I. Brief Introduction of the GEM
The Growth Enterprise Market or GEM is the new stock market launched by the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“the Exchange”) in the fourth quarter of 1999. The main mission of GEM is to provide a venue for growth enterprises to raise capital for proper use towards the development and expansion of their business. It is the long term objective of the Exchange to develop GEM into a successful stock market in its own right which can satisfy the quality and level of transparency and regulation sought by investors wishing to participate in the growth in China and the region.
- Separate Identity
- A Separate Market
GEM is an alternative market to the existing stock market (herein referred to as the “Existing Market”) operated by the Exchange. Whilst GEM draws on some of the Exchange’s resources to provide for its back office support, it has its own dedicated team of front line management and staff to operate independently from the Existing Market. - Transfer of ListingGEM is a completely separate market and is neither junior nor inferior to the Existing Market. In particular, it is not a nature ground to prepare companies for the wishing to transfer its listing from GEM to the Existing Market or visa versa which will need to satisfy in full all the entry and ongoing requirements of the respective markets.
- Separate Listing RulesGEM has its own listing rules and requirements, namely, The Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“GEM Listing Rules”), which in certain respects are identical to or mirror those of the Existing Market but which in many other respects are different from those of the Existing Market. The GEM Listing Rules stands alone and it is unnecessary to cross-reference to the listing rules of the Existing Market.
- A Separate Market
- Market Characteristics
- Targeting Growth CompaniesGEM targets growth companies from all industries of all sizes. To also accommodate those smaller growth companies without a performance track record, the GEM entry requirements are lower than those of the Existing Market. Initially, companies listed on GEM are required to be incorporated in any one of the following jurisdictions: Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
- Buyer’s Beware PhilosophyBy their nature, the future performance of growth companies without a proven track record is likely to be less predictable. The risks associated with investment in these growth companies are therefore expected to be higher in view of the greater uncertainty. GEM adopts a buyer’s beware philosophy and investors are required to make their own assessment of the commercial viability of companies listed or about to be listed on GEM. The initial role of the Exchange in screening the suitability for listing of applicants is very limited and specifically excludes any assessment of their commercial viability.
- A Market for Professional and Informed InvestorsThe rules, requirements and facilities of GEM are designed to satisfy the needs and standards desired by professional and informed investors in the context of growth companies. The rules and requirements emphasise on detailed, frequent and timely company disclosures whilst the electronic trading and communication facilities enable participants to gain convenient and timely market access for order processing and information retrieval.
- Differentiation From the Existing MarketThe Existing Market and GEM cater for the different investment appetite of investors and offer listing applicants a choice to go public. Investors who are averse to higher risk may choose to invest in the more established companies listed on the Existing Market with the prospect of earning of a more steady return in terms of dividend yield and capital appreciation. On the other hand, investors who have an appetite for risk may choose to invest in the GEM companies with the prospect of seeking greater capital appreciation that are commensurate with the greater risks.
- Advantages of Listing on GEMA PRC Company may effectively be listed on GEM either by direct issue of H Shares in Hong Kong or by incorporating an overseas company and have the overseas company’s shares listed. Obtaining a list on the GEM will bring the following benefits to the issuer:
- access to international funds at the international financial centre where a number of the world’s most successful fund managers being involved in the capital market actively
- exposure to and experience from the well established international standard and practice in respect of corporate governance, a director’s fiduciary duty and protection of minority shareholders
- to enhance the company’s profile and reputation in the international business world and securing the interest and confidence of international investors and business partners
- Comparison of GEM with the Existing Market
- A table of comparison of the salient features of the GEM Listing Rules and those of the existing market (so-called “Main Board”) is enclosed herewith for reference as Appendix A.
- PRC Application Approval Procedures for Listing on GEM
- A summary of application and approval procedures applicable to a PRC company seeking Listing on the GEM is enclosed herewith as Appendix B for reference. The summary is prepared based on the Guidelines To Approval and Supervision of Domestic Enterprises Seeking Listing On the Growth Enterprise Market of Hong Kong promulgated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission on 12th October 1999.
II. Qualifications and Requirements for Listing
General conditions and requirements applicable to all issuers
- IncorporationThe issuer must be duly incorporated or otherwise established under the laws of Hong Kong, the PRC, Bermuda or the Cayman Islands and must be in conformity with those laws.
- Corporate GovernanceThe issuer must have persons appointed to the following offices and/or to perform the following roles, and the issuer must ensure that such persons have satisfied the following rules prior to appointment:-
- Directors
- Company Secretary
- Qualified Accountant
- Compliance Officer
- advising on and assisting the board of directors of the issuer in implementing procedures to ensure that the issuer complies with the GEM Listing Rules and other relevant laws and regulations applicable to the issuer; and
- responding promptly and efficiently to all enquiries directed at him by the Exchange.
- Authorised representative
- supplying the Exchange with details in writing of how he can be contacted including home, office and mobile phone telephone numbers and, where available, facsimile numbers and electronic mail addresses;
- for so long as the issuer continues to have a Sponsor, assisting the Sponsor in its role as the principal channel of communication with the Exchange concerning the affairs of the issuer.
- Audit committee
- reviewing, in draft form, the issuer’s annual report and accounts, half-year report and quarterly reports and providing advice and comments thereon to the issuer’s board of directors; and
- reviewing and supervising the issuer’s financial reporting and internal control procedures.
- SponsorA new applicant must, prior to any listing application, have appointed a Sponsor pursuant to a contract for a fixed term period covering at least the remainder of the financial year during which the listing occurs and the 2 financial years thereafter. The Sponsor has to be one of those sponsors registered with the Exchange for acting as the sponsor for GEM listing application. A list of the registered sponsors published by the Exchange as at 22 March 2003 is enclosed herein as Appendix C for reference.
- Active business pursuitsGenerally, except where a new applicant meets the requirements as set out under the paragraph “Shorter Period of Business Pursuit” below, a new applicant must demonstrate that, throughout the period of 24 months immediately preceding the date of the listing document, it has, either by itself or through one or more of its subsidiaries, actively pursued one focused line of business under substantially the same management and ownership as exist at the time of the application for listing, and must make a statement of active business pursuits in the listing documents providing both qualitative and quantitative information, in a reasonable level of details, about the activities and performance of the issuer:
- a new applicant must be able to demonstrate that it has a business of both substance and potential. A business will only be regarded as having the requisite substance if the applicant can show that it has spent at least the 24 months period (or such shorter period accepted by the Exchange) prior to the issue of the listing document making substantial progress in building up that business;
- Examples of measurements of progress that may be relevant are as follows:
- sales and marketing activity (such as turnover, customer or client base, number of retail outlets or concessions, geographic mix and marketing strategy);
- production factors (such as equipment, premises and raw materials required and production processes);
- deployment of human resources (such as number, expertise, experience and turnover of personnel);
- product and/or process developments (such as phase of development);
- licensing developments (including details of type, purpose, expiry date, parties and financial effect);
- patent or other intellectual property protection (such as status of trade mark and patent registration in each market);
- joint ventures, collaborations or other business arrangements into which the applicant has entered (including details of the parties thereto and the purpose of any such arrangement, expiry date and financial effect);
- funding arrangements (such as the equity and debt finance previously obtained);
- in the case of infrastructure project companies, details of projects, project locations, concessions or mandates awarded, phases of development, pre-construction or construction;
- regulatory approvals obtained; and
- such matters as are the otherwise relevant to the product, service or activity in question.
- Business Pursuit may be carried out by a subsidiary which:
- The new applicant must control the composition of the board of directors of that active subsidiary and of any intermediate holding company; and
- The new applicant must have an effective economic interest of no less than 50 per cent in that active subsidiary
- Focused BusinessA new applicant to be considered suitable for listing should be actively engaged in one focused line of business rather than two or more disparate businesses. The reason for this is that the Exchange expects an applicant’s management to be devoting its attention towards advancing one core business rather than a variety of concerns which compete or may compete for their attention.
- Shorter Period of Business PursuitsThe Exchange may accept a shorter period of active business pursuits in the following circumstances:-
- Where the new applicant falls within one of the following cases with reasons acceptable to the Exchange:-
- In respect of newly-formed “project” companies (for example a company formed for the purposes of a major infrastructure project);
- In respect of nature resource exploitation companies; and
- In exceptional circumstances under which the Exchange considers it desirable to accept a shorter period.
- Where the new applicant falls into the new category of applicant created under the amendment which came into effect on 1st October 2001 which allows a new applicant that meets certain criteria in terms of size and public float (eg. having a turnover of HK$500M in the last 12 month period , total assets of not less than HK$500M and market capitalisation in the hands of the the public of not less than HK$150M and be held among at least 300 shareholders) to apply for listing with not less than 12 months active business pursuits.
- Where the new applicant falls within one of the following cases with reasons acceptable to the Exchange:-
- Business ObjectivesA new applicant must include in its listing document a statement of business objectives setting out the following information
- general information as to (a) the overall business objectives of the new applicant; and (b) the market potential for the new applicant’s active business pursuits over the period comprising the remainder of the current financial year of the applicant and the 2 financial years thereafter;
- a detailed description of the new applicant’s objectives for each of the products, services or activities identified in its statement of active business pursuits (and any other objectives) analysed over the period comprising the remainder of the current financial year of the applicant and the 2 financial years thereafter;
- the statement of business objectives should specify particular strategies, critical paths or milestones against which the applicant’s progress may, in the future, be compared.
- Accountants’ ReportA new applicant must have an accountants’ report prepared in accordance with Chapter 7 of the GEM Listing Rules. In the case of a new applicant with active business pursuits of 24 months, an accountants’ report covering active business pursuits of at least 24 months (which needs not cover 2 complete financial years) must be prepared. In the case of a new applicant with an active business pursuit of 12 months, an accountants’ report covering at least the 12 month period from the commencement of their active business pursuits must be prepared.In the case of a new applicant, the latest financial period reported on by the reporting accountants must not have ended more than 6 months before the date of the listing document.
- Property-related Matters
- A new applicant that is a property company must have, in respect of a substantially major portion of its PRC properties, long-term title certificates and/or, in respect of a substantially major portion of its properties not suitable in the PRC, other appropriate evidence of title, regardless of whether such properties are completed or still under development.
- For any new applicant, not being a property company which has a PRC property that represents a substantial portion of its assets in terms of either asset value or profit contribution, the new applicant must obtain a long-term title certificate for that PRC property.
- In the case of infrastructure companies, an issuer must obtain long-term title certificates for all PRC properties used in infrastructure projects, whether completed or under development.
- Business CompetitionA new applicant will not be rendered unsuitable for listing on the grounds that any director or shareholder has an interest in a business which competes or may compete with the new applicant’s business.Full and accurate information of any business or interest of each director, management shareholder and initial substantial shareholder and the respective associates of each that competes or may compete with the business of the group and any other conflicts of interest which any such person has or may have with the group must be disclosed in each listing document and circular required under the GEM Listing Rules and in the annual report and accounts, half-year report and quarterly reports of the listed issuer.
- Shareholding RequirementsAt the time of listing, the initial management shareholders (persons who are entitled to exercise, or control the exercise of, 5% or more of the voting power at general meeting of the issuer and who are able to direct or influence the management of the issuer, which under the new amendment came into effect on 1st October 2001 includes all members of senior management, directors and investors with board representation) and significant shareholders (persons who are entitled to exercise, or control the exercise of 5% or more of the voting power at general meeting), between them, hold at least 35 per cent of the issued share capital of the new applicant.
- Open Market for Securities ListedThere must be an open market in the securities for which listing is sought. This will normally mean that for any class of equity securities, at least the “minimum prescribed percentage” of such class of securities must be held in the hands of the public.Non-PRC IssuerIn the case of a non-PRC issuer, the “minimum prescribed precentage” for any class of equity securities is determined by reference to the expected market capitalisation of the issuer as at the time of listing such that:-
- any new applicant with a market capitalisation of not exceeding HK$4,000M must have a minimum of 25% of its securities held in public hands;
- any new applicant with a market capitalisation of over HK$4,000M must have a minimum of the higher of (i) the percentage that would result in the market value of the securities to be in public hands equal to HK$1,000M and (ii) 20 per cent.
- with regard to all equity securities for which a listing is sought, except in certain circumstances, the market capitalisation of such equity securities (determined as at the time of listing) in the hands of the public must be at least HK$30M;
- The equity securities in the hands of the public should, as at the time of listing, be held among at least 100 persons (including those whose equity securities are held through CCASS). Pursuant to the new amendment which came into effect on 1st October 2001, the definition of members of the public was restricted to exclude employees of the new applicant and their associates.
- at least the “minimum prescribed percentage” of any class of securities must be held by the public. The “minimum prescribed percentage” is determined as follows:-
- if at any time there are existing issued securities of the PRC issuer other than H shares, then (i) 100% of the H shares must be held in the public; (ii) H shares held by the public must constitute not less than 10% of the total existing issued share capital of the PRC issuer; and (iii) the aggregate amount of H shares and such other securities held be the public must constitute not less than the following percentage:-
- 25% for issuer with market capitalisation not exceeding HK$4,000M;
- the higher of (a) the percentage that would result in the market value of the securities to be in the public hands equal to HK$1,000M and (b) 20%, for issuer with market capitalisation exceeding HK$4,000M.
- if there are no existing issued securities of the PRC issuer other than H shares, the H shares held by the public must constitute not less than the percentage set out above.
- if at any time there are existing issued securities of the PRC issuer other than H shares, then (i) 100% of the H shares must be held in the public; (ii) H shares held by the public must constitute not less than 10% of the total existing issued share capital of the PRC issuer; and (iii) the aggregate amount of H shares and such other securities held be the public must constitute not less than the following percentage:-
- H shares held by the public must have an expected market value of not less than the higher of HK$30,000,000 or the expected initial market value of the applicable minimum prescribed percentage.
- The equity securities in the hands of the public should, as at the time of listing, be held among at least 100 persons (including those whose equity securities are held through CCASS)
- Moratorium on Disposal of SecuritiesThe following persons have to undertake to the new applicant and the Exchange that they will not dispose of the securities in the new applicant in the following manner:
- in the case of an initial management shareholder, disposes of the relevant securities within a period of 12 months from the listing date, or 6 months from the listing date where the shareholder’s relevant securities represent no more than 1% of the issued share capital of the new applicant as at the listing date;
- in the case of an initial significant shareholder, disposes of the relevant securities within a period of 6 months from the listing date.
Special conditions applicable to a PRC issuer
Issuers established in the PRC are subject to additional requirements:
- the articles of association of PRC issuers must contain provisions which reflect the different nature of domestic shares and overseas listed foreign shares (including H shares) and the different rights of their respective holders.
- disputes involving holders of H shares and arising from a PRC issuer’s articles of association, or from any rights or obligations conferred or imposed by the Company Law and any other relevant laws and regulations concerning the affairs of the PRC issuer, are to be settled by arbitration in either Hong Kong or the PRC at the election of the claimant.
- duly incorporated in the PRC as a joint stock limited company.
- the PRC issuer must appoint, and maintain throughout the period its securities are listed on the GEM the appointment of, a person authorised to accept service of process and notices on its behalf in Hong Kong.
- provision must be made for a register of holders to be maintained in Hong Kong, or such other place as the Exchange may agree, and for transfers to be registered locally.
III. Application Procedures and Requirements
GEM Listing Committee/Division
- Application for listing on the GEM is to be made to the GEM Listing Committee
- All documents have to be submitted to the GEM Listing Division which will review all applications.
Sponsor
A new applicant seeking a listing of equity securities on GEM must appoint a Sponsor pursuant to a contract for a fixed term period covering at least the remainder of the financial year during which the listing occurs and the 2 financial years thereafter. The Sponsor’s role is of particular importance to the successful operation of GEM, since it is the expectation of the Exchange that each issuer should, with the guidance and assistance of the Sponsor, comply with and discharge its responsibility under the GEM Listing Rules. To be eligible to act as the Sponsor of a new applicant or a listed issuer, a firm in question must have been approved by the Exchange for such purpose and admitted to a list of sponsors maintained and published by the Exchange from time to time.
Sponsor’s Main Responsibility to A New Applicant
- to submit the listing application on behalf of the new applicant and forms and documents in connection with the listing application and required pursuant to the GEM Listing Rules
- to deal with the Exchange on all matters raised by the Exchange, and to act as the principal channel of communication with the Exchange on behalf of the listed issuer
- to be closely involved in the preparation of the listing document and must ensure that it has been verified to a standard that enables the Sponsor to submit to the Exchange the Sponsor’s declaration in the form set out in Appendix 7G of the GEM Listing Rules
- to ensure that there is no unauthorised publication or leakage of publicity material or price sensitive information about a new applicant prior to the hearing of the GEM Listing Committee
- to ensure the directors of the new applicant have had explained to them the nature of their responsibilities under the GEM Listing Rules and other applicable laws and provisions relating to securities
- to perform other functions and discharge other responsibilities designated in relation to a sponsor under the GEM Listing Rules
Application Procedures
- An application must be made to the Exchange for the purpose of listing securities issued by a new applicant. The Sponsor must contact the GEM Listing Division to ascertain a date on which the GEM Listing Committee may consider the new applicant’s application for listing (the “Provisional Hearing Date”)
- A new applicant must apply to the GEM Listing Division on the prescribed listing application form at least 25 clear business days prior to the Provisional Hearing Date. The listing application form must be accompanied by:
- The documents, as applicable, stipulated in the rules 12.22 and 12.23 of the GEM Listing Rules (the “25-day Documents” as referred to below)
- The form of Sponsor’s declaration of interests
- A certified board minutes of the new applicant authorising the submission of the listing application form
- The non-refundable initial listing fee in the amount specified in Appendix 9 of the GEM Listing Rules
- Hearing (the meeting on which the GEM Listing Committee consider the new applicant’s application for listing)
- Preliminary approval/rejection notice issued in respect of the listing application
- Registration of the prospectus
- Issue of the listing document
- Official notification issued in respect of the listing approval
- Trading commences
Documentary requirements
- The following documents, as applicable, must be lodged with the Exchange for review together with the form of application for listing in respect of a new applicant (the “25-day documents”). These documents must be in what the issuer and sponsor believe to be anticipated final form, save for matters concerning pricing, the number of shares to be issued, details of the underwriting and related matters. The Sponsor must ensure that the draft listing document has be verified in all material aspects prior to submission.
- 6 drafts or proofs of the listing document in anticipated final form with appropriate annotations;
- 3 certified copies of the memorandum and articles of association or equivalent document of the issuer, marked in the margin to indicate where compliance has been made with the provisions of Appendix 3 of the GEM Listing Rules, and a letter of compliance concerning the same from the issuer’s Sponsor or legal adviser;
- 3 copies of the anticipated final draft of any statement of adjustments relating to the accountants’ report;
- a copy of every material contracts as mentioned in the prospectus;
- 3 copies of the anticipated final draft or proof of the formal notice;
- 3 copies of the anticipated final draft or proof of any application form to subscribe or purchase the securities for which listing is sought;
- a certified copy of the resolution(s) of the board of directors authorising the allotment of such securities, the making of the application for listing and, the making of all necessary arrangements enabling such securities to be admitted into CCASS, and approving and authorising the issue of the listing document;
- 3 anticipated final drafts or proofs of the definitive certificate or other document of title;
- a copy of the anticipated final draft of a letter from the Sponsor or the issuer’s financial advisers or auditors, confirming that they are satisfied that the statement in the listing document as to the sufficiency of working capital has been made by the directors after due and careful enquiry and that persons or institutions providing finance have stated in writing that such facilities exist;
- where the listing document contains a profit forecast, 3 copies of the anticipated final draft reports thereon by the reporting accountants and the Sponsor, and 3 copies of the anticipated final draft of the profit forecast memorandum with principal assumptions, accounting policies and calculations for the forecast;
- any application for a waiver of any provision of the GEM Listing Rules;
- the annual report and accounts of the companies which comprise or will comprise the group of the new applicant for each of the years forming the subject of the accountants’ report;
- a formal declaration undertaking and acknowledgement, in the relevant form set out in Appendix 6 of the GEM Listing Rules, duly signed by each director and proposed director (and, in the case of a PRC issuer, each supervisor and proposed supervisor);
- a certified copy of the certificate of incorporation and any certificates of incorporation on change of name or equivalent document of the issuer;
- where the promoter or other interested party is a limited company or a firm, a statutory declaration as to the identity of those who control it or are interested in its profits or assets (if requested by the Exchange); and
- where the new applicant has any corporate shareholder holding over 5 per cent of the issued capital, a declaration by a duly authorised officer of each such corporate shareholder, giving details of its registered office, directors, shareholders and business (if requested by the Exchange).
- The following must be lodged with the Exchange, as soon as practicable after the hearing of the application by the GEM Listing Committee but on or before the date of issue of the listing document:-
- the signed Sponsor’s declaration in the form set out in Appendix 7G of the GEM Listing Rules;
- 7 copies of the listing document: one of which must be dated and signed by every director or by his agent authorised in writing and by the secretary; one of which must be marked in the margin to indicate where compliance has been made with the relevant provisions of the GEM Listing Rules and the Companies Ordinance;
- 7 copies of the formal notice;
- 7 copies of any application form to subscribe or purchase the securities for which listing is sought;
- a certified copy of every letter, report, financial statement, statement of adjustments, valuation, contract, resolution or other document (including any profit forecast memorandum, if applicable) any part of which is extracted or referred to in the listing document;
- a certified copy of the written consent by any expert to the issue of the listing document with the inclusion therein in the form of a statement or any recommendation;
- a copy of the written notification issued by HKSCC stating the securities will be Eligible Securities;
- any undertakings referred to in the listing document and/or required to be given to the Exchange, including those undertakings from initial management shareholders and significant shareholders;
- a specimen of the definitive certificate or other document of title.
- In the case of a listing document which constitutes a prospectus under the Companies Ordinance, the following documents must be lodged with the Exchange by no later than 11 a.m. on the intended date of authorisation of the prospectus:-
- an application of authorisation for registration of the prospectus
- two printed copies of the prospectus, duly signed in accordance with the Companies Ordinance
- a certificate issued by the translator certifying that the Chinese translation of the English version of the prospectus is true and accurate; and a certificate issued by a competent officer of the Sponsor certifying that the translator is competent to have given the certificate as to translations in respect of the prospectus documents;
- the powers of attorney or other authority pursuant to which the prospectus is signed, together with one certified copy of each such power of authority
Special requirements for a PRC issuer
In addition to the documentary requirements on all the issuers, the following documents must be lodged with the Exchange, for initial review, at time of submitting a listing application:
- 3 copies of the Sponsor’s submission in relation to the directors of the PRC issuer pursuant to rule 25.05 of the GEM Listing Rules
- 3 copies of each anticipated final draft contract between the PRC issuer and every director, supervisor and officer, each of which must contain the undertakings and arbitration clause
- a formal declaration, undertaking and acknowledgement in the form set out in Appendix 6B and Appendix 6C, duly signed by each or the director and supervisor, respectively
- 3 copies of the anticipated final draft legal opinion by the PRC issuer’s Hong Kong legal advisers, citing and attaching the legal opinion by PRC lawyers, confirming the due incorporation and legal person status of the PRC issuer as a joint stock limited company under PRC law and the obtaining of all relevant regulatory approvals in the PRC required for the issue and listing contemplated by the PRC issuer’s listing application.
Appendix A
Comparison of the Salient Features of the Listing Rules of the GEM and the Main Board
The following summary contains a comparison of the salient features of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Growth Enterprise Market (the “GEM Listing Rules”) and the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd. (the “Main Board Listing Rules”). Because this is a summary, this does not contain all the information that may be important to you and is no substitute for the GEM Listing Rules and the Main Board Listing Rules. You should read this summary in conjunction with the full text of the GEM Listing Rules and the Main Board Listing Rules as the information referred to below is expanded or qualified in the GEM Listing Rules and the Main Board Listing Rules.
| General | Warning statements | Corporate governance |
| Listing requirements | Moratorium | News dissemination requirements |
| Role of the Exchange | Continuing obligations of listed issuers | Suspension and resumption of trading |
| Role of sponsors | Connected transactions | Delisting |
| Sponsor’s eligibility | Notifiable transactions | Share repurchases |
| Listing application procedures | Governing structure | Contents of prospectus |
| Disciplinary actions |
| Growth Enterprise Market | Main Board | |
| General | ||
| Types of securities | Equity and debt securities (including options, warrants and convertible securities) onlyDisallow listing of third party derivatives, unit trusts or investment vehicles | Equities, debts, third party derivatives, unit trusts and investment vehicles |
| Debt securities | Listing of debt securities allowed only if:the issuer’s equity securities are listed or will be simultaneously listed on GEM; orthe equity securities of the parent of the debt issuer are or will be simultaneously listed on GEM | Allow listing of debt securities without the listing of an applicant’s or its parent’s equity securities |
| Theme of the market | Capital formation for growth companies from all industries and of all sizes having a focused line of business | Various, including capital formation for larger and more established companies with a profit track record |
| Dual listing | Allow dual listing | Allow dual listing with different listing requirements for primary listing and secondary listing |
| Acceptable jurisdictions | Hong Kong, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and the People’s Republic of China | Hong Kong, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and the People’s Republic of China for primary or secondary listingOther jurisdictions for secondary listing on a case by case basis |
| Target investors | Professional and informed investors | The whole spectrum of investors |
| Listing requirements | ||
| Profit requirement | No profit requirement | Profits of HK$50m (HK$20m in the most recent year and an aggregate of HK$30m in the two preceding years) in the last 3 years |
| Operating history | Generally must demonstrate at least 2 years of active business pursuitsHowever, amendment came into effect on 1/10/01 created a new category of applicant which may apply for listing with not less than 12 months active business pursuits if it meets certain requirements (eg. not less than HK$500M turnover over the 12 months period, not less than HK$500M total assets and have a market capitalisation of not less than HK$150M held in public hands and be held among at least 300 shareholders) | Must have 3 years of trading record |
| A focused line of business | Must actively pursue a focused line of business rather than two or more disparate businesses. However, peripheral activities related to the main line are allowed. | No such specific requirement. However, in practice, the main line of business must meet the minimum profit requirement |
| Flexibility for operating history requirement | Except if the applicant falls into the new category created as set out under “Operating History” above, the Exchange will (except in exceptional circumstances) only accept companies having less than 2 years of active business pursuits for infra-structural or natural resource companies or under exceptional circumstances | The Exchange will relax the 3-year track record requirement only for certain defined types of companies such as infra-structural or natural resource companies or under exceptional circumstances, companies with at least 2 years of trading record |
| Statement of business objectives | Set out the applicant’s overall business objectives and explain how it proposes to achieve them over the period covering the remaining financial year during which listing occurs and the 2 financial years thereafter | No such specific requirement but an applicant is required to include a general statement of future plans and prospects |
| Active business carried on at subsidiary level | An applicant may have its active business carried out by either itself, or its subsidiary or subsidiaries. In the case of an active business carried out by a subsidiary or subsidiaries, the applicant must control the board of the relevant subsidiary or subsidiaries and have an effective economic interest of not less than 50% of that subsidiary or those subsidiaries. | In practice, the Exchange will require an issuer to have control over its business |
| Sponsorship period after listing | Must appoint a sponsor for a period covering at least the remaining financial year during which listing occurs and the 2 full financial years thereafter. Such sponsor (the “Retained Sponsor”) will only act in an advisory capacity. | Requirement to have a sponsor will end once an applicant is listed (An H-share issuer must retain a sponsor for at least 1 year after listing) |
| Change of management, ownership or control during the track record period | Must be under substantially the same management and ownership over the period of active business pursuits unless under exceptional circumstances acceptable to the Exchange | Must be under substantially the same management during the 3-year track record period |
| Competing businesses | Allow competing businesses of directors, controlling shareholders, substantial shareholders and management shareholders as long as full disclosure is made at the time of listing and, except for substantial shareholders, on an on-going basis | Any competing businesses of directors and controlling shareholders may render an applicant unsuitable for listing depending on the merits of the case |
| Minimum market capitalisation | Shares No specific requirement but effectively cannot be less than HK$46m at the time of listingOptions, warrants or similar rightsMarket capitalisation of HK$6m at the time of listing | Shares Market capitalisation of HK$100m at the time of listingOptions, warrants or similar rightsMarket capitalisation of HK$10m at the time of listing |
| Minimum public float | SharesFor companies with a market capitalisation below HK$4,000m at the time of listing, a minimum public float of 25% subject to a minimum of HK$30M;For companies with a market capitalisation of over HK$4,000m at the time of listing, a minimum public float of 20% or such higher percentage as will result in at least HK$1,000M worth of shares being in public hands at the time of listingminimum public float as determined above must be maintained at all timesthere must be adequate spread of holders of securities such that as a guideline, equity securities in the hands of the public should as at the time of listing be held among at least 100 persons (such persons excludes employees of the issuer and their associates)Options, warrants or similar rights (“warrants”)25% of the number of warrants issued | SharesHK$50m or 25% of the issued share capital, whichever is higher at the time of listing (but can be lowered to 10% if the issuer’s market capitalisation exceeds HK$4 billion)Minimum public float as determined above must be maintained at all timesOptions, warrants or similar rights (“warrants”)25% of the number of warrants issued |
| Minimum holdings by management shareholders and significant shareholders | Management shareholders and significant shareholders collectively must hold not less than 35% of the issued share capital at the time of listing | No such requirement |
| Spread of shareholders | A minimum of 100 public holders at the time of listing. Note that the amendment came into effect on 1/10/01 now excludes employees and their associates from the definition of members of the public. | A minimum of 100 holders with not less than three holders per HK$1m at the time of listing |
| Underwriting arrangements | Underwriting is not compulsory. However, if new funds are to be raised by the issuer, a listing may only proceed if the minimum subscription amount set out in the prospectus has been met. | Offer for subscription must be fully underwritten |
| Offering mechanism | An applicant is free to decide its offering mechanism as long as full disclosure is made. However, no preferential treatment on pricing will be allowed. In addition, no preferential treatment in the public subscription tranche will be allowed.Note that the amendment came into effect on 1/10/01 restricted the issue of securities on preferential basis to employees and related parties to 10% of the securities being marketed for which listing is sought. | Specific restrictions on the basis of allocation within the public subscription tranche and the claw back mechanism between a placing tranche and a public subscription tranche in the event of over-subscription. The applicant may not list by way of placing only if there is likely to be significant public demand for its securities. |
| Role of Exchange | ||
| Listing applications | Pre-vetting of prospectus to ensure compliance with the Companies Ordinance for the purpose of authorising registration and the GEM Listing RulesReserve the right to reject and raise enquiries on any application | Same as GEMSame as GEM |
| Surveillance, compliance and enforcement | Actively police the market and undertake strong enforcement actions in the case of breaches of the GEM Listing RulesPre-vetting of announcements/ circulars/listing documents to check compliance with the GEM Listing RulesReserve the power to request listed issuers to issue clarification announcements/circularsInvestigate unusual price or volume movements | Same as GEMSame as GEMSame as GEMSame as GEM |
| Sponsor scheme | Approve admission of sponsors and review on-going eligibility of sponsorsMaintain a list of qualified sponsors to act for new applicants or listed issuers | No such sponsor scheme. But failure by a sponsor to meet the Exchange’s expectation without reasonable cause may render that person unacceptable to perform this role in future. |
| Role of Sponsors | ||
| In respect of IPOs | Satisfy themselves, to the best of their knowledge and belief, having made due and careful enquiry principally the following:the applicant is suitable for listing on GEM, and is in full compliance with the GEM Listing Rulesthe information contained in the listing document is accurate and complete in all material respects and not misleadingthe directors appreciate the nature of their responsibilities and can be expected to comply with the GEM Listing Rules and other relevant regulationsthe directors have the requisite expertise and experience | Instead of undertaking all these responsibilities, sponsors are required to observe the Model Code for Sponsors, which provides guidelines on similar responsibilities |
| During the 2-year mandatory sponsorship period | Advise an issuer on the on-going compliance with the GEM Listing Rules and other relevant regulationsReview announcements, circulars and listing documents of an issuer, in an advisory capacity, prior to their publication pursuant to the GEM Listing RulesAct as the principal channel of communication with the ExchangeIn circumstances where a prospectus or a listing document in respect of a rights issue, open offer, notifiable transaction or connected transaction is issued, a sponsor (need not be the Retained Sponsor) is required to assume similar responsibilities as in the case of an initial listing document.The Exchange reserves the right to require a listed issuer to appoint a sponsor even after the mandatory sponsorship period | No such requirement except for a PRC issuer, the sponsor of which is required to act as the principal channel of communication with the Exchange and to provide advice on continuous compliance with the Main Board Listing Rules during the 1-year continuing sponsorship periodNo such requirement |
| Sponsor’s eligibility | ||
| Legal form | Must be a limited liability company incorporated under the Companies Ordinance or registered under Part XI of the Companies Ordinance | No such requirement |
| Professional or licensing requirements | Must be registered, pursuant to the Securities Ordinance, as an investment adviser, a securities dealer or an exempt securities dealer | Must be a member of the Exchange, an issuing house, a merchant banker or other similar person acceptable to the Exchange. In practice, sponsors are required to be registered as investment advisers. |
| Corporate finance experience | Must have:over the last 5 yearsacted as a lead sponsor on at least 2 completed IPO transactions on the Main Board or GEM; oracted as a co-sponsor on at least 3 completed IPO transactions on the Main Board or GEM; and(The Exchange may consider experience derived from acting for companies listed on overseas exchanges acceptable to the Exchange on a case by case basis. In exceptional circumstances, the Exchange could waive the requirement in (a) where the prospective sponsor: can demonstrate to the Exchange’s satisfaction that it has proven experience in sponsoring IPO in the past and has recognised expertise in that connection; oris a member of a group having the requisite IPO experience based on which the prospective sponsor can be expected to benefit.)other general corporate finance experience in Hong Kong or overseas.In exceptional case, the Exchange could waive the requirements in (a) and (b) above where a newly set-up firm can fulfill all the other eligibility requirementsA prospective sponsor that does not fulfill the above requirements but could fulfill all the other eligibility requirements will be admitted as a co-sponsor | No specific requirement. In practice, if a prospective sponsor cannot demonstrate that it has the requisite experience, it will need to act as a co-sponsor for 2 completed IPO transactions before it can act as a lead or sole sponsor. |
| Capital requirements | Must have a paid-up share capital and/or non-distributable reserves of not less than HK$10mMust have a net tangible asset value after minority interests of not less than HK$10m, represented by unencumbered assets. If that amount drops below HK$10m, the sponsor cannot take on new sponsorship role. In any event, such amount cannot fall below HK$5m.The above two requirements could be satisfied by a bank guarantee or a guarantee given by a company of substance within the same group as the sponsor acceptable to the Exchange | No such requirement |
| Expertise requirements | A minimum of 2 executive directorsEngage in a full time capacity in the corporate finance business in Hong KongMust be registered pursuant to the Securities Ordinance as an investment adviser or a securities dealer. This requirement is not applicable where the sponsor is an exempt securities dealer.Must have over the last 5 yearsacted in a substantial role on at least 2 completed IPO transactions on the Main Board or GEM. Such role must be derived from firms acting as sponsors of those IPO transactions. In exceptional circumstances, the Exchange could waive this requirement; andother relevant corporate finance experience, the substantial part of which must have been derived in respect to companies listed on the Main Board or GEMA minimum of 2 other members of staffEngage in a full time capacity in the corporate finance business in Hong KongMust be registered pursuant to the Securities Ordinance as an investment adviser, an investment representative, a securities dealer or a securities dealer’s representative. This requirement is not applicable where the sponsor is an exempt securities dealer.Must have relevant corporate finance experience over the last 3 years, the substantial part of which must have been derived in respect of companies listed on the Main Board or GEM | No such requirement |
| Past records of public censure and other disciplinary action | Any public censure or disciplinary action taken against a sponsor or directors or staff of that sponsor over the last 5 years must be disclosed. If any public censure has taken place over the last 5 years, it is unlikely that the firm will be suitable for admission as a GEM sponsor. | No such requirement |
| Interests of sponsors | Allow a sponsor to hold shares or options of and to have normal banking relationship (e.g. through another group company) with an issuer for which it actsIn certain circumstances, the Exchange may permit the auditor or reporting accountant of an issuer to be involved as a co-sponsor (but not as a sole sponsor) of that issuer. The legal adviser of the issuer remains ineligible to act as a sponsor or a co-sponsorMust disclose in the listing documents/circulars/ and annual/half-yearly/quarterly reports the interests of a sponsor (including its directors and employees) in the issuer for which it acts | No specific requirement, but in practice, if a sponsor has a stake in a new applicant or is its major banker, that new applicant may be required to appoint a co-sponsorNo such restriction but in practice auditors, reporting accountants or lawyers never act as sponsorsIn practice, the sponsor will normally disclose its interests in the listing document at the time of listing but has no on-going disclosure obligation |
| On-going eligibility | Subject to the Exchange’s review annually or any time at the discretion of the Exchange | No such requirement |
| Listing application procedures | ||
| New applicants | Application form (Appendix 5A) must be submitted at least 25 clear business days prior to the provisional hearing date together with:Listing document in substantially final form (except pricing)All relevant documents should be submitted at the time of submitting an application | Advance booking form (Appendix 5A1) must be submitted at least 25 clear business days prior to the provisional hearing date together with:Advanced draft of listing documentSome relevant documents can be submitted in stages |
| Listed issuers | Application form (Appendix 5B) accompanied by all required supporting documents must be submitted at least:10 clear business days prior to the intended bulk-print date of the listing document; or4 clear business days prior to the intended date of issuing securities, if not required to be supported by a listing document | Drafting listing document accompanied by the required supporting documents must be submitted at least 10 clear business days prior to the intended bulk-print date of the listing documentApplication form (Appendix 5C1) must be submitted at least 2 clear business days prior to the intended bulk-print date of the listing document |
| Contents of prospectus | ||
| Statement of active business pursuits | Provide both qualitative and quantitative information of an applicant’s business history and performance (including achievements and setbacks) over the 2 years prior to listingShould be set out by reference to the periods covered by the accountants’ report to facilitate understanding | Information on group activities and financial information are required |
| Statement of business objectives | Provide a detailed description of business objectives for each product and service which will need to be analysed by reference to each major business activityExplain all bases and assumptions | Information on the general business trend, financial and trading prospects is required |
| Use of proceeds | Must explain the use of proceeds in details by reference to the business objectives | Must disclose details of the intended use of proceeds of the issuer. |
| Profit forecast | Profit forecast is not compulsory | Profit forecast is encouraged and almost always provided. |
| Accountants’ report | New applicant with active business pursuits of 24 months must have an accountants’ report of at least 24 months, which need not cover 2 complete financial years.Can be prepared in accordance with US GAAP if the applicant is or will be simultaneously listed on either the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ National Market | Covers 3 financial years except for exempted companiesMust be prepared in accordance with HKGAAP except for overseas companies, the accounts of which can be drawn up in comformity with IAS subject to the Exchange’s approval |
| Warning Statements | ||
| Risk warning statement | A statement of GEM characteristic highlighting the associated risks is required to be included in a prominent position on listing documents or circulars issued pursuant to the GEM Listing Rules, unless otherwise stated | No such requirement |
| Moratorium | ||
| In respect of management shareholders | Any person who is, or group of persons who together are, entitled to exercise 5% or more of the voting power of an issuer and who is or are able to direct or influence the management is regarded as a management shareholder. A professionally managed fund (even if holding more than 5%) that is not actively involved in the management of an issuer is not normally regarded as a management shareholder.A management shareholder at the time of listing (“Initial Management Shareholder”, which under the amendment came into effect on 1/10/01 includes all members of senior management, all executive and non-executive directors and investors with board representation) must undertake not to dispose of his interest in an issuer for 12 months from the listing date, or 6 months from the listing date where the shareholder’s relevant securities represent no more than 1% of the issued share capital of the new applicant as at the listing date.An Initial Management Shareholder is only allowed to pledge his shares in an issuer to authorised institutions under the Banking Ordinance. He must during the moratorium period disclose any pledge of shares in an issuer and any disposal of such pledged shares by the pledgee immediately.During the moratorium period, an Initial Management Shareholder must deposit his shares in a custodian under an appropriate escrow arrangement and can only withdraw shares from the custodian under circumstances allowed by the GEM Listing Rules such as the pledging of shares as set out above.Note that under the amendment which came into effect on 1/10/01, stock lending arrangement with an underwriter of the initial public offering and any placing and issue of securities pursuant to a placing and top-up arrangement during the second 6 month period which satisfies certain conditions are excluded from the definition of disposal. | Please refer to moratorium imposed on controlling shareholders below |
| In respect of significant shareholders | Any person who is entitled to exercise 5% or more of the voting power of an issuer immediately prior to the listing document date and at the time of listing and who is not a management shareholder is regarded as a significant shareholderA significant shareholder must undertake not to dispose of his interest in an issuer during the first 6 months after listingA significant shareholder is only allowed to pledge his shares in an issuer to authorised institutions under the Banking Ordinance. He must during the moratorium period disclose any pledge of shares in an issuer and any disposal of such pledged shares by the pledgee immediately.During the moratorium period, a significant shareholder must deposit his shares in a custodian under an appropriate escrow arrangement and can only withdraw shares from the custodian under circumstances allowed by the GEM Listing Rules such as the pledging of shares as set out above. | Please refer to moratorium imposed on controlling shareholders below |
| In respect of controlling shareholders | Caught by moratorium imposed on management shareholders above as controlling shareholders will be deemed as management shareholders | Any person regarded as a controlling shareholder at the time of listing undertakes: Not to dispose of his interest in an issuer during the first 6 months after listingNot to dispose of his interest in an issuer if such disposal would result in him ceasing to be a controlling shareholder during the second 6 months after listingTo disclose any pledge of shares in an issuer and any disposal of such pledged shares by the pledgee immediately during the first 12 months |
| In respect of listed issuers | Cannot issue further shares or securities convertible into equity securities within the first 6 months of the date of listing save in respect of (i) any capitalisation issue or any consolidation, sub-division or capital reduction of shares or (ii) any issue of shares or securities convertible into equity securities for the purpose of an acquisition of assets which would complement the issuer’s focused line of business and satisfy other conditions as set out in rule 17.29.No such requirementNo such requirement | In practice, cannot issue new shares in the first 6 months after listingIn practice, cannot issue new shares in the second 6 months after listing such that the interest of a controlling shareholder in an issuer would drop below 30%Within the first 12 months after listing, any rights issue or open offer must be made conditional on shareholders’ approval and controlling shareholders are not allowed to vote |
| Continuing obligations of listed issuers | ||
| Disclosure | Issuers are required to:Publish annual reports within 3 months, and half-yearly reports and quarterly reports within 45 days after the end of each relevant financial periodDuring the period comprising the remaining financial year during which listing occurs and the 2 financial years thereafter, the annual/half-yearly reports must include a comparison of actual business progress with the business objectives contained in the listing documentThe emoluments of each director must be disclosed on an anonymous basis in the annual report | Publish annual reports and half-yearly reports within 4 months and 3 months respectively after the end of each financial periodNo such requirementEmoluments of directors are disclosed on an aggregate basis and are analysed by income bands |
| Material change in the nature of business | Same disclosure obligation as the Main Board except that any material change in the nature of business during the remaining financial year in which listing occurs and the 2 financial years thereafter requires independent shareholders’ approval. | Material change in the nature of business is under general obligation to disclose pursuant to paragraph 2 of the Listing AgreementIn practice, within the first 12 months after listing, an issuer cannot make any acquisition or disposal which would result in a fundamental change in its main undertaking as described in the prospectus unless the circumstances are exceptional and prior independent shareholders’ approved is obtained (controlling shareholders are not allowed to vote) |
| Connected transactions | ||
| Threshold and disclosure requirements | Follow the Main Board consultation paper except that a management shareholder will also be classified as a connected person | The Main board has issued a consultation paper on this area. The proposed rules mainly codify the current Exchange’s practices and clarify certain provisions of the existing rules.The principal requirements are:Transactions of value below the higher of 0.03% of NAV or HK$1m will be fully exemptedTransactions of value exceeding (1) above but below the higher of 3% of NAV or HK$10m will only be subject to the reporting and announcement requirementsTransactions of value exceeding (2) above require independent shareholders’ approval and an opinion from an independent financial adviser in addition to the requirements set out above.A new section is introduced to clarify the Exchange’s treatment of options. Transactions involving options would be subject to the requirements governing connected transactions. |
| Notifiable transactions | ||
| Threshold and disclosure requirements | Follow the consultation paper of the Main Board | The Main Board has issued a consultation paper on this area. The proposed rule changes mainly codify current Exchange’s practices and clarify certain existing provisions. The principal requirements of the proposed rules are:There are four tests – NAV test, profit test, consideration test and equity capital testThe resulting ratio (arising from any of the four tests) of 15%, 50% and 200% are the thresholds for discloseable, major and very substantial acquisition transactions respectivelyThe threshold for very substantial acquisition transactions would reduce to 100% if:the business, company or companies being acquired is/are different from the current principal activities of the issuer; orthere is an intention to make a major change in the principal activities of the issuerA discloseable transaction requires an announcement and a circular to shareholdersA major transaction requires shareholders’ approval or written shareholder certificate in addition to the requirements of a discloseable transactionA very substantial acquisition requires minority shareholders’ approval in addition to the requirements of a discloseable transaction. Also, the contents of the circular to shareholders would be very similar to a prospectus.A new category of transactions named as reverse takeover (i.e. meaning any acquisition that would result in a change in control or be deemed by the Exchange to circumvent the requirements of the listing requirements) has been introduced. A reverse takeover will be treated as a new listing application and must be made conditional on minority shareholders’ approval in addition to the requirements of a discloseable transaction. Also, the contents of the circular to shareholders would be very similar to a prospectusA new section is introduced to clarify the Exchange’s treatment of options. Transactions involving options would be subject to similar requirements governing notifiable transactions |
| Governing structure | ||
| Day-to-day operations | Carried out by the GEM Listing Division | Carried out by the Listing Division |
| Governance of listing matters | GEM Listing Committee | Listing Committee |
| Appeals | GEM Listing (Review) CommitteeListing Appeals Committee (the same committee as the Main Board) | Listing (Review) CommitteeListing Appeals Committee |
| Disciplinary actions | ||
| In respect of listed companies and directors | Common penalties include private reprimand and public censure | Same as GEM |
| In respect of sponsors | Issue private reprimand and public censure, remove sponsors from the sponsor list, bar sponsors from acting for issuers listed on GEM, request SFC to withdraw the sponsor’s registration under the Securities Ordinance | Common penalties include private reprimand and public censure |
| Procedures | Same procedures adopted in the Main Board and GEM | Same procedures adopted in both the Main Board and GEM |
| Corporate governance | ||
| Corporate governance | Adequate and effective systems of internal control covering financial and compliance requirements, including having:An executive director designated as compliance officerA qualified accountant to supervise the accounting and financial reporting procedures and internal controlTwo independent non-executive directorsAn Audit Committee to be chaired by an independent non-executive director | No such requirementNo such requirementSame as GEMIssuers are encouraged, but not obliged, to establish an audit committee |
| Directors’ dealing restrictions | Same requirements as the Main Board except that the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Companies is included in the body of the GEM Listing RulesShould note that pursuant to the amendment which came into effect on 30/6/01, a new restriction period was introduced such that directors’ dealings are disallowed during the period commencing one month prior to the earlier of (i) the date of the board meeting for the approval of the issuer’s quarterly, interim or annual results; and (ii) the deadline for the issuer to publish its quarterly, interim or annual results announcement under the GEM Listing Rules, and ending on the date of the results announcement. | Directors are required to observe the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Companies, which stipulates the same dealing restrictions |
| News dissemination requirements | ||
| Principal publication channel | Mainly through the GEM website supplemented by press release to all gazetted newspapersPrinted copies of half-yearly reports and quarterly reports are requiredPrinted copies of listing documents/circulars and annual reports are required | Mainly through newspapers and teletext (p39.2 statements)Printed copies of half-yearly reports are requiredSame as GEM |
| Suspension and resumption of trading | ||
| Suspension and resumption | Suspension if price sensitive information cannot be released but such suspension normally should not be more than half a dayIf an issuer cannot come up with an announcement within the half-day trading session, the Exchange will ask the issuer to release a holding announcement stating that price sensitive information has yet to be released and to request a resumptionThe Exchange has explicit power to resume a counter | Same as GEM except that in practice, suspension will not normally be lifted until the next morning session and if an issuer cannot come up with an announcement, the counter will continue to be suspended until an announcement has been madeNo such specific requirement |
| Delisting | ||
| Delisting procedures | An issuer must have a sufficient level of operations in order to satisfy the listing qualification on GEM; otherwise it may be delisted.Simplified procedures which would enable an issuer to be delisted in 6 months.The Exchange reserves the absolute right at any time to delist a counter if there is a serious breach of the GEM Listing Rules | An issuer must have either a sufficient level of operations or sufficient assets in order to satisfy the listing qualification on the Main Board; otherwise it may be delisted.Take some 18 months |
| Share repurchases | ||
| Restriction on monthly repurchases | Same restrictions as the Main Board except :The monthly repurchase limit has been removedAn issuer cannot make the opening bid nor any bid in the last 30 minutes before the close of normal trading hoursThe purchase price should not be higher than the latest independent bid price or the last independent sale price quoted on the system | Principal restrictions include:Repurchase allowed only if a mandate is given by shareholders. The maximum number of shares an issuer can repurchase is 10% of the existing issued share capital during the effective period of the mandate. Such mandate must be renewed by shareholders in a general meeting or the next AGM; otherwise it will expire at the next AGM.A monthly repurchase limit of 25% of previous month’s share turnover |
Appendix B
PRC Application and Approval Procedures
Qualification Requirement
The applicant must be an entity which is (a) duly incorporated and operated as a joint stock limited company; (b) did not materially breach of laws and regulations in the recent two years; (c) meets the qualification requirements prescribed under the GEM Listing Rules; and (d) has retained a qualified sponsor to support the application and bear the underwriting liability.
Approval Procedure and Documentary Requirements
| Step One: | three months prior to the submission to the HKSE of the listing application, the sponsor should submit to the CSRC, on behalf of the applicant, the (a) company’s application letter; (b) sponsor’s report in respect of feasibility study and intent of underwriting; and (c) approval documents on the incorporation of the company. A copy of the foregoing documents shall also be sent to the provincial government and the ministry in charge of the applicant. |
| Step Two: | within 20 clear days following the receipt of the documents referred to above, the CSRC shall issue a notification informing the acceptance/rejection of the application. |
| Step Three: | upon obtaining the CSRC’s notification of acceptance, the applicant may submit (a) a PRC legal opinion issued by a qualified PRC law firm confirming the lawful incorporation and operation of the company; (b) the accountant’s audit report on the company which is prepared in accordance with the international accounting standards; (c) the approval issued by the authority in charge of State-owned assets in respect of the management of State-owned shares (if applicable) and (d) the comparatively completed draft of the prospectus. |
| Step Four: | within 10 clear days following receipt of the documents referred to above, the CSRC shall issue, after consultation with the other governmental agencies, the approval/rejection letter to the applicant. |
Appendix C
List of GEM Sponsors
(In alphabetical order)
| 1. | ABN AMRO Asia Corporate Finance Limited | 03/04/2000 |
| 2. | AMS Corporate Finance Limited | 18/10/2000 |
| 3. | Anglo Chinese Corporate Finance Limited | 05/01/2000 |
| 4. | Asia Investment Capital Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 5. | Barits Securities (Hong Kong) Limited | 22/05/2002 |
| 6. | BNP Paribas Peregrine Capital Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 7. | BOCI Asia Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 8. | Celestial Capital Limited | 15/02/2001 |
| 9. | China Everbright Capital Limited | 18/12/2002 |
| 10. | CITIC Capital Markets Limited | 06/11/2002 |
| 11. | CLSA Equity Capital Markets Limited | 03/11/1999 |
| 12. | Core Pacific-Yamaichi Capital Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 13. | Credit Suisse First Boston (Hong Kong) Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 14. | CSC Asia Limited | 24/11/1999 |
| 15. | Dao Heng Securities Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 16. | DBS Asia Capital Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 17. | Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance Limited | 03/05/2000 |
| 18. | Deutsche Bank | 19/04/2000 |
| 19. | Ernst & Young Corporate Finance Limited | 07/02/2001 |
| 20. | First Shanghai Capital Limited | 16/01/2002 |
| 21. | Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. | 15/09/1999 |
| 22. | Guotai Junan Capital Limited | 30/01/2002 |
| 23. | Hantec Capital Limited | 13/06/2001 |
| 24. | Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited | 29/01/2001 |
| 25. | ICEA Capital Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 26. | ING Bank N.V. | 12/11/2001 |
| 27. | J. P. Morgan Securities ( Asia Pacific) Limited | 12/3/2003 |
| 28. | JS Cresvale Securitities International Limited | 30/01/2002 |
| 29. | Kim Eng Capital (Hong Kong) Limited | 31/10/2001 |
| 30. | Kingston Corporate Finance Limited | 30/01/2001 |
| 31. | Kingsway Capital Limited | 19/04/2000 |
| 32. | Lehman Brothers Asia Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 33. | Masterlink Securities (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited | 13/06/2001 |
| 34. | Merrill Lynch Far East Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 35. | Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Asia Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 36. | N. M Rothschild & Sons (Hong Kong) Limited | 03/04/2000 |
| 37. | Oriental Patron Asia Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 38. | Platinum Securities Company Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 39. | Polaris Securities (Hong Kong) Limited | 05/12/2001 |
| 40. | Rexcapital (Hong Kong) Limited | 26/04/2000 |
| 41. | Salomon Smith Barney Hong Kong Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 42. | SBI E2-Capital (HK) Limited | 19/06/2002 |
| 43. | SG Securities (HK) Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 44. | Shenyin Wanguo Capital (HK) Limited | 26/01/2000 |
| 45. | Somerley Limited | 28/11/2001 |
| 46. | South China Capital Limited | 13/11/1999 |
| 47. | Sun Hung Kai International Limited | 28/03/2001 |
| 48. | Tai Fook Capital Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 49. | TIS Securities (HK) Limited | 25/02/2000 |
| 50. | UBS Warburg Asia Limited | 15/09/1999 |
| 51. | UOB Asia (Hong Kong) Limited | 27/04/2001 |
| 52. | VC CEF Capital Limited | 05/07/2000 |
| 53. | Worldsec Corporate Finance Limited | 20/10/1999 |
| 54. | Yu Ming Investment Management Limited | 02/08/2000 |
The following Sponsors have been admitted to act as co-sponsors only.
(In alphabetical order)
| Name of firms | Effective Date | |
| 1 | Alpha Alliance Securities Limited | 07/08/2002 |
| 2 | Altus Capital Limited | 03/07/2002 |
| 3 | Grand Cathay Securities (Hong Kong) Limited | 17/04/2002 |
| 4 | Quam Capital Limited | 12/03/2003 |
September 2003
This note is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific advice should be sought in relation to any particular situation. This note has been prepared based on the laws and regulations in force at the date of this note which may be subsequently amended, modified, re-enacted, restated or replaced.