TWSE, and other relevant competent authorities whose prior permissions, consents or approvals shall be obtained, as required for the consummation of the Merger, have all been obtained in respect of the Merger.
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6.1.3 The consummation of the Merger is not limited or prohibited by a provisional injunction, a provisional injunction maintaining a temporary status quo, or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, or by any other order or decree.
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6.1.4 As of the Merger Record Date, the parties have not breached any of their undertakings, obligations, or covenants under this Agreement in the amount of NT$10 billion, and there have been no representations or warranties that are invalid, incorrect, untrue, or breached in the amount of NT$10 billion. For the avoidance of doubt, neither party may refuse to complete the Merger on the grounds that it has not complied with or performed the provisions of this Agreement.
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6.1.5 Prior to the Merger Record Date, no event has occurred that has caused the financial or business affairs of either party to be adversely affected to the extent of NT$10 billion or to incur a book loss to the extent of NT$10 billion or more, unless the event has occurred as a result of the ordinary course of business.
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6.2 If any of the conditions precedent has not been fulfilled and has not been waived by the other party in accordance with this Agreement by 31 December 2025, or a date otherwise agreed by the parties in writing ( Long Stop Date ), this Agreement shall be automatically terminated unless otherwise agreed upon by the chairpersons of the boards of directors of the parties or the designees of the chairpersons as authorized by the boards of directors of the parties. Prior to the Long Stop Date, the parties may agree to extend the date by the agreement of the chairpersons of their boards of directors or the designees of the chairpersons as authorized by their boards of directors, for a period of three months each time, with no limitation on the number of extensions. In the event that the Merger is automatically terminated because it has not been completed within the aforesaid period of time, in addition to the provisions of this Agreement, both parties shall handle related matters in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.
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6.3 The conditions precedent in Articles 6.1.1, 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 above may not be waived by either party and the conditions precedent in Article 6.1.4 or 6.1.5 may be waived by the party not in breach (or being without cause) at its discretion by written notice to the other party. For the avoidance of doubt, the waiver by a party not in breach (or being without cause) of any of the conditions precedent set forth in Article 6.1.4 or 6.1.5 at its discretion shall not constitute a limitation or impediment to its rights or remedies under this Agreement, nor may it be deemed to relieve the other party from its obligation to perform the delivery on time and in accordance herewith.
7. Acquisition of dissenting shareholders’ shares
- 7.1 In the event that a shareholder of either party expresses dissent in accordance with the law with respect to the Merger and requests the buyback of their shares, such party shall purchase the shares held by the dissenting shareholder at a fair market price in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations and market practice. The shares bought back under this article shall be canceled in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. The number of new shares expected to be issued by Party A for the Merger as set forth in Article 2 of this Agreement shall be adjusted as appropriate and necessary.
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8. Officer and employee protection
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8.1 Party A undertakes to handle the employment and appointment of Party B’s employees and officers after the completion of the Merger in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Holding Company Act, the Financial Institutions Merger Act, the Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act and relevant labor laws and regulations.
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8.2 Party A agrees to retain all of Party B’s officers and all of Party B’s employees subject to the Labor Standards Act who are still in the service of Party B as of the date on which Party A sends the retention notices in accordance with this article ( Party B’s Officers and Employees ) and to recognize the years of service that Party B’s Officers and Employees have had with Party B prior to the Merger Record Date. Party A also undertakes to send to Party B’s Officers and Employees, 30 days prior to the Merger Record Date, a notice of retention setting out the terms of appointment/labor conditions, which labor conditions will be equivalent to those offered by Party B to Party B’s Officers and Employees prior to the Merger Record Date. Whether the notified officers and employees agree to be retained or not shall be handled in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. Party B shall use its best endeavors to assist Party A in retaining Party B’s Officers and Employees. If Party B’s employees choose not to stay, the calculation of their severance pay or pension shall be in accordance with the Labor Standards Act, other relevant laws and regulations, Party B’s personnel regulations and work rules.
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8.3 Party A undertakes to ensure, after the Merger Record Date in accordance with the Labor Standards Act and other relevant laws and regulations, the work rights of Party B’s Officers and Employees who remain as at the Merger Record Date. Party A also undertakes not to improperly change or terminate the appointment and employment relationships with Party B’s Officers and Employees in any way, except under the circumstances stipulated in Article 11 or Article 12 of the Labor Standards Act.
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8.4 The remaining balance of the labor retirement reserve funds appropriated by Party B, after paying the pensions and severance pay of the non-retained employees, shall be transferred from the “Special Account for Labor Retirement Reserve Supervisory Committee of Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd.” to the “Special Account for Labor Retirement Reserve Supervisory Committee of Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd.” of Party A on the Merger Record Date.
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8.5 In the event that a Party B subsidiary becomes a dissolved company under the Financial Institutions Merger Act or the Business Merger and Acquisition Act after the Merger Record Date, Party A agrees that the protection of Party B’s subsidiary’s officers and employees shall not be less than that stipulated in the foregoing.
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8.6 The boards of directors of both parties shall authorize the chairpersons of the boards of directors of both parties to negotiate and agree on the details of retention, placement and protection of the rights and interests of the officers and employees in accordance with the foregoing agreement and the relevant laws and regulations.
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9. Breach of contract and grounds for termination
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9.1 Failure to perform or breach by either party of any of its obligations, representations, warranties and undertakings under this Agreement constitutes a breach of this Agreement ( Breach ). If a Breach occurs prior to the Merger Record Date and, by its nature, is capable of being cured, the non-breaching party may exercise such rights and remedies and claim damages as are available to it at law and pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement if, upon written request of the non-breaching party that cure be made within a reasonable period of time, cure is not completed within the prescribed period.
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9.2 If the Merger is not completed by the Long Stop Date due to: (1) Party B’s breach of Article 5.1.6 and Article 5.1.13 of this Agreement, Party B shall pay Party A punitive damages of NT$10 billion; or (2) a party’s material Breach, the breaching party shall pay the other party that is not in breach punitive damages of NT$5 billion. The foregoing liability for punitive damages does not include the damages described in the preceding paragraph and the necessary expenses incurred in the preparation of this Agreement and the fulfillment of the Merger.
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9.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither party shall be liable to the other for indirect damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of revenue, loss of business opportunity and estimated benefits).
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9.4 This Agreement may be terminated by mutual written consent of the parties prior to the Merger Record Date.
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9.5 Upon termination of this Agreement, the other rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement shall cease immediately unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties, except as provided in Article 9.1, Article 9.2, Article 9.3, Article 9.5 and Article 15.1, Article 15.5, Article 15.6, Article 15.8, Article 15.9 and Article 15.11, which shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and the termination of this Agreement shall not affect the rights and obligations which either party has under this Agreement at the time of termination.
10. Schedule
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10.1 Party A and Party B shall each convene a shareholders’ meeting before 31 October 2024 to resolve to approve the Merger and this Agreement. In the event it is necessary to adjust the date of the shareholders’ meeting on account of a request from a competent authority, Force Majeure Event (as defined in Article 15.10) or as otherwise agreed by both parties, both parties shall convene a shareholders’ meeting as soon as possible in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
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10.2 After it has been resolved at the shareholders’ meeting of Party A and the shareholders’ meeting of Party B to approve the Merger, and the permissions or approvals from the relevant competent authorities have been obtained in respect of the Merger, and the other conditions precedent set forth in Article 6 of this Agreement have been satisfied or waived, the boards of directors of both parties shall authorize the chairpersons of the boards of directors or their designees to jointly agree on the Merger Record Date; if the permissions or approvals of the relevant competent authority cannot be
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obtained before the tentative Merger Record Date or if it is deemed necessary to change the Merger Record Date due to other circumstances, the boards of directors of both parties shall authorize the chairpersons of the boards of directors or their designees to co-ordinate the change the Merger Record Date without the need to hold a shareholders’ meeting.
- 10.3 Party B shall file an application for termination of listing with the TWSE 30 business days prior to the Merger Record Date in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
11. Changes in the Articles of Incorporation of the surviving company after the merger
The surviving company after the merger shall be Party A, and Party A’s Articles of Incorporation shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the surviving company. Party A shall make corresponding amendments to the relevant provisions of its Articles of Incorporation in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the situation of the surviving company after the Merger at the shareholders’ meeting resolving to approve this Agreement. The changes to the Articles of Incorporation are as set forth in Attachment 2, and the actual provisions shall be based on the version approved at Party A’s shareholders’ meeting and approved by the competent authorities.
12. Protection for creditors, beneficiaries of funds, investors in securities or futures traders
Both parties shall make a public announcement and filing in accordance with the regulations of the competent authorities within two days after the board of directors’ meetings resolves to approve the Merger, and shall publicly announce the contents of the resolution and the matters required to be specified in this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Institutions Merger Act within 10 days after it is resolved at the shareholders’ meeting of each party to approve the Merger. The aforesaid public announcement shall designate a period of at least 30 days within which creditors, fund beneficiaries (if applicable), insurance contract rights holders (if applicable), securities investors (if applicable), or futures traders (if applicable) of each party may raise in writing objections that the merger would jeopardize their rights and interests. The public announcement shall be made for at least seven consecutive days at all of the business premises of the two parties and for at least five consecutive days in the press, on the Internet, or in a manner designated by the competent authorities. If any creditor, fund beneficiary (if applicable), insurance contract right holder (if applicable), securities investor (if applicable), or futures trader (if applicable) of either party expresses an objection within the specified period of time that the merger would jeopardize their rights and interests, the parties shall act in accordance with the Financial Institutions Merger Act and the relevant laws and regulations.
13. Principles for handling of the equity securities of the dissolved company
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13.1 In respect of the preferred shares of Party B, Party A shall issue preferred shares to the shareholders of preferred share of Party B on the Merger Record Date on a one-for-one basis with the original terms of issue of Party B’s preferred shares generally assumed by Party A.
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13.2 In respect of Party B’s domestic convertible bonds, Party A shall generally assume the original terms of issue on the Merger Record Date, and the conversion price shall be adjusted in accordance with the final Exchange Ratio of the Merger. Both parties agree to handle the matter properly in accordance with laws and regulations and market practice.
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- 13.3 In respect of Party B’s GDR, Party A shall generally assume the original terms of issue, and the number of shares of the GDRs or the securities represented by the GDRs shall be adjusted in accordance with the final Exchange Ratio of the Merger. Both parties agree to handle the matter properly in accordance with the laws and regulations and market practice.
14. Increase in the number of parties or companies participating in the Merger
After the Merger has been approved by the boards of directors of both parties and the related information has been disclosed to the public in accordance with the law, in the event that both parties agree to merge with another financial holding company, which may result in an increase in the number of participating in the Merger, the procedures or legal acts that have been completed with regard to the Merger shall be carried out anew by all the companies involved.
15. Others
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15.1 The laws of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) shall apply to the interpretation, entry into force and performance of this Agreement. Either party shall use reasonable efforts to resolve any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement ( Dispute ) within 30 days from the date of written notice of the Dispute by the other party. If any Dispute cannot be resolved in the manner described above, the parties agree that the Taiwan Taipei District Court shall be the court of first instance.
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15.2 If amendment to any of the provisions of this Agreement is required in accordance with the instructions of the relevant competent authorities or change of law or any textual modification is required, the chairpersons of the boards of directors of both parties or persons authorized by the boards of directors shall amend the same through negotiations as soon as possible without the need to convene a shareholders’ meeting.
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15.3 In the event that any provision of this Agreement is invalid because it is in conflict with relevant laws and regulations, only the conflicting portion of this Agreement is invalid, and the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in force and effect. The boards of directors of both parties shall promptly amend through negotiations any provision of this Agreement that is invalid due to such conflict, provided that such amendment shall maintain to the extent permitted by law the original intent of this Agreement as agreed upon by both parties.
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15.4 Modifications and changes to this Agreement shall be made by mutual written consent of both parties.
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15.5 Any notice of this Agreement shall be effective when given by registered mail or by personal delivery to the address set forth below:
Taishin Financial Holding Co.
General Manager: Mr. Welch LIN
Address: 12F, 13F, 15F, 16F, 21F, 22F, 23F, No. 118, Sec. 4, Renai Rd., Da-an, Taipei
Shin Kong Financial Holding Co.
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General Manager: Mr. Stephen CHEN
Address: 38F, No. 66, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao W. Rd., Zhongzheng, Taipei
In the event of any change in either of the above addresses, the party making such change shall forthwith notify the other party in writing, or it may not assert such change as a valid defense.
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15.6 Except for the confidentiality agreement between the parties, which shall not be affected by the execution or rescission or termination of this Agreement, any oral and written discussions, arrangements and undertakings between the parties in connection with the Merger prior to the execution of this Agreement shall be superseded by this Agreement and shall cease to have any effect.
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15.7 The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience and reference only and are irrelevant to the interpretation of this Agreement.
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15.8 A party may not assign its rights under this Agreement to any third party or have any third party assume the obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.
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15.9 This Agreement does not, expressly or implicitly, grant any rights or indemnification under this Agreement to any third party other than the parties hereto.
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15.10 Prior to the Merger Record Date, if either party is unable to perform or delays performing its obligations under this Agreement due to war, hostilities, blockade, riot, revolution, fire, typhoon, tsunami, flood or epidemic ( Force Majeure Event ), the party shall not be liable to the other party. However, either party shall notify the other party of the occurrence of such Force Majeure Event within three days after becoming aware of it. The foregoing shall not relieve either party from continuing to perform its obligations under this Agreement as soon as possible after the cessation of the Force Majeure Event.
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15.11 All legal, accounting, and financial consulting, taxes and other related expenses incurred in connection with the execution or performance of this Agreement shall be borne by each party. In the event that this Agreement and the Merger are not approved by the relevant competent authorities or otherwise fail to take effect, the legal, accounting, and financial consulting, taxes and other related expenses incurred shall also be borne by each party.
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15.12 This Agreement and the attachments hereto constitute the entire agreement of the parties. Nothing that has not been agreed upon by the parties prior to this Agreement taking effect but is not contained in this Agreement and the attachments shall be binding on the parties. There are four attachments to this Agreement, the names of which are set forth below:
Attachment 1: Securities of an equity nature of the parties as of the date of this Agreement
- Attachment 2: Changes to the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Company
Attachment 3: Disclosures by Party A
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Attachment 4: Disclosures by Party B
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15.13 This Agreement is executed in duplicate, each copy held by a party as evidence.
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15.14 This Agreement shall become effective upon execution and delivery by both parties. (This page is intentionally blank below)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first mentioned above.
Party A: Party B:
Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Representative: Wu, Tong-Liang Address: 12F, 13F, 15F, 16F, 21F, 22F and 23F, No. 118, Sec. 4, Renai Rd., Daan District, Taipei
Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Representative: Wei, Mark Address: 38F., No. 66, Sec. 1, ChungHsiao W. Rd., Taipei
[This English translation is for reference only; if there is any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail.]
Amendment to Merger Agreement
This Amendment Agreement to Merger Agreement ( Amendment Agreement ) is entered into by and between Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. ( Party A ) and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. ( Party B ) as of 11 September 2024.
Whereas Party A and Party B have signed the Merger Agreement ( Agreement ) on 22 August 2024, and as amending the Agreement is necessary for the merger procedures, both parties, after negotiation, hereby agree to amend the following terms of the Agreement by this Amendment Agreement for mutual compliance:
1. Amendment to Article 1.3.3 of the Agreement
Article 1.3.3 of the Agreement shall be amended and replaced as follows:
- 1.3.3 Based on the Exchange Ratio set forth in Article 2.1, the registered capital of Party A as the surviving company after the merger is estimated to be NT$350,000,000,000, divided into 35,000,000,000 shares with a par value of NT$10 each, and its paid-in capital is estimated to be NT$293,756,142,010, divided into 24,878,930,340 shares of common share, 800,000,000 shares of Class E preferred share, 300,000,000 shares of Class F preferred share, 297,000,000 shares of Class G preferred share and 3,099,683,861 shares of Class H preferred share, each with a par value of NT$10. The expected terms and conditions for the issuance of Party A's shares of Class G preferred share (including Class G preferred shares I and II) and Class H preferred share are as set forth in Attachment 2 (the actual provisions should be subject to the version approved at Party A's shareholders' meeting and by the competent authorities). The actual paid-in capital and total issued shares of Party A as at the record date of the merger will be subject to increase or decrease on account of an adjustment of the share exchange ratio as stipulated in Article 2.3 or the occurrence of other events.
2. Amendment to Article 2.1 of the Agreement
Article 2.1 of the Agreement shall be amended and replaced in its entirety as follows:
- 2.1 On the Merger Record Date, all the shares issued and outstanding by Party B shall cease to be outstanding and be canceled as a result of the merger. Party A shall issue new shares and exchange for one share of common share of Party B with 0.6720 share of common share ( Common Share Exchange Ratio ) and 0.175 share of Class H preferred share ( Class H for Common Share Exchange Ratio ), and exchange for one share of Class A preferred share of Party B with each share of Class G preferred share I and for one share of Class B preferred share of Party B with each share of Class G preferred share II ( Preferred Share Exchange Ratio ) (the Preferred Share Exchange Ratio, Common Share Exchange Ratio and Class H for Common Share Exchange Ratio are collectively referred to as the Exchange Ratio ). Party A shall pay the share consideration on the Merger Record Date to all the shareholders of Party B as recorded in the shareholders’ register of Party B as at the Merger Record Date. Party A expects to (1) issue a total of 11,902,786,028 shares of common share and 3,099,683,861 shares of Class H preferred share to all the shareholders of
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common share of Party B and (2) issue a total of 297,000,000 shares of Class G preferred share to all the shareholders of Class A and Class B preferred shares of Party B on the Merger Record Date, provided that the actual amount of the new shares to be issued by Party A shall be calculated based on Party B's shareholders' register as at the Merger Record Date and on the Exchange Ratio adjusted (if applicable) in accordance with Article 2.3 of this Agreement. The rights and obligations of the new shares of common share issued by Party A shall be the same as those of the existing common shares issued by Party A. If there is a need to adjust the rights and obligations of the classes of preferred shares issued by Party A per the requirements of the competent authorities, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to adjust such rights and obligations. The consideration for the Merger is the new shares issued by Party A. The consideration will not be paid by distributing the shares of Party A that have been bought back by it (if any) to the shareholders of Party B.
3. Partial Amendment to Article 2.2 of the Agreement
Article 2.2 of the Agreement shall be amended and replaced in its entirety as follows:
- 2.2 If Party B's shareholders acquire any odd-lot shares less than one share, in lieu of such odd-lot shares, Party A will pay cash to such Party B's shareholders on a pro rata basis based on the closing price of Party A's common shares on the last trading day prior to the Merger Record Date and the issue price of Class H preferred share (fractions of NT$1 shall be rounded to the nearest NT$), and Party A may authorize the chairperson of its board of directors or their designee to approach a specific person to take up such odd-lot shares at such aforementioned market price or issue price (whichever may be applicable). In the event that there is a need to change the handling of these odd-lot shares in accordance with the laws and regulations or operational requirements, the chairperson of the board of directors of Party A or their designee shall have full authority to handle the matter.
4. Amendment to Article 2.4 of the Agreement
Article 2.4 of the Agreement shall be amended and replaced in its entirety as follows:
- 2.4 Adjustment of the Preferred Share Exchange Ratio and Class H for Common Share Exchange Ratio:
Unless instructed by the competent authorities and resolved by the boards of directors of both parties, or adjusted to facilitate the procurement of approval of the relevant competent authorities and as resolved by the boards of directors of both parties, the Preferred Share Exchange Ratio and Class H for Common Share Exchange Ratio stipulated in this Agreement shall not be changed.
5. Attachment 2 to the Agreement
Attachment 2 to the Agreement shall be deleted and replaced in its entirety by the Attachment to this Amendment Agreement.
6. Miscellaneous
- (1) The Agreement shall apply to any undefined matters in this Amendment Agreement. This Amendment
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Agreement shall form part of the Agreement and have the same effects as the Agreement. Unless otherwise agreed in this Amendment Agreement, the provisions in the Agreement and its attachments shall remain in force.
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(2) This Amendment Agreement shall become effective upon execution and delivery by both parties. This Amendment Agreement shall be deemed to form a part of the Agreement from the effective date.
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(3) This Amendment Agreement is executed in duplicate, each copy held by a party as evidence.
(This page is intentionally blank below)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment Agreement to be executed as of the date first mentioned above.
Party A: Party B:
Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Representative: Wu, Tong-Liang Address: 12F, 13F, 15F, 16F, 21F, 22F and 23F, No. 118, Sec. 4, Renai Rd., Daan District, Taipei
Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Representative: Wei, Mark Address: 38F., No. 66, Sec. 1, ChungHsiao W. Rd., Taipei
[ Translation for reference only; If there is any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail. ]
Attachment 1
Equity Securities Issued by Party A
As of August 22, 2024
| Type of Marketable Security | Issued Volume |
|---|---|
| Common share | 12,976,144,312 shares |
| Class Epreferred share | 800,000,000 shares |
| Class Fpreferred share | 300,000,000 shares |
| First domestic unsecured exchangeable bonds |
50,000 |
Equity Securities Issued by Party B
| As of August 22,2024 Issued Volume 17,157,629,042 shares 75,000,000 shares 222,000,000 shares 49,993 (Balance: 49,992 certificates)11,558 units (Number of common sharesrepresented: 289,000 ) |
|
|---|---|
| Type of Marketable Security | Issued Volume |
| Common share | 17,157,629,042 shares |
| Class Apreferred share | 75,000,000 shares |
| Class Bpreferred share | 222,000,000 shares |
| Sixth domestic unsecured convertible bonds |
49,993(Balance: 49,992 certificates) |
| GDR (Place of listing: Luxembourg) |
11,558 units(Number of common sharesrepresented: 289,000 ) |
Attachment 2
Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Company
Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd.
Table of Comparison of the Articles of Incorporation
| Article | Amended | Current | |
| Article 1 | The Company is incorporated pursuant to the Financial Holding Company Act, the Company Act, and other relevant laws and regulations. The name of the Company shall be “Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd.” (abbreviated to “Taishin Holdings”). If the Company completes a merger with Shin |
The Company is incorporated pursuant to the Financial Holding Company Act, the Company Act, and other relevant laws and regulations. The name of the Company shall be “Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd.” (abbreviated to “Taishin Holdings”). |
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Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (Shin Kong |
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Holdings),the Company will be renamed“TS |
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Financial Holding Co., Ltd.” (abbreviated to |
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“TS Holdings”) as of the record date of the |
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merger. Amendment of this paragraph shall |
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become effective as from the record date of the |
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| merger. | |||
| Article 5 | The authorized capital of the Company is NT$350,000,000,000, divided into35 billion shares at par value of NT$10. The Board of Directors is authorized to issue the shares of capital in installments. 3.5 billion shares shall be reserved for the Company to issue shares for stock warrants, shares with warrants or corporate bonds withwarrants. |
The authorized capital of the Company is NT$200,000,000,000, divided into 20 billion shares at par value of NT$10. The Board of Directors is authorized to issue the shares of capital in installments. 2 billion shares shall be reserved for the Company to issue shares for stock warrants, shares with warrants or corporate bonds withwarrants. |
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| Article 8-4 | The Company issues 3,500,000,000 Class E registered preferred shares ("Class E preferred shares"), which may be issued in installment. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issue associated with Class E preferred shares are as follows: 1. The dividend rate for Class E preferred shares should not exceed 8.00% p.a. of the issue price. In years when there is insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class E preferred shareholders,or if the capital adequacy ratio of the Company will fall below the minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for Class E preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors, the Company may resolve not to distribute dividends, and the unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years withearnings. |
The Company issues 3,500,000,000 Class E registered preferred shares ("Class E preferred shares"), which may be issued in installment. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issue associated with Class E preferred shares are as follows: 1. The dividend rate for Class E preferred shares should not exceed 8.00% p.a. of the issue price. In years when there is insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class E preferred shareholders, the unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. |
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below the minimum requirement |
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prescribed by laws and regulations or the |
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competent authority as a result of the |
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distribution of dividends for Class E |
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| preferred shares, or out of consideration | |||
for other essential factors, the Company |
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may resolve not to distribute dividends, |
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and the unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years withearnings. |
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The Company has sole discretion over the 2. The Company has sole discretion over the distribution of Class E preferred share distribution of Class E preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution proposals dividends. Earnings distribution proposals will be devised by the board of directors in will be devised by the board of directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the of Incorporation and then submitted to the annual general meeting of shareholders for annual general meeting of shareholders for acknowledgment. Any earnings available for acknowledgment. Any earnings available for distribution under an acknowledged earnings distribution to preferred shares and distribution proposal will be distributed first ordinary shares under an acknowledged to Class E preferred shares. Any remaining earnings distribution proposal will be balance shall be distributed according to the distributed first to Class E preferred shares. Articles of Incorporation. Any remaining balance shall be distributed 3. Dividends on Class E preferred shares will be according to the Articles of Incorporation. paid in cash. Once the Company's financial 3. Dividends on Class E preferred shares will be statements have been acknowledged and paid in cash. Once the Company's financial earnings distributions approved during the statements have been acknowledged and annual general meeting of shareholders, the earnings distributions approved during the board of directors shall be authorized to set annual general meeting of shareholders, the the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the board of directors shall be authorized to set Class E preferred share dividend. Dividends the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the that are payable for the year of issuance shall Class E preferred share dividend. Dividends be prorated according to the actual number of that are payable for the year of issuance shall days the shares have been in circulation since be prorated according to the actual number of the date of issue, relative to the total number days the shares have been in circulation since of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the date of issue, relative to the total number the distribution of the payable dividends shall of days of that year. In the year of redemption, be calculated based on the actual number of the distribution of the payable dividends shall days the preferred shares remained be calculated based on the actual number of outstanding in that year. days the preferred shares remained 4. Except for the dividends prescribed in the outstanding in that year.
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Except for the dividends prescribed in the three preceding subparagraphs herein, Class E preferred shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to the ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves.
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Except for the dividends prescribed in the three preceding subparagraphs herein, Class E preferred shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to the ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves.
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In the event of liquidation, Class E preferred shareholders shall be given priority over ordinary shareholders when claiming the Company's remaining assets. The amount claimed shall not exceed the issuance amount of outstanding Class E preferred shares.
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In the event of liquidation, Class E preferred shareholders shall be given priority over ordinary shareholders when claiming the Company's remaining assets. The amount claimed shall not exceed the issuance amount of outstanding Class E preferred shares.
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Any premium received on the issuance of Class E preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into paid-in capital during the circulation period of Class E preferred shares.
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Any premium received on the issuance of Class E preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into paid-in capital during the circulation period of Class E preferred shares.
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Class E preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, they may vote in Class E preferred shareholders’ meetings and in general shareholders’ meetings with regard to agenda items concerning the rights and obligations of Class
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Class E preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, they may vote in Class E preferred shareholders’ meetings and in general shareholders’ meetings with regard to agenda items
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E preferred shareholders. concerning the rights and obligations of Class
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- When the Company issues new shares for E preferred shareholders. capital raising, Class E preferred 8. When the Company issues new shares for shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive capital raising, Class E preferred shareholders rights on the new shares equivalent to those shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the of ordinary shareholders. new shares equivalent to those of ordinary
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- Seven years after the issue date, the Company shareholders. may at any time, subject to the competent 9. Seven years after the issue date, the Company authority's approval, recall a portion or all of may at any time, subject to the competent the outstanding Class E preferred shares at authority's approval, recall a portion or all of the issue price. The rights and obligations the outstanding Class E preferred shares at associated with any remaining outstanding the issue price. The rights and obligations Class E preferred shares shall continue as associated with any remaining outstanding specified herein. Class E preferred shares shall continue as
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- Matters regarding the issuance of Class E specified herein. preferred shares not specified herein shall be 10. Matters regarding the issuance of Class E governed by the applicable laws and preferred shares not specified herein shall be regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and governed by the applicable laws and the competent authority's rules. If the regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and competent authority deems it necessary to the competent authority's rules. If the modify the terms of issuance for Class E competent authority deems it necessary to preferred shares, the board of directors is modify the terms of issuance for Class E authorized to proceed accordingly. preferred shares, the board of directors is
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When Class E preferred shares are issued in authorized to proceed accordingly. installment within the limit described under the When Class E preferred shares are issued in first paragraph, the board of directors is installment within the limit described under the authorized to decide the actual number of shares, first paragraph, the board of directors is issue price, and dividend rate for each issuance authorized to decide the actual number of shares, according to the Company's capital plans, market issue price, and dividend rate for each issuance conditions at the time of issuance, and the terms according to the Company's capital plans, market of issuance detailed under the preceding conditions at the time of issuance, and the terms subparagraphs. Details of issuance by private of issuance detailed under the preceding placement or issuances involving an increased subparagraphs. Details of issuance by private percentage of public offering shall be submitted placement or issuances involving an increased to the shareholders’ meeting for approval. percentage of public offering shall be submitted to the shareholders’ meeting for approval.
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Article 8-5 The Company issues 800,000,000 Class F The Company issues 800,000,000 Class F registered exchangeable preferred shares ("Class registered exchangeable preferred shares ("Class F preferred shares"), which may be issued in F preferred shares"), which may be issued in installment. The rights, obligations, and other installment. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issuance associated with important terms of issuance associated with Class F preferred shares are as follows: Class F preferred shares are as follows: 1. The dividend rate for Class F preferred shares 1. The dividend rate for Class F preferred shares should not exceed 4.5% p.a. of the issue price. should not exceed 4.5% p.a. of the issue price. Unless otherwise specified by the Articles of Unless otherwise specified by the Articles of Incorporation, in years that conclude with Incorporation, in years that conclude with insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class F preferred shareholders , dividends for Class F preferred shareholders, or if the capital adequacy ratio of the the unpaid dividend will not be carried Company will fall below the minimum forward to years with earnings. requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for Class F preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors,
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the Company may resolve not to distribute dividends, and the unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. 2. The Company has sole discretion on the distribution of Class F preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals will be devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to Class E preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain, to Class G preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain, to Class F preferred shares. Any remaining balance shall be distributed ordinary shares. 3. Dividends on Class F preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements have been acknowledged and the earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals approved have been approved during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class F preferred share dividend. Dividends that are payable for the year of issuance shall be prorated according to the actual number of days the shares have been in circulation since the date of issue, relative to the total number of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year.
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The Company has sole discretion on the distribution of Class F preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals will be devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to Class E preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain, to Class F preferred shares. Any remaining balance shall be distributed ordinary shares.
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Dividends on Class F preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements have been acknowledged and the earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals approved have been approved during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class F preferred share dividend. Dividends that are payable for the year of issuance shall be prorated according to the actual number of days the shares have been in circulation since the date of issue, relative to the total number of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year.
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Except for dividends prescribed in the three preceding subparagraphs herein, Class F preferred shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves.
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Except for dividends prescribed in the three preceding subparagraphs herein, Class F preferred shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves.
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In the event of liquidation, Class F preferred shareholders shall be limited to claiming on the ordinary shares of Chang Hwa Commercial Bank Ltd owned by the Company (CHB shares). Class F preferred shareholders shall be given distribution sequence priority over ordinary shareholders. The exchange ratio of Class F preferred shares and CHB shares shall be set at 1:1. 6. Any premium received on the issue of Class F preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into
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In the event of liquidation, Class F preferred shareholders shall be limited to claiming on the ordinary shares of Chang Hwa Commercial Bank Ltd owned by the Company (CHB shares). Class F preferred shareholders shall be given distribution sequence priority over ordinary shareholders. The exchange ratio of Class F preferred shares and CHB shares shall be set at 1:1. 6. Any premium received on the issue of Class F preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into
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paid-in capital during the circulation period of Class F preferred shares.
paid-in capital during the circulation period of Class F preferred shares. 7. Class F preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in Shareholders’ Meetings. However, they may vote in Class F preferred shareholder meetings on amendments to the Articles of Incorporation which damage the rights of Class F preferred shareholders. The provisions governing Shareholders' Meetings shall apply.
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Class F preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in Shareholders’ Meetings. However, they may vote in Class F preferred shareholder meetings on amendments to the Articles of Incorporation which damage the rights of Class F preferred shareholders. The provisions governing Shareholders' Meetings shall apply.
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When the Company issues new shares for capital raising, Class F preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalents to those of ordinary shareholders and Class E preferred shareholders.
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When the Company issues new shares for capital raising, Class F preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalents to those of ordinary shareholders and Class E preferred shareholders.
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The Company may notify Class F preferred shareholders of their right to exchange Class F preferred shares for CHB shares at the exchange ratio of 1:1 from the beginning of the 8th year of issuance up to the end of the 10th year of issuance
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Ten years after the issue date, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall all outstanding Class F preferred shares and exchange them for CHB shares at the ratio of 1:1. If the 90business-day weighted average price of CHB shares prior to the record date is lower than the issue price, the Company shall make up the gap with cash. The specifics of the cash reimbursement shall be determined by the Board.
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On the issue date, the Company shall set aside and deliver to the appointed custodian for safekeeping a number of CHB shares equal to that of the total number of Class F preferred shares. In the event that Class F preferred shares are redeemed, the Company shall deliver the CHB shares from the custodian to the Class F preferred shareholders.
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The Company may notify Class F preferred shareholders of their right to exchange Class F preferred shares for CHB shares at the exchange ratio of 1:1 from the beginning of the 8th year of issuance up to the end of the 10th year of issuance
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Ten years after the issue date, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall all outstanding Class F preferred shares and exchange them for CHB shares at the ratio of 1:1. If the 90business-day weighted average price of CHB shares prior to the record date is lower than the issue price, the Company shall make up the gap with cash. The specifics of the cash reimbursement shall be determined by the Board.
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On the issue date, the Company shall set aside and deliver to the appointed custodian for safekeeping a number of CHB shares equal to that of the total number of Class F preferred shares. In the event that Class F preferred shares are redeemed, the Company shall deliver the CHB shares from the custodian to the Class F preferred shareholders.
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In the event that Class F preferred shareholders’ equity decreases proportionally due to a reduction of share capital against cumulative losses, Class F preferred shareholders’ equity shall be adjusted/made up for the amount decreased so that Class F preferred shareholders’ interest is maintained at the same level as when the shares were initially issued.
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In the event that Class F preferred shareholders’ equity decreases proportionally due to a reduction of share capital against cumulative losses, Class F preferred shareholders’ equity shall be adjusted/made up for the amount decreased so that Class F preferred shareholders’ interest is maintained at the same level as when the shares were initially issued. 13.Matters regarding the issuance of Class F preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and
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13.Matters regarding the issuance of Class F preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and
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the competent authority's rules. If the the competent authority's rules. If the competent authority deems it necessary to competent authority deems it necessary to modify the terms of issuance for Class F modify the terms of issuance for Class F preferred shares, the Board of Directors is preferred shares, the Board of Directors is authorized to proceed accordingly. authorized to proceed accordingly. When Class F preferred shares are issued in When Class F preferred shares are issued in installment within the limit described under the installment within the limit described under the first paragraph, the Board of Directors is first paragraph, the Board of Directors is authorized to decide the actual number of shares, authorized to decide the actual number of shares, issue price, issue date, dividend rate, etc. for each issue price, issue date, dividend rate, etc. for each issuance according to the Company's capital issuance according to the Company's capital plans and market conditions at the time of plans and market conditions at the time of issuance and according to the terms of issuance issuance and according to the terms of issuance described under the preceding subparagraphs. described under the preceding subparagraphs. Article 8-6 The Company issues 297,000,000 Class G registered preferred shares ("Class G preferred shares") in total, divided into Class G preferred shares I and Class G preferred shares II. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issuance associated with Class G preferred shares are as follows: 1. Class G preferred shares I are issued for the purpose of assuming Shin Kong Holdings’ Class A preferred shares. The rights and obligations associated with the issue date shall be based on September 27, 2019 as the issue date. Class G preferred shares II are issued for the purpose of assuming Shin Kong Holdings’ Class B preferred shares. The rights and obligations associated with the issue date shall be based on September 1, 2020 as the issue date. 2. The dividend rate of Class G preferred shares I is 3.8% p.a. with issue price NT$45, and the dividend rate of Class G preferred shares II is 4.00% p.a. with issue price NT$45. In years that conclude with insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class G preferred shares, or if the capital adequacy ratio of the Company will fall below the minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the distribution of dividends for Class G preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors, the Company may resolve not to distribute dividends, and the unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings. 3. The Company has sole discretion on the distribution of Class G preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution proposals
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| 4. | will be devised by the Board of Directors in | ||
|---|---|---|---|
accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles |
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| of Incorporation and then submitted to the | |||
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders |
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for acknowledgment. Once the |
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aforementioned proposal is acknowledged, |
|||
earnings available for distribution shall be |
|||
distributed firstly to Class E preferred |
|||
shares and then, if any earnings remain, to |
|||
Class G preferred shares I, and then, if any |
|||
earnings remain, to Class G preferred |
|||
shares II. Dividends on Class G preferred shares will |
|||
5. |
**be paid in cash. Once the Company's ** |
||
account statements and the earnings |
|||
distribution proposals have been |
|||
acknowledged during the Annual General |
|||
Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of |
|||
Directors shall be authorized to set the ex- |
|||
| dividend date for the distribution of the | |||
| Class G preferred share dividend, based on | |||
which to pay the dividends distributable |
|||
for the previous year. Notwithstanding, if, |
|||
in the year in which the record date of the |
|||
merger falls, Shin Kong Holdings’ original |
|||
Class A preferred shared and Class B |
|||
preferred shares have participated in ex- |
|||
dividend and Shin Kong Holdings has |
|||
distributed dividends, Class G preferred |
|||
shares may no longer participate in the |
|||
Company’s distribution of dividends in the |
|||
| current year. In the year of redemption, the | |||
distribution of the payable dividends shall |
|||
be calculated based on the actual number |
|||
| of days the preferred shares remained | |||
outstanding in that year. Except for dividends prescribed in the |
|||
6. |
preceding four subparagraphs herein, |
||
Class G preferred shareholders are not |
|||
entitled to participate in the distribution of |
|||
cash or stock dividends with regard to |
|||
ordinary shares and other preferred shares |
|||
derived from earnings or capital reserves. In the event of liquidation, Class G |
|||
7. |
preferred shareholders shall be given |
||
priority over ordinary shareholders when |
|||
claiming the Company's remaining assets. |
|||
The amount claimed shall not exceed the |
|||
| issuance amount of outstanding Class G | |||
preferred shares. Any premium received on the issue of |
|||
Class G preferred shares shall be treated |
|||
as capital surplus and should not be |
|||
capitalized into paid-in capital during the |
|||
circulation period of Class G preferred |
7
| 8. | shares. Class G preferred shareholders are not |
shares. Class G preferred shareholders are not |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
entitled to any voting rights or election rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, they may vote in Class G preferred shareholders’ meetings and in general shareholders’ meetings with regard to agenda items concerning the rights and obligations of Class G preferred shareholders. 9. When the Company issues new shares for |
entitled to any voting rights or election |
|||
rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, |
||||
they may vote in Class G preferred |
||||
shareholders’ meetings and in general |
||||
shareholders’ meetings with regard to |
||||
agenda items concerning the rights and |
||||
obligations of Class G preferred |
||||
capital raising, Class G preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalent to those of ordinary shareholders. 10. Seven years after the issue date September |
capital raising, Class G preferred |
|||
shareholders shall be entitled to |
||||
| preemptive rights on the new shares | ||||
equivalent to those of ordinary |
||||
27, 2019, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall a portion or all of the outstanding Class G preferred shares I at the issue price. Seven years after the issue date September 1, 2020, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall a portion or all of the outstanding Class G preferred shares II at the issue price. The rights and obligations associated with any remaining outstanding Class G preferred shares shall continue as specified herein. 11. Matters regarding the issuance of Class G |
27, 2019, the Company may at any time, |
|||
**subject to the competent authority's ** |
||||
approval, recall a portion or all of the |
||||
outstanding Class G preferred shares I at |
||||
the issue price. Seven years after the issue |
||||
date September 1, 2020, the Company may |
||||
at any time, subject to the competent |
||||
authority's approval, recall a portion or all |
||||
of the outstanding Class G preferred |
||||
shares II at the issue price. The rights and |
||||
obligations associated with any remaining |
||||
outstanding Class G preferred shares shall |
||||
preferred shares not specified herein shall |
||||
be governed by the applicable laws and |
||||
regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, |
||||
and the competent authority's rules. If the |
||||
competent authority deems it necessary to |
||||
modify the terms of issuance for Class G |
||||
preferred shares, the Board of Directors is |
||||
authorized to proceed accordingly. |
||||
| Article 8-7 | The Company issues 3,099,683,861 Class H | |||
registered preferred shares ("Class H |
||||
preferred shares"), with a par value of NT$ 10 |
||||
each. The rights, obligations, and other |
||||
important terms of issuance associated with |
||||
Class H preferred shares are as follows: 1. Class H preferred shares are issued at their par value. The dividend rate of Class H preferred shares is 1.665% p.a. In years that conclude with insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class H preferred shares, or if the capital adequacy ratio of the Company will fall below the minimum requirement prescribed by laws and regulations or the competent authority as a result of the |
||||
**1. ** |
||||
their par value. The dividend rate of Class |
||||
H preferred shares is 1.665% p.a. In years |
||||
that conclude with insufficient or no |
||||
| surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class | ||||
H preferred shares, or if the capital |
||||
adequacy ratio of the Company will fall |
||||
below the minimum requirement |
||||
prescribed by laws and regulations or the |
||||
competent authority as a result of the |
8
distribution of dividends for Class H preferred shares, or out of consideration for other essential factors, the unpaid dividends or under-distributed dividends should be accumulated to and made up in years with earnings thereafter. 2. The earnings distribution proposals of Class H preferred share dividends will be devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Once the aforementioned proposal is acknowledged, earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to Class E preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain, to Class G preferred shares I, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class G preferred shares II, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class F preferred shares, and then, if any earnings remain, to Class H preferred shares for the dividends for such year and the accumulated unpaid or underdistributed dividends in each previous year. Any remaining balance shall be distributed to ordinary shares. 3. Dividends on Class H preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements and the earnings distribution proposals have been acknowledged during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors shall be authorized to set the exdividend date for the distribution of the Class H preferred share dividend, based on which to pay the dividends that should be distributed for the last year and the accumulated unpaid or under-distributed dividends in each previous year. In the year of issuance, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated starting from the issue date (capital increase record date) based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year. Upon or after redemption of Class H preferred shares, the Company should make up the accumulated unpaid dividends in full in such year or in the years after based on the order of priority for dividend distribution
9
| 4. | set forth in the preceding sub-paragraph. Except for dividends prescribed in the |
set forth in the preceding sub-paragraph. Except for dividends prescribed in the |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
5. |
preceding three subparagraphs herein, |
|||
Class H preferred shareholders are not |
||||
entitled to participate in the distribution of |
||||
cash or stock dividends with regard to |
||||
ordinary shares and other preferred shares |
||||
derived from earnings or capital reserves. In the event of liquidation, Class H |
||||
6. |
preferred shareholders shall be given |
|||
priority over ordinary shareholders when |
||||
claiming the Company's remaining assets. |
||||
The amount claimed shall not exceed the |
||||
| issuance amount of outstanding Class H | ||||
preferred shares. Class H preferred shareholders are not |
||||
entitled to any voting rights or election rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, they may vote in Class H preferred shareholders’ meetings and in general shareholders’ meetings with regard to agenda items concerning the rights and obligations of Class H preferred shareholders. 7. When the Company issues new shares for |
entitled to any voting rights or election |
|||
rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, |
||||
they may vote in Class H preferred |
||||
shareholders’ meetings and in general |
||||
shareholders’ meetings with regard to |
||||
agenda items concerning the rights and |
||||
obligations of Class H preferred |
||||
capital raising, Class H preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalent to those of ordinary shareholders. 8. Upon expiry of a three-year period from the |
capital raising, Class H preferred |
|||
shareholders shall be entitled to |
||||
| preemptive rights on the new shares | ||||
equivalent to those of ordinary |
||||
issue date, the Company will recall all of the outstanding Class H preferred shares at the issue price. 9. Matters regarding the issuance of Class H |
issue date, the Company will recall all of |
|||
the outstanding Class H preferred shares |
||||
preferred shares not specified herein shall |
||||
be governed by the applicable laws and |
||||
regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, |
||||
and the competent authority's rules. If the |
||||
competent authority deems it necessary to |
||||
modify the terms of issuance for Class H |
||||
preferred shares, the Board of Directors is |
||||
authorized to proceed accordingly. |
||||
| **Article 8-8 ** | Unless otherwise prescribed by law or stipulated in the Articles of Incorporation, the Company shall ensure that all shareholders are granted the same rights to participate in the distribution in the event that the Company wishes to return capital by means of capital allocation or reduction, or if it wishes to make exceptional cash payments for reasons other than earnings distribution. |
Unless otherwise prescribed by law or stipulated in the Articles of Incorporation, the Company shall ensure that all shareholders are granted the same rights to participate in the distribution in the event that the Company wishes to return capital by means of capital allocation or reduction, or if it wishes to make exceptional cash payments for reasons other than earnings distribution. |
(Note: With regard to the actual provisions, the version approved by the Taishin Holdings shareholders’ meeting and the competent authority shall prevail.)
10
Attachment 3
Disclosures by Party A
1
Attachment 3.7:
Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Commercial Paper Transactions
| Name of Underwriter | Transaction Date |
Closing Date | Maturity Date | Duration (Days) |
Interest Rate |
Transaction Amount |
Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ta Ching Bills Finance Corporation (97172915) |
2024/7/18 | 2024/7/22 | 2024/8/22 | 31 | 1.738 | 500 million | New transaction |
| Union Bank of Taiwan (86380802) | 2024/7/18 | 2024/7/22 | 2024/8/22 | 31 | 1.738 | 500 million | New transaction |
| Mega Bills Finance Co., Ltd. (14067826) | 2024/7/18 | 2024/7/22 | 2024/8/22 | 31 | 1.738 | 900 million | New transaction |
Note: NTD 5 billion new transactions in commercial papers are expected to be conducted between 2024/8/19 and 2024/8/23.
2
Attachment 3.8:
Taishin Securities Co., Ltd. Punishments
| Date | Case |
|---|---|
| 2024.5.31 | By engaging in loan transactions with customers and citing employee subscriptions, CHENOO, asales representative of the subsidiaryTaishin Securities,caused customers to remit funds upon a mistaken belief to his personal accounts etc. For the company’s failure to oversee the management of its sales personnel properly and to implement internal controls, the aforementioned sales representative was released from duty, a warning was given to the company, and the company was fined NTD 960,000 and required to submit a rectification plan to the Financial Supervisory Commission within three months after approved by the board of directors, pursuant to the 2024.5.31 Financial Supervisory Commission letters Nos. Jin Guan Zheng Quan Zi 1130335116, Jin Guan Zheng Quan Fa Zi 11303351161,andJinGuan Zheng Quan Zi 11303351162. |
3
Attachment 3.10:
Taishin International Bank Co., Ltd. Material Litigations
| No. | Litigation | Facts | Claim Amount |
Commencement of Action |
Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damages in tort |
Certain accounts receivable factored by the bank turned out to have been incurred from the seller’s untrue transactions and insured by the seller with insurance companies to commit fraud. The bank therefore claimed damages fromthe seller. |
USD 43,714,743.9 |
2019.7 | 1. Ancillary actions were initiated on 2019.7 2. The judgment No. 112 Year Shang Su Zi 000004 was pronounced by the Commercial Court on 2024.7.17, partly favorable to the bank. 3. 100% allowance for bad debt were set aside for the case. |
| 2 | Civil payment |
The bank purchased from customers certain L/C receivables. The customers engaged in untrue transactions and took out insurances with insurance companies to commit fraud. The issuing banks refused to accept the L/Cs. The bank therefore claimed acceptance of the L/Cs and insurance benefits from the issuing banks and L/C insurer respectively. |
USD 15,331,364.66 |
2024.3 (versus insurance company) 2024.5 (versus issuing bank) |
1. Under review at the court of first instance. 2. 100% allowance for bad debt were set aside for the case. 3. Supplementary civil action is expected to be initiated against the customers in early September after the 8/22 criminal preparatory procedure. |
| 3 | Claim of damages |
A former customer relationship manager was involved in appropriating customer funds for himself. After negotiating a settlement and indemnity with the customer which had lodged a customer complaint, the bank claimed damages from the former customer |
NTD 262,832,542 and USD 1,730,000 |
2021.10 | 1. The bank obtained a partly favorable judgment of the court of first instance (the bank was held liable for 30% contributory negligence) 2. The bank filed an appeal with the court of second instance (in regard to the 30% contributory negligence and to the amount of $26,983,066 which the court of first instance had omitted to award) |
4
==> picture [82 x 127] intentionally omitted <==
relationship manager in accordance with torts provisions. Accounts receivable and NTD 320,693,111 allowance for bad debt were recognized in the books for the case.
==> picture [301 x 127] intentionally omitted <==
5
Attachment 3.19:
| Administrative | Amount |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Year | Content | ||
| Remedy | Involved | |||
| Taishin Securities Co., Ltd. (Taishin Securities) |
2016 | Call (put) warrants & exempt income allocation |
In the administrative appeals process |
11 million |
| Taishin Securities |
2017 | Call (put) warrants & exempt income allocation |
In the administrative appeals process |
17 million |
| Taishin Securities |
2018 | Exempt income allocation | Under reexamination |
23 million |
6
Attachment 4 Disclosures by Party B
1
Attachment 4.6 No Material Changes
[4.6.1] Distribution of dividends and bonuses (including employee bonus and director and supervisor remuneration)
Party B and Party B subsidiaries will distribute dividends and bonuses (including employee bonus and director and supervisor remuneration) before the Merger Record Date in accordance with their respective articles of incorporation.
2
Attachment 4.7 No Material New Debts
1. Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Commercial Paper Transactions
| Name of Underwriter | Transaction Date |
Closing Date | Maturity Date | Duration (Days) |
Interest Rate | Transaction Amount |
Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Bills Finance Co., Ltd. | 2024.7.4 | 2024.7.5 | 2024.10.3 | 90 | 1.868% | 200 million | |
| China Bills Finance Corporation | 2024.7.4 | 2024.7.5 | 2024.10.3 | 90 | 1.868% | 100 million |
NB: NTD 2 billion new transactions in commercial papers or bank borrowings are expected to be conducted between 2024.10.3 and 2025.12.31.
2. Redemption of Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Outstanding Bonds
| No. | Cause | Measures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NTD 3 billion funding requirement in relation to the 2020 domestic straight corporate bonds to mature May 27, 2025 |
The requirement will be fulfilled by the issuance of straight/convertible bonds or the borrowing of funds from financial institutions |
| 2 | NTD 5 billion funding requirement in relation to the 2022 domestic straight corporate bonds to mature April 12, 2027 |
The requirement will be fulfilled by the issuance of straight/convertible bonds or the borrowing of funds from financial institutions. |
| 3 | Sixth domestic unsecured convertible bonds |
1. Pursuant to Article 17 of the terms ofissuance and conversion, in the event the issuer exercises the call right, the funding requirement in relation to the redemption at face value will be fulfilled by the issuance of straight/convertible bonds or the borrowing of funds from financial institutions. 2. Pursuant to Article 18 of the terms ofissuance and conversion, a bondholder may exercise the put right on the third anniversary of issuance (May 12, 2026), in which case the issuer shall redeem at the face value of the bonds plus interest payable refund (0.6012% of face value). The funding requirement will be fulfilled by the issuance of straight/convertible bonds or the borrowing of funds from financial institutions |
3
Attachment 4.8 Legal Compliance
[4.8.3] Government investigations of the business and operating practices of Party B and Party B subsidiaries
| No. | Date of Occurrence |
Name of Company |
Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024.2 | MasterLink Securities Corporation |
Taiwan Stock Exchange audited a certain specialist of the Hsinchu branch |
| 2 | 2024.6.11 | Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd. |
On June 11, 2024, an investigator and his team visited Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd.’s Shin Kong Life Tower and Songshan Financial Building with a search warrant, indicating a need to investigate a criminal case and requesting the company to furnish data relating to the new construction project on Shin Kong Banqiao oil depot sites A and B. Relevant related parties were interviewed as well. The case is currently under investigation by the prosecution. |
| 3 | 2024.6.12 | Shin-Kong Life Real Estate Service Co., Ltd |
According to June 12, 2024 press reports, the supervisor LU ○-xian was interviewed by the prosecuting authority in relation to the Jaspar Villa Banqiao case and released on a $1 million bail after further questioning by the prosecution. The case is currently under investigation by the prosecuting authority. |
| [4.8.4] Dispositions imposed by the competent authorities, from correction or above, in regard to the business and operating practices of Party B and Party B subsidiaries since January 1, 2024 |
|||
| No. | Date of Punishment |
Name of Company |
Punishment |
| 1 | 2024.1.5 | MasterLink Securities Corporation |
The company was subject to correction for operating futures introducing broker business in violation of futures laws and regulations. |
| 2 | 2024.1.12 | Taiwan Shin Kong Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. |
An NTD 8 million fine was imposed for the deficiency in relation to a former wealth management officer’s appropriation of customer funds and inappropriate fund transactions with customers. |
4
| 3 | 2024.2.26 | MasterLink Securities Corporation |
During its audit of the Banqiao branch being the party subject to disposition, Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation discovered that the officer and sales personnel of the branch’s sales department had engaged in lending and borrowing with customers and acted as an intermediary for such lending or borrowing, kept custody of seals or passbooks for customers, processed applications for trading of securities from a person who is not an agent with a power of attorney from the customer etc. For those deficiencies, which showed the party subject to disposition had failed to implement internal controls, such party was fined NTD 480,000. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2024.3.22 | Taiwan Shin Kong Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. |
In conducting credit card acquiring business, the company failed to enter into terms of contract in accordance with the provisions that were in force at the time of its act, as a result of which certain customers still used the credit card as an instrument for paying the principal and interest of a policy loan. For such deficiency, the company was subject to correction. |
| 5 | 2024.4.23 | Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd. |
Since the ratio of total adjusted net capital to risk-based capital fell below the grade of adequate capital prescribed by the Insurance Act, and the capital increase, financial or business improvement plan proposed failed to raise the company’s capital adequacy ratio to the statutory standard, the company was restricted from engaging in new loan or other transactions with interested parties until its capital adequacy ratio met the statutory standard and approval was obtained from the Financial Supervisory Commssion. Shin Kong Life Insurance was further ordered to present within a month a capital increase, financial or business improvement plan that is specific, complete, and can enable conformity of the company’s capital adequacy ratio with laws and regulations within a reasonable time, and also to reduce the 2024 remuneration of the chairperson of the board of directors, WEI OO, by 30% for a year. |
| 6 | 2024.4.23 | Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. |
The company failed to fulfill its responsibility for maintaining the sound operation of the subsidiary Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd. As a result, the overall soundness of the financial holding company’s financial and business operation was affected, likely to impair the financial holding company’s sound operation. The company was subject to correction and ordered to reduce the 2024 remuneration of the chairperson of the board of directors, CHEN OO, by 50% for a year. |
| 7 | 2024.4.24 | MasterLink Securities Corporation |
Out-trades were reported on September 5, 2023. During its special audit at the company, Taiwan Stock Exchange discovered that out-trades had been reported not based on real errors, the staging environment and production environment of the intranet had not been separated by |
5
| purpose, outsourcers had logged in the system through remote access without being subjected to multi-factor authentication, and outsourcers’ use of extranet remote access had not been properly controlled etc. Correction and a fine of NTD 900,000 were imposed. |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2024.7.10 | MasterLink Securities Corporation |
An employee surnamed LIAO had kept custody of customer funds and provided discretionary investment services during his employment with the company. Correction and a fine of NTD 240,000 were imposed. The company was further ordered to suspend LIAO’s execution of duties for six months. |
6
Attachment 4.10 Legal Disputes
[4.10.2] Criminal investigative procedures against the directors or officers of Party B and Party B subsidiaries which may cause a material adverse impact on the company
Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
| No. | Date of Occurrence |
Facts | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024.6.11 | On June 11, 2024, an investigator and his team visited Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd.’s Shin Kong Life Tower and Songshan Financial Building with a search warrant, indicating a need to investigate a criminal case and requesting the company to furnish data relating to the new construction project on Shin Kong Banqiao oil depot sites A and B. Relevant related parties were interviewed as well. |
Under investigation by the prosecuting authority |
7
Attachment 4 【 】
TAISHIN FINANCIAL HOLDING CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars)
| ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Due from the Central Bank and call loans to banks Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI) Investments in debt instruments at amortized cost Securities purchased under resell agreements Receivables, net Loans, net Reinsurance contract assets, net Investments accounted for using equity method Other financial assets, net Investment properties, net Property and equipment, net Right-of-use assets, net Intangible assets, net Deferred tax assets Other assets, net TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Deposits from the Central Bank and banks Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) Securities sold under repurchase agreements Commercial papers issued, net Payables Current tax liabilities Deposits and remittances Bonds payable Other borrowings Provisions Other financial liabilities Lease liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Other liabilities Total liabilities EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF PARENT Share capital Ordinary shares Preferred shares Stock dividend to be distributed Capital surplus Retained earnings Legal reserve Special reserve Unappropriated earnings Other equity Total equity attributable to owners of parent NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS Total equity TOTAL |
June 30, 2024 Amount % $ 25,615,903 1 103,784,560 3 189,042,875 6 180,072,946 6 761,477,221 23 3,498,271 - 198,611,025 6 1,651,635,756 51 587,523 - 501,259 - 52,021,732 2 5,505,520 - 25,572,408 1 2,269,163 - 3,573,218 - 7,346,519 - 26,579,490 1 $ 3,237,695,389 100 $ 24,164,370 1 58,569,397 2 80,596,032 2 37,246,449 1 57,506,515 2 2,808,059 - 2,261,848,884 70 65,206,625 2 11,151,963 - 257,817,401 8 147,499,562 5 2,347,226 - 1,822,642 - 8,986,747 - 3,017,571,872 93 124,770,618 4 11,000,000 1 4,990,825 - 38,197,778 1 18,439,029 - 1,146,190 - 20,189,697 1 1,362,454 - 220,096,591 7 26,926 - 220,123,517 7 $ 3,237,695,389 100 |
December 31, 2023 Amount % $ 29,232,521 1 109,924,871 4 200,978,801 7 147,149,191 5 734,631,003 24 21,359,056 1 165,317,191 5 1,524,822,536 50 598,394 - 527,714 - 39,997,264 1 4,093,509 - 25,700,393 1 2,291,375 - 3,565,321 - 7,800,552 - 17,961,678 1 $ 3,035,951,370 100 $ 17,071,307 1 65,303,086 2 85,658,987 3 30,223,005 1 39,299,694 1 3,907,323 - 2,102,513,646 69 68,144,602 2 10,387,601 1 241,426,541 8 141,856,704 5 2,405,852 - 1,383,817 - 9,806,732 - 2,819,388,897 93 124,770,618 4 11,000,000 1 - - 38,197,778 1 16,926,942 1 10,920,515 - 15,513,819 - (794,452) - 216,535,220 7 27,253 - 216,562,473 7 $ 3,035,951,370 100 |
June 30, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount % $ 31,764,521 1 105,305,891 4 188,308,409 6 138,935,799 5 736,686,638 25 10,113,544 - 177,470,199 6 1,482,214,178 50 497,170 - 494,129 - 39,500,391 1 3,798,077 - 25,830,960 1 2,453,347 - 3,598,352 - 7,507,061 - 18,261,190 1 $ 2,972,739,856 100 $ 30,140,467 1 55,191,382 2 83,031,677 3 23,082,120 1 48,027,865 2 2,838,659 - 2,056,771,059 69 68,081,898 2 11,057,834 - 234,812,687 8 140,623,101 5 2,534,414 - 1,500,480 - 6,390,012 - 2,764,083,655 93 119,741,476 4 11,000,000 1 5,029,142 - 38,197,778 1 16,926,942 1 10,920,515 - 9,765,376 - (2,952,496) - 208,628,733 7 27,468 - 208,656,201 7 $ 2,972,739,856 100 |
TAISHIN FINANCIAL HOLDING CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars, Except Earnings Per Share)
| INTEREST INCOME INTEREST EXPENSES NET INTEREST INCOME NET INCOME OTHER THAN NET INTEREST INCOME Net service fee and commission income Net income from insurance operations Gain (loss) on financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL Realized gain (loss) on financial assets at FVTOCI Gain (loss) on derecognition of financial assets at amortized cost Foreign exchange gain (loss) (Impairment loss on assets) reversal of impairment loss on assets Share of profit (loss) of associates accounted for using equity method Gain (loss) on reclassification using the overlay approach Net other non-interest income Net other miscellaneous income (loss) Net income other than net interest income NET REVENUE AND GAINS BAD DEBT EXPENSES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES LIABILITIES PROVISION NET CHANGES IN INSURANCE LIABILITY RESERVE |
For the Three Months EndedJune 30 | For the Three Months EndedJune 30 | For the Three Months EndedJune 30 | For theSix Months | For theSix Months | EndedJune 30 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Amount % $ 21,948,642 103 (13,281,854) (62) 8,666,788 41 2,784,396 13 5,980,726 28 4,799,311 22 103,044 1 (2,219 ) - 999,309 5 (1,549 ) - 4,117 - (2,042,408 ) (10 ) 72,786 - 12,697,513 59 21,364,301 100 (280,261) (1) (5,645,534) (27) |
Amount % $ 18,401,119 105 (10,895,348) (62) 7,505,771 43 2,653,014 15 4,015,445 23 1,862,907 11 77,024 - 476 - 2,241,102 13 (5,430 ) - 685 - (1,030,034 ) (6 ) 193,661 1 10,008,850 57 17,514,621 100 (568,147) (3) (4,156,029) (24) |
Amount % $ 42,460,378 100 (25,567,689) (60) 16,892,689 40 5,652,086 13 12,794,167 30 6,241,535 15 446,242 1 5,532 - 3,106,258 7 (7,675 ) - 19,798 - (2,261,338 ) (5 ) (205,179) (1) 25,791,426 60 42,684,115 100 (907,205) (2) (11,707,982) (28) |
Amount % $ 35,083,379 95 (20,284,915) (55) 14,798,464 40 5,207,934 14 9,510,501 26 7,124,956 20 99,102 - 779 - 2,305,084 6 (11,027 ) - 607 - (2,715,907 ) (7 ) 416,781 1 21,938,810 60 36,737,274 100 (811,947) (2) (9,430,927) (26) (Continued) |
TAISHIN FINANCIAL HOLDING CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars, Except Earnings Per Share)
| OPERATING EXPENSES Employee benefits expenses Depreciation and amortization expenses Other general and administrative expenses Total operating expenses INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX INCOME TAX EXPENSE NET INCOME OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Share of other comprehensive income of associates accounted for using equity method Changes in the fair value attributable to changes in the credit risk of financial liabilities designated as at FVTPL Unrealized gain (loss) on investments in equity instruments designated as at FVTOCI Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Exchange differences on translation of foreign financial statements Unrealized gain (loss) on investments in debt instruments at FVTOCI Impairment loss (Reversal of impairment loss) from investments in debt instruments at FVTOCI Other comprehensive income (loss) on reclassification using the overlay approach |
For the Three Months EndedJune 30 | For the Three Months EndedJune 30 | For the Three Months EndedJune 30 | For theSix Months | For theSix Months | EndedJune 30 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Amount % (5,164,644 ) (24 ) (696,623 ) (3 ) (3,187,784) (15) (9,049,051) (42) 6,389,455 30 (824,597) (4) 5,564,858 26 - - (74,279 ) - 549,848 2 20,008 - (104,899 ) (1 ) 1,218 - 2,042,408 10 |
Amount % (4,572,429 ) (26 ) (684,217 ) (4 ) (2,825,803) (16) (8,082,449) (46) 4,707,996 27 (887,726) (5) 3,820,270 22 - - (37,561 ) - 1,223,709 7 (80,679 ) - (279,702 ) (2 ) 494 - 1,030,034 6 |
Amount % (10,020,706 ) (23 ) (1,390,164 ) (3 ) (6,203,388) (15) (17,614,258) (41) 12,454,670 29 (1,877,963) (4) 10,576,707 25 (88 ) - (140,420 ) - 1,138,345 2 67,239 - (893,073 ) (2 ) 2,287 - 2,261,338 5 |
Amount % (8,955,003 ) (24 ) (1,339,278 ) (4 ) (5,537,193) (15) (15,831,474) (43) 10,662,926 29 (1,778,239) (5) 8,884,687 24 - - (98,619 ) - 1,672,873 4 (68,569 ) - 650,715 2 (329 ) - 2,715,907 7 (Continued) |
TAISHIN FINANCIAL HOLDING CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars, Except Earnings Per Share)
| Income tax relating to items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Owners of parent Non-controlling interests TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Owners of parent Non-controlling interests EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic Diluted |
For the Three Months EndedJune 30 | For the Three Months EndedJune 30 | For the Three Months EndedJune 30 | For theSix Months | For theSix Months | EndedJune 30 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Amount % (14,921) - 2,419,383 11 $ 7,984,241 37 $ 5,564,541 26 317 - $ 5,564,858 26 $ 7,983,924 37 317 - $ 7,984,241 37 $ 0.39 $ 0.39 |
Amount % 39,536 - 1,895,831 11 $ 5,716,101 33 $ 3,818,517 22 1,753 - $ 3,820,270 22 $ 5,714,348 33 1,753 - $ 5,716,101 33 $ 0.26 $ 0.26 |
Amount % (10,272) - 2,425,356 5 $ 13,002,063 30 $ 10,576,003 25 704 - $ 10,576,707 25 $ 13,001,359 30 704 - $ 13,002,063 30 $ 0.74 $ 0.74 |
Amount % (41,489) - 4,830,489 13 $ 13,715,176 37 $ 8,882,957 24 1,730 - $ 8,884,687 24 $ 13,713,446 37 1,730 - $ 13,715,176 37 $ 0.61 $ 0.61 |
|||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
(Concluded)
TAISHIN FINANCIAL HOLDING CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars)
| BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2023 Appropriation of 2022 earnings Legal reserve appropriated Special reserve appropriated Cash dividends of ordinary shares Cash dividends of preferred shares Stock dividends of ordinary shares Reversal of the special reserve Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2023 Other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, net of tax Total comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2023 Disposals of investments in equity instruments designated as at FVTOCI Non-controlling interests BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2023 BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2024 Appropriation of 2023 earnings Legal reserve appropriated Cash dividends of ordinary shares Cash dividends of preferred shares Stock dividends of ordinary shares Reversal of the special reserve Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 Other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2024, net of tax Total comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2024 Disposals of investments in equity instruments designated as at FVTOCI Non-controlling interests BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2024 |
Equity Attributable | Equity Attributable | Equity Attributable | to | Owners of Parent | Other Equity Unrealized Changes in Fair Value Attributable to Changes in the Credit Risk of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Gain (Loss) on Financial Reclassification Financial Liabilities at Using the ssets at FVTOCI FVTPL Overlay Approach $ (3,800,290) $ 282,149 $ (3,637,143) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,286,658 (98,619) 2,711,019 2,286,658 (98,619) 2,711,019 (489,467) - - - - - $ (2,003,099) $ 183,530 $ (926,124) $ (986,719) $ 161,394 $ 215,398 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 234,183 (140,420) 2,264,442 234,183 (140,420) 2,264,442 (268,538) - - - - - $ (1,021,074) $ 20,974 $ 2,479,840 |
Non-controlling Interests $ 26,182 - - - - - - 1,730 - 1,730 - (444) $ 27,468 $ 27,253 - - - - - 704 - 704 - (1,031) $ 26,926 |
Total Equity $ 202,893,812 - - (6,106,815 ) (1,845,528 ) - - 8,884,687 4,830,489 13,715,176 - (444) $ 208,656,201 $ 216,562,473 - (7,486,237 ) (1,953,751 ) - - 10,576,707 2,425,356 13,002,063 - (1,031) $ 220,123,517 |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Share Capital ** | tock Dividend to Be Distributed $ - - - - - 5,029,142 - - - - - - $ 5,029,142 $ - - - - 4,990,825 - - - - - - $ 4,990,825 |
Capital Surplus | Others $ 3,213 - - - - - - - - - - - $ 3,213 $ 3,213 - - - - - - - - - - $ 3,213 |
R | etained Earnings Unappropriated Special Reserve Earnings $ 8,698,118 $ 17,279,705 - (1,682,871 ) 7,251,539 (7,251,539 ) - (6,106,815 ) - (1,845,528 ) - (5,029,142 ) (5,029,142 ) 5,029,142 - 8,882,957 - - - 8,882,957 - 489,467 - - $ 10,920,515 $ 9,765,376 $ 10,920,515 $ 15,513,819 - (1,512,087 ) - (7,486,237 ) - (1,953,751 ) - (4,990,825 ) (9,774,325 ) 9,774,325 - 10,576,003 - (88) - 10,575,915 - 268,538 - - $ 1,146,190 $ 20,189,697 |
||||||||||
| Exchange Differences on Translation of Financial Statements of Foreign Operations A $ (138,234) - - - - - - - (68,569) (68,569) - - $ (206,803) $ (184,525) - - - - - - 67,239 67,239 - - $ (117,286) |
Unrealized V t Gain (Loss) on Financial ssets at FVTOCI $ (3,800,290) - - - - - - - 2,286,658 2,286,658 (489,467) - $ (2,003,099) $ (986,719) - - - - - - 234,183 234,183 (268,538) - $ (1,021,074) |
||||||||||||||
| A |
dditional Paid-in Capital in Treasury Shares Excess of Par Transactions $ 36,066,458 $ 2,075,475 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $ 36,066,458 $ 2,075,475 $ 36,066,458 $ 2,075,475 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $ 36,066,458 $ 2,075,475 |
Share-based Compensation $ 52,632 - - - - - - - - - - - $ 52,632 $ 52,632 - - - - - - - - - - $ 52,632 |
|||||||||||||
| Ordinary Shares $ 119,741,476 - - - - - - - - - - - $ 119,741,476 $ 124,770,618 - - - - - - - - - - $ 124,770,618 |
S Preferred Shares $ 11,000,000 - - - - - - - - - - - $ 11,000,000 $ 11,000,000 - - - - - - - - - - $ 11,000,000 |
Legal Reserve $ 15,244,071 1,682,871 - - - - - - - - - - $ 16,926,942 $ 16,926,942 1,512,087 - - - - - - - - - $ 18,439,029 |
TAISHIN FINANCIAL HOLDING CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars)
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income before income tax Adjustments: Adjustments for reconciliation of profit or loss Depreciation expenses Amortization expenses Provisions for bad debts expenses, commitments and guarantee liabilities Net loss (gain) on financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL Net loss (gain) on financial assets and liabilities at FVTOCI Interest expenses Loss (gain) on derecognition of financial assets at amortized cost Interest income Net change in insurance liabilities Net change in other provisions Share of (profit) loss of associates accounted for using equity method (Gain) loss on reclassification using the overlay approach Impairment loss on financial assets Other adjustments Changes in operating assets and liabilities (Increase) decrease in due from the Central Bank and call loans to banks (Increase) decrease in financial assets at FVTPL (Increase) decrease in financial assets at FVTOCI (Increase) decrease in financial assets in debt instruments at amortized cost (Increase) decrease in securities purchased under resell agreements (Increase) decrease in receivables (Increase) decrease in loans (Increase) decrease in reinsurance contract assets (Increase) decrease in other financial assets (Increase) decrease in other assets Increase (decrease) in deposits from the Central Bank and banks Increase (decrease) in financial liabilities at FVTPL Increase (decrease) in securities sold under repurchase agreements Increase (decrease) in payables Increase (decrease) in deposits and remittances Increase (decrease) in provisions Increase (decrease) in other financial liabilities Increase (decrease) in other liabilities Cash generated from (used in) operations |
For the Six Months Ended June 30 |
For the Six Months Ended June 30 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 $ 12,454,670 1,087,824 302,340 907,205 (6,241,535) (446,242) 25,567,689 (5,532) (42,460,378) 15,804,907 544,730 (19,798) 2,261,338 7,675 (444) (5,915,306) 33,275,619 (32,498,339) (25,734,289) - (30,966,015) (127,751,098) 62,648 (12,604,109) (8,416,298) 122,043 (23,098,370) (5,062,955) 7,968,506 159,335,238 (56,229) 5,642,858 (978,215) (56,909,862) |
2023 $ 10,662,926 1,059,804 279,474 811,947 (7,124,956) (99,102) 20,284,915 (779) (35,083,379) 10,376,155 (16,885) (607) 2,715,907 11,027 3,106 (815,875) (5,503,012) 5,640,236 (92,764,514) 880,818 (22,372,591) (66,816,057) 102,134 (3,072,458) (1,307,058) (2,544,522) (22,567,618) (1,530,905) 7,186,979 142,104,934 (46,313) 15,007,247 (701,892) (45,240,914) (Continued) |
TAISHIN FINANCIAL HOLDING CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars)
| Interest received Dividends received Interest paid Income taxes refund Income taxes paid Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Acquisition of investments accounted for using equity method Acquisition of property and equipment Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment Acquisition of intangible assets Acquisition of investment properties Net cash generated from (used in) investing activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Increase in due to the Central Bank and banks Increase in commercial papers payable Repayments of bank notes payable Increase in other borrowings Decrease in other borrowings Payments of lease liabilities Change in non-controlling interests Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD |
For the Six Months Ended June 30 |
For the Six Months Ended June 30 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 40,608,163 777,577 (24,788,714) - (2,047,374) (42,360,210) - (489,420) 4,560 (307,629) (1,452,207) (2,244,696) 6,971,020 7,039,000 (3,000,000) 524,943 - (467,099) (1,031) 11,066,833 5,053 (33,533,020) 74,140,886 $ 40,607,866 |
2023 32,543,841 1,026,649 (18,306,180) 186,784 (558,127) (30,347,947) (160,000) (444,379) 1,366 (344,975) - (947,988) 14,471,456 7,045,000 - - (913,416) (413,280) (444) 20,189,316 (26,826) (11,133,445) 80,598,219 $ 69,464,774 (Continued) |
TAISHIN FINANCIAL HOLDING CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars)
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents:
| Cash and cash equivalents in consolidated balance sheets Due from the Central bank and call loans to banks qualifying as cash and cash equivalents under the definition of IAS 7 Securities purchased under resell agreements qualifying as cash and cash equivalents under the definition of IAS 7 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period |
June 30 | June 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 $ 25,615,903 11,493,692 3,498,271 $ 40,607,866 |
2023 $ 31,764,521 27,586,709 10,113,544 $ 69,464,774 |
(Concluded)
TAISHIN FINANCIAL HOLDING CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PROPERTIES CATALOG (In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars)
| PROPERTIES CATALOG (In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars) |
|
|---|---|
| Property and equipment, net Land Buildings Machinery equipment Transportation equipment Miscellaneous equipment Leasehold improvements Prepayments for equipment Total property and equipment Investment properties, net Land Buildings Total investment properties TOTAL |
June 30, 2024 $ 17,414,366 5,316,359 2,099,455 127,465 121,641 350,679 142,443 25,572,408 4,348,099 1,157,421 5,505,520 $ 31,077,928 |
【 Attachment 5 】 Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Articles of Incorporation
Chapter 1 General Provisions
-
Article1 The Company is incorporated pursuant to the Financial Holding Company Act, the Company Act, and other relevant laws and regulations. The name of the Company shall be “Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd.” (abbreviated to “Taishin Holdings”).
-
Article 2 The business objectives of the Company are to derive the economic benefits of financial institutions, to enhance the synergy from financial cross selling, to protect the public interest, and to support the financial policies of the country.
-
Article 3 The Company has its head office in Taipei City. The Company may set up branches in proper locations domestically or overseas.
-
Article 4 Public announcements of the Company shall, except where otherwise stipulated by the competent authority in charge of securities and exchange, be posted on the daily newspapers circulating in the municipality/city/county where the Company is located.
Chapter 2 Shares
-
Article 5 The authorized capital of the Company is NT$200,000,000,000, divided into 20 billion shares at par value of NT$10. The Board of Directors is authorized to issue the shares of capital in installments. 2 billion shares shall be reserved for the Company to issue shares for stock warrants, shares with warrants or corporate bonds with warrants.
-
Article 5-1 For the purpose of employee motivation, the Company may issue stock warrants or handle stock transfer through the following methods:
-
Issuing employee stock warrants at a price lower than the closing price of the Company's shares on the issuing date, subject to approval by shareholders’ meeting.
-
Transfering the Company’s shares to employees at a price lower than the average buyback price of the Company's shares, as approved in the most recent shareholders’ meeting.
The issuance of stock warrants or transfer of buyback shares mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be handled in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. The resolution of such shall be adopted by two-third of the voting rights exercised by the shareholders present at the shareholders’ meeting, who represent a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company.
-
Article 5-2 Qualification requirements that entitle employees to receive shares when the company buys back its shares or issues new shares, employee stock warrants or restricted stock for employees can, in accordance with the law, include employees of subsidiaries that meet certain requirements.
-
Article 6 The Company's shares, including ordinary shares and preferred shares issued in installment under different terms and conditions, shall be registered. The shares’ certificates shall be affixed with the signatures or personal seals of the director
representing the Company, and they shall be dully certified or authenticated by the bank, which is authorized to certify shares under the laws before issuance.
The Company is exempt from printing certificates for shares issued, but the centralized securities depository institution should be contacted for registration. Article 7 (Deleted).
Article 8 (Deleted).
Article 8-1 (Deleted).
Article 8-2 (Deleted).
Article 8-3 (Deleted).
-
Article 8-4 The Company issues 3,500,000,000 Class E registered preferred shares ("Class E preferred shares"), which may be issued in installment. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issue associated with Class E preferred shares are as follows:
-
The dividend rate for Class E preferred shares should not exceed 8.00% p.a. of the issue price. In years when there is insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class E preferred shareholders, the unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings.
-
The Company has sole discretion over the distribution of Class E preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution proposals will be devised by the board of directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the annual general meeting of shareholders for acknowledgment. Any earnings available for distribution to preferred shares and ordinary shares under an acknowledged earnings distribution proposal will be distributed first to Class E preferred shares. Any remaining balance shall be distributed according to the Articles of Incorporation.
-
Dividends on Class E preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements have been acknowledged and earnings distributions approved during the annual general meeting of shareholders, the board of directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class E preferred share dividend. Dividends that are payable for the year of issuance shall be prorated according to the actual number of days the shares have been in circulation since the date of issue, relative to the total number of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year.
-
Except for the dividends prescribed in the three preceding subparagraphs herein, Class E preferred shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to the ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves.
-
In the event of liquidation, Class E preferred shareholders shall be given priority over ordinary shareholders when claiming the Company's remaining assets. The amount claimed shall not exceed the issuance amount of outstanding Class E preferred shares.
-
Any premium received on the issuance of Class E preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into paid-in capital during the circulation period of Class E preferred shares.
-
Class E preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in shareholders’ meetings. However, they may vote in Class E preferred shareholders’ meetings and in general shareholders’ meetings with regard to agenda items concerning the rights and obligations of Class E preferred shareholders.
-
When the Company issues new shares for capital raising, Class E preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalent to those of ordinary shareholders.
-
Seven years after the issue date, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall a portion or all of the outstanding Class E preferred shares at the issue price. The rights and obligations associated with any remaining outstanding Class E preferred shares shall continue as specified herein.
-
Matters regarding the issuance of Class E preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and the competent authority's rules. If the competent authority deems it necessary to modify the terms of issuance for Class E preferred shares, the board of directors is authorized to proceed accordingly.
When Class E preferred shares are issued in installment within the limit described under the first paragraph, the board of directors is authorized to decide the actual number of shares, issue price, and dividend rate for each issuance according to the Company's capital plans, market conditions at the time of issuance, and the terms of issuance detailed under the preceding subparagraphs. Details of issuance by private placement or issuances involving an increased percentage of public offering shall be submitted to the shareholders’ meeting for approval.
Article 8-5 The Company issues 800,000,000 Class F registered exchangeable preferred shares ("Class F preferred shares"), which may be issued in installment. The rights, obligations, and other important terms of issuance associated with Class F preferred shares are as follows:
-
The dividend rate for Class F preferred shares should not exceed 4.5% p.a. of the issue price. Unless otherwise specified by the Articles of Incorporation, in years that conclude with insufficient or no surplus to fully pay off dividends for Class F preferred shareholders, the unpaid dividend will not be carried forward to years with earnings.
-
The Company has sole discretion on the distribution of Class F preferred share dividends. Earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals will be devised by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 40-1 of the Articles of Incorporation and then submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for acknowledgment. Earnings available for distribution shall be distributed firstly to Class E preferred shares and then, if any earnings remain,
to Class F preferred shares. Any remaining balance shall be distributed ordinary shares.
-
Dividends on Class F preferred shares will be paid in cash. Once the Company's financial statements have been acknowledged and the earnings distribution or loss make-up proposals approved have been approved during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board of Directors shall be authorized to set the ex-dividend date for the distribution of the Class F preferred share dividend. Dividends that are payable for the year of issuance shall be prorated according to the actual number of days the shares have been in circulation since the date of issue, relative to the total number of days of that year. In the year of redemption, the distribution of the payable dividends shall be calculated based on the actual number of days the preferred shares remained outstanding in that year.
-
Except for dividends prescribed in the three preceding subparagraphs herein, Class F preferred shareholders are not entitled to participate in the distribution of cash or stock dividends with regard to ordinary shares and other preferred shares derived from earnings or capital reserves.
-
In the event of liquidation, Class F preferred shareholders shall be limited to claiming on the ordinary shares of Chang Hwa Commercial Bank Ltd owned by the Company (CHB shares). Class F preferred shareholders shall be given distribution sequence priority over ordinary shareholders. The exchange ratio of Class F preferred shares and CHB shares shall be set at 1:1.
-
Any premium received on the issue of Class F preferred shares shall be treated as capital surplus and should not be capitalized into paid-in capital during the circulation period of Class F preferred shares.
-
Class F preferred shareholders are not entitled to any voting rights or election rights in Shareholders’ Meetings. However, they may vote in Class F preferred shareholder meetings on amendments to the Articles of Incorporation which damage the rights of Class F preferred shareholders. The provisions governing Shareholders' Meetings shall apply.
-
When the Company issues new shares for capital raising, Class F preferred shareholders shall be entitled to preemptive rights on the new shares equivalents to those of ordinary shareholders and Class E preferred shareholders.
-
The Company may notify Class F preferred shareholders of their right to exchange Class F preferred shares for CHB shares at the exchange ratio of 1:1 from the beginning of the 8th year of issuance up to the end of the 10th year of issuance
-
Ten years after the issue date, the Company may at any time, subject to the competent authority's approval, recall all outstanding Class F preferred shares and exchange them for CHB shares at the ratio of 1:1. If the 90-business-day weighted average price of CHB shares prior to the record date is lower than the
issue price, the Company shall make up the gap with cash. The specifics of the cash reimbursement shall be determined by the Board.
-
On the issue date, the Company shall set aside and deliver to the appointed custodian for safekeeping a number of CHB shares equal to that of the total number of Class F preferred shares. In the event that Class F preferred shares are redeemed, the Company shall deliver the CHB shares from the custodian to the Class F preferred shareholders.
-
In the event that Class F preferred shareholders’ equity decreases proportionally due to a reduction of share capital against cumulative losses, Class F preferred shareholders’ equity shall be adjusted/made up for the amount decreased so that Class F preferred shareholders’ interest is maintained at the same level as when the shares were initially issued.
-
Matters regarding the issuance of Class F preferred shares not specified herein shall be governed by the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Incorporation, and the competent authority's rules. If the competent authority deems it necessary to modify the terms of issuance for Class F preferred shares, the Board of Directors is authorized to proceed accordingly.
When Class F preferred shares are issued in installment within the limit described under the first paragraph, the Board of Directors is authorized to decide the actual number of shares, issue price, issue date, dividend rate, etc. for each issuance according to the Company's capital plans and market conditions at the time of issuance and according to the terms of issuance described under the preceding subparagraphs.
-
Article 8-6 Unless otherwise prescribed by law or stipulated in the Articles of Incorporation, the Company shall ensure that all shareholders are granted the same rights to participate in the distribution in the event that the Company wishes to return capital by means of capital allocation or reduction, or if it wishes to make exceptional cash payments for reasons other than earnings distribution.
-
Article 9 No change shall be made to the shareholders' roster within 60 days prior to an Annual General Meeting, or within 30 days prior to an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, or within 5 days prior to the record date determined for the distribution of dividends, bonus, or other benefits.
The period prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be calculated from the meeting day or the record date.
- Article 10 The share related matters shall be handled in accordance with the Company Act, the guidelines announced by the competent authority in charge of the securities industry, and other relevant laws and regulations.
Chapter 3 Business
Article 11 The Company is engaged in the financial holding business. (Code H801011) Article 12 The Company's scope of business is as follows:
- The Company may invest in the business stipulated in the Financial Holding
Company Act.
-
Management of invested businesses.
-
Investment in the business other than as specified in subparagraph 1 above, subject to approval of the competent authority, but may not involve in the operation and management of such business.
-
Other related business approved by the competent authority.
Article 13 The total amount of investment shall not be limited to the 40% of paid-in capital set forth in the first paragraph of Article 13 of the Company Act.
Article 14 (Deleted).
Chapter 4 Shareholders’ Meetings
Article 15 The Company holds two types of Shareholders’ Meetings: Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meetings. The Annual General Meeting is convened at least once a year and no later than six months after the end of the financial year. Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meetings may be held whenever necessary, subject to compliance with the Company Act.
- Unless otherwise specified in the Company Act or other relevant laws, all shareholders’ meetings are to be called by the Board of Directors.
The shareholders’ meeting can be held by means of visual communication network or other methods promulgated by the central competent authority.
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Article 16 A notice of the time, venue, and the proposal of the meeting shall be given to each shareholder 30 days in advance of convening an Annual General Meeting, or 15 days in advance of convening an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, and the notice shall be publicly announced. Subject to agreement by the receiving party, meeting notices may also be delivered electronically.
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For shareholders holding less than one thousand shares, the aforementioned meeting notices may be communicated by way of public announcement instead.
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Article 17 Shareholders may appoint proxies to attend Shareholders’ Meetings by completing the Company's proxy forms for each meeting, specifying the scope of delegation. With regard to the number of shares and voting rights to be represented by each proxy, the Company shall follow the relevant regulations. Each shareholder may issue one proxy form and delegate one proxy only. All proxy forms must arrive at the Company at least five days before the shareholders’ meeting. In the event that more than one proxy form is issued, the proxy form that arrives first shall prevail. However, exception shall be granted if the shareholder issues a proper declaration to revoke the previous proxy arrangement.
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Should the shareholder decide to attend a Shareholders’ Meeting personally or to exercise voting rights in writing or through electronic means after a proxy form has been delivered to the Company, a written notice should be sent to the Company no later than two days before the meeting commences to revoke the proxy arrangement. If the revocation is made after the prescribed period, then the voting
decision exercised by the proxy shall prevail.
The proxy for the Shareholders’ Meeting shall be considered invalid if the submitted form is not that which is printed by the Company.
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Article 18 Unless otherwise prescribed in the Company Act or in the Articles of Incorporation, each share is entitled to one voting right.
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When electing Directors in the Shareholders’ Meeting, each share shall have votes equivalent to the number of elected Directors to be elected. Such votes may be cast for one single director or may be allocated among the number of the directors to be voted for. Those receiving ballots representing the larger number of votes shall be elected as the directors.
Article 19 Matters to be resolved and executed by the Shareholders’ meeting are:
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Establishment and amendment of the Articles of Incorporation for the Company.
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Election of directors.
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Examination and ratification of the reports and statements prepared by the Board of Directors, as well as the Audit Committee's reports.
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Resolutions on the issuance of new shares due to capitalization of earnings and reserves.
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Resolutions on the distribution of earnings and make-up of deficits.
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Resolutions on remuneration for directors.
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Resolutions on the liquidation, merger, or divestment of the Company.
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Resolutions on significant changes in business policies.
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Other matters to be resolved in the Shareholders’ Meeting for statutory reasons.
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Article 20 If the Shareholders’ Meeting is convened by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board shall preside over the meeting. If the Chairperson is unable to perform his duties due to leave of absence or for any other reason, the Vice Chairperson shall act on the Chairperson's behalf. If there is no Vice Chairperson or if the Vice Chairperson is on leave or unable to perform his/her duties, the Chairperson shall appoint a director to act on his/her behalf. If the Chairperson does not appoint anyone to act on his/her behalf, a representative shall be elected from among the directors. If the meeting is convened by an authorized party other than the Board of Directors, the meeting shall be chaired by the authorized convener. If there are two or more conveners, one of them shall be elected to chair the meeting.
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Article 21 Unless otherwise prescribed in the Financial Holding Company Act, Company Act or other regulations, resolutions in the Shareholders’ Meeting shall be adopted by a majority vote of the shareholders present, who together must represent more than one-half of the total number of voting shares.
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Article 22 Representation of the institutional shareholders is not limited to one person, but the number of votes of such institutional shareholder shall be determined by the aggregate number of the shares held by such institutional shareholders.
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When an institutional shareholder has two or more representatives, the voting right of such institutional shareholder shall be jointly exercised by the representatives.
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Article 23 The minutes of the Shareholders’ Meetings shall be prepared, duly signed or chop
sealed by the Chairperson of the Shareholders’ Meeting, and distributed to the shareholders within 20 days after Shareholders’ Meetings.
The meeting minutes prescribed in the preceding paragraph may be distributed by means of public announcement.
- Article 24 The rules stipulated in the Chapter shall also apply to the preferred shareholders’ meeting of the Company.
Chapter 5 Directors
- Article 25 The Company shall have a Board of Directors that comprises seven to nine members, and the Board of Directors shall set the number to be elected within the above range. The Company adopts a nomination system for independent director elections. The election of non-independent directors shall adopt a nomination system on or after July 1[st] , 2015. The directors and independent directors shall be elected among shareholders from the candidate list in Annual General Meetings in accordance with the Financial Holding Company Act, Company Act, and relevant laws and regulations, unless otherwise specified by other laws and regulations.
All of the Company's directors shall maintain share ownership within the levels stipulated by the securities authority.
The credentials of the Company’s directors shall meet the criteria set forth in the guidelines set by the competent authority.
The Company may remunerate directors for their services, no matter whether the company has generated profits. The Board of Directors is authorized to determine the level of remuneration for the above parties based on their individual participation and contribution to the Company's operations, and in reference to industry peers.
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Article 25-1 Among the number of directors of the Board prescribed in the preceding article, the number of independent directors of the Company shall be no less than three or no less than one third of the total number of directors, whichever is higher. With respect to professional qualifications, shareholdings, restrictions on holding concurrent posts, nomination, election/appointment and other compliance-related requirements for independent directors, the Company shall follow the relevant laws and regulations announced by the competent authority in charge of the securities and exchange.
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Article 25-2 The Board of the Company shall set up the Audit Committee to replace the role of supervisors, which shall consist of the entire roster of independent directors. It shall be no less than three in number, one of whom shall serve as the convener, and at least one of whom shall have accounting or finance expertise. Exercise of powers and other compliance matters of the Audit Committee shall be handled in accordance with relevant laws and regulations or provisions of the Articles of Incorporations of the Company.
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Article 26 Directors shall serve a term of three years and may be reelected.
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In the event that the tenure of directors is due and there is not enough time for the Company to elect the new directors, his/her tenure shall continue until the new
directors are elected; provided that the competent authority may, by exercising its power, order the Company to elect the new directors in a prescribed period. Should the new directors fail to be elected in the prescribed period, the tenure of directors shall be automatically ceased.
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Article 27 The Company shall have one Chairperson of the Board of Directors to be elected from among the directors by a majority vote at a Board Meeting at which more than two-thirds of the directors are present. The Company may have one Vice Chairperson to be elected in the same procedure as above.
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The Chairperson shall chair the Shareholders’ Meetings and the Meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall represent the Company.
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Article 28 The Company shall convene regular meetings for the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. Ad hoc meetings may be arranged whenever it is considered necessary or urgent. Unless otherwise prescribed by laws and regulations, Board of Directors' Meetings shall be convened by the Chairperson.
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The meeting notice shall specify the reasons for convening the meeting and shall be sent to the Directors by mail, e-mail, fax, or hand delivery at least 7 days prior to the meeting. The notice of convening an ad hoc Board Meeting may be delivered in the same way as above.
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Unless otherwise stipulated by the Financial Holding Company Act, Company Act, or other laws and regulations, a Board of Directors Meeting at which a resolution is adopted shall be attended by a majority of the Directors and at which meeting a majority of those who present shall have voted in favor of such a resolution.
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Article 29 If the Chairperson is unable to perform his/her duties due to leave of absence or any other reason, the Vice Chairperson shall act on the Chairperson's behalf. If the Vice Chairperson is also on leave or unable to perform his/her duties, the Chairperson shall appoint one of the directors to act on his/her behalf. If the Chairperson does not appoint a deputy, the remaining directors shall appoint an Acting Chairperson from among themselves.
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Article 30 Directors shall attend Board of Directors' Meetings in person. If a director is unable to attend a meeting, he/she may appoint a proxy to attend the meeting by completing the Company's proxy forms for each meeting, specifying the scope of delegation. A director may act as the proxy for only one other director.
Article 31 The functions and responsibilities of the Board of Directors:
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Review and approval of business policies and plans.
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Review and approval of the budget and final accounts.
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Review or approval on the establishment and amendment of important policies and regulations.
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Pass resolutions on the issuance of new shares.
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Determine proposals on the distribution of earnings or make-up of deficits.
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Pass resolutions on the issuance of corporate bonds.
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Pass resolutions on plans for redeeming shares of the Company.
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Review or approval on investments, as well as the acquisition, disposal, and
lease of assets or dian rights.
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Review or approval on important contracts.
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Appoint, dismiss, and determinate the remuneration of managers, chief auditor, and other employees of equal job level.
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Convene the Shareholders’ Meetings and submit the agenda and reports for the meeting.
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Execute the resolutions of the Shareholder's Meeting.
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Matters requiring resolution in the Board of Directors' meeting pursuant to the "Guidelines Governing the Division of Job Responsibilities" of the Company.
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Appoint, dismiss, and approve remuneration for the Company's CPA.
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Appoint directors and supervisors of subsidiaries.
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Review of matters assigned by the Chairman or proposed by the President.
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Resolve other important matters commissioned.
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Other matters to be executed by the Board of Directors as required by law or authorized by the Shareholders’ Meeting.
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Article 31-1 The Board of Directors may, pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations, purchase liability insurance contracts for the Company's directors and key employees to cover the respective compensation liabilities involved when performing their duties.
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Article 31-2 The Board of Directors may authorize the Chairperson or relevant managers/departments to review and approve various issues during recess of the Board, including the approval of internal policies, appointment (or reappointment) of directors and supervisors of subsidiaries, making and amendment of the "Guidelines Governing the Authority and Responsibility", etc. This, however, shall not apply to matters which are required to be resolved in the Board of Directors Meetings for statutory reasons or according to the “Guidelines Governing the Authority and Responsibility".
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Article 31-3 In order to derive overall economic benefit of its operations, the Company may, where permitted by law, authorize the Board of Directors to integrate the resources of the Company and its subsidiaries and among subsidiaries, thereby enhancing cross-sector performance. The Company shall also establish a suitable and reasonable cost allocation system through communication and negotiation, based on the degree of resource-sharing and profit contribution of the Company and its subsidiaries and among subsidiaries.
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Article 31-4 The Company may establish functional committees of different types. The organizational rules for functional committees shall include number of committee members, qualification requirements, term of office, job authorities and meeting procedures, etc. The organizational rules shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval.
Article 32 (Deleted).
Article 33 (Deleted).
Article 34 Directors of the Company may concurrently act as directors or supervisors of the Company’s subsidiaries.
Chapter 6 Managers
- Article 35 The Company shall have one president, one Chief Auditor, and managers. The appointment, dismissal, and remunerations of such managerial personnel shall be decided in the Board of Directors' meetings, subject to compliance with the Company Act and relevant laws and regulations.
The appointment and dismissal of the President and Chief Auditor mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be proposed by the Chairman and agreed upon by the Board of Directors. The appointment and dismissal of managers shall be proposed by the president and agreed upon by the Board of Directors in accordance the preceding paragraph.
Article 36 (Deleted).
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Article 37 The credential of the Company’s President, Chief Auditor, and managers shall comply with the qualification standards established by the competent authority.
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Article 38 (Deleted)
Chapter 7 Accounting
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Article 39 The fiscal year of the Company shall be from January 1 to December 31. At the end of each fiscal year, the Board of Directors shall compile and submit the following reports and statements to the Shareholders’ Meeting for acknowledgment, pursuant to the legal procedures.
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Business reports.
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Financial statements.
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Proposals for distribution of earnings or make-up of deficit.
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The compilation, audit, reporting, and record keeping of the reports, statements, annual reports and other items required by the competent authority prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be made in accordance with the Company Act, Securities and Exchange Act, Financial Holding Company Act, and other relevant laws and regulations.
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Article 40 0.01% provision of the Company’s current year profit shall be made as employee bonus, and the Board of Directors shall decide to distribute the bonus in the form of shares or cash, which can also be distributed to employees of affiliated companies that meet the criteria specified in the Company Act. The Company may also make provision of director remuneration no more than 1% of the aforementioned profit.
The Company shall first make up the accumulated deficits, if any, before allocating any profit to employee bonus and director remuneration.
Employee bonus and director remuneration proposals shall be presented to the Shareholders’ Meeting.
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Article 40-1 Any earnings concluded in a financial year shall, right after statutory taxation and accounting adjustments, make up for any previous losses. Any surplus is subject to the provision of a 10% legal reserve and a special reserve according to law. The remaining balance, if any, will be combined with the reversal of special reserves and initial cumulative undistributed earnings available for dividend distribution into the amount available for distribution as ordinary shares and every class of preferred shares. Cash dividends shall be no less than 10% of the total amount of dividend distribution in the same year. Earnings distribution proposals will be devised by the board of directors and submitted to the annual general meeting of shareholders for acknowledgment.
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The rights and obligations and the priority, amount, and method of distribution associated with every Class of preferred shares shall be governed in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation.
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Article 41 The Company shall adopt a residual dividend policy. The purpose of this policy is to ensure continuous business development and profit growth, while taking into account working capital management and the capital adequacy level required by both the competent authority and international standards. With regard to dividend distribution, the Company shall, in principle, distribute a stock dividend while considering business needs, capital plans, funds for reinvestment or acquisitions, and major regulatory changes, etc. The remainder shall be distributed as cash dividend.
Chapter 8 Addendum
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Article 42 The organization guidelines and the guidelines on business authorities and responsibilities shall be prescribed and amended by the board of directors.
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Article 43 For matters not covered herein, the provisions of the Company Act, Securities and Exchange Act, Financial Holding Company Act, and other relevant laws and regulations shall govern.
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Article 44 These Articles of Incorporation were adopted on Dec. 7, 2001, in the Founders' Meeting.
Note:
2001/12/07 Adopted in the Founders' Meeting.
2003/06/06 The 1st revision was resolved in the 2003 General Shareholders’ Meeting to amend articles 5, 6, 18, 27, 29, 40, 41, and 44; to cancel article 7 and to add article 8-1.
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2004/06/11 The 2nd revision was resolved in the 2004 General Shareholders’ Meeting to amend articles 8, 8-1, 35 and 44.
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2005/06/10 The 3rd revision was resolved in the 2005 General Shareholders’ Meeting to cancel article 14 and amend articles 17, 25, 27, 37, 41 and 44.
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2005/12/28 The 4th revision was resolved in the 2005 Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting to amend articles 5, 8-1, 25 and 40 and add article 8-2.
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2006/06/09 The 5th revision was resolved in the 2006 General Shareholders’ Meeting to amend articles 8-1, 16, 17, 23, 25, 35, 39 and 41 and add articles 8-3, 8-4, 25-1 and 31-1.
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2007/06/15 The 6th revision was resolved in the 2007 General Shareholders’ Meeting to amend article 13 and add article 31-2.
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2008/06/13 The 7th revision was resolved in the 2008 General Shareholders’ Meeting to add article 5- 1; cancel article 8 and amend articles 8-1, 8-2, 25, 31-2 and 40.
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2009/06/26 The 8th revision was resolved in the 2009 General Shareholders’ Meeting to amend articles 8-1 and 8-2.
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2010/06/18 The 9th revision was resolved in the 2010 General Shareholders’ Meeting to amend articles 28, 31 and 35 and add articles 31-3 and 31-4.
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2011/06/24 The 10th revision was resolved in the 2011 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 24, 2011 to amend articles 8-1, 8-2, 35, 36, 37 and 40 and cancel article 38.
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2012/06/22 The 11th revision was resolved in the 2012 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 22, 2012 to amend articles 8-1, 8-2, 16, 17, 23, 40 and 41. (According to the letter reply from the Financial Supervisory Commission dated April 11, 2013 under reference Jin-Guan-YinKong-Tze-10260001260, the implementation of articles 8-1 and 8-2 shall be postponed).
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2014/06/06 The 12th revision was resolved in the 2014 general shareholders’ meeting on June 06, 2014 to amend articles 8-1, 8-2, 15, 25 and 40.
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2015/06/12 The 13th revision was resolved in the 2015 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 12, 2015 to amend articles 8-2,18,19, Chapter 5,25,25-1,25-2,26,27,28, 31-1,32, 33,34,39,40.
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2016/06/08 The 14th revision was resolved in the 2016 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 08, 2016 to amend articles 5, 8-2, 8-4, 8-5, 8-6, 40, 40-1. (According to the letter reply from the Financial Supervisory Commission dated September 12, 2016 under reference Jin-Guan-YinKong-Tze-10500206640, further elaboration shall be provided when specific issuance plan under article 8-5 is available.)
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2017/06/16 The 15th revision was resolved in the 2017 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 16, 2017 to amend articles 8-2, 40.
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2018/06/08 The 16th revision was resolved in the 2018 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 08, 2018 to amend articles 8-2.
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2019/06/14 The 17th revision was resolved in the 2019 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 14, 2019 to amend articles 1 and to add article 5-2.
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2021/07/23 The 18th revision was resolved in the 2021 General Shareholders’ Meeting on July 23, 2021 to amend articles 6, 8-4, 8-5, 40-1, 41, and 42 and to delete Articles 8-2, 8-3, and 36.
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2022/06/17 The 19th revision was resolved in the 2022 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 17, 2022 to amend articles 15.
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2024/06/14 The 20th revision was resolved in the 2024 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 14, 2024 to amend article 25-1.
【 Attachment 6 】
Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Rules of Procedure for Shareholder Meetings
Article 1 (The basis)
The Rules of Procedure for Shareholders’ Meetings (the Rules) are established in accordance with Article 11 of the Corporate Governance Best-Practice Principles for Financial Holding Companies to provide sound governance over the Company's Shareholders’ Meetings, thereby enhancing the supervisory function of shareholders.
Article 2 (Applicable laws)
Unless otherwise specified by laws and regulations or the Articles of Incorporation, Shareholders’ Meetings of the Company shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules.
Article 3 (Convention and notice of Shareholders’ Meetings)
Unless otherwise specified by laws and regulations or by the Articles of Incorporation, Shareholders’ Meetings are to be convened by the Board of Directors.
Changes to how the Company convenes its Shareholders’ Meetings shall be resolved by the Board of Directors and shall be made no later than the mailing date of the Shareholders’ Meeting notice.
The Company shall prepare an electronic file which contains the meeting notice, a proxy form, an agenda (including items for acknowledgement, approval, and the election and dismissal of directors), and remarks. The Company shall post this electronic file onto the Market Observation Post System (MOPS) 30 days prior to an Annual General Meeting, or 15 days prior to an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting. An electronic copy of the Shareholders’ Meeting Manual and supplementary information shall be posted onto MOPS 21 days before an Annual General Meeting, or 15 days before an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting. If, however, the Company has paid-in capital of NT$10 billion or more as at the last day of the most current fiscal year, or if the total shareholding of foreign shareholders and PRC shareholders reaches 30% or more as recorded in the register of shareholders of the Shareholders’ Meeting held in the immediately preceding year, transmission of these electronic files shall be made at least 30 days prior to the regular Shareholders’ Meeting. In addition, at least 15 days prior to the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company shall have prepared the meeting agenda and supplemental meeting materials and shall have made them available for review by shareholders. The meeting agenda and supplemental materials shall be displayed at the Company and by the designated professional shareholder services agent.
The Company shall make the meeting agenda and supplemental meeting materials mentioned in the preceding paragraph available to shareholders for review in the following manner on the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting:
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For physical Shareholders’ Meetings, materials will be distributed on-site at the meeting.
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For hybrid Shareholders’ Meetings, materials will be distributed on-site at the meeting and shared on the virtual meeting platform.
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For virtual-only Shareholders’ Meetings, electronic files shall be shared on the virtual meeting platform.
The meeting notice and public announcement shall specify agenda items. The meeting notices may be delivered electronically upon agreement by the specific shareholder(s). For shareholders holding fewer than one thousand shares, meeting notices may be communicated by way of public announcement.
Agenda items involving the election or dismissal of directors; amendment of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation; reduction of capital; application for the approval of terminating the Company’s status as a public company; release of restrictions on competitive activities of directors; distribution of surplus profit in the form of new shares; distribution of reserve in the form of new shares; liquidation, merger, or spinoff of the Company; or any matters set forth in Article 185, Paragraph 1 of the Company Act; Article 26-1 or Article 43-6 of the Securities and Exchange Act; or Articles 56-1 and 60-2 of the Regulations Governing the Offering and Issuance of Securities by Securities Issuers shall be specified, and the essential contents shall be explained in the notices of the meeting and may not be proposed as special motions.
Where re-election of all directors as well as their inauguration date is stated in the notice of the reasons for convening the Shareholders’ Meeting, after the completion of the re-election in said meeting, the inauguration date may not be altered by any extraordinary motion or otherwise in the same meeting.
Shareholders who own more than 1% of the Company's total issued shares may propose in writing one item to be included in the agenda of the Annual General Meeting. Each shareholder may propose only one agenda item; additional items will not be accepted. The Board of Directors may disregard shareholders' proposals if the proposed agenda item involves any of the circumstances listed in Article 172-1, Paragraph 4 of the Company Act. Shareholders may put forward proposals urging the Company to promote public interests or fulfill its social responsibilities. The procedure shall be in accordance with the relevant provisions of Article 172-1 of the Company Act. Any proposal exceeding one item shall not be included in the agenda. The Company shall issue a public notice announcing the agenda item proposals’ filing requirements, the accepted location(s) for the proposals’ delivery, and the time period within which proposals for agenda items are to be submitted in order that they be judged eligible for acceptance. The period of acceptance shall be no shorter than ten days.
The contents of each agenda item proposed by shareholders must not exceed 300 Chinese characters or the proposal shall not be accepted. Shareholders who have successfully proposed agenda items shall attend the Annual General Meeting in person or through proxy attendance and shall participate in the discussion.
The Company shall notify the proposing shareholders of the acceptance or rejection of their proposal(s) before the date that the meeting notice is sent. Meanwhile, accepted agenda items shall be included in the meeting notice. The Board of Directors shall give explanations for rejected proposals in the course of the meeting.
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Article 4 (Proxy and authorization)
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Shareholders may appoint proxies to attend Shareholders’ Meetings by completing the Company's proxy form and specifying the scope of the delegated authority. Each shareholder may issue one proxy form and delegate one proxy only. All proxy forms must arrive at the Company at least five days before the Shareholders’ Meeting. In the event that multiple proxy forms are issued, the proxy form that arrives first shall prevail. However, exception shall be granted if the shareholder issues a declaration to revoke the previous proxy arrangement.
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Should the shareholder decide to attend the Shareholders’ Meeting personally or exercise voting rights in writing or through electronic means after a proxy form has been submitted to the Company, a written notice revoking the proxy arrangement must be sent to the Company at least two days before the meeting commences. If the revocation is made after the prescribed period, then the voting decision exercised by the proxy shall prevail.
If, after a proxy form is delivered to the Company, a shareholder wishes to attend the Shareholders’ Meeting online, a written notice of proxy cancellation shall be submitted to the Company at least two days before the meeting date. If the cancellation notice is submitted after that time, votes cast at the meeting by the proxy shall prevail.
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Article 5 (Venue and time of Shareholders’ Meetings)
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Shareholders’ Meetings shall be held at locations that are suitable and convenient for shareholders to attend. Meetings shall not begin earlier than 9.00 a.m. nor later than 3.00 p.m.
The restrictions on the place of the meeting shall not apply when the Company convenes a virtual-only Shareholders’ Meeting.
Article 6 (Preparation of documents)
The Company shall specify in its Shareholders’ Meeting notices the time and place that attendance registrations for shareholders, solicitors, and proxies (collectively: “shareholders”) will be accepted, as well as any other matters for attention. The period during which shareholder attendance registrations will be accepted shall last for at least 30 minutes before the time that the meeting is set to commence. The place at which attendance registrations are accepted shall be clearly marked and a sufficient number of suitable personnel shall be assigned to handle the registrations. For virtual Shareholders’ Meetings, shareholders may begin to register on the virtual meeting platform 30 minutes before the meeting’s start. Shareholders completing the registration will be deemed to have attended the Shareholders’ Meeting in person.
Shareholders shall attend Shareholders’ Meetings based on attendance cards, sign-in cards, or other certificates of attendance. The Company may not arbitrarily add requirements demanding the presentation of other documents beyond those showing eligibility to attend the meeting. Solicitors soliciting proxy forms shall also bring identification documents for verification.
The Company shall provide an attendance book in which to record the attendance of shareholders; alternatively, attendance cards may be presented instead of requiring shareholders to register their attendance in the attendance book.
Shareholders who attend the meeting shall be given a copy of the meeting manual, annual report, attendance certificate, speech note, ballots, and other information relevant to the meeting. Shareholders shall be given election ballots when there is to be an election of directors or supervisors.
Government agency shareholders or institutional shareholders may appoint more than one representative to attend the Shareholders’ Meetings. An institution acting as the proxy may appoint a single representative to attend the meeting.
In the event of a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, shareholders wishing to attend the meeting online shall register with the Company two days before the meeting date. In the event of a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company shall upload the meeting agenda book, annual report, and other meeting materials to the virtual meeting platform at least 30 minutes before the meeting’s start and shall keep this information disclosed until the end of the meeting.
- Article 6- 1 (Convening virtual Shareholders’ Meetings, and particulars to be included in the Shareholders’ Meeting notice)
To convene a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company shall include the following particulars in the Shareholders’ Meeting notice:
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Information detailing how shareholders may attend the virtual meeting and exercise their rights.
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An outline of the actions to be taken if the virtual meeting platform or participation in the virtual meeting is obstructed due to natural disasters, accidents, or other force majeure events, at least covering the following particulars:
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(1) Specifying to what time the meeting is postponed or from what time the meeting will resume if the above obstruction continues and cannot be removed, and the date to which the meeting is postponed or on which the meeting will resume.
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(2) Stating that any shareholders not having registered to attend the affected virtual Shareholders’ Meeting shall not attend the postponed or resumed session.
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(3) Stating that, in the case of a hybrid Shareholders’ Meeting, when the virtual meeting cannot be continued, if the total number of shares represented at the meeting, after deducting those represented by shareholders attending the virtual Shareholders’ Meeting online, meets the minimum legal requirement
for a Shareholders’ Meeting, then the Shareholders’ Meeting shall continue. The shares represented by shareholders attending the virtual meeting online shall be counted towards the total number of shares represented by the shareholders present at the meeting, and the shareholders attending the virtual meeting online shall be deemed to have abstained from voting on all proposals present on the meeting agenda of that Shareholders’ Meeting.
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(4) Stating the actions to be taken if the outcomes of all proposals have been announced and an extraordinary motion has not been carried out.
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Information, when convening a virtual-only Shareholders’ Meeting, regarding the appropriate alternative measures available to shareholders facing difficulties in attending the virtual Shareholders’ Meeting.
Article 7 (Chairperson and other attendance)
If the Shareholders’ Meeting is convened by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board shall preside over the meeting. If the Chairperson is unable to perform such duties due to leave of absence or for any other reason, the Vice Chairperson shall act on the Chairperson's behalf. If there is no Vice Chairperson, or if the Vice Chairperson is on leave or unable to perform his/her duties, the Chairperson may appoint one of the directors to act on the Chairperson's behalf. If the Chairperson does not appoint anyone to act on his/her behalf, one shall be elected from among the directors to act on the Chairperson's behalf.
Shareholders’ Meetings that are convened by the Board of Directors should be chaired by the Chairperson in person and attended by more than half of the board members and at least one member of each functional committee. The attendance shall be recorded in the meeting minutes.
If the Shareholders’ Meeting is convened by an authorized party other than the Board of Directors, the convener will act as the meeting’s Chairperson. If there are two or more conveners present at the same time, one shall be appointed from among them to chair the meeting.
The Company may appoint legal counsels, certified public accountants, and/or other relevant personnel to attend the Shareholders’ Meeting.
Article 8 (Video and taperecording during Shareholders’ Meetings)
The Company, beginning from the time it accepts shareholder attendance registrations, shall continuously and without interruption record both audio and video of the proceedings of the shareholder attendance registration procedure, the proceedings of the Shareholders’ Meeting, and the voting and vote counting procedures.
The aforementioned recordings shall be kept for at least one year or up to the conclusion of any shareholder action initiated under Article 189 of the Company Act.
Where a Shareholders’ Meeting is held online, the Company shall keep information of shareholder registration, sign-in, check-in, questions raised, votes cast, and results of votes counted, and it shall continuously and without interruption record both audio and video of the proceedings of the virtual meeting from beginning to end.
All information and audio and video recordings specified in the preceding paragraph shall be properly kept by the Company for the entirety of its existence, and copies of the audio and video recordings shall be provided to and kept by the party appointed to handle the matters of the virtual meeting.
Article 9 (Attendance numbers and meeting commencement)
Attendance at Shareholders’ Meetings shall be calculated based on numbers of shares. The number of shares in attendance shall be calculated according to the shares indicated by the attendance book and sign-in cards, and by the shares checked-in on the virtual meeting platform, plus the number of shares whose voting rights are exercised by correspondence or through electronic means.
The Chairperson shall call the meeting to order as scheduled and shall begin by announcing relevant information such as the number of non-voting rights and the number of shares in attendance.
However, when the attending shareholders do not represent a majority of the total number of issued shares, the Chairperson may announce a postponement, provided that no more than two such postponements are made for a combined total of no more than one hour. If the quorum is not met after two postponements, and the attending shareholders still represent less than one third of the total number of issued shares, the Chairperson shall declare the meeting adjourned. In the event of a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company shall also declare the meeting adjourned at the virtual meeting platform.
If the quorum is not met after two postponements, as referred to in the preceding paragraph, but the attending shareholders represent one third or more of the total number of issued shares, a tentative resolution may be adopted pursuant to Article 175, Paragraph 1 of the Company Act; all shareholders shall be notified of the tentative resolution and another Shareholders’ Meeting shall be convened within one month. In the event of a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, shareholders intending to attend the meeting online shall re-register with the Company in accordance with Article 6.
If before the meeting ends the number of shares represented in the meeting reaches 50% or more of all issued shares, the Chairperson may re-propose the tentative resolution to the meeting for voting according to Article 174 of the Company Act.
Article 10 (Meeting process)
If the Shareholders’ Meeting is convened by the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors shall determine the meeting proceedings. Votes shall be cast on each separate proposal in the agenda, including special motions and amendments to the original proposals set out in the agenda. The proceedings shall not be changed unless
resolved in the Shareholders’ Meeting.
The above provision also applies if the Shareholders’ Meeting is convened by any authorized party other than the Board of Directors.
In either of the two arrangements described above, the Chairperson cannot dismiss the meeting while an agenda item (including any special motion) is in progress. If the Chairperson violates the meeting policy by dismissing the meeting when not authorized to do so, other members of the board shall immediately assist the attending shareholders to elect another Chairperson with the support of more than half of the voting rights there represented and shall continue the meeting.
The Chairperson shall allow adequate time to explain and discuss each agenda item, amendment, or special motion proposed in the meeting. The Chairperson may conclude the discussion as he/she sees fit, submit the proposals to vote for resolution, and schedule sufficient time for voting
Article 11 (Shareholders' speeches)
When a shareholder wishes to speak in the meeting, a speech note shall be filled out with a summary of the speech and the shareholder's account number (or the attendance ID serial number). The sequence of shareholders' speeches shall be determined by the Chairperson.
If a shareholder submits a speech note but does not deliver a speech, no speech shall be deemed to have been made by such shareholder. In cases where the content of the speech of a shareholder is inconsistent with the content of the speech note, the content of the actual speech shall prevail.
Each shareholder shall speak no more than twice and shall speak for no more than five minutes each time unless otherwise agreed by the Chairperson. The Chairperson may stop shareholders’ speeches if the speeches are in violation of the Rules or if the shareholders speak outside the scope of the agenda item under discussion.
No shareholder shall interrupt the speech of another shareholder unless agreed by the Chairperson and the speaking shareholder. Any violators shall be prevented from speaking by the Chairperson.
Where an institutional shareholder has appointed two or more representatives to attend the Shareholders’ Meeting, only one representative may speak per agenda item.
After the shareholder has finished the speech, the Chairperson may answer the shareholder's queries personally or may appoint any relevant personnel to respond. Where a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting is convened, shareholders attending the virtual meeting online may raise questions in writing at the virtual meeting platform from the time that the Chairperson declares the meeting open until such time as the Chairperson declares the meeting adjourned. No more than two questions for the same proposal may be raised. Each question shall contain no more than 200 words. The regulations in Paragraphs 1 through 5 of this Article do not apply.
As long as questions raised in accordance with the preceding paragraph are not in violation of the regulations nor beyond the scope of a proposal, it is advisable that
the questions be disclosed to the public at the virtual meeting platform.
Article 12 (Voting rights and conflicts of interest)
The count of votes in a Shareholders’ Meeting is based on the number of shares represented at the meeting.
Shares that do not carry voting rights are excluded from the calculation of outstanding shares when voting for the final resolution.
A shareholder shall abstain from voting and shall not act as proxy for others on agenda items where he/she has a conflict of interest against the Company. The abstaining shareholder shall be excluded from the total voting rights represented in the meeting.
A person who is a proxy of two or more shareholders shall cast a vote with a maximum of 3% of the total number of voting shares, and the excess voting shares, if any, shall be declared invalid. The restriction does not apply to trust business or regulator approved stock agencies.
Article 13 (Voting, ballot examination, and ballot count)
Every one share held by a shareholder has one voting right, subject to the provisions of Article 179, Paragraph 2 of the Company Act.
Voting rights can be exercised in writing or by way of electronic transmission. If the method for exercising votes has been described in the notice of the Shareholders’ Meeting, shareholders who have voted in writing or by way of electronic transmission are considered to have attended such Shareholders’ Meeting in person but shall be deemed to have waived their rights with respect to any special motions or amendments to the original agenda items in such Shareholders’ Meeting. Instructions to exercise votes in writing or by way of electronic transmission shall be delivered to the Company two days prior to the Shareholders’ Meeting. In the event that there are duplicate submissions delivered to the Company, the first submission shall prevail, unless an explicit statement arrives revoking the previous instruction. After a shareholder has exercised voting rights by correspondence or electronic means, in the event that the shareholder intends to attend the Shareholders’ Meeting in person or online, a written declaration of intent to retract the voting rights already exercised under the preceding paragraph shall be made known to the Company by the same means by which the voting rights were exercised at least two days before the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting. If the notice of retraction is submitted after that time, the voting rights already exercised by correspondence or electronic means shall prevail. When a shareholder has exercised voting rights both by correspondence or electronic means and by appointing a proxy to attend a Shareholders’ Meeting, the voting rights exercised by the proxy in the meeting shall prevail.
Unless otherwise specified by the Company Act or the Articles of Incorporation, a resolution is adopted by a majority of the votes represented by the shareholders present at the meeting. At the time of a vote, and for each proposal, the Chairperson
or his/her designate shall first announce the total number of voting rights represented by the attending shareholders. This will be followed by a poll of the shareholders. After the conclusion of the meeting, on the same day on which it is held, the results for each proposal, based on the numbers of votes for and against and the number of abstentions, shall be entered into MOPS.
In cases where there are several amendments or alternative resolutions to a certain agenda item, the Chairperson shall determine the order in which voting takes place on the new and original proposals. If any resolution is passed, all other proposals shall be considered rejected and no further voting is necessary.
The Chairperson will appoint ballot examiners and ballot counters; the ballot examiners must be shareholders.
Vote counting for Shareholders’ Meeting proposals or elections shall be conducted in public at the place of the Shareholders’ Meeting. Immediately after vote counting has been completed, the results of the voting, including statistical tallies of the numbers of votes, shall be announced on-site at the meeting, and a record shall be made of the vote.
When the Company convenes a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, after the Chairperson declares the meeting open, shareholders attending the meeting online shall cast votes on proposals and elections on the virtual meeting platform before the Chairperson announces the voting session’s end or they will be deemed to have abstained from voting.
In the event of a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, votes shall be counted at once after the Chairperson announces the voting session’s end, and the results shall be announced immediately.
When the Company convenes a hybrid Shareholders’ Meeting, if shareholders who have registered to attend the meeting online in accordance with Article 6 of this regulation decide to attend the physical Shareholders’ Meeting in person, they shall revoke their registration two days before the Shareholders’ Meeting in the same manner as they registered. If their registration is not revoked within the time limit, they may only attend the Shareholders’ Meeting online.
When shareholders exercise voting rights by correspondence or electronic means, unless they have withdrawn the declaration of intent and attend the Shareholders’ Meeting online, except for extraordinary motions, they will not exercise voting rights on the original proposals nor make any amendments to the original proposals nor exercise voting rights on amendments to the original proposals.
Article 14 (Election)
The election of directors shall be conducted in accordance with the Company’s guidelines governing the election, and the results of the election, including the names of those directors and the numbers of voting rights with which they were elected, as well as the names of the non-elected candidates and the numbers of voting rights they each received, shall be announced at the meeting.
All ballots used in the election shall be sealed and signed by the ballot examiners and
properly kept for at least one year or up to the conclusion of any legal action initiated by shareholders under Article 189 of the Company Act.
Article 15 (Meeting minutes and acknowledgment)
The minutes of the Shareholders’ Meeting shall be prepared, duly signed or chop sealed by the Chairperson of the Shareholders’ Meeting, and distributed to the shareholders within 20 days after the meeting. Preparation and distribution of meeting minutes can be made in electronic form.
The Company may distribute meeting minutes by posting them onto MOPS.
The minutes shall detail the date and venue of the meeting, the Chairperson's names, the methods by which resolutions were adopted, and a summary of the deliberations and their results, including statistical tallies of the numbers of votes and the votes received by each candidate in an election of board directors. These minutes shall be kept for the duration of the Company’s existence.
Where a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting is convened, in addition to the particulars to be included in the meeting minutes as described in the preceding paragraph, the start time and end time of the Shareholders’ Meeting, how the meeting was convened, the Chairperson and secretary’s names, and actions taken in the event of disruption to the virtual meeting platform or participation in the meeting online due to natural disasters, accidents, or other force majeure events, and how any issues were dealt with shall also be included in the minutes.
When convening a virtual-only Shareholders’ Meeting, other than compliance with the requirements in the preceding paragraph, the Company shall specify in the meeting minutes alternative measures available to shareholders who face difficulties in attending a virtual-only Shareholders’ Meeting online.
Article 16 (Disclosure)
On the day of a Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company shall compile in the prescribed format a statistical statement of the number of shares obtained by solicitors through solicitation, the number of shares represented by proxies, and the number of shares represented by shareholders attending the meeting by correspondence or electronic means, and it shall make an express disclosure of the same at the place of the Shareholders’ Meeting. In the event of a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company shall upload the meeting materials to the virtual meeting platform at least 30 minutes before the meeting’s start and shall keep this information disclosed until the end of the meeting.
During a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, when the meeting is called to order, the total number of shares represented at the meeting shall be disclosed on the virtual meeting platform. Whenever the total number of shares represented at the meeting changes and a new tally of votes is released, the changes shall be disclosed on the virtual meeting platform.
Within the regulated deadline, the Company shall post onto MOPS all resolutions that are classified as material information as defined by the laws and regulations published by the Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation.
Article 17 (Meeting order)
Personnel working at the Shareholders’ Meeting must wear identification cards or badges.
The Chairperson may instruct the disciplinary officers or the security staff to help maintain order in the meeting. Such disciplinary officers or security staff must wear either badges marked “Disciplinary Officers” or identification cards.
The shareholder making oral presentation at the meeting shall use the equipment provided by the Company, or the Chairperson may stop the presentation.
The Chairperson may instruct disciplinary officers or security staff to remove shareholders who violate the meeting rules or who refuse to obey the instructions given by the Chairperson.
Article 18 (Intermission)
The Chairperson may, at his/her discretion, set a time for the intermission. In the event of a major incident, the Chairperson may suspend the meeting temporarily and announce, depending the situation, when the meeting will resume.
The Shareholders’ Meeting may resolve to move the meeting to another venue to continue the meeting when the availability of the meeting venue is expired and the meeting is not completed.
Shareholders may resolve to postpone the meeting and to reconvene it within the next five days, according to Article 182 of the Company Act.
Article 19 (Disclosure of information at virtual meetings)
In the event of a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company shall disclose the realtime results of votes and elections immediately after the end of the voting session on the virtual meeting platform according to the regulations, and this disclosure shall continue for at least 15 minutes after the Chairperson has adjourned the meeting.
Article 20 (Location of the Chairperson and secretary of virtual-only shareholders meeting) When the Company convenes a virtual-only Shareholders’ Meeting, both the Chairperson and secretary shall be in the same location, and the Chairperson shall declare the address of their location when the meeting is called to order.
Article 21 (Handling of disconnection)
In the event of a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company may offer a simple connection test to shareholders prior to the meeting and shall provide relevant realtime services before and during the meeting to help resolve technical communication issues.
In the event of a virtual Shareholders’ Meeting, when declaring the meeting open, the
Chairperson shall also declare that, unless the meeting is held under circumstances where it is not required that the meeting be postponed to or resumed at another time under Article 44-20, Paragraph 4 of the Regulations Governing the Administration of Shareholder Services of Public Companies, if the virtual meeting platform or participation in the virtual meeting is obstructed for more than 30 minutes due to natural disasters, accidents, or other force majeure events before the Chairperson has declared the meeting adjourned, the meeting shall be postponed to or resumed on another date within five days, in which case Article 182 of the Company Act shall not apply.
When a meeting is postponed or resumed as described in the preceding paragraph, shareholders who had not registered to participate in the affected Shareholders’ Meeting online shall not attend the postponed or resumed session.
For a meeting that has been postponed or resumed under the second paragraph of this Article, the number of shares represented by and the voting rights and election rights exercised by the shareholders who registered to participate in the affected Shareholders’ Meeting and who successfully signed into the meeting but who do not then go on to attend the postponed or resumed session shall nevertheless be counted towards the total number of shares, number of voting rights, and number of election rights represented at the postponed or resumed session.
During a postponed or resumed session of a Shareholders’ Meeting held under the second paragraph of this Article, no further discussion or resolution is required on proposals for which votes have been cast and counted and for which results have been announced, or for lists of elected directors.
When the Company convenes a hybrid Shareholders’ Meeting, and the virtual meeting cannot continue as described in second paragraph of this Article, if the total number of shares represented at the meeting, after deducting those represented by shareholders attending the virtual Shareholders’ Meeting online, still meets the minimum legal requirement for a Shareholders’ Meeting, then the meeting shall continue, and no postponement or resumption thereof is required.
Under circumstances where a meeting should continue as described in the preceding paragraph, the shares represented by shareholders attending the virtual meeting online shall be counted towards the total number of shares represented by shareholders present at the meeting, provided these shareholders shall be deemed to have abstained from voting on all proposals on the meeting agenda of that Shareholders’ Meeting. When postponing or resuming a meeting according to the second paragraph, the Company shall handle the preparatory work based on the date of the original Shareholders’ Meeting in accordance with the requirements listed under Article 4420, Paragraph 7 of the Regulations Governing the Administration of Shareholder Services of Public Companies.
For dates or periods set forth under Article 12 (second half) and Article 13, Paragraph 3 of the Regulations Governing the Use of Proxies for Attendance at Shareholders’ Meetings of Public Companies and under Article 44-5, Paragraph 2; Article 44-15; and Article 44-17, Paragraph 1 of the Regulations Governing the
Administration of Shareholder Services of Public Companies the Company shall handle the matter based on the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting that is postponed or resumed under the second paragraph.
Article 22 (Handling of digital divide)
- When convening a virtual-only Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company shall provide appropriate alternative measures to shareholders facing difficulties in attending the meeting online.
Article 23 (Level of approval authority)
The Rules shall take effect once approved in the Shareholders’ Meeting. The same applies to all subsequent changes.
Notes:
-
2011/06/24 Passed and adopted at the 2011 Annual General Meeting. The Rules previously established by the Company's founders on 2001.12.07 and later amended on 2003.06.06 were abolished at the same time.
-
2012/06/22 The 1[st] revision was resolved at the 2012 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 22, 2012 to amend Articles 3, 4, 13, and 15.
-
2015/06/12 The 2[nd] revision was resolved at the 2015 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 12, 2015 to amend Articles 3, 6, and 14.
-
2020/06/12 The 3[rd] revision was resolved at the 2020 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 12, 2020 to amend Articles 3, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, and 15.
-
2021/07/23 The 4[th] revision was resolved at the 2021 General Shareholders’ Meeting on July 23, 2021 to amend Articles 3, 9 and 14.
-
2022/06/17 The 5[th] revision was resolved at the 2022 General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 17, 2022 to amend Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 23, and to add article 6-1, 19, 20, 21 and 22.
【 Attachment 7 】
Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. Minimum Shareholding Requirement, Individual and Aggregate Shareholding of Directors
- I. Minimum shareholding requirement and shareholding positions of directors as of the book closure date for this shareholders’ meeting (2024.09.10):
| Title | Minimum shareholding requirement |
Shareholding as of 2024.09.10 |
|---|---|---|
| All directors | 160,000,000 |
561,248,829 |
II. Details of directors' shareholding:
| Title | Name | Representative | Shareholding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Chia Hao Co., Ltd. | Wu, Tong-Liang | 25,641,626 |
| Director | TASCO Chemical Co., Ltd. | Wu, Cheng-Ching | 515,241,099 |
| Director | Hsiang-Chao Co., Ltd. | Kuo, Jui-Sung | 12,771,852 |
| Director | Santo Arden Co., Ltd. | Wang, Chu-Chan | 7,594,252 |
| Independent Director |
Wang, Mei-Hua | 0 |
|
| Independent Director |
Kuan, Kuo-Lin | 0 |
|
| Independent Director |
Chang, Min-Yu | 0 |
|
| Total directors' shareholding | 561,248,829 |