DRS 1 filename1.htm

 

Confidential Draft No. 1 as confidentially submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on

November 27, 2024. This draft registration statement has not been publicly filed with the Securities and

Exchange Commission and all information herein remains strictly confidential.

Registration No.          

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM F-4

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

 

Great Rich Technologies Limited

(Exact Name of Each Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Hong Kong   3255   Not applicable

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary standard industrial
classification code number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

For co-registrants, see “Table of Co-Registrants” on the following page.

 

No. 26 Tonggang Road
Changying Town
Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province
Tel: +86 (0)510.8631628

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

 

Puglisi & Associates

850 Library Ave., Suite 204
Newark, Delaware 19711
(302)738-6680

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

 

Copies to:

 

Yanping Wang, Esq.

Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.

1100 Superior Ave E

Suite 1750

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

(216) 716-5044

Linda Ngan, Esq.

Dentons Hong Kong LLP

Suite 3201

Jardine House

Central

Hong Kong

+852 25333618

Bill Huo, Esq.

Michael A. Goldstein, Esq.

Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

45 Broadway, 17th Floor

New York, NY 10006

(212) 599-3322

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and all other conditions to the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger described in the included proxy statement/prospectus have been satisfied or waived.

 

 

 

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. 

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. 

 

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

 

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)

 

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Emerging growth company 

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. 

 

The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CO-REGISTRANTS

 

Exact Name of Co-Registrant as Specified in its Charter(1)(2)   State or
Other
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or
Organization
    Primary Standard
Industrial Classification
Code Number
    I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number
 
Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation   Cayman Islands     2840     N/A  

 

 
(1) The Co-Registrant has the following principal executive office: 26 Broadway, Suite 934, New York, N.Y. 10014. Telephone number (212) 884-2667.
(2) The agent for service for the Co-Registrant is: Puglisi & Associates, 850 Library Ave., Suite 204, Newark, Delaware 19711. Telephone number (302) 738-6680.

 

The registrant and co-registrant hereby file this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant and co-registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

The information in this preliminary proxy statement/prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The registrant may not sell the securities described in this preliminary proxy statement/prospectus until the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, is declared effective. This preliminary proxy statement/prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED ___________, 2024

 

 

PROSPECTUS FOR [   ] ORDINARY SHARES

REPRESENTED BY AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES OF
GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

PROXY STATEMENT FOR EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION
26 Broadway, Suite 934

New York, NY 10004

 

LETTER TO FLAG SHIP SHAREHOLDERS

 

Dear Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation Shareholder:

 

You are cordially invited to attend an extraordinary general meeting of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Flag Ship”), which will be held in person at the offices of [●], and virtually on [●], 2024, at [●] [a.m./p.m.], Eastern Time, or at such other time, on such other date and at such other place to which the meeting may be adjourned (the “Shareholder Meeting”).

 

While Shareholders may attend the Shareholder Meeting in person at the meeting location, we strongly encourage the Shareholders to participate in the Shareholder Meeting, vote and submit questions via live webcast by visiting https:// [●][●]. Please see “Questions and Answers about the Flag Ship Proposals — How do I attend the Shareholder Meeting?” in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus for more information. Even if you are planning on attending the Shareholder Meeting online, please promptly submit your proxy vote online, or, if you received a printed form of proxy in the mail, by completing, dating, signing and returning the enclosed proxy to the Company not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the Shareholder Meeting or any adjournment thereof, so your shares will be represented at the Shareholder Meeting.

 

At the Shareholder Meeting, Flag Ship Shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal, which is referred to as the “Flag Ship Merger Proposal,” to approve the plan of merger (the “Cayman Plan of Merger”) between Flag Ship and Merger Sub, defined below, pursuant to the terms of Section 233 of the Cayman Companies Act (Revised) (the “Cayman Companies Act”) pursuant to the agreement and plan of merger, dated as of October 21, 2024 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Flag Ship, Great Rich Technologies Limited (“GRT”), a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong, and GRT Merger Star Limited (“Merger Sub”), a Cayman Islands company limited by shares and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT. The Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby were approved by the boards of directors of Flag Ship, GRT and Merger Sub. The Merger Agreement provides for, among other things, and subject to the conditions therein, the business combination of Flag Ship and GRT pursuant to the proposed statutory merger of Flag Ship with and into Merger Sub, pursuant to the Cayman Companies Act, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT (the “Merger”).

 

Flag Ship has retained HRA Capital LLC to evaluate the fairness, from a financial point of view, to Flag Ship’s public shareholders of the consideration to be paid to the Flag Ship Shareholders in the Merger. For more information, please see the section entitled “ Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal — Opinion of Fairness Opinion Provider,”

 

 

 

The Merger will become effective at such time as the Cayman Plan of Merger is registered by the Cayman Registrar or at such other time subsequent thereto, but not exceeding 90 days from the date of registration as mutually agreed between Merger Sub and Flag Ship and specified in the Plan of Merger (the “Effective Time”).

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, each of Flag Ship’s ordinary shares of US$0.001 par value per share (the “Flag Ship Shares”) issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time (excluding shares held by GRT and Flag Ship and dissenting shares, if any) will be automatically converted into the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration (as defined below), and each right to receive Flag Ship Shares that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be assumed by GRT and automatically converted into a right to receive ordinary shares of GRT (the “GRT Shares”), payable in GRT ADSs (as defined below), respectively. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the “Per Share Merger Consideration” means the right to receive one GRT Share for each Flag Ship Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

At the Effective Time, (i) each of the Flag Ship Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, excluding the Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares (each, as defined below), if any, will be automatically cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon consummation the Merger, one (1) ordinary share of GRT (such shares of GRT, collectively, “Parent Ordinary Shares”) payable in American Depositary Shares of GRT (“Parent ADSs”) for each such Flag Ship Share (the “Per Share Merger Consideration”); and (ii) each right to receive one-tenth (1/10th) of a Flag Ship Share at the consummation of a business combination of the Company (a “Flag Ship Right”) that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, Parent Ordinary Shares, payable in Parent ADSs, in an amount equal to (in each case, as rounded down to the nearest whole number) the product of (a) the Per Share Merger Consideration, multiplied by (b) the number of Flag Ship Shares that the holder of the cancelled Flag Ship Right (the “Flag Ship Rights Holder”) would have been entitled to receive from Flag Ship assuming satisfaction of the terms and conditions of such Flag Ship Right, multiplied by (c) the ADS exchange rate of rate of one (1) Parent Ordinary Share per one (1) Parent ADS (the “ADS Exchange Rate”) (the “Rights Merger Consideration”).

 

The term “Excluded Shares” means Flag Ship Shares, if any, held immediately prior to the Effective Time by Flag Ship or GRT, and the term “Dissenting Shares” means Flag Ship Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time that are held by any holder who is (a) entitled to dissent to the Merger pursuant to Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act and (b) properly dissents to the Merger and makes a demand for payment of the fair value of such holder’s shares in accordance with Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act, and has not withdrawn such dissent.

 

The aggregate consideration payable to pursuant to the Merger Agreement to the Flag Ship Shareholders entitled thereto shall consist of that number of Parent Ordinary Shares payable in Parent ADSs that is equal to (i) the Per Share Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of Flag Ship Shares registered in the name of those Flag Ship Shareholders immediately prior to the Effective Time, multiplied by the ADS Exchange Rate, plus (ii) the Rights Merger Consideration, as described above.

 

Consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the respective parties of a number of conditions, including the approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by GRT’s and Flag Ship’s respective shareholders. Other closing conditions include, among others: (i) the receipt of necessary consents, approvals and authorizations, including but not limited to, regulatory approval by Nasdaq of the Parent ADSs and the Securities and Exchange Commission; (ii) the trading of the Parent Shares on KOSDAQ following admission of Parent ADRs to trading on Nasdaq; (iii) receipt of all necessary approvals from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) in connection with the transaction; (iv) the absence of any law or governmental order enjoining, prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the Merger; (v) effectiveness of the Registration Statement of F-4 in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and (vi) there shall be at least $10,000,000 of “available liquidity” as of the closing.

 

 

 

In addition, the obligations of GRT and Flag Ship to consummate the Merger are also conditioned upon, among other things: (i) the receipt by each of GRT and Flag Ship of the certificates, instruments and other agreements as set forth in the Merger Agreement; (ii) the accuracy of the representations and warranties of each party (subject to certain materiality standards set forth in the Merger Agreement); (iii) material compliance by each party with its pre-closing covenants; and (iv) the absence of any effect, development, circumstance, fact, change or event since the date of the Merger Agreement that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay or materially impair the ability of GRT or Flag Ship to consummate the Merger or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Merger.

 

Whale Management Corporation (the “Whale Management” or the “Sponsor”), the sponsor of Flag Ship which holds approximately 22.15% of the issued and outstanding capital of Flag Ship, executed a voting and support agreement (“Sponsor Voting Agreement”) with GRT in favor of the Merger Agreement and transactions contemplated thereby.

 

Record holders of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares at the close of business on [●], 2024 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to vote or have their votes cast at the Shareholder Meeting. On the Record Date, there were [●] issued and outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares, including the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares included in the Flag Ship Units. The Flag Ship Rights do not have voting rights.

 

Flag Ship Shareholders will also be asked to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

 

1)The Business Combination Proposal — To approve, by ordinary resolution, subject to the approval of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, Flag Ship's entry into the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

  2) The Flag Ship Merger Proposal — To approve and authorize, by special resolution, subject to the approval of the Business Combination Proposal, the Merger, the entry by Flag Ship into the Cayman Plan of Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

  3) The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal — To consider and vote, by ordinary resolution, upon a proposal to adjourn the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if it is determined by Flag Ship that more time is necessary or appropriate to approve one or more proposals presented at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. This proposal is referred to as the “Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal” and, together with the Business Combination Proposal and the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, as the “Flag Ship Proposals.”

 

Each of these proposals is more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, which each Flag Ship Shareholder is encouraged to review carefully.

 

Flag Ship’s units, ordinary shares, and rights are currently listed on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “FSHPU,” “FSHP,” and “FSHPR,” respectively. Flag Ship Shares will be delisted from The Nasdaq Global Market upon the consummation of the Merger and will no longer be traded. GRT will apply to list the GRT ADSs on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GRTL.” GRT ADSs received in exchange for Flag Ship Shares in the transaction will be freely transferable under United States federal securities laws.

 

Pursuant to the final prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Registration No. 333-261028) (the “Prospectus”) dated June 17, 2024, Flag Ship has established a trust account (the “Trust Account”) containing the proceeds of its initial public offering (the “IPO”) and from certain private placements occurring simultaneously with the IPO (collectively, with interest accrued from time to time thereon, the “Trust Fund”), for the benefit of Flag Ship’s public shareholders (individually a “Public Shareholder,” and collectively, the “Public Shareholders”) and Flag Ship may disburse monies from the Trust Fund only: (i) to the Public Shareholders if Flag Ship fails to consummate its initial business combination (as such term is used in the Prospectus) before _______ (the “Outside Date”), (ii) to the Public Shareholders in the event that they elect to redeem their ordinary shares of Flag Ship in connection with the business combination, (iii) with respect to any interest income earned on the Trust Fund balance, to pay taxes payable, or (iv) to Flag Ship after or concurrently with the Closing.

 

 

 

On [X], 2024, the most recent practicable date prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the redemption price per share would have been approximately $[X], based on the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account of approximately $[X] as of [X], 2024 (including interest not previously released to Flag Ship but net of expected taxes payable), divided by the total number of then outstanding Public Shares. The redemption price per share may increase between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the date that is two business days prior to the closing of the business combination due to any interest that accrues on the amount on deposit in the Trust Account prior to such date, although we expect the redemption price two business days prior to such closing date will be approximately the same as the amount set forth above. The closing price of the Public Shares on [X], 2024, the most recent practicable date prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, was $[X] per share. If the closing price of the Public Shares was to remain the same until the closing of the Merger, exercising redemption rights would result in a Public Shareholder receiving approximately $[X] [more/less] per share than if the shares were sold in the open market (based on the current per share redemption price). Flag Ship cannot assure shareholders that they will be able to sell their Public Shares in the open market, even if the market price per share is lower than the redemption price stated above, as there may not be sufficient liquidity in its securities when such shareholders wish to sell their shares.

 

Since the IPO, Flag Ship has not taken part in any material financing transactions, and, other than as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, Flag Ship will not take part in any such material financing transactions prior to or in connection with the consummation of the Merger.

 

Pursuant to the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of Flag Ship (the “Flag Ship Charter”), currently registered by the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands, Flag Ship is providing its Public Shareholders with the opportunity to redeem, upon the closing of the Merger and other transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement (the “Closing”), Flag Ship Shares then held by them for cash equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account on the date that is two Business Days prior to Closing, including interest earned less taxes payable as permitted under the trust agreement, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to the limitation that no redemptions will take place if all of the redemptions would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 upon the consummation of an initial business combination.

 

Flag Ship Public Shareholders may elect to redeem their public shares even if they vote for the Business Combination Proposal and the Flag Ship Merger Proposal.

 

A Flag Ship Public Shareholder, together with any of his, her, or its affiliates or any other person with whom it is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), will be restricted from redeeming its Flag Ship Shares with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the outstanding Flag Ship Public Shares (the “15% threshold”). Holders of Flag Ship’s outstanding public rights, and units do not have redemption rights with respect to such securities in connection with the Merger. Holders of outstanding units must separate the underlying public shares and public rights prior to exercising Redemption Rights with respect to the Flag Ship Public Shares.

 

Following consummation of the Merger, the former Flag Ship Shareholders will beneficially own approximately ____% of the combined voting power of GRT, the Sponsor will beneficially own approximately ________% of the combined voting power of GRT, and the existing GRT Shareholders will own approximately ____% of the combined voting power of GRT, assuming no redemptions by the Public Shareholders of Flag Ship’s Public Shares, a total of _______ GRT Ordinary Shares are issued upon the conversion of the Flag Ship Rights, and excluding the shares issuable as financial advisory fees However, assuming the maximum number of redemptions by the Public Shareholders of Flag Ship’s Public Shares (and the other assumptions remain accurate), the former Flag Ship Shareholders will beneficially own approximately ____% of the combined voting power of GRT, the Sponsor will beneficially own approximately ________% of the combined voting power of GRT, and the existing GRT Shareholders will own approximately ____% of the combined voting power of GRT. These percentages are calculated based on a number of assumptions (as described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus) and are subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement. A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix A.

 

 

 

SPAC Sponsor Compensation

 

Pursuant to the SEC’s rules governing special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), securities of Flag Ship and promissory notes from Flag Ship issued to any entity and/or person primarily responsible for organizing, directing or managing the business and affairs of the SPAC, such as Flag Ship, excluding its officers and directors who are not affiliates of any such entity (“SPAC Sponsors”), may be considered “compensation” awarded to or earned by a SPAC Sponsor. In accordance with the SEC rules, Whale Management is deemed to be Flag Ship’s SPAC Sponsor. Each of the SPAC Sponsors, and its affiliates, including the details of their involvement with Flag Ship, background about their key personnel and the involvement of such key personnel with other SPACs, is described further in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Information about Flag Ship – SPAC Sponsors and their Affiliates”.

 

The table set forth below summarizes the existing interests in Flag Ship securities and the anticipated interests of Sponsor and Flag Ship management as of Closing along with the value of such interests based on, in the case of Sponsor’s and Flag Ship management’s interests, the closing price of the Flag Ship Public Shares and Flag Ship Rights as of [●], 2024, which would be lost if an initial business combination is not completed by the Deadline Date.

 

Name of Holder   Type of
Holder
  Total
Purchase
Price/Capital
Contributions
   

Number of
Founder
Shares

    Number of
Private
Placement
Shares
    Number of
Private
Placement
Rights
   

Number of
GRT ADSs

 
Whale Management Corporation(1)   Sponsor   $ 2,405,000       1,725,000       238,000       238,000       1,986,800  
Matthew Chen(2)   CEO & Chairman   $ 2,405,000       1,725,000       238,000       238,000       1,986,800  
Luhuan Zhong   CFO   $ 0               0       0          
Shan Cui   Director   $ 0               0       0          
Pai Liu   Director   $ 0               0       0          
Wen He   Director   $ 0               0       0          

 

Prior to Flag Ship’s IPO, Whale Management acquired an aggregate of 1,725,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares (the “Founder Shares”) for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. Subsequently, in Flag Ship’s IPO and simultaneous private placement, Whale Management purchased 238,000 Private Placement Units (as defined below), including Private Placement Units purchased in connection with the exercise by the underwriters of the IPO of the overallotment option. Each Private Placement Unit is comprised of one Flag Ship Ordinary Share and one Flag Ship Right, each Flag Ship Right to be converted automatically into 1/10 (one-tenth) of one Flag Ship Ordinary Share upon consummation by Flag Ship of an initial business combination.

 

Accordingly, the SPAC Sponsor paid an aggregate of $2,405,000 for 1,963,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as of the closing of the IPO and exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option. The IPO and exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option resulted in the sale and issuance of 6,900,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares for $69,000,000 before expenses, which discounts the existence and value of the Flag Ship Rights that were included along with the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares in the Flag Ship Units that were sold in the IPO for $10.00 per Flag Ship Unit. Such discounting has been effected to conservatively estimate the dilution caused by the Sponsor’s investment in and holdings of Flag Ship as of the closing of the IPO and exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option. In accordance with the above, as of immediately following the IPO, including the underwriters’ full exercise of their over-allotment option, counting the SPAC Sponsors’ investment and holdings and those of Flag Ship’s public shareholders, Flag Ship had a net tangible book value of $_______________ and 8,863,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares outstanding, or approximately $______ net tangible book value per share. As such, the SPAC Sponsor’s holdings and investment resulted in dilution of approximately $_______ per Flag Ship Ordinary Share held by Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders.

 

 

 

Additionally, as of [October 31], 2024, a total of $__________ of service fees have been accrued by Flag Ship for services rendered by Whale Management pursuant to an administrative services agreement between Flag Ship and Whale Management.

 

Finally, if the SPAC Sponsor was to loan any amount(s) to Flag Ship and/or incur any fees or out-of-pocket expenses on Flag Ship’s behalf, the total sum of such loans, fees and out-of-pocket expenses would be repayable on or after the Closing and constitute SPAC Sponsor compensation. If any such amounts were loaned or incurred and Flag Ship failed to complete an initial business combination before its deadline pursuant to the Flag Ship Charter, as may be amended to extend such date, such amounts would be forfeited. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, there are no amounts outstanding under any loans payable to the SPAC Sponsor and no fees due or out-of-pocket expenses to be repaid by Flag Ship to the SPAC Sponsor.

 

Given the SPAC Sponsor’s holdings, as of the consummation of the Merger, it will hold 1,986,800 GRT ADSs, comprised of 1,963,000 GRT ADSs issuable in exchange of its Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and 23,800 GRT ADSs to be received in respect of its Flag Ship Rights. The GRT ADSs to be held by the SPAC Sponsors following the Merger will be identical to the GRT ADSs to be held by Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders in every respect. Because only the 23,800 GRT ADSs to be issued in respect of the Flag Ship Rights held by the SPAC Sponsor will be new issuances, only those securities could result in additional material dilution to Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders, and because the Public Shareholders will also be issued GRT ADSs in respect of their Flag Ship Rights, in the same proportion or greater than that of the SPAC Sponsor, since Public Shareholders who redeem their Flag Ship Ordinary Shares will still keep and receive GRT ADSs in respect of their Flag Ship Rights, the issuance to SPAC Sponsor of GRT ADSs in respect of its Flag Ship Rights could reasonably be seen as not causing any additional substantial dilution to the Public Shareholders.

 

See “The Merger — Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger” for a description of all compensation to be paid to the Sponsor, it affiliates and promoters in connection with the Merger.

 

PRC-Related Risks

 

GRT conducts its operations in Hong Kong and China and faces various risks and uncertainties relating to doing business in China. GRT has substantial business operations in mainland China, and it is subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations of mainland China. For example, it faces risks associated with regulatory approvals on overseas offerings, anti-monopoly regulatory actions, and oversight on cybersecurity, data security and data privacy. It also faces potential risks in the future if its auditors are not able to be inspected the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) which may impact its ability to conduct certain businesses, accept foreign investments, or list and conduct offerings on a United States or other foreign exchange. The PRC government’s significant authority in regulating GRT’s operations and the PRC government’s oversight and control over offerings conducted overseas by, and foreign investment in, China-based issuers could result in a material adverse change in GRT’s operations and the value of its securities, significantly limit or completely hinder its ability to continue to offer securities to investors, or cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless. For a detailed description of risks relating to doing business in China, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in the PRC.” 

 

More specifically, on February 17, 2023, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) promulgated the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the “Trial Measures,” and five supporting guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Trial Measures, PRC domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, shall complete filing procedures with the CSRC pursuant to the requirements of the Trial Measures within three working days following their submission of an initial public offering or listing application. If a domestic company fails to complete required filing procedures or conceals any material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties, such as an order to rectify, warnings, and fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines. The Trial Measures specify

 

 

 

that the offering and listing of an issuer shall be deemed as an indirect overseas offering and listing of a PRC domestic company if, among other features, the issuer derives over 50% of the revenue, net income, total assets, or net assets from mainland China within the most recent completed fiscal year. Based on Trial Measures and supporting guidelines, we are required to complete the filing procedures with the CSRC in connection with this Merger. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, we have not completed the filing procedures with the CSRC. We cannot assure you that we can complete the filing procedures in a timely manner or at all. Additionally, on December 28, 2021, 13 governmental departments of the PRC, including the Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”), issued the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, neither GRT, nor its subsidiaries have been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by any PRC regulatory authority, nor has any of them received any inquiry, notice, or sanction related to cybersecurity review under the Cybersecurity Review Measures. As confirmed by its PRC counsel, DeHeng, as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, GRT’s operations and listing are not expected to be affected by, or subject to, cybersecurity review by the CAC under the Cybersecurity Review Measures, given that it is not (i) a network platform operator engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security; (ii) a critical information infrastructure operator purchasing cyber products or services that affect or may affect national security; or (iii) a network platform operator with the personal information data of more than one million users.

 

GRT’s securities will be prohibited from trading on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (“HFCAA”) if the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) determines that it has filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspections by the PCAOB for two consecutive years. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report to notify the SEC of its determination that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. Subsequently, on December 15, 2022, the PCAOB announced that it was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong in 2022. GRT’s auditor is headquartered in Singapore and is, and will be, subject to PCAOB inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. The PCAOB currently has access to inspect the working papers of GRT’s auditor and GRT’s auditor was not subject to the determinations announced by the PCAOB on December 16, 2021. Each year, the PCAOB will determine whether it can inspect and investigate completely audit firms in mainland China and Hong Kong, among other jurisdictions. If the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in mainland China and GRT uses an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit report on its financial statements filed with the SEC, GRT would be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer following the filing of the annual report for the relevant fiscal year. In accordance with the HFCAA, GRT’s securities would be prohibited from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States if it is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for two consecutive years in the future. If GRT’s securities are prohibited from trading in the United States, there is no certainty that it will be able to list on a non-U.S. exchange or that a market for its securities will develop outside of the United States. In the event of such prohibition, the Nasdaq may determine to delist GRT’s securities. The delisting of GRT’s securities, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.

 

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 72 of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in GRT’s securities.

 

Other Important Information:

 

Flag Ship is providing this proxy statement/prospectus and accompanying proxy card to its shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be voted at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting and at any adjournments of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. Regardless of whether you plan to attend the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting, Flag Ship urges you to read this proxy statement/prospectus carefully. Please pay particular attention to the section entitled “Risk Factors” commencing on page [72] of this proxy statement/ prospectus.

 

 

 

After careful consideration, the Flag Ship Board has unanimously determined that the foregoing proposals are advisable and in the best interests of Flag Ship and its shareholders, approved the Merger Agreement and the Merger, and recommends that shareholders of Flag Ship vote “FOR” the Business Combination Proposal, “FOR” the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, and “FOR” all other proposals presented to shareholders of Flag Ship in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. When you consider the Flag Ship Board’s recommendation of these proposals, you should keep in mind that Flag Ship’s directors and officers have interests in the Merger that may conflict with your interests as a Flag Ship Shareholder. Please see the section entitled “Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal — Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger” in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus for additional information.

 

Approval of the Business Combination Proposal requires an ordinary resolution under Cayman law, being the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. Approval of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal requires a special resolution under Cayman Islands law, being a resolution of the company passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy who vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. The Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution. If presented, the Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal requires an ordinary resolution, being the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting.

 

The boards of directors of Merger Sub and GRT have already approved the Merger and the Merger is subject to GRT obtaining the GRT Shareholder Approvals.

 

Each Redemption of Flag Ship Shares by Flag Ship Public Shareholders will decrease the amount in its Trust Account, which held $___ million of marketable securities at a redemption price of $____ per share as of the Record Date.

 

FLAG SHIP PUBLIC SHAREHOLDERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO AFFIRMATIVELY VOTE FOR OR AGAINST THE TRANSACTION IN ORDER TO REDEEM THEIR SHARES FOR CASH. THIS MEANS THAT FLAG SHIP PUBLIC SHAREHOLDERS WHO HOLD PUBLIC SHARES OF FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION ON OR BEFORE [●], 2025 (TWO (2) BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE FLAG SHIP SHAREHOLDER MEETING) MAY ELECT TO REDEEM THEIR SHARES WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE HOLDERS AS OF THE RECORD DATE, AND WHETHER OR NOT THEY VOTE FOR THE BUSINESS COMBINATION PROPOSAL OR THE FLAG SHIP MERGER PROPOSAL. TO EXERCISE YOUR REDEMPTION RIGHTS, YOU MUST DEMAND IN WRITING THAT YOUR FLAG SHIP ORDINARY SHARES ARE REDEEMED FOR A PRO RATA PORTION OF THE FUNDS HELD IN THE TRUST ACCOUNT AND TENDER YOUR SHARES TO FLAG SHIP’S TRANSFER AGENT AT LEAST TWO BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE INITIALLY SCHEDULED VOTE AT THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING. YOU MAY TENDER YOUR SHARES BY EITHER TENDERING OR DELIVERING YOUR FLAG SHIP ORDINARY SHARES (AND CERTIFICATES (IF ANY)) AND OTHER REDEMPTION FORMS TO THE TRANSFER AGENT OR BY TENDERING OR DELIVERING YOUR FLAG SHIP ORDINARY SHARES (AND SHARE CERTIFICATES (IF ANY) AND OTHER REDEMPTION FORMS) ELECTRONICALLY USING THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY’S DWAC (DEPOSIT WITHDRAWAL AT CUSTODIAN) SYSTEM. IF YOU HOLD THE SHARES IN STREET NAME, YOU WILL NEED TO INSTRUCT THE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT YOUR BANK OR BROKER TO WITHDRAW THE SHARES FROM YOUR ACCOUNT IN ORDER TO EXERCISE YOUR REDEMPTION RIGHTS.

 

GRT is a “foreign private issuer” under the Exchange Act and therefore is exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act, including the proxy rules, which impose certain disclosure and procedural requirements for proxy solicitations for U.S. and other issuers. Accordingly, after the Merger, GRT Shareholders may receive less or different information about GRT than they would receive about a U.S. domestic public company. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Ownership of GRT’s Securities — As a “foreign private issuer” under the rules and regulations of the SEC, GRT will be, permitted to, and may, file less or different information with the SEC than a company incorporated in the United States or otherwise not filing as a “foreign private issuer,” and may follow certain home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain NASDAQ requirements applicable to U.S. issuers.

 

 

 

Information about the Shareholder Meeting, the Merger and other related business to be considered by the shareholders of Flag Ship at the Shareholder Meeting is included in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Whether or not you plan to attend the Shareholder Meeting, all shareholders of Flag Ship are urged to carefully read the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, including the Annexes and the accompanying financial statements of Flag Ship and GRT carefully and in their entirety. In particular, you are urged to read carefully the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page [72] of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Shareholder Meeting, please vote as soon as possible by following the instructions in the accompanying proxy statement to make sure that your shares are represented and voted at the Shareholder Meeting. Your proxy card must be received by the Company not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the Shareholder Meeting or any adjournment thereof. If you hold your shares in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, you will need to follow the instructions provided to you by your bank, broker or other nominee to ensure that your shares are represented and voted at the Shareholder Meeting. Once a valid quorum is established, a failure to vote your shares will have no effect on the outcome of any vote on the proposals to be considered at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. Abstentions will be counted in connection with the determination of whether a valid quorum is established, but will have no effect on the outcome of any vote on the proposals.

 

The transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will be consummated only if the Business Combination Proposal and the Flag Ship Merger Proposal are approved at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting and both the approval of the Business Combination Proposal and the Flag Ship Merger Proposal are conditioned on the approval of each other. The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal is not conditioned on the approval of any other proposal set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus.

 

If you sign, date and return your proxy card without indicating how you wish to vote, your proxy will be voted “FOR” each of the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting. If you fail to return your proxy card or fail to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote, and do not attend the Shareholder Meeting in person, the effect will be, among other things, that your shares will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Shareholder Meeting and will not be voted. An abstention will be counted towards the quorum requirement but will not count as a vote cast at the Shareholder Meeting. We expect that all proposals being voted on at the Shareholder Meeting will be considered non-routine under the rules of the NYSE, which generally controls the ability of brokers to vote or not vote shares held in street name on certain matters, and therefore we do not expect any broker non-votes to be submitted and broker non-votes will therefore have no impact on quorum. If you are a shareholder of record and you attend the Shareholder Meeting and wish to vote in person, you may withdraw your proxy and vote in person.

 

On behalf of the Flag Ship Board, the undersigned thanks you for your support and looks forward to the successful completion of the Merger.

 

Enclosed is the proxy statement/prospectus containing detailed information concerning the Business Combination Proposal, the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, the Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal and the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting, Flag Ship urges you to read this material carefully and vote your shares.

 

The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus is dated [●], 2024, and is expected to be first mailed or otherwise delivered to Flag Ship Shareholders on or about [●], 2024. 

 

November ___, 2024 By Order of the Board of Directors of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation
   
  /s/ Matthew Chen
   
  Chairman of Flag Ship Board of Directors

 

 

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on _____, 2024: This notice of meeting, and the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus are available at _________________________.

 

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the merger or the securities to be issued in the merger or determined whether this proxy statement/prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

Please pay particular attention to the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page [72] of this proxy statement/ prospectus.

 

This is not a prospectus made under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of Republic of Korea (as amended).

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Korea

 

Due to restrictions under and the requirements of the securities laws of Korea, the ADSs are not being offered or sold and may not be offered or sold, and the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part may not be circulated or distributed, directly or indirectly, in such jurisdiction. Persons located in or who are resident of such jurisdiction will not be permitted to acquire, directly or indirectly, the ADSs in this offering, except as permitted by law applicable to such person and full compliance with such law.

 

This proxy statement/prospectus relates to GRT Shares (as defined herein) that will be represented by GRT ADSs (as defined herein). Each GRT ADS represents one (1) GRT Share. The implied value of each GRT ADS is $10, which is obtained by multiplying (i) $___, which is ____ as of ____, 2024, the last reported sales price of GRT Shares at the end of regular trading hours, as reported on the Korea Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“KOSDAQ”) of the Korea Exchange (“KRX”), converted into U.S. dollars at the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank on such date of ₩1.00 to $______ and (ii) ___. GRT has filed an initial listing application for the GRT ADSs with the Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representation with respect to the matters that this proxy statement/prospectus describes other than those contained in this proxy statement/prospectus, and, if given or made, the information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by GRT or Flag Ship. This proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities or a solicitation of a proxy in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such an offer or a solicitation. Neither the delivery of this proxy statement/prospectus nor any distribution of securities made under this proxy statement/prospectus will, under any circumstances, create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of GRT or Flag Ship since the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or that any information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to such date.

 

 

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION
26 Broadway, Suite 934
New York, NY 10004

 

NOTICE OF AN EXTRAODRINAY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION
TO BE HELD ON [●]

 

To the Shareholders of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation:

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Flag Ship), will be held on [●], at [●] [a.m./p.m.], Eastern Time, at [●] as a virtual and in-person meeting, or at such other time, on such other date and at such other place to which the meeting may be adjourned (the “Shareholder Meeting”).

 

You can participate in the Shareholder Meeting, vote, and submit questions via live webcast by visiting https://www./[●]. Please see “Questions and Answers about the Flag Ship Proposals — How do I attend the Shareholder Meeting?” in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus for more information. Even if you are planning on attending the Shareholder Meeting online, please promptly submit your proxy vote online, or, if you received a printed form of proxy in the mail, by completing, dating, signing and returning the enclosed proxy to the Company not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the Shareholder Meeting or any adjournment thereof, so your shares will be represented at the Shareholder Meeting.

 

Each shareholder who is entitled to attend and vote at the Shareholder Meeting is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to attend and vote instead of that shareholder, and a proxyholder need not be a shareholder.

 

You are cordially invited to attend the Shareholder Meeting that will be held for the purpose of considering and voting upon, and if thought fit, passing and approving the following resolutions:

 

  1. The Business Combination Proposal -- To approve, by ordinary resolution, subject to the passing of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
     
  2. The Flag Ship Merger Proposal — To approve and authorize, by special resolution, subject to the approval of the Business Combination Proposal, the Merger, the entry by Flag Ship into the Cayman Plan of Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby. The full text of the resolution to be passed is as follows: “RESOLVED, as special resolutions, that, subject to the approval of the Business Combination Proposal, Flag Ship be authorized to merge with GRT Merger Star Limited (“Merger Sub”) so that Merger Sub will be the surviving company ("Surviving Company") and all the undertaking, property, rights, privileges, agreements, powers and franchises, liabilities and duties of Flag Ship and Merger Sub vest in the Surviving Company by virtue of such merger, pursuant to the Companies Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the Cayman Plan of Merger (as defined below); the plan of merger substantially in the form appended to the proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix D (the “Cayman Plan of Merger”) as the same may be amended from time to time, and the consummation of the Merger and remaining transactions contemplated thereby, be authorized, approved and confirmed in all respects, and Flag Ship be authorized to enter into the Merger and the Cayman Plan of Merger.”
     
  3. The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal — To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve, as an ordinary resolution, the adjournment of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if it is determined by Flag Ship that more time is necessary or appropriate to approve one or more proposals presented at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. This proposal is referred to as the “Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal” and, together with the Business Combination Proposal and the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, as the “Flag Ship Proposals.”

 

each as more fully described below in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, which is dated [●], 2024 and is first being mailed to shareholders on or about that date.

 

Record holders of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares at the close of business on [●], 2024 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to vote or have their votes cast at the Shareholder Meeting. On the Record Date, there were [●] issued and outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares, including the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares included in the units of Flag Ship (the “Flag Ship Units”). Each Flag Ship Unit consists of one Flag Ship Ordinary Share and one right to receive one-tenth of one Flag Ship Ordinary Share upon consummation of a business combination. The Flag Ship Rights do not have voting rights.

 

 

 

Approval of the Business Combination Proposal requires an ordinary resolution under Cayman law, being the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. The approval of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal requires a special resolution under Cayman Islands law, being a resolution of the company passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Shareholder Meeting. The Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution. If presented, the Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal requires an ordinary resolution, being the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Shareholder Meeting.

 

On October 21, 2024, Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Great Rich Technologies Limited, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong (“GRT”), and GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands company limited by shares and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT (“Merger Sub”). The Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby were approved by the boards of directors of Flag Ship, GRT and Merger Sub. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, among other things, Flag Ship will merge with and into Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT (the “Surviving Company”). Immediately upon Closing, Flag Ship and Merger Sub will cause a plan of merger (the “Plan of Merger”) approved by the directors of each such entity consistent with the Merger Agreement, and in the form and containing such other documents as may be required by the Cayman Companies Act (the “Merger Documents”) to be executed and then filed for registration by the Cayman Registrar. The Merger will become effective at such time as the Cayman Plan of Merger is registered by the Cayman Registrar, or at such other time subsequent thereto, but not exceeding 90 days from the date of registration, as mutually agreed between Merger Sub and Flag Ship and specified in the Cayman Plan of Merger (the “Effective Time”).

 

At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action of the part of the Flag Ship, Merger Sub or any other person: (i) each of Flag Ship’s ordinary shares of US$0.001 par value per share (the “Flag Ship Shares”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be automatically cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon consummation the Merger, one (1) ordinary share of GRT (such shares of GRT, collectively, “Parent Ordinary Shares”) payable in American Depositary Shares of GRT (“Parent ADSs”) for each such Flag Ship Share (the “Per Share Merger Consideration”); and (ii) each right to receive one-tenth (1/10th) of a Flag Ship Share at the consummation of a business combination of the Company (a “Flag Ship Right”) that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, Parent Ordinary Shares, payable in Parent ADSs, in an amount equal to (in each case, as rounded down to the nearest whole number) the product of (a) the Per Share Merger Consideration, multiplied by (b) the number of Flag Ship Shares that the holder of the cancelled Flag Ship Right (the “Flag Ship Rights Holder”) would have been entitled to receive from Flag Ship assuming satisfaction of the terms and conditions of such Flag Ship Right, multiplied by (c) the ADS exchange rate of rate of one (1) Parent Ordinary Share per one (1) Parent ADS (the “ADS Exchange Rate”) (the “Rights Merger Consideration”).

 

After careful consideration, the Flag Ship Board has approved the Merger Agreement and the Merger and recommends that shareholders of Flag Ship vote “FOR” the Business Combination Proposal, “FOR” the Flag Ship Merger Proposal and “FOR” all other proposals presented to shareholders of Flag Ship in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. When you consider the Flag Ship Board’s recommendation of these proposals, you should keep in mind that certain directors and officers of Flag Ship have interests in the Merger that may conflict with your interests as a shareholder. Please see the section entitled “ Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal — Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger” in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus for additional information.

 

As contemplated by Flag Ship’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (the “Flag Ship Charter”), the holders of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares issued as part of the Flag Ship Units sold in Flag Ship’s initial public offering (the “IPO,” and such shares, the “Public Shares,” and the holders of such Public Shares, the “Public Shareholders”) may elect to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares in exchange for their pro rata portion of the funds held in a trust account (the “Trust Account”) established in connection with the IPO to hold a portion of the proceeds of the IPO if the Merger is consummated, regardless of how such Public Shareholders vote, or whether they vote at all, on the Business Combination Proposal or the Flag Ship Merger Proposal.

 

 

 

On [X], 2024, the most recent practicable date prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the redemption price per share would have been approximately $[X], based on the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account of approximately $[X] as of [X], 2024 (including interest not previously released to Flag Ship but net of expected taxes payable), divided by the total number of then outstanding shares of Public Shares. The redemption price per share may increase between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the date that is two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination due to any interest that accrues on the amount on deposit in the Trust Account prior to such date, although we expect the redemption price two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination will be approximately the same as the amount set forth above. The closing price of Public Shares on [X], 2024, the most recent practicable date prior to the date of this proxy statement, was $[X] per share. If the closing price of the Public Shares was to remain the same until the date of the Shareholder Meeting, exercising redemption rights would result in a Public Shareholder receiving approximately $[X] [more/less] per share than if the shares were sold in the open market (based on the current per share redemption price). Flag Ship cannot assure shareholders that they will be able to sell their Public Shares in the open market, even if the market price per share is lower than the redemption price stated above, as there may not be sufficient liquidity in its securities when such shareholders wish to sell their shares.

 

TO EXERCISE YOUR REDEMPTION RIGHTS, YOU MUST DEMAND IN WRITING THAT YOUR FLAG SHIP ORDINARY SHARES ARE REDEEMED FOR A PRO RATA PORTION OF THE FUNDS HELD IN THE TRUST ACCOUNT AND TENDER YOUR SHARES TO FLAG SHIP’S TRANSFER AGENT AT LEAST TWO BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE VOTE AT THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING. YOU MAY TENDER YOUR SHARES BY EITHER TENDERING OR DELIVERING YOUR FLAG SHIP ORDINARY SHARES (AND SHARE CERTIFICATES (IF ANY) AND OTHER REDEMPTION FORMS) TO THE TRANSFER AGENT OR BY TENDERING OR DELIVERING YOUR FLAG SHIP ORDINARY SHARES (AND SHARE CERTIFICATES (IF ANY) AND OTHER REDEMPTION FORMS) ELECTRONICALLY USING THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY’S DWAC (DEPOSIT WITHDRAWAL AT CUSTODIAN) SYSTEM. IF YOU HOLD THE SHARES IN STREET NAME, YOU WILL NEED TO INSTRUCT THE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT YOUR BANK OR BROKER TO WITHDRAW THE SHARES FROM YOUR ACCOUNT IN ORDER TO EXERCISE YOUR REDEMPTION RIGHTS.

 

Flag Ship’s sponsor, Whale Management Corporation (the “Sponsor”), and Flag Ship’s officers and directors have agreed, subject to applicable securities laws, to vote any Flag Ship Ordinary Shares owned by them, including the Flag Ship Founder Shares and Flag Ship Private Shares (each as defined below), in favor of each of the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting, and have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to any Flag Ship Ordinary Shares owned by them in connection with this Shareholder Meeting. This is unlike some other similarly structured transactions where the insiders vote in accordance with the public holders and therefore a majority of unaffiliated shareholders would be required to approve a proposed transaction. Because of this agreement to vote in favor of the Business Combination Proposal and the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, the transaction is not structured such that the vote of a majority of unaffiliated shareholders is required to approve the proposals. The Flag Ship Founder Shares and the Flag Ship Private Shares will be excluded from the pro rata calculation used to determine the per-share redemption price. As of the date of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, the Sponsor holds approximately [  ]% of the issued and outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and Flag Ship’s officers and directors do not own any Flag Ship Ordinary Shares (excluding any securities indirectly owned by officers or directors as a result of his or her membership interest in the Sponsor).

 

The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus contains important information about the Shareholder Meeting, the Merger and the proposals described above. Whether or not you plan to attend the Shareholder Meeting, Flag Ship urges you to read this material carefully and vote your shares.

 

The accompanying proxy statement is dated [●], 2024 and is first being mailed to shareholders on or about that date.

 

  By Order of the Board of Directors of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation
   
   
  Matthew Chen
  Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   1
ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS   3
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION   4
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   6
FREQUENTLY USED TERMS   7
TRADEMARKS, TRADE NAMES AND SERVICE MARKS   12
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS   13
SUMMARY   39
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION   70
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE INFORMATION   71
RISK FACTORS   72
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF FLAG SHIP   144
SELECTED HISTORIC FINANCIAL DATA OF GRT   145
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION   147
THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION SHAREHOLDERS   154
FLAG SHIP PROPOSAL 1: THE BUSINESS COMBINATION PROPOSAL   162
THE MERGER AGREEMENT   185
THE ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS   199
FLAG SHIP PROPOSAL 2: THE MERGER PROPOSAL   201
FLAG SHIP PROPOSAL 3: THE FLAG SHIP ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL   202
MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES   203
INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES   217
INFORMATION RELATED TO FLAG SHIP   218
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF FLAG SHIP   224
BUSINESS OF GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED   228
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED   287
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK   293
MANAGEMENT AND COMPENSATION OF GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED   295
MANAGEMENT AND COMPENSATION OF FLAG SHIP   302
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY AFTER THE MERGER   309
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS   311
DESCRIPTION OF GRT SECURITIES AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION   315
DESCRIPTION OF GRT AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES   322
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF FLAG SHIP SHAREHOLDERS AND GRT SHAREHOLDERS   329
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES   339
LEGAL MATTERS   339
EXPERTS   339
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   341
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT   F-1
APPENDIX A – AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER   A-1
APPENDIX B – SECTION 238 OF THE CAYMAN COMPANIES ACT   B-1
APPENDIX C – ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS   C-1
APPENDIX D – CAYMAN PLAN OF MERGER   D-1

 

i

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This proxy statement/prospectus contains or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Forward looking terms such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “believe,” “estimate” or “expect” and other words, terms and phrases of similar nature are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are statements which are not historical fact and involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements related to:

 

the Merger and the expected timing and satisfaction of conditions precedent prior to the Closing Date, including among others, the approval of the Merger by shareholders of each Flag Ship and GRT, regulatory and governmental approvals and other customary closing conditions;

 

the impact of the Merger on GRT’s earnings, credit rating, market value and growth rate;

 

the expectation that GRT will become an SEC registrant and that GRT ADSs will be listed on the Nasdaq in connection with the Merger;

 

the future composition of GRT’s management team and directors and those of its subsidiaries;

 

the occurrence of a natural disaster, widespread health epidemic or pandemics; and

 

the future growth opportunities, expected earnings, expected capital expenditures, future financing requirements and estimated future dividends or other distributions.

 

Forward-looking statements in this proxy statement/prospectus are based on current expectations and assumptions made by the management of GRT and Flag Ship. Although the management of GRT and Flag Ship believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Additionally, forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this proxy statement/prospectus. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, or that could contribute to such differences, include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth under the section entitled “Risk Factors.” Some of the key risks and uncertainties include statements related to, among others:

 

GRT is a holding company incorporated in Hong Kong and not a operating company. As a holding company, GRT conducts its operations through its subsidiaries located in mainland China. As a result, the local government has significant authority to exert influence on the current business operations of our operating subsidiaries and investors of GRT face potential uncertainty from local regulatory authority of GRT’s operating subsidiaries.

 

Assumption about our future financial and operating results, including revenue, income, expenditures, cash balances, and other financial items;

 

GRT’s ability to execute its growth, and expansion, including its ability to meet its goals;

 

Current and future economic conditions;

 

GRT’s ability to hire and retain qualified management personnel and key employees in order to enable us to develop our business and stay competitive in the market;

 

GRT’s ability to raise any additional funding it will need to continue to pursue its business and product development plans;

 

regulatory developments in the China, South Korea, the United States and other countries;

 

1

 

GRT’s ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for technologies; and

 

competition in the industry in which GRT operates.

 

The forward-looking statements in this proxy statement/prospectus are qualified by the “Risk Factors” beginning on page [72]. Each statement speaks only as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus (or any earlier date indicated in this proxy statement/prospectus) and neither Flag Ship nor GRT undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, unless required by law. Investors, potential investors and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties.

 

The foregoing list is not intended to be exhaustive, and there may be other key risks that are not listed above that are not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial. Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements made by us contained in this proxy statement/prospectus. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus. The forward-looking statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. All such forward-looking statements are based upon information available as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or other specified date and speak only as of such date. GRT disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this proxy statement/prospectus as a result of new information or future events, except as may be required under applicable securities law.

 

Please see “Frequently Used Terms” for definitions of certain terms and references used in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

2

 

ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

 

This proxy statement/prospectus, which forms part of a registration statement on Form F-4 filed with the SEC by GRT, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time (File No. 333-[●]) (the “Registration Statement”), serves as:

 

A notice of meeting and proxy statement of Flag Ship under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act, for the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of Flag Ship being held on [●], 2024, where Flag Ship Shareholders will vote on, among other things, the proposed Merger and related transactions and each of the Proposals described herein; and

 

A prospectus of GRT under Section 5 of the Securities Act with respect to the GRT Ordinary Shares represented by GRT ADSs that Flag Ship Shareholders will receive in the Merger.

 

This information is available without charge to you upon written or oral request. To make this request, you should contact Flag Ship’s proxy solicitor at:

 

[We expect to engage a proxy solicitation agent and incur customary fees in connection therewith.]

 

To obtain timely delivery of requested materials, you must request the information no later than five business days prior to the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting. You may also obtain additional information about Flag Ship from documents filed with the SEC by following the instruction in the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

3

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

 

Financial Statements

 

The consolidated financial information presented in this proxy statement/prospectus has been derived from the following:

 

GRT

 

GRT’s audited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 and for the years then ended and the related notes thereto, included in this proxy statement/prospectus

 

The audited financial statements of GRT are prepared in accordance with GAAP (as defined below) and are presented in U.S. dollars. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of GRT are prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the SEC and are presented in U.S. dollars.

 

Flag Ship

 

Flag Ship’s unaudited interim financial statements as of September 30, 2024 and for the three and nine months ended, September 30, 2024 and 2023 and the related notes thereto, included in this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

Flag Ship’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the related notes thereto, included in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

The audited financial statements of Flag Ship are prepared in accordance with GAAP and are presented in U.S. dollars. The unaudited interim financial statements of Flag Ship are prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X of the SEC and are presented U.S. dollars.

 

Currencies and Exchange Rates

 

References in this proxy statement/prospectus to “USD,” “U.S. dollars,” “dollars,” “$” or “cents” are to the currency of the United States and references to “won” “₩” “KRW” are to the currency of the South Korea. There are 100 jeon to each won.

 

In this proxy statement/prospectus, unless otherwise stated, KRW have been translated into U.S. dollars at the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in KRWs as certified for custom purposes by The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, on the date indicated. On November 15, 2024, the latest practicable date for which exchange rate information was available before the printing of this proxy statement/prospectus, the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in KRWs as certified for customs purposes by The Federal Reserve was $          per 1.00. These translations should not be construed as a representation that the U.S. dollar amounts actually represent, or could be converted into, KRWs at the rates indicated.

 

The tables set forth below, for the periods and dates indicated, contain information concerning the noon buying rates for KRWs expressed in U.S. dollars per KRW.

 

4

 

High and low exchange rates of the U.S. dollars per KRW for each month during the previous six months:

 

Month   High     Low  
November 2024 (through November 8, 2024)     1,399.98       1,375.17  
October 2024     1,389.24       1,321.53  
September 2024     1,343.41       1,309.43  
August 2024     1,376.94       1,328.53  
July 2024     1,389.29       1,369.29  
June 2024     1,389.17       1,365.45  

 

Average exchange rates of the U.S. dollars per KRW for the past five years:

 

Year  

Average

Rate(1)

 
2023     1309.69  
2022     1290.28  
2021     1147.81  
2020     1178.19  
2019     1164.85  

 

 
(1) The average of the noon buying rates on the last day of each month during the period.

 

Rounding

 

We have made rounding adjustments to reach some of the figures included in this proxy statement/ prospectus. As a result, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

 

Market Data

 

We obtained market and competitive position data used throughout this proxy statement/prospectus from publicly available information and data providers, as well as internal surveys. We include data obtained from Bloomberg (found at https://www.bloomberg.com/).

 

We believe that all market data in this proxy statement/prospectus is reliable, accurate and complete.

 

5

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Flag Ship files annual, quarterly and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. GRT has filed a registration statement on Form F-4 with the SEC. You can obtain documents related to GRT and Flag Ship without charge, by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the appropriate company.

 

You may request copies of this proxy statement/prospectus and any other publicly available information concerning GRT or Flag Ship, without charge, by mailing a written request to:

 

Great Rich Technologies Limited Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation

Room 01, 21/Floor

Prosper Commercial Building

9 Yin Chong Street, Kowloon

Hong Kong

26 Broadway, Suite 934,

New York, N.Y. 10014.

 

Telephone number (212) 884-2667

 

or __________________,

Flag Ship’s proxy solicitor, by calling [X] (toll free),

or for banks and brokers, by calling [X] (collect), or

by emailing [X]

 

or

from the SEC through the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

In order for a Flag Ship Shareholder to receive timely delivery of the applicable documents in advance of the extraordinary general meeting to be held on [●], 2024, such shareholder must request the information no later than five business days prior to the date of the meeting, or by [●], 2024.

 

6

 

FREQUENTLY USED TERMS

 

Unless otherwise stated in this proxy statement/prospectus or the context otherwise requires, references to:

 

ADR” means American Depository Receipt

 

ADS” means American Depositary Shares.

 

ADSs Exchange Rate” means a rate of One (1) GRT ADS for every 1 GRT Shares issuable pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

 

“Advantage Proxy” means Advantage Proxy, Inc.

 

Becker” means Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

 

Business Combination Proposal” means the proposal to be considered at the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Flag Ship to vote on approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

Cayman” means the Cayman Islands.

 

Cayman Companies Act” means the Cayman Islands Companies Act (Revised), as amended.

 

Cayman Plan of Merger” means the plan of merger between Flag Ship and Merger Sub in accordance with the Cayman Companies Act.

 

Closing” means the closing of the Merger.

 

Closing Date” means the date of the Closing.

 

CNIPA” means China National Intellectual Property Administration.

 

CSRC” means China Securities Regulatory Commission, the government agency regulating the securities industry in China.

 

Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor statute thereto, as amended.

 

Reference to a specific section of the Code shall include such section and any valid treasury regulation promulgated thereunder.

 

Combined Company” refers to GRT and its subsidiaries following the Closing.

 

Company” means GRT.

 

Dao Capital” means Dao Capital Group Ltd.

 

Deadline Date” means the date by which Flag Ship is required to consummate an initial business combination as described in the Flag Ship Charter. Under the Flag Ship Charter, since Flag Ship entered into the Merger Agreement within 12 months from the closing of its IPO, it has until 15 months from the closing of the IPO, or September 20, 2025, to consummate a business combination, subject however to its ability, if the Flag Ship Board elects, to extend the period of time to consummate a business combination up to nine times, each by an additional one month (for a total of up to 24 months from the closing of the IPO, or June 20, 2026) to complete a business combination), subject to the Sponsor depositing additional funds into the Trust Account in accordance with terms as set out in the trust agreement governing the Trust Account.

 

7

 

DeHeng” means DeHeng Shanghai Law Office, counsel to GRT as to mainland Chinese Law.

 

Dentons Hong Kong” means Dentons Hong Kong LLP, counsel to GRT as to Hong Kong Law.

 

DTC” means the Depository Trust Company.

 

DWAC” means the depository trust company’s deposit/withdrawal at custodian system.

 

Effective Time” means the Merger having become effective pursuant to its terms upon the Closing.

 

Enrome” means Enrome LLP, GRT’s auditor.

 

Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

fair market value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of Flag Ship’s ordinary shares for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of Flag Ship’s units.

 

Flag Ship” means Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation.

 

Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal” or the “Adjournment Proposal” means the proposal for Flag Ship Shareholders to approve the adjournment of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to approve the Business Combination Proposal or the Flag Ship Merger Proposal.

 

Flag Ship Board” means the board of directors of Flag Ship.

 

Flag Ship Charter” means the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of Flag Ship, as may be amended and / or restated from time to time.

 

Flag Ship Initial Insiders” means the former and existing directors and officers of Flag Ship at the consummation of the IPO.

 

Flag Ship Merger Proposal” or the “Merger Proposal” means the proposal to be considered at the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Flag Ship to approve the entry into the Cayman Plan of Merger.

 

Flag Ship Proposals” means collectively, the (i) Business Combination Proposal, (ii) the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, and (ii) the Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal, if presented.

 

Flag Ship Public Shareholders” means the holders of Flag Ship Shares that were sold in the IPO (whether they were purchased in the IPO or thereafter in the open market).

 

Flag Ship Public Shares” means Flag Ship Shares sold in the IPO (whether they were purchased in the IPO or thereafter in the open market).

 

Flag Ship Record Date” means the close of business on ______, 2024 Eastern Time.

 

Flag Ship Shareholders” means the holders of Flag Ship Shares immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

Flag Ship Shares” means the ordinary shares of US$0.001 par value per share, of Flag Ship.

 

Flag Ship Shareholders Meeting” or the “Shareholders Meeting” means the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Flag Ship, to be held at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on ___________, 2024, pursuant to the procedures described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, and any, and any adjournments thereof.

 

8

 

GAAP” means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

GRT” means Great Rich Technologies Limited and its subsidiaries, except where it is clear from the context that such term means only the parent company and excludes subsidiaries.

 

GRT Board” means the board of directors of GRT.

 

GRT Financial Statements” means the consolidated financial statements of GRT.

 

GRT Shareholder Approvals” means the authority given by GRT shareholders to the GRT Board to: (i) approve merger involving any of its subsidiaries in accordance with Article 47(1)(e) of the Articles of Association and the Korean Listing Rules, via special resolution which is passed firstly, by a show of hands at least representing 2/3 of the members present or on a poll by members at least representing 2/3 of the total voting rights of all the members who (being entitled to do so) are present in person or by proxy in and secondly, at least 1/3 of the voting rights represented by the total outstanding Shares; (ii) issue shares to anyone not in proportion to their existing shareholding of the Company and deal with additional shares (including Merger Consideration Share) of the Company via ordinary resolution that meet the requirement of sections 140 and 141 of the Companies Ordinance and Articles 64B and 89 of the Articles of the Association, which is passed by a show of hands shall be passed by a simple majority of the number of members present in person or by proxy; and (iii) amendment of GRT’s articles of association to provide for, inter alia, the creation of the GRT ADSs, via special resolution that meet the requirements of both the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and Korean Listing Rules, firstly, at least 75% of the members who (being entitled to do so) are present in person or by proxy and secondly, at least 1/3 of the voting rights represented by the total outstanding Shares. [1.Subject to Kim & Chang’s confirmation of Korean legal and listing requirements; 2. Art 64B pre-emptive rights is not applicable if any of the circumstances of Art 89(2) applies, i.e. (b) issue of new shares or depositary receipts representing newly issued shares up to 50% of all outstanding Shares, to the public for secondary listing on a stock exchange; or (f) issue of new shares which in number is no more than 50% of all issued and outstanding Shares or issue of share-related securities not exceeding 236 million US Dollar to those who are not members of the Company if the Board considers such share issuance is necessary for the achievement of the Company’s operational objectives, such as introduction of new technology, improvement of financial structures, etc. 3. If Art 64 pre-emptive rights is applicable, then such pre-emptive right cannot be waived by the members via special resolutions, however, Art 64 pre-emptive right may be removed, subject to Kim & Chang’s confirmation of Korean legal and listing requirements]

 

GRT Shares” means the ordinary shares of GRT.

 

Hong Kong Companies Ordinance” means the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

 

IPO” means Flag Ship’s initial public offering of its units, ordinary shares and rights pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 declared effective by the SEC on June 17 (SEC File No. 333-261028).

 

LOI” means letter of intent.

 

Kim & Chang” means Kim & Chang., counsel to GRT as to Korea law.

 

“MaloneBailey” means MaloneBailey, LLP, Flag Ship’s auditors.

 

Merger” means the merger of Flag Ship and Merger Sub pursuant to the proposed statutory merger of Flag Ship with and into Merger Sub under the applicable provisions of the Cayman Companies Act, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT.

 

Merger Agreement” means the agreement and plan of merger, dated as of October 21, 2024, by and among Flag Ship, Merger Sub and GRT, as it may be amended and supplemented from time to time.

 

9

 

Merger Consideration” means the aggregate consideration payable to pursuant to the Merger Agreement to the shareholders of the Flag Ship entitled thereto shall consist of that number of Parent Ordinary Shares payable in Parent ADSs that is equal to (i) the Per Share Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of Flag Ship Shares registered in the name of those Flag Ship Shareholders immediately prior to the Effective Time, multiplied by the ADS Exchange Rate, plus (ii) the Rights Merger Consideration

 

Merger Sub” means GRT Star Sub Limited, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT.

 

Miller Canfield” means Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.

 

Minimum Public Holders Rule” means Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(3).

 

Nasdaq” means The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC.

 

Outside Date” means February 28, 2025.

 

“Parent Shareholders Voting Agreement” means the Voting Agreement delivered by GRT to Flag Ship and executed by the Parent Shareholders

 

Per Share Merger Consideration” means the right to receive 1 GRT Share payable in American Depositary Shares for each Flag Ship Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

Record Date” means, in the case of Flag Ship, only holders of record of ordinary shares of Flag Ship at the Flag Ship Record Date and, in the case of GRT, only holders of record of ordinary shares of GRT on _____, 2024.

 

Redemption” means the right of the holders of Flag Ship Public Shares to have their shares redeemed in accordance with the procedures set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the Flag Ship Charter.

 

Redemption Price” means an amount equal to price at which each Flag Ship Public Share is redeemed pursuant to the Redemption Rights (as equitably adjusted for share splits, bonus share issuances, combinations, recapitalizations and the like after the Closing). The Redemption Price will be calculated two days prior to the consummation of the business combination in accordance with the Flag Ship Charter.

 

Redemption Rights” means rights to demand Redemption of the Flag Ship Public Shares into cash.

 

“Right Merger Consideration” means the right to receive one-tenth (1/10th) of a Flag Ship Share at the consummation of a business combination of Flag Ship (a “Flag Ship Right”) that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, Parent Ordinary Shares, payable in Parent ADSs, in an amount equal to (in each case, as rounded down to the nearest whole number) the product of (a) the Per Share Merger Consideration, multiplied by (b) the number of Flag Ship Shares that the holder of the cancelled Flag Ship Right (the “Flag Ship Rights Holder”) would have been entitled to receive from Flag Ship assuming satisfaction of the terms and conditions of such Flag Ship Right, multiplied by (c) the ADS exchange rate of rate of one (1) Parent Ordinary Share per one (1) Parent ADS (the “ADS Exchange Rate”).

 

Sarbanes Oxley Act” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

10

 

Share Merger Consideration” means the number of GRT Shares equal to the Per Share Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of Flag Ship Shares registered in the name of the Flag Ship Shareholders immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

SPAC Sponsor” means Whale Management Corporation, a company incorporated in the BVI.

 

Sponsor Voting Agreement” means the Voting Agreement delivered by Flag Ship to GRT and executed by the SPAC Sponsor.

 

Successor” means the Merger Sub and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

 

Trust Account” means the trust account of Flag Ship, which holds the net proceeds of The IPO and the sale of the Flag Ship private units, together with interest earned thereon, less amounts released to pay income or other tax obligations and to meet working capital requirements.

 

U.S. Holder” means any beneficial owner of Flag Ship Shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized (or treated as created or organized) in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust if (A) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control the trust or (B) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

USPTO” means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

Voting Agreements” means Sponsor Voting Agreement and Parent Shareholders Voting Agreement.

 

11

 

TRADEMARKS, TRADE NAMES AND SERVICE MARKS

 

GRT, Flag Ship and their respective subsidiaries own or have rights to trademarks, trade names and service marks that they use in connection with the operation of their business. In addition, their names, logos and website names and addresses are their trademarks or service marks. Other trademarks, trade names and service marks appearing in this proxy statement/prospectus are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, in some cases, the trademarks, trade names and service marks referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus are listed without the applicable ®, TM and SM symbols, but they will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights to these trademarks, trade names and service marks.

 

12

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

The following are some of the questions that you, as a shareholder of Flag Ship, may have regarding the proposed merger and the other matters being considered at the shareholders’ meeting and the answers to those questions. Flag Ship urges you to read carefully the remainder of this proxy statement/prospectus because the information in this section does not provide all the information that might be important to you with respect to the proposed merger and the other matters being considered at the shareholders’ meeting. Additional important information is also contained in the appendices to this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: Why am I receiving this proxy statement/prospectus?

 

A: You are receiving this proxy statement/prospectus in connection with the Shareholder Meeting. Flag Ship is holding the Shareholder Meeting to consider and vote upon the proposals described below. Your vote is important. Each shareholder who is entitled to attend and vote at the Shareholder Meeting is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to attend and vote instead of that shareholder, and a proxyholder need not be a shareholder. You are encouraged to vote as soon as possible after carefully reviewing this proxy statement/prospectus. Your proxy card must be received by the Company not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the Shareholder Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Flag Ship’s shareholders are being asked to consider and vote upon the Business Combination Proposal to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and the Flag Ship Merger Proposal to approve and authorize the entry by Flag Ship into the Cayman Plan of Merger and the Merger and related transactions contemplated thereby. The Merger Agreement provides that, among other things, upon the Closing, Merger Sub will merge with and into Flag Ship, with Flag Ship becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of GRT.

 

At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action of the part of the Flag Ship, Merger Sub or any other person: (i) each Flag Ship Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than (x) Flag Ship Shares held by Flag Ship or GRT or their respective wholly owned subsidiaries and (y) those Flag Ship Shares owned by the Flag Ship Shareholders who have validly exercised and not effectively withdrawn or lost their rights to dissent from the Merger pursuant to the Cayman Companies Act, will be automatically cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon consummation the Merger, one (1) Parent Ordinary Share of GRT payable in Parent ADSs for each such Flag Ship Share (the “Per Share Merger Consideration”); and (ii) each Flag Ship Right that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, Parent Ordinary Shares, payable in Parent ADSs, in an amount equal to (in each case, as rounded down to the nearest whole number) the product of (a) the Per Share Merger Consideration, multiplied by (b) the number of Flag Ship Shares that the Flag Ship Rights Holder would have been entitled to receive from Flag Ship assuming satisfaction of the terms and conditions of such Flag Ship Right, multiplied by (c) the ADS Exchange Rate.

 

Each Flag Ship Unit that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be automatically separated into one Flag Ship Ordinary Share and one Flag Ship Right. Flag Ship’s shareholders are also being asked to consider and vote upon the Adjournment Proposal, as described in more detail below.

 

Q: What are the specific proposals on which I am being asked to vote at the Shareholder Meeting?

 

A: You are being asked to consider and vote on the following proposals:

 

Proposal No. 1 — The Business Combination Proposal – a proposal to approve, by ordinary resolution, subject to the approval of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, Flag Ship’s entry into the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (the “Business Combination Proposal”);

 

Proposal No. 2 — Flag Ship Merger Proposal — a proposal, to approve and authorize, as a special resolution, subject to the approval of the Business Combination Proposal, the Merger, the Cayman Plan of Merger, a copy of which is attached herein as Appendix [●], and the transactions contemplated thereby (the “Flag Ship Merger Proposal”); and

 

Proposal No. 3 — Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal — a proposal, as an ordinary resolution, to adjourn the Shareholder Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if it is determined by Flag Ship that more time is necessary or appropriate to approve one or more proposals presented at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting (the “Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal”).

 

For more information, please see “Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal” Proposal No. 2: The Flag Ship Merger Proposal” and “Proposal No. 3: The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal.”

 

13

 

After careful consideration, the Flag Ship Board has unanimously determined that the foregoing proposals are advisable and in the best interests of Flag Ship and its shareholders and unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” or give instruction to vote “FOR” each of these proposals.

 

The existence of financial and personal interests of Flag Ship’s directors and officers may result in conflicts of interest, including a conflict between what may be in the best interests of Flag Ship and its shareholders and what may be best for an officer’s or director’s personal interests when determining to recommend that shareholders vote for the proposals. See the sections entitled “The Business Combination Proposal — Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger” and “Beneficial Ownership of Securities” for further discussion of these considerations.

 

THE VOTE OF SHAREHOLDERS IS IMPORTANT. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO SUBMIT THEIR PROXIES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER CAREFULLY REVIEWING THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND NOT LESS THAN 48 HOURS BEFORE THE TIME FOR HOLDING THE FLAG SHIP EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.

 

Q: Are the proposals conditioned on one another?

 

A: Each of the Business Combination Proposal and the Merger Proposal is conditioned on the approval and adoption of the other proposal. The Adjournment Proposal is not conditioned upon the approval of any other proposal. The Adjournment Proposal will only be put forth for a vote if Flag Ship and GRT determine that additional time is required to consummate the Merger.

 

Q: What is the proposed transaction on which I am being asked to vote?

 

A: You are being asked to vote to approve the Merger Agreement entered into by and among Flag Ship, GRT and GRT Merger Star Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT, and the entry by Flag Ship into the Cayman Plan of Merger, pursuant to which Flag Ship will merge with and into GRT Merger Star Limited, with GRT Merger Star Limited surviving the Merger and continuing to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT. GRT and its subsidiaries following the merger are referred to as the “Combined Company.” Flag Ship, GRT and GRT Merger Star Limited entered into a Merger Agreement as of October 21, 2024, which is referred to herein as the “Merger Agreement.”

 

Q: Why is Flag Ship proposing the Business Combination?

 

A:Flag Ship was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination involving Flag Ship and one or more businesses or entities. The Flag Ship Board considered a wide variety of factors in connection with its evaluation of the Merger, as well as the Flag Ship Board’s review of the results of the due diligence conducted by Flag Ship management and it’s advisors. As a result, the Flag Ship Board concluded that a transaction with GRT would present the most attractive opportunity to maximize value for Flag Ship Shareholders. Please see the subsection entitled “The Business Combination  Proposal — The Flag Ship Board’s Reasons for the Approval of the Merger.” Shareholder approval of the Merger is required by the Merger Agreement and the Flag Ship Charter.

 

Q: What will happened in the Merger?

 

A:Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Flag Ship and GRT will complete a merger, which will be effected through the merger of Flag Ship with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub being the surviving company of such Merger, pursuant to which, Flag Ship will become a wholly owned subsidiary of GRT. For information on how the Merger will affect the securities of Flag Ship and GRT, please see “— Why am I receiving this proxy statement/prospectus?” above and “The Business Combination Proposal” below.

 

Q: What will the Flag Ship Shareholders and Right Holders receive in the Merger?

 

A: If the Merger is completed, you will have the right to receive one (1) of Parent ADS as consideration for each Flag Ship Share you hold at the Effective Time of the Merger. Each Parent ADS represents one Parent ordinary share, so one Parent ADS is equivalent to one Parent ordinary share. GRT will not issue fractional Parent ADSs in the Merger. Further, each Flag Ship Right that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, Parent Ordinary Shares, payable in Parent ADSs, in an amount equal to (in each case, as rounded down to the nearest whole number) the product of (a) the Per Share Merger Consideration, multiplied by (b) the number of Flag Ship Shares that the Flag Ship Rights Holder would have been entitled to receive from Flag Ship assuming satisfaction of the terms and conditions of such Flag Ship Right, multiplied by (c) the ADS Exchange Rate.

 

14

 

The transaction implies a value of $10.__ per Flag Ship Share, or an equity value for Flag Ship of approximately $___ million for all outstanding shares, based on a deal price for GRT Ordinary Shares of ___, an ___premium to the closing stock price of GRT as of ____, converted to a price of $___using a U.S. dollar/KRW exchange rate of $___ per ₩ ___ as of that date, which was the latest practicable business day before the publication of the Merger Agreement.

 

Q: What is a GRT ADS?

 

A: An American Depositary Share, or ADS, is a security that allows persons in the United States to more easily hold and trade interests in companies incorporated or organized in a non-U.S. country. GRT is a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong that issues ordinary shares that are equivalent in many respects to ordinary shares of a Cayman company. Each GRT ADS represents one (1) GRT ordinary shares. GRT has filed an initial listing application to list the GRT ADSs on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GRTL”. The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary bank (the depositary”) for the GRT ADS representing the GRT Shares pursuant to the deposit agreement among the depositary, GRT and the owners and holders of GRT ADS.

 

Q: Will Flag Ship Shareholders be able to trade the GRT ADSs that they receive in the transaction?

 

A: Yes. GRT has filed an initial listing application to list the GRT ADSs on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GRTL.” GRT ADSs received in exchange for Flag Ship Shares in the transaction will be freely transferable under United States federal securities laws by persons other than affiliates of the Combined Company.

 

Q: Can I receive GRT Shares in the Merger instead of GRT ADSs?

 

A: No. However, following the Closing, and your receipt of GRT ADSs, you may surrender your GRT ADSs for the cancellation to the depositary or provide appropriate instructions to your broker to do so. Upon payment of the fees provided in the deposit agreement and any applicable taxes or charges, the GRT Shares underlying the GRT ADSs will be delivered to you.

 

Q: Did the Flag Ship Board obtain a third-party valuation or fairness opinion in determining whether or not to proceed with the Merger?

 

A: Yes. Flag Ship retained HRA Capital LLC to evaluate the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the Public Shareholders of the merger consideration to be paid to the Flag Ship equity holders in the Merger. On October 21, 2024, at a meeting of the Flag Ship Board held to evaluate the Merger, HRA Capital LLC rendered to the Flag Ship Board an oral opinion, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated October 21, 2024 (the “Fairness Opinion”), to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken described in such opinion, (i) the Merger Consideration payable to the Flag Ship equityholders in the Merger was fair from a financial point of view to Flag Ship and Flag Ship’s shareholders and (ii) GRT had an aggregate fair market value equal to at least eighty percent (80.0%) of the net assets held by Flag Ship in the Trust Account (excluding deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the interest earned on the Trust Account), as of the date of the Merger Agreement.

 

The full text of the Fairness Opinion delivered to the Flag Ship Board, dated October 21, 2024, is attached as Annex [  ] and incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus in its entirety. The Fairness Opinion sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of the review undertaken by HRA Capital LLC in rendering the Fairness Opinion. All shareholders of Flag Ship are urged to, and should, read the Fairness Opinion carefully and in its entirety. The Fairness Opinion was directed to the Flag Ship Board and addressed only the fairness from a financial point of view to the Public Shareholders, as of the date of the Fairness Opinion, of the Merger Consideration to be paid by Flag Ship pursuant to the Merger Agreement and that GRT had an aggregate fair market value equal to at least 80% of the assets held by Flag Ship in the Trust Account (net of taxes payable). The Fairness Opinion did not address any other aspect or implications of the Merger and does not constitute an opinion, advice or recommendation as to how any shareholder of Flag Ship should vote at the Shareholder Meeting. In addition, the Fairness Opinion did not in any manner address the prices at which the GRT ADSs would trade following the consummation of the Merger or at any time. The summary of the Fairness Opinion set forth in this proxy solicitation/prospectus statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Fairness Opinion attached as Annex [  ] hereto.

 

15

 

For more information, please see the section entitled “ Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal — Opinion of HRA Capital LLC, Fairness Opinion Provider.”

 

Q: When and where is the Flag Ship Shareholder Meeting?

 

A: The Flag Ship Shareholder Meeting will be held in person at the offices of [●], and virtually on [●], 2024, at [●] [a.m./p.m.], Eastern Time, or at such other time, on such other date and at such other place to which the meeting may be adjourned.

 

Q: Who is entitled to vote at the Shareholder Meeting?

 

A: Only shareholders who hold Flag Ship Ordinary Shares at the close of business on [●], 2024, the Record Date, will be entitled to vote at the Shareholder Meeting. You can participate in the meeting, vote and submit questions in persona and via live webcast by visiting https://www.[●]. Please see “— How do I attend the Shareholder Meeting?” for more information.

 

Q: How do I attend the Flag Ship Shareholder Meeting?

 

A: If you are a registered shareholder as of the Record Date, you will receive a proxy card from Flag Ship’s transfer agent. The form contains instructions on how to attend the Shareholder Meeting including the URL address, along with your control number. You will need your control number for access. If you do not have your control number, contact VStock at 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, NY 11598, or email: info@vstocktransfer.com.

 

You can pre-register to attend the Shareholder Meeting starting on [●], at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time (two business days prior to the meeting date). Enter the URL address into your browser, https://www[●], enter your control number, name and email address. Once you pre-register, you can vote or enter questions in the chat box. At the start of the Shareholder Meeting, you will need to log in again using your control number and will also be prompted to enter your control number if you vote during the Shareholder Meeting.

 

If you do not have access to Internet, you can listen only to the meeting by dialing [●] (or [●] if you are located outside the United States and Canada (standard rates apply)) and when prompted enter the pin number [●]#. Please note that you will not count towards the quorum or be able to vote or ask questions at the Shareholder Meeting if you choose to participate telephonically.

 

Shareholders who hold their investments through a broker, bank or other nominee will need to contact VStock to receive a control number to attend the Shareholder Meeting. If you plan to vote at the Shareholder Meeting, you will need to have a legal proxy from your bank or broker or, if you would like to join and not vote, VStock will issue you a guest control number with proof of ownership. In either case you must contact VStock for specific instructions on how to receive the control number. VStock can be contacted at the number or email address above. Please allow up to 72 hours prior to the meeting for processing your control number.

 

Q: Why is Flag Ship providing Flag Ship Shareholders with the opportunity to vote on the Flag Ship Merger Proposal?

 

A: Under the Flag Ship Charter, Flag Ship must provide all holders of Flag Ship Public Shares with the opportunity to have their Flag Ship Public Shares redeemed upon the consummation of Flag Ship’s initial business combination either in conjunction with a tender offer or in conjunction with a shareholder vote. Flag Ship is seeking to obtain the approval of its shareholders of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, which allows Flag Ship Public Shareholders to effectuate Redemptions of their Flag Ship Public Shares in connection with the Closing.

 

16

 

Q: How will the Flag Ship Initial Insiders vote in connection with the Flag Ship Proposals?

 

A: Other than the SPAC Sponsor, of which Mr. Matthew Chen, Flag Ship’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is the managing member, none of the Flag Ship Initial Insiders holds directly or indirectly any Flag Ship Shares. In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the SPAC Sponsor, representing 22.15% of the voting rights of Flag Ship immediately prior to the Merger, entered into the Sponsor Voting Agreement dated October 21, 2024 with GRT pursuant to which it agreed to vote all of its Flag Ship Shares in favor of the Merger Agreement and related transactions and to otherwise take certain other actions in support of the Merger Agreement and related transactions and refrain from taking actions that would adversely affect its ability to perform its obligations under the Sponsor Voting Agreement. The consummation of the Merger is not subject to the approval of a majority of unaffiliated Flag Ship Public Shareholders. Since the Sponsor own approximately 22.15% of the Flag Ship Shares entitled to vote at the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting, Flag Ship only needs the affirmative votes of ________________ Flag Ship Public Shares to have sufficient votes to approve the Merger.

 

Q: May Flag Ship’s directors, executive officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in connection with the Merger?

 

A: Flag Ship’s directors, executive officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase Flag Ship Shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market prior to the closing of the Merger, including from Flag Ship Shareholders who would have otherwise elected to have their Flag Ship Shares redeemed. However, they have no current commitments or plans to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. If they engage in such transactions, any such purchases shall be subject to limitations regarding possession of any material nonpublic information not disclosed to the seller and they will not make any such purchases if such purchases are prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Any such purchase would include a contractual acknowledgement that the selling shareholder, although still the record holder of Flag Ship Shares, is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its Redemption Rights. In the event the Flag Ship’s directors, officers or advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from Flag Ship Public Shareholders who have already elected to exercise their Redemption Rights, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their Flag Ship Shares. In addition, Sponsor, Flag Ship management and Flag Ship’s advisors or any of their respective affiliates would waive any redemption rights with respect to any Public Shares that they purchase in any such privately negotiated transactions. Any Flag Ship Public Shares purchased by Sponsor, Flag Ship management or Flag Ship’s advisors or any of their respective affiliates would not be voted in favor of approving the Merger. Any such privately negotiated purchases may be effected at purchase prices that are no higher than the per share pro rata portion of the Trust Account.

 

Q: Who is Flag Ship’s Sponsor?

 

A: Flag Ship’s Sponsor is Whale Management Corporation, a British Virgin Islands corporation. The Sponsor is affiliated with the officers and directors of Flag Ship. The Sponsor currently owns an aggregate of 1,963,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and 238,000 Flag Ship Rights (including the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and Flag Ship Rights included in the Flag Ship Private Units purchased in connection with the IPO). Flag Ship’s Sponsor and its involvement with Flag Ship and interests in the Merger are described further in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus, entitled “Information About Flag Ship – SPAC Sponsors and their Affiliates.”

 

Q: What interests do the current officers and directors have in the Merger?

 

A: In considering the unanimous recommendation of the Flag Ship Board to vote in favor of the Merger, Flag Ship Public Shareholders should be aware that, aside from their interests as shareholders, Sponsor and certain members of Flag Ship management have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of other Flag Ship Public Shareholders generally. The existence of financial and personal interests of one or more of Flag Ship’s directors may result in a conflict of interest on the part of such director(s) between what he, she or they may believe is in the best interests of Flag Ship and Flag Ship Shareholders and what he, she or they may believe is best for himself or themselves in determining to recommend that shareholders vote for the proposals. Flag Ship’s directors were aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating the Merger, and in recommending to Flag Ship Shareholders that they approve the Merger. Flag Ship Shareholders should take these interests into account in deciding whether to approve the Merger. These interests include, among other things:

 

17

 

The Sponsor and Flag Ship’s management are not entitled to redemption rights with respect to any Flag Ship Founder Shares and have agreed to waive redemption rights with respect to any Flag Ship Public Shares held by them in connection with the consummation of the Merger. Additionally, the Sponsor and Flag Ship management are not entitled to liquidation rights with respect to any Founder Shares held by them if Flag Ship fails to consummate its initial business combination by the Deadline Date. If Flag Ship does not complete its initial business combination within such applicable time period, the proceeds of the sale of the Flag Ship Private Units held in the Trust Account will be used to fund the liquidation of the Flag Ship Public Shares, and the Flag Ship Rights will expire without the receipt of any value by the holders of such Rights. Accordingly, the Founder Shares would be worthless if the Merger or another business combination is not consummated within the required time period because the holders thereof are not entitled to participate in any redemption or liquidation distribution with respect to such shares. Since Sponsor and Flag Ship management directly or indirectly own Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and Flag Ship Private Rights, Flag Ship management may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate the initial business combination.

 

The fact that the Sponsors and Flag Ship’s officers and directors have certain economic interests in the Merger including:

 

that the Sponsor paid an aggregate of $25,000 for 1,725,000 Founder Shares currently owned by the Sponsor, in which certain of Flag Ship’s directors and executive officers hold an indirect interest. The Sponsor also paid an aggregate of $2,380,000 for 238,000 Flag Ship Private Units. The Founder Shares and Private Units may have a significantly higher value at the time of the Merger, and if unrestricted and freely tradable, the Founder Shares would be valued at approximately $[  ] based upon the closing price of $[  ] per Flag Ship Ordinary Share on Nasdaq on [  ], 2024 and the Private Units would be valued at approximately $[  ], based upon the closing price of $[  ] per Public Unit on Nasdaq on [  ], 2024;

 

that Sponsor currently holds an aggregate of 238,000 Flag Ship Rights, which will expire worthless if an initial business combination is not consummated, which if unrestricted and freely tradable would be valued at approximately $[●], based on the closing price of the Flag Ship Rights of $[●] per right on [●], 2024, the Record Date for the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting;

 

that given the differential in the purchase price that Sponsor paid for the Flag Ship Founder Shares as compared to the price of the Flag Ship Units sold in the Flag Ship IPO, Sponsor and its affiliates may earn a positive rate of return on their investment even if the GRT ADSs trade below the price initially paid for the Flag Ship Units in the Flag Ship IPO and the Flag Ship Public Shareholders experience a negative rate of return following the completion of the Merger;

 

that Flag Ship has borrowed certain amounts from the Sponsor pursuant to a promissory note which provides for up to $1,000,000 in working capital loans.

 

based on the value of the Flag Ship securities invested in and the amount of the loans and unreimbursed expenses as set forth below, the aggregate amount that the Sponsor and Flag Ship’s officers and directors have at risk is $2,405,000; and

 

the Sponsor and Flag Ship’s officers and directors will lose their entire investment in Flag Ship if the Merger is not consummated within the required time period.

 

The fact that certain members of Flag Ship management collectively own, directly or indirectly, a material interest in Sponsor.

 

Sponsor and Flag Ship management may have a conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a business combination and financing arrangements as Flag Ship may obtain loans from Sponsor or an affiliate of Sponsor or any of Flag Ship management to finance transaction costs in connection with the initial business combination.

 

18

 

The fact that if the SPAC Sponsor was to loan any amount(s) to Flag Ship and/or incur any fees or out-of-pocket expenses on Flag Ship’s behalf, the total sum of such loans, fees and out-of-pocket expenses would be repayable on or after the Closing and constitute Sponsor compensation. If any such amounts were loaned or incurred and Flag Ship failed to complete an initial business combination before its deadline pursuant to the Flag Ship Charter, as may be amended to extend such date, such amounts would be forfeited. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, there is a principal amount of $____________ outstanding under the note payable to the Sponsor and no fees due or out-of-pocket expenses to be repaid by Flag Ship to the Sponsor. Further, however, Flag Ship may incur additional loans to the Sponsor and/or Flag Ship’s officer and directors or become obligated to repay additional fees or out-of-pocket expenses to such persons after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, and such amounts would not be repaid unless Flag Ship consummates its initial business combination within the required time period.

 

The Flag Ship Charter provides that Flag Ship renounces any interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for any member of Flag Ship management on the one hand, and Flag Ship, on the other hand, or the participation of which would breach any existing legal obligation, under applicable law or otherwise, of a member of Flag Ship management to any other entity. Flag Ship is not aware of any such corporate opportunities not being offered to Flag Ship and does not believe that waiver of the corporate opportunities doctrine has materially affected Flag Ship’s search for an acquisition target or will materially affect Flag Ship’s ability to complete an initial business combination.

 

If the Trust Account is liquidated, including in the event Flag Ship is unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period, Sponsor has agreed to indemnify Flag Ship to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced below $10.00 per Flag Ship Public Share, or such lesser amount per Flag Ship Public Share as is in the Trust Account on the liquidation date, by the claims of (a) any third party for services rendered or products sold to Flag Ship or (b) a prospective target business with which Flag Ship has entered into a letter of intent, confidentiality or other similar agreement or business combination agreement, but only if such a third party or target business has not executed a waiver of all rights to seek access to the Trust Account.

 

The fact that Sponsor will benefit from the completion of an Initial Merger and may be incentivized to complete an acquisition of a less favorable target company or on terms less favorable to Flag Ship Shareholders rather than liquidate.

 

The fact that Flag Ship has a right to propose a director nominee for the post-closing GRT board of directors.

 

That Flag Ship entered into an agreement, commencing on the date its securities were first listed on Nasdaq and up to the earlier of the consummation of a business combination or its liquidation, to pay the Sponsor or an affiliate a monthly fee of US$10,000 for office space, secretarial and administrative support; as of [October 31], 2024, a total of $[  ] of service fees have been accrued by Flag Ship for services rendered by the Sponsor pursuant to the administrative services agreement.

 

The fact that GRT will indemnify Sponsor and its affiliates and their respective present and former directors and officers for a period of six years from the Closing, in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation and Sponsor’s ownership of Flag Ship securities or its control or ability to influence Flag Ship and the Merger agreement provides that GRT will purchase, at or prior to the Closing, and maintain in effect for a period of six years after the Closing, a “tail” policy providing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage for certain Flag Ship directors and officers after the Merger.

 

The fact that if the Merger or another business combination is not consummated within the required time period, Flag Ship will take all such action necessary to (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but no more than ten business days thereafter to redeem 100% of the outstanding Public Shares or distribute the Trust Account to the holders of the Public Shares, on a pro rata basis, in cash at a per-share amount equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account on the date that is two Business Days prior to the consummation of the business combination, including interest earned but net of taxes payable, divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares; and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible thereafter, subject to the approval of its remaining shareholders and the Flag Ship Board, liquidate and dissolve Flag Ship, subject to Flag Ship's obligations under the Cayman Companies Act to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.

 

19

 

The terms and provisions of the Ancillary Agreements as set forth in detail under the subsection entitled “The Merger — Related Agreements.”

 

The table set forth below summarizes the existing interests in Flag Ship securities and the anticipated interests of Sponsor and Flag Ship management as of Closing along with the value of such interests based on, in the case of Sponsor’s and Flag Ship management’s interests, the closing price of the Flag Ship Public Shares and Flag Ship Rights as of [●], 2024, which would be lost if an initial business combination is not completed by the Deadline Date.

 

Name of Holder   Type of
Holder
  Total
Purchase
Price/Capital
Contributions
   

Number of
Founder
Shares

    Number of
Private
Placement
Shares
    Number of
Private
Placement
Rights
   

Number of
GRT ADSs

 
Whale Management Corporation(1)   Sponsor   $ 2,405,000       1,725,000       238,000       238,000       1,986,800  
Matthew Chen(2)   CEO & Chairman   $ 2,405,000       1,725,000       238,000       238,000       1,986,800  
Luhuan Zhong   CFO   $ 0               0       0          
Shan Cui   Director   $ 0               0       0          
Pai Liu   Director   $ 0               0       0          
Wen He   Director   $ 0               0       0          

 

 
(1) The Sponsor paid an aggregate of $25,000 for 1,725,000 Founder Shares prior the Flag Ship’s IPO. On June 20, 2024, the Sponsor purchased the Private Placement Units contemporaneously with the closing of the IPO. Each of our officers and directors is a shareholder of the Sponsor; however, only our Chairman holds voting securities in the Sponsor and is the sole director of the Sponsor with the power to vote or dispose of the securities held by the Sponsor.
(2) Matthew Chen serves as manager for the Sponsor and may be deemed to beneficially own shares held by it by virtue of his control over the Sponsor.

 

The personal and financial interests of the Sponsor as well as Flag Ship’s executive officers and directors may have influenced their motivation in identifying and selecting GRT as a business combination target, completing the Merger with Flag Ship and influencing the operation of the business following the Merger. The existence of such financial and personal interests may result results in conflicts of interest on the part of the Sponsor and such executive officers and directors between what he, she, or they may believe is in the best interests of Flag Ship and what he, she, or they may believe is best for himself, herself, or themselves in determining to recommend that shareholders vote for the proposals. In considering the recommendations of the Flag Ship Board to vote for the proposals, its shareholders should consider these interests. See the section entitled “Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal — Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.

 

Q: What will happen in the Merger?

 

A: At the Closing, Flag Ship will be merged with and into Merger Sub, following which Flag Ship shall cease existence and Merger Sub shall continue as the surviving company as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT. The Merger shall have the effects specified in the Cayman Companies Act. As the consideration for the Merger, all the issued and outstanding Flag Ship Shares immediately prior to the Effective Time will be automatically converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration and the rights to receive Flag Ship Shares immediately prior to the Effective Time will be automatically converted into rights to receive GRT Shares, payable in GRT ADSs.

 

20

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Merger Consideration consists of (i) the Per Share Merger Consideration, which is the right to receive one GRT Shares, payable in GRT ADS, for each Flag Ship Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time; and (ii) the Rights Merger Consideration, which is the right to receive 1/10th of a GRT Share payable in GRT ADS.

 

Q: What happens if I sell my Flag Ship Shares before the Shareholder Meeting?

 

A:The Record Date for the Shareholder Meeting is earlier than the date of the Shareholder Meeting, as well as the date that the Merger is expected to be consummated. If you transfer your Flag Ship Ordinary Shares after the Record Date, but before the Shareholder Meeting, unless the transferee obtains from you a proxy to vote those shares, you would retain your right to vote at the Shareholder Meeting, but will transfer ownership of the shares and will not hold an interest in GRT after the Merger is consummated. Also, you will not be able to seek redemption of your Flag Ship Shares because you will no longer be able to deliver them for cancellation upon consummation of the Merger in accordance with the provisions described in this proxy statement/prospectus. If you transfer your Flag Ship Shares prior to the Record Date, you will have no right to vote those shares at the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting or seek redemption of such Flag Ship Shares.

 

Q: What vote is required by Flag Ship Shareholders to approve and adopt the Business Combination Proposal, the Flag Ship Merger Proposal and Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal?

 

A:Approval of the Business Combination Proposal requires an ordinary resolution under Cayman Islands law, being  the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Shareholder Meeting at which a quorum is present. Approval of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal requires a special resolution under Cayman Islands law, being a resolution of the company passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Shareholder Meeting at which a quorum is present. The Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution. The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal, if presented as necessary or appropriate, requires an ordinary resolution, being the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Shareholder Meeting at which a quorum is present. The Sponsor and the Insiders have agreed, subject to applicable securities laws, to vote any ordinary shares owned by them in favor of the Business Combination Proposal and the Merger Proposal. This is unlike some other similarly structured transactions where the insiders vote in accordance with the public holders and therefore a majority of unaffiliated shareholders would be required to approve a proposed transaction. Because the Sponsor and Insiders will vote in favor of the Business Combination Proposal and the Merger Proposal, the transaction is not structured such that the vote of a majority of unaffiliated shareholders is required to approve the Merger Proposal.

 

Q: How does the Flag Ship Board recommend that I vote my Flag Ship Shares?

 

A:The Flag Ship Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the Business Combination Proposal, “FOR” the Flag Ship Merger Proposal and, if presented, “FOR” the Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal.

 

Q: What constitutes a quorum?

 

A: A quorum of our shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy or if a corporation or other non-natural person by its duly authorized representative or proxy, of shareholders holding a majority of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares entitled to vote at the Shareholder Meeting constitutes a quorum at the Shareholder Meeting. Abstentions will be considered present for the purposes of establishing a quorum. The Sponsor, who beneficially own approximately 22% of the issued and outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as of the Record Date, will count towards this quorum. In the absence of a quorum, the Shareholder Meeting shall stand adjourned to the same time and place seven days hence, or to such other time or place as is determined by the Flag Ship’s directors.

 

Q: How many votes do I have?

 

A: Public Shareholders have one vote per each Flag Ship Ordinary Share held by them on the Record Date for each of the proposals to be voted upon.

 

21

 

Q: Do I have Redemption Rights?

 

A: If you are a holder of Flag Ship Public Shares, pursuant to the Flag Ship Charter, you have the right to demand that Flag Ship redeem all or a portion of such shares for a pro rata portion of the cash held in Flag Ship’s Trust Account on the date that is two Business Days prior to Closing, including interest earned less taxes payable as permitted under the trust agreement, if the Merger is consummated. Flag Ship sometimes refers to these rights to demand Redemption of the Flag Ship Public Shares as “Redemption Rights.”

 

As a Flag Ship Public Shareholder, you will be entitled to exercise your redemption rights if you:

 

hold Flag Ship Public Shares or, if you hold Flag Ship Public Shares through Flag Ship Units, you elect to separate your Flag Ship Units into the underlying Flag Ship Public Shares and Flag Ship Rights prior to exercising your redemption rights;

 

submit a written request to VStock Transfer, the Transfer Agent, in which you (i) request the exercise of your redemption rights with respect to all or a portion of your Flag Ship Public Shares for cash and (ii) identify yourself as the beneficial holder of the Flag Ship Public Shares and provide your legal name, phone number and address; and

 

deliver your Flag Ship Public Shares to the Transfer Agent, physically or electronically through DTC. Holders must complete the procedures for electing to redeem their Flag Ship Public Shares in the manner described above prior to 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on [●], 2024 (two business days before the [Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting]) in order for their shares to be redeemed.

 

Holders of Flag Ship Units must elect to separate the Flag Ship Units into the underlying Flag Ship Public Shares and Flag Ship Rights prior to exercising their redemption rights with respect to the Flag Ship Public Shares. If Flag Ship Public Shareholders hold their Flag Ship Units in an account at a brokerage firm or bank, such Flag Ship Public Shareholders must notify their broker or bank that they elect to separate the Flag Ship Units into the underlying Flag Ship Public Shares and Flag Ship Rights, or if a holder holds Flag Ship Units registered in its own name, the holder must contact the Transfer Agent directly and instruct it to do so. The redemption rights include the requirement that a holder must identify itself to Flag Ship in order to validly exercise its redemption rights. Flag Ship Public Shareholders may elect to exercise their redemption rights with respect to their Flag Ship Public Shares even if they vote “FOR” the Business Combination Proposal and “FOR” the Merger Proposal. If the Merger is not consummated, the Flag Ship Public Shares will be returned to the respective holder, broker or bank. If the Merger is consummated, and if a Flag Ship Public Shareholder properly exercises its redemption rights with respect to all or a portion of the Flag Ship Public Shares that it holds and timely delivers its shares to the Transfer Agent, such Flag Ship Public Shares will be redeemed for a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the pro rata portion of the Trust Account, including interest earned on the fund held in the Trust Account and not previously released to Flag Ship to pay its taxes, calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination. For illustrative purposes, as of [●], 2024, this would have amounted to approximately $[●] per issued and outstanding Flag Ship Public Share. If a Flag Ship Public Shareholder exercises its redemption rights in full, then it will not own Flag Ship Public Shares or receive GRT ADSs following the redemption. Please see the subsection entitled “Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting — Redemption Rights” for the procedures to be followed if you wish to exercise your redemption rights with respect to your Flag Ship Public Shares.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a holder of Flag Ship Public Shares, together with any affiliate of his or any other person with whom such holder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined in Section 13(d) (3) of the Securities Exchange Act) will be restricted from seeking Redemption with respect to more than 15% of the Flag Ship Public Shares. Accordingly, all Flag Ship Public Shares in excess of 15% held by a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such holder or any other person with whom such holder is acting in concert or as a “group,” will not be redeemed.

 

22

 

Under the Flag Ship Charter, the Merger may be consummated only if Flag Ship has at least $5.0 million of net tangible assets after giving effect to all Flag Ship Public Shareholders that properly demand Redemption of their shares for cash.

 

Q: Will how I vote affect my ability to exercise redemption rights?

 

A: No. You may exercise your redemption rights whether you vote your Flag Ship Shares for or against or abstain from voting on the Business Combination Proposal, the Merger Proposal or any other proposal described in this proxy statement/prospectus. As a result, the Merger can be approved by Flag Ship Public Shareholders who will redeem their shares and no longer remain shareholders.

 

Q: How do I exercise my Redemption Rights?

 

A: In order to exercise your redemption rights, you must (a) if you hold Flag Ship Units, elect to separate your Flag Ship Units into the underlying Flag Ship Public Shares and Flag Ship Rights prior to exercising your redemption rights with respect to the Flag Ship Public Shares; and (b) prior to 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on [●], 2024 (two business days before the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting), tender your shares physically or electronically and submit a request in writing that your Flag Ship Public Shares be redeemed for cash to VStock Transfer LLC, the Transfer Agent, at the following address:

 

VStock Transfer LLC

18 Lafayette Place

Woodmere, NY 11598

Phone: 212.828.8436

Email: info@vstocktransfer.com

 

A Flag Ship Public Shareholder, together with any of his, her or its affiliates or any other person with whom it is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect to his, her or its shares or, if part of such a group, the group’s shares, in excess of the 15% threshold. Accordingly, all Flag Ship Public Shares in excess of the 15% threshold beneficially owned by a Flag Ship Public Shareholder or group will not be redeemed for cash. Flag Ship Shareholders who hold their shares in street name will have to coordinate with their bank, broker or other nominee to have the shares delivered electronically. If you do not submit a written request and deliver your Flag Ship Public Shares as described above, your shares will not be redeemed.

 

Flag Ship Shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares in “street name” are required to either tender their certificates to the Transfer Agent prior to the date set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus, or up to two business days prior to the vote on the Merger Proposal at the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting, or to deliver their shares to the Transfer Agent electronically using DTC’s DWAC system, at such shareholder’s option. The requirement for physical or electronic delivery prior to the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting ensures that a redeeming shareholder’s election to redeem is irrevocable once the Merger is consummated.

 

Flag Ship Unitholders must elect to separate their Flag Ship Units into the underlying Flag Ship Public Shares and Flag Ship Rights prior to exercising redemption rights with respect to the Flag Ship Public Shares. If you hold Flag Ship Units registered in your own name, you must deliver the certificate for such Flag Ship Units to the Transfer Agent, with written instructions to separate such Flag Ship Units into Flag Ship Public Shares and Flag Ship Rights. This must be completed far enough in advance to permit the mailing of the Flag Ship Public Share certificates back to you so that you may then exercise your redemption rights upon the separation of the Flag Ship Units.

 

23

 

If a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee holds your Flag Ship Units, you must instruct such nominee to separate your Flag Ship Units. Your nominee must send written instructions by facsimile to the Transfer Agent. Such written instructions must include the number of Flag Ship Units to be split and the nominee holding such Flag Ship Units. Your nominee must also initiate electronically, using DTC’s DWAC system, a withdrawal of the relevant units and a deposit of a corresponding number of Flag Ship Public Shares and Flag Ship Rights. This must be completed far enough in advance to permit your nominee to exercise your redemption rights upon the separation of the Flag Ship Units. While this is typically done electronically on the same business day, you should allow at least one full business day to accomplish the separation. If you fail to cause your Flag Ship Units to be separated in a timely manner, you will likely not be able to exercise your redemption rights.

 

Any demand for redemption, once made, may be withdrawn at any time until the deadline for exercising redemption requests and thereafter, with Flag Ship’s consent, until the Closing. If you delivered your shares for redemption to the Transfer Agent and decide within the required timeframe not to exercise your redemption rights, you may request that the Transfer Agent return the shares (physically or electronically). You may make such request by contacting the Transfer Agent at the email address or address listed under the question “Who can help answer my questions?” below.

 

Flag Ship Public Shareholders may elect to exercise their redemption rights with respect to their Flag Ship Public Shares even if they vote “FOR” the Business Combination Proposal and “FOR” the Merger Proposal. If the Merger is not consummated, the Flag Ship Public Shares will be returned to the respective holder, broker or bank. If the Merger is consummated, and if a Flag Ship Public Shareholder properly exercises its redemption rights with respect to all or a portion of the Flag Ship Public Shares it holds and timely delivers its shares to the Transfer Agent, such Flag Ship Public Shares will be redeemed for a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the pro rata portion of the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to Flag Ship to pay its taxes, calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination. Please see the subsection entitled “Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders — Redemption Rights” for the procedures to be followed if you wish to exercise your redemption rights with respect to your Flag Ship Public Shares.

 

If a Flag Ship Public Shareholder exercises its redemption rights in full, then it will not own Flag Ship Public Shares or GRT ADSs following the redemption. You will no longer own those shares and you will have no right to participate in, or have any interest in, the future growth of GRT, if any. You will be entitled to receive cash for your Flag Ship Public Shares only if you properly and timely demand redemption.

 

Each redemption of Flag Ship Public Shares by Flag Ship Public Shareholders will reduce the amount in the Trust Account. However, in no event will Flag Ship proceed with the Merger if redemptions of the Flag Ship Public Shares shall result in its net tangible assets being less than $5,000,001 upon consummation of the Merger.

 

Pursuant to the Flag Ship Charter, if Flag Ship does not consummate an initial business combination, such as the Merger, by the Deadline Date, Flag Ship will be required to liquidate and dissolve the Trust Account by returning the then remaining funds in such account to the Flag Ship Public Shareholders and all Flag Ship Rights will expire worthless.

 

24

 

Q: Are Flag Ship Shareholders entitled to Appraisal Rights?

 

A: With respect to the Merger, the Cayman Companies Act under Section 238 provides for a right of Flag Ship's dissenting shareholders to be paid the fair value of their shares in connection with the Merger Proposal, subject to certain limitations under Section 239. In connection with the Merger Proposal, record holders of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares who comply with the applicable requirements and procedures of Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act are entitled, under certain circumstances, to exercise their statutory rights of appraisal to seek payment of the fair value of their Flag Ship Ordinary Shares upon dissenting from the Merger. If you are contemplating the possibility of objecting to the Merger, you should seek advice from a suitably qualified Cayman lawyer. If you do not follow the procedural requirements of the Cayman Companies Act, you will lose your Appraisal Rights. A detailed description of the appraisal rights and procedures available to Flag Ship Shareholders is included in “The Merger — Appraisal Rights” beginning on page 185. The full text of Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: How are the funds in the Trust Account currently being held?

 

A: The Trust Account is located in the United States with Wilmington Trust, N.A., acting as trustee. Since the IPO, the funds in the Trust Account have been invested only in U.S. “government securities,” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act, which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations, as determined by Flag Ship.

 

Q: What happens to the funds deposited in the Trust Account after consummation of the Merger?

 

A: After consummation of the Merger, the funds in the Trust Account will be used to pay holders of the Flag Ship Public Shares who exercise their Redemption Rights, to pay transaction expenses incurred in connection with the Merger (including $1,725,000 in deferred underwriting commissions payable to the IPO Underwriter pursuant to the underwriting agreement between Flag Ship and the IPO Underwriter), with the balance being used for working capital and general corporate purposes of GRT and its subsidiaries. As of the date hereof, there were cash and marketable securities held in the Trust Account of approximately $___ million. These funds will not be released until the earlier of the completion of Flag Ship’s initial business combination or the Redemption of Flag Ship Public Shares if Flag Ship is unable to complete an initial business combination by June 17, 2026 assuming that the Sponsor will extend the period of time to consummate a business combination and pay the related expense for such extension. The redemption price per share may increase between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the date that is two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination due to any interest that accrues on the amount on deposit in the Trust Account prior to such date, although we expect the redemption price two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination will be approximately the same as the amount set forth above. These funds will not be released until the earlier of the completion of a business combination or Flag Ship’s liquidation.

 

Q: What is the expected per share value of the cash from the Trust Account to be received by GRT in the Merger?

 

A: As described in the sections entitled “Summary of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus — Sources and Uses of Funds for the Merger,” and “— What happens if a substantial number of Public Shareholders exercise their redemption rights?”, the net cash to the balance sheet of GRT and the total number of GRT ADSs outstanding on the Closing will depend upon the extent to which Flag Ship Public Shareholders exercise their redemption rights.

 

Set forth below is a calculation, on a per Flag Ship Ordinary Share basis, of the estimated net cash to be received by GRT from the Trust Account in a no redemption scenario, 25% redemption scenario, 50% redemption scenario, 75% redemption scenario, and the maximum redemption scenario. Such calculations are based upon (i) cash held in the Trust Account as of September 30, 2024 of approximately $69,989,243, or $10.14 per Public Share (rounded to the nearest cent) and (ii) estimated transaction expenses of $___________. The total number of shares outstanding in the table below gives effect to the issuance of GRT ADSs in consideration of the cancellation of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares, and the conversion of the Flag Ship Rights into GRT ADSs upon consummation of the Merger.

 

25

 

    Assuming
No
Redemption(1)
    Assuming
25%
Redemption(2)
    Assuming
50%
Redemption(3)
    Assuming
75%
Redemption(4)
    Assuming
Maximum
Redemption(5)
 
Flag Ship Ordinary Shares Not Redeemed     6,900,000       5,175,000       3,450,000       1,725,000       -  
Gross Cash Proceeds of Trust Account at $10.14 per Share   $ 69,989,243     $ 52,491,932       34,994,622     $ 17,497,311     $ -  
Estimated Transaction Expenses   $       $               $       $    
Total Shares Outstanding(6)     95,626,800       93,901,800       92,176,800       90,451,800       88,726,800  
Net Cash per GRT ADS and Ordinary Shares Outstanding   $       $               $       $ N/A *

 

 
* Amount is less than zero.
(1) This scenario assumes that no Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(2) This scenario assumes that 1,725,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(3) This scenario assumes that 3,450,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(4) This scenario assumes that 5,175,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(5) This scenario assumes that 6,900,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(6) Includes (i) an aggregate of 713,800 GRT ADSs to be issued upon conversion of the outstanding Flag Ship Rights upon consummation of the Merger and (ii) an aggregate of 5,200,000 GRT ADSs to be issued to the Financial Advisors.

 

Q: What happens if the Merger is not consummated or is terminated?

 

A: There are certain circumstances under which the Merger Agreement may be terminated. See the subsection entitled “Merger Agreement — Termination” for additional information regarding the parties’ specific termination rights. In accordance with the Flag Ship Charter, if an initial business combination is not consummated by the Deadline Date, Flag Ship will (a) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (b) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the Flag Ship Public Shares, or distribute the Trust Account to the holders of the Public Shares at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account on the date that is two Business Days prior to the consummation of the business combination including interest earned on the Trust Account but net of taxes payable, divided by the number of then-outstanding Flag Ship Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish Flag Ship Public Shareholders’ rights as Flag Ship Public Shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (c) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the subject to the approval of its remaining shareholders and the Flag Ship Board, liquidate and dissolve Flag Ship, subject to Flag Ship's obligations under the Cayman Companies Act to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.

 

Flag Ship expects that the amount of any distribution Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be entitled to receive upon its dissolution will be approximately the same as the amount they would have received if they had redeemed their Public Shares in connection with the Merger, subject in each case to Flag Ship’s obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and other requirements of applicable law. Sponsor it not entitled to liquidation distributions with respect to those shares. In the event of liquidation, the Flag Ship Rights will expire worthless.

 

Q: What happens if a substantial number of Flag Ship Public Shareholders vote in favor of the Business Combination Proposal and the Flag Ship Merger Proposal and exercise their Redemption Rights?

 

A: Flag Ship Public Shareholders may vote in favor of the Merger and still exercise their Redemption Rights; provided, however, that in the event that any closing condition provided in the Merger Agreement is not satisfied or otherwise waived, then the Merger will not be consummated. Subject to the foregoing, the Merger may be consummated with the consent of GRT even though the funds available from the Trust Account and the number of Flag Ship Public Shareholders are reduced substantially.

 

26

 

Q: What equity stake will current Flag Ship shareholders hold in GRT immediately after the completion of the Merger, and what effect will potential sources of dilution have on such equity stake after the Closing?

 

A: The Flag Ship Ordinary Shares to be issued in the Merger will dilute the equity interests of GRT’s existing shareholders and may adversely affect prevailing market prices for GRT ADSs. The Flag Ship Public Shareholders who do not redeem their Flag Ship Public Shares may experience dilution from several additional sources to varying degrees in connection with and after the Merger. Further, depending on the amount of Flag Ship Public Shareholders that elect to redeem their Flag Ship Public Shares, those Flag Ship Public Shareholders that do not redeem their Flag Ship Public Shares will experience varying degrees of dilution. Additionally, GRT following the Closing may determine, subject to the receipt of any shareholder or stock exchange approvals that may be required, to issue more of GRT Ordinary Shares or ADSs other equity securities of equal or senior rank in connection with privately negotiated transactions following the consummation of the Merger. The issuance of GRT Ordinary Shares or ADSs (or other equity securities of equal or senior rank) could have the following effects for holders of Flag Ship Public Shares who elect not to redeem their shares:

 

  your proportionate ownership interest in GRT following the Closing will decrease;
     
  the relative voting strength of the previously outstanding GRT Ordinary Shares following the Merger will be diminished; or
     
  the market price of the GRT ADSs may decline.

 

Prior to the Merger, the Flag Ship Public Shareholders who hold shares issued in the IPO own approximately 77.85% of issued and outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares. After giving effect to the Merger and to the issuance of (1) 1,986,800 GRT ADSs Shares in exchange for the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares held by Sponsor, including GRT ADSs issuable upon conversion of the Flag Ship Rights held by Sponsor, (2) GRT ADSs at each level of redemptions in the table shown below in exchange for Flag Ship Ordinary Shares held by Flag Ship Public Shareholders, including in each case 690,000 GRT ADSs to be issued upon conversion of the Flag Ship Rights held by the Flag Ship Public Shareholders, and (3) 5,200,000 GRT ADSs to the Financial Advisors, it is anticipated that, upon completion of the Merger:

 

(i) the ownership interests in GRT of Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be [7.94]% and the ownership interests in GRT of the Sponsor and its affiliates will be [2.08]%, assuming no redemption;

 

(ii) the ownership interests in GRT of Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be [6.25]% and the ownership interests in GRT of the Sponsor and its affiliates will be [2.12]%, assuming 25% redemptions (as defined below);

 

  (iii) the ownership interests in GRT of Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be [4.49]% and the ownership interests in GRT of the Sponsor and its affiliates will be [2.16]%, assuming 50% redemptions (as defined below);

 

(iv) the ownership interests in GRT of Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be [2.67]% and the ownership interests in GRT of the Sponsor and its affiliates will be [2.20]%, assuming 75% redemptions (as defined below); and

 

(v) the ownership interests in GRT of Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be [0.78]% and the ownership interests in GRT of the Sponsor and its affiliates will be [2.24]%, assuming maximum redemptions (as defined below).

 

27

 

The tables below show the anticipated ownership of GRT upon completion of the Merger, along with other potential sources of dilution. The tables show the potential impact of redemptions on the share ownership by non-redeeming shareholders in (i) a no redemption scenario, (ii) 25% redemption scenario, (iii) 50% redemption scenario, (iv) 75% redemption scenario, and (v) maximum redemption scenario. The levels of ownership presented in the tables below assume that 5,200,000 GRT ADSs are issued to the Financial Advisors. The information in the tables below has been rounded to the nearest whole number or the nearest decimal. Therefore, the sum of the numbers in a column may not conform exactly to the total figure given for that column in the below table. In addition, certain percentages presented in the tables below reflect calculations based upon the underlying information prior to rounding and, accordingly, may not conform exactly to the percentages that would be derived if the relevant calculations were based upon the rounded numbers or may not sum due to rounding.

 

    Assuming No Redemption(1)     Assuming 25% Redemption(2)     Assuming 50% Redemption(3)     Assuming 75% Redemption(4)     Assuming Maximum Redemption(5)  
Shareholders   Ownership
in Shares
    Equity
%
    Ownership
in Shares
    Equity
%
    Ownership
in Shares
    Equity
%
    Ownership
in Shares
    Equity
%
    Ownership
in Shares
    Equity
%
 
Holders of Flag Ship Public Shares(6)     7,590,000       7.94 %     5,865,000       6.25 %     4,140,000       4.49 %     2,415,000       2.67 %     690,000       0.78 %
Sponsor/Insiders Existing Shares(7)     1,986,800       2.08 %     1,986,800       2.12 %     1,986,800       2.16 %     1,986,800       2.20 %     1,986,800       2.24 %
Existing GRT Shareholders     80,850,000       84.55 %     80,850,000       86.10 %     80,850,000       87.71 %     80,850,000       89.38 %     80,850,000       91.12 %
Financial Advisors     5,200,000       5.43 %     5,200,000       5.53 %     5,200,000       5.64 %     5,200,000       5.75 %     5,200,000       5.86 %
Total Shares Outstanding     95,626,800       100.0 %     93,901,800       100.0 %     92,176,800       100.0 %     90,451,800       100.0 %     88,726,800       100.0 %

 

 
(1) This scenario assumes that no Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(2) This scenario assumes that 1,725,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(3) This scenario assumes that 3,450,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(4) This scenario assumes that 5,175,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(5) This scenario assumes that 6,900,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(6) Includes an aggregate of 690,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares to be issued upon conversion of the outstanding Flag Ship Rights upon consummation of the Merger.
(7) Includes an aggregate of 23,800 GRT ADSs to be issued upon conversion of the Flag Ship Private Rights upon consummation of the Merger.

 

28

 

Pursuant to the underwriting agreement with Flag Ship’s underwriter in its IPO, Flag Ship will pay a fixed amount of $1,725,000 to the IPO Underwriter as a deferred underwriting commission. This fee is equal to ___%, ____%, ___% and ____% of the gross proceeds of the IPO assuming no redemption, 25% redemption, 50% redemption and 75% redemption, respectively. The number of Public Shares that are redeemed in connection with the Merger will not reduce this fee payable to the IPO Underwriter. As a result, such fee will represent a greater percentage of dilution as the number of Flag Ship Public Shares being redeemed increases. The following table shows the per share value of Ordinary Shares held by non-redeeming holders of Flag Ship and the effective underwriting fee on a percentage basis for shares under a range of redemption scenarios:

 

    No Redemption
scenario
   

25% Redemption
scenario

    50% Redemption
scenario
    75% Redemption
scenario
    Maximum
Redemption scenario
 
Shares     6,900,000       5,175,000       3,450,000       1,725,000       -  
Book value per share                                        
Cash left in Trust Account                                        
Deferred Underwriting Fee Payable to the IPO Underwriter   $ 1,725,000     $ 1,725,000     $ 1,725,000     $ 1,725,000     $ 1,725,000  
Effective underwriting commission(1)       %       %               %     N/A %

 

 
(1) Calculated as deferred underwriting commission of $1,725,000 divided by cash left in the Trust Account post redemption.

 

All of the relative per share value information above is for illustrative purposes only and is based upon certain assumptions as described in the section entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.” Additionally, the relative per share value information above assumes the Merger was consummated on __________, 2024. Should one or more of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual ownership percentages may vary materially from those described in this proxy statement/prospectus as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended.

 

The Sponsor, Flag Ship and/or their directors, officers, advisors or respective affiliates, may purchase Flag Ship Public Shares from Flag Ship Public Shareholders in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market prior to or following the completion of the Merger. If any purchases are made: (a) all purchases will be at a price no higher than the price offered through the redemption process, (b) any shares so purchased will not be voted in favor of approving the Merger, (c) the purchasers will have waived their redemption rights with respect to all Flag Ship Ordinary Shares owned by them, and (d) in connection with any such purchases prior to the extraordinary general meeting, Flag Ship will file a current report on Form 8-K to disclose (i) the amount of securities purchased in any such purchases, along with the purchase price; (ii) the purpose of any such purchases; (iii) the impact, if any, of any such purchases on the likelihood that the Merger will be approved; (iv) the identities or the nature of the security holders (e.g., 5% security holders) who sold their securities in any such purchases; and (v) the number of securities for which Flag Ship has received redemption requests pursuant to its shareholders’ redemption rights in connection with the Merger. If such purchases are made, the public “float” of Flag Ship Public Shares (prior to the Closing) or the GRT ADSs (following the Closing) and the number of beneficial holders of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares (prior to the Closing) or the GRT ADSs (following the Closing) may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to obtain or maintain the quotation, listing or trading of such securities on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange or reducing the liquidity of the trading market for such securities.

 

Q: What interests do Flag Ship’s current officers, directors and SPAC Sponsor have in the Merger?

 

A: The directors and executive officers of Flag Ship have interests in the Merger that are different from or in addition to (and which may conflict with) your interests. These interests include, among other things:

 

29

 

(i) the fact that the SPAC Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 1,963,000 ordinary shares (consisting of (i) 238, 000 ordinary shares underlying the private placement units held directly by SPAC Sponsor; and (ii) 1,725,000 ordinary shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.01 per share (the “Flag Ship Founder Shares”), which would have a value of approximately $17.25 million based on the closing price of Flag Ship Shares at the Record Date as reported by Nasdaq and that are not subject to Redemption. Such private shares and Flag Ship Founder Shares will have no value if Flag Ship does not complete an initial business combination by the Outside Date; as a result, the SPAC Sponsor has a financial incentive to see the Merger consummated rather than losing whatever value is attributable to the Flag Ship Founder Shares; and

 

(ii) if Flag Ship is unable to complete a business combination by the Outside Date, the SPAC Sponsor will be personally liable to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by Flag Ship for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to Flag Ship, but only if such a vendor or target business has not executed a waiver of claims against the Trust Account and except as to any claims under Flag Ship’s indemnity of the underwriters.

 

These interests may influence the directors of Flag Ship in making their recommendation that you vote in favor of the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby. These interests were considered by the Flag Ship Board when they approved the Merger.

 

Q: What conditions must be satisfied to complete the Merger?

 

A: There are a number of closing conditions in the Merger Agreement, including the approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the Flag Ship Shareholders. Other closing conditions include, among others: (i) the receipt of necessary consents, approvals and authorizations, including but not limited to, regulatory approval by Nasdaq of the Parent ADSs and the Securities and Exchange Commission; (ii) the trading of the Parent Shares on KOSDAQ following admission of Parent ADRs to trading on Nasdaq; (iii) receipt of all necessary approvals from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) in connection with the transaction; (iv) the absence of any law or governmental order enjoining, prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the Merger; (v) effectiveness of the Registration Statement of F-4 in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and (vi) there shall be at least $10,000,000 of “available liquidity” as of the closing.

 

For a summary of the conditions that must be satisfied or waived prior to completion of the Merger, see “The Merger Agreement — Conditions to the Closing of the Merger.”

 

Q: What happens if the Merger is not consummated?

 

A: If Flag Ship has not consummated a business combination by June 17, 2025 (or June 17, 2026 assuming the SPAC Sponsor deposits the required amount of funds for extension), it will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but no more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding Flag Ship Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, on the date that is two Business Days prior to the consummation of the business combination, including interest earned but net of taxes payable, divided by the number of then outstanding Flag Ship Public Shares,; and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such Redemption, subject to the approval of Flag Ship’s remaining shareholders and the Flag Ship Board, liquidate and dissolve Flag Ship, subject subject to Flag Ship's obligations under the Cayman Companies Act to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.

 

30

 

Other than the SPAC Sponsor, of which Mr. Matthew Chen, Flag Ship’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is the managing member, none of the Flag Ship Initial Insiders own any Flag Ship Shares. The SPAC Sponsor has waived its rights to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to their founder shares or the ordinary shares included in the private placement units. There will be no distribution from the Trust Account with respect to Flag Ship’s rights, which will expire worthless in the event Flag Ship winds up.

 

As of the Flag Ship Record Date, the SPAC Sponsor owns 22.15% of the outstanding Flag Ship Shares and agreed to vote all of their shares in favor of the Merger.

 

Q: Can the value of the transaction change between now and the time the Merger is consummated?

 

A: Yes, the value of the Merger Consideration can change. The exchange ratio is a fixed exchange ratio, meaning that Flag Ship Shareholders will receive one (1) GRT ADS (which is equivalent to one (1) GRT Shares) for each Flag Ship Share owned immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger (other than shares held by Flag Ship, GRT or any of their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries, or shares for which appraisal rights are properly exercised) regardless of the trading price of GRT Shares on the KOSDAQ stock market on the effective date of the Merger. However, the implied market value of the GRT ADSs that Flag Ship Shareholders will receive in the Merger will increase or decrease as the trading price of GRT Shares increases or decreases, and may be different at the time the Merger is consummated than it was as of the last trading day before the Merger Agreement was signed or will be at the time of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. The market price of GRT Shares could be higher or lower at any time prior to the consummation of the Merger. Flag Ship Shareholders are urged to obtain current trading prices for GRT Shares from the Korea Stock Exchange website.

 

Q: After the Merger, how much equity interest of GRT will Flag Ship Shareholders own?

 

A:

Upon closing of the Merger and prior to the issuance of (i) 2,400,000 GRT Shares to Leading Edge Group Ltd as financial advisor fees, (ii) 2,800,000 GRT Shares to GRT’s financial advisor, and (iii) all existing Flag Ship rights are converted into GRS ADSs, Flag Ship Shareholders are expected to own approximately 10.59%, and GRT existing shareholders immediately prior to the Effective Time are expected to own approximately 89.41%, of GRT, assuming there are no redemptions of Flag Ship Public Shares.

 

After giving effect to the issuance of shares as financial advisor fees and assuming that after closing of the Merger all existing Flag Ship rights are converted into GRT ADSs, and no Flag Ship Public Shares are redeemed, Flag Ship Shareholders are expected to own approximately 10.02% of GRT ADSs issued after the closing of the Merger and GRT existing shareholders immediately prior to the Effective Time are expected to own approximately 84.55%, of GRT.

 

Q: If I am a Flag Ship right holder, can I exercise Redemption Rights with respect to my rights?

 

A: No. The holders of Flag Ship rights have no Redemption Rights with respect to Flag Ship’s rights.

 

Q: If I am a Flag Ship unit holder, can I exercise Redemption Rights with respect to my units?

 

A: No. You can only exercise Redemption Rights with respect to your Flag Ship Public Shares (excluding the Flag Ship Shares issued upon the automatic conversion of the rights included in the units). Holders of outstanding units must separate the underlying public shares and public rights prior to exercising Redemption Rights with respect to the Flag Ship Public Shares.

 

If you hold units registered in your own name, you must deliver the certificate for such units to Vstock Transfer LLC, Flag Ship’s transfer agent, with written instructions to separate such units into public shares and public rights. This must be completed far enough in advance to permit the mailing of the public share certificates back to you so that you may then exercise your Redemption Rights upon the separation of the public shares from the units. See “How do I exercise my Redemption Rights?” above. The address of Vstock Transfer LLC is listed under the question “Who can help answer my questions?” below.

 

31

 

If a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee holds your units, you must instruct such nominee to separate your units. Your nominee must send written instructions by facsimile to Vstock Transfer LLC, Flag Ship’s transfer agent. Such written instructions must include the number of units to be separated and the nominee holding such units. Your nominee must also initiate electronically, using DTC’s deposit DWAC, a withdrawal of the relevant units and a deposit of an equal number of public shares, and public rights. This must be completed far enough in advance to permit your nominee to exercise your Redemption Rights upon the separation of the public shares from the units. While this is typically done electronically the same business day, you should allow at least one full business day to accomplish the separation. If you fail to cause your public shares to be separated in a timely manner, you will likely not be able to exercise your Redemption Rights.

 

Q: What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger for me?

 

A: The Merger is intended to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code (a “Reorganization”), however, it is unclear under applicable law whether the Merger will qualify as a Reorganization, and the qualification of the Merger as a Reorganization may depend on certain facts not ascertainable until after the date hereof. As a result, no opinion of counsel has or will be provided regarding the qualification of the Merger as a reorganization. If the Merger qualifies as a Reorganization, and subject to the discussion in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Material Tax Consequences— Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger— Application of the PFIC Rules to the Merger,” a holder who exchanges Flag Ship Shares for GRT ADSs pursuant to the Merger generally will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the Merger does not qualify as a Reorganization, the Merger will be a taxable transaction for U.S. Holders (as defined in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Material Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”). The foregoing tax description does not apply to a holder of Flag Ship Shares who exercises Redemption Rights.

 

For additional information, including regarding the treatment of Flag Ship rights, see “Material Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger.” The tax consequences of the Merger to you will depend on the facts of your own situation. You should consult your tax advisor in this regard. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the Merger to you. For a more detailed description of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger, please see “Material Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger.”

 

Q: What are the U.S. federal income tax consequences of exercising my redemption rights if I am a U.S. Holder?

 

A: The U.S. federal income tax consequences of exercising redemption rights depend on a holder’s particular facts and circumstances. See the section entitled “—Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders of Flag Ship Securities of Exercising Redemption Rights.” You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of exercising your redemption rights.

 

Q: What are the material Hong Kong tax consequences of owning GRT ADSs for me?

 

A: We would not expect material Hong Kong tax consequences to arise to a Flag Ship Shareholder as a result of owning the GRT ADSs. In particular we note that:

 

We would not expect Hong Kong stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax to arise on either (i) the receipt of GRT ADSs by Flag Ship Shareholders or (ii) the transfer of GRT ADSs by Flag Ship Shareholders in the ordinary course; and

 

There is no withholding tax on the payment of dividends by Hong Kong tax resident companies.

 

32

 

You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor for a full understanding of the Hong Kong tax consequences for you of owning GRT ADSs.

 

Q: What are the material Korea tax consequences of owning GRT ADS for me?

 

A: The following summary of Korean tax considerations applies to you as long as you are not:

 

A resident of Korea;

 

A corporation with its head office, principal place of business or place of effective management in Korea; or

 

Engaged in a trade or business in Korea through a permanent establishment or a fixed base to which the relevant income is attributable or with which the relevant income is effectively connected.

 

For a more detailed description of the material Korean tax consequences of the Merger, please see “Material Tax Consequences—Korean Taxation.”

 

Q: What are the material Cayman Islands tax consequences of the Merger?

 

A: Under the Cayman Companies Act:

 

Flag Ship is exempt from all forms of Cayman tax;

 

all dividends, interest, royalties and other amounts payable by Flag Ship, and any gain realized on any shares, debt obligations or other securities of Flag Ship, are exempt from Cayman tax; and

 

no estate, inheritance, succession or gift tax any shares, debt obligations or other securities of Flag Ship, are exempt from Cayman tax.

 

Consequently, the Merger will not give rise to any material Cayman tax consequences for Flag Ship or the holders of its ordinary shares or rights.

 

You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the merger to you, including the consequences under any applicable, state, local, foreign or other tax laws.

 

Q: Why is Flag Ship proposing the Merger to its shareholders?

 

A: Flag Ship was organized to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. GRT is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of optical film and base film. It also manufactures plastic lamination, coating and other surface treatment products. GRT was founded on September 11, 2012 and is headquartered in Hong Kong. Based on its due diligence investigations of GRT and the industry in which it operates, including the financial and other information provided by GRT, Flag Ship believes that a business combination with GRT presents a unique business combination opportunity. The Flag Ship Board believes that, in light of the foregoing, the Merger with GRT presents an opportunity to increase shareholder value. However, there is no assurance of this.

 

Q: When is the Merger expected to be completed?

 

A: GRT and Flag Ship expect to complete the Merger promptly after they receive Flag Ship’s Shareholder approval at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting and GRT’s shareholder approval at the GRT shareholder meeting provided that the closing conditions as provided in the Merger Agreement are either satisfied or otherwise waived. GRT and Flag Ship currently anticipate the Merger will occur in [●]

 

33

 

Q: By what date must Flag Ship complete a business combination?

 

A: Flag Ship is a special purpose acquisition company formed as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting an initial business combination with one or more businesses. Flag Ship currently must consummate a business combination by the Deadline Date.

 

Q: Why is Flag Ship proposing the Adjournment Proposal?

 

A: Public Shareholders are also being asked to consider and vote upon the Adjournment Proposal to approve the adjournment of the Shareholder Meeting to a later date or dates if Flag Ship determines that more time is necessary to consummate the Merger for any reason. For more information, see the section entitled “Proposal No. 3: The Adjournment Proposal.”

 

Q: If the Merger is completed, when can I expect to receive the Merger Consideration for my Flag Ship Shares?

 

A: If you hold shares in registered form, promptly after the Effective Time of the Merger, GRT will cause the exchange agent to mail to you a letter of transmittal and instructions to effect your exchange of Flag Ship Shares for the Merger Consideration. After receiving the proper documentation from you, the exchange agent will cause the GRT ADSs to which you are entitled under the Merger Agreement to be issued to you in uncertificated book-entry form to the account specified in your completed letter of transmittal (unless you have specifically requested to receive the GRT ADSs in physical form, in which case the exchange agent will forward to you an American Depositary Receipt representing such GRT ADSs). If you hold shares in “street name” through a bank or broker, your position will be converted in your bank or brokerage account, automatically following the Closing. More information on the documentation you are required to deliver to the exchange agent may be found under the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Certificates.”

 

Q: Has GRT’s board of directors approved the Merger?

 

A: Yes. The GRT Board has unanimously determined that the Merger will promote the success of GRT for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole and therefore unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by it and will unanimously recommend that its shareholders vote in favor of the GRT Shareholder Approvals.

 

Q: What vote is required by GRT’s shareholders?

 

A: Once this Form F-4 has become effective, the GRT Board will mail a circular to the GRT shareholders which will, among other things, explain the Merger to GRT shareholders and convene a meeting of GRT shareholders at which the GRT shareholders will be asked to give the GRT Board authority to: (i) allot the Share Merger Consideration in accordance with Section 551 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance; and (ii) waive pre-emption rights in accordance with Section 561 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance; and (iii) amend GRT’s articles of association to provide for, inter alia, applying Delaware law with respect to the dispute relating to Securities Act. The resolution to authorize the allotment of the Share Merger Consideration will be an ordinary resolution requiring a simple majority of votes in favor from GRT shareholders present at the meeting in person or by proxy. The resolutions to waive pre-emption rights and to amend the GRT articles of association will be special resolutions requiring 75% of votes in favor from GRT shareholders present at the meeting in person or by proxy.

 

Q: Where are GRT Shares and GRT ADSs listed?

 

A: GRT Shares are admitted to trading under the symbol “900290.KQ” on KOSDAQ, a market operated by South Korea Stock Exchange. GRT has filed an initial listing application to list the GRT ADSs on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GRTL”

 

34

 

Q: How will trading in Flag Ship Shares be affected by the completion of the Merger?

 

A: Flag Ship will be owned entirely by GRT as a result of the Merger. Flag Ship Shares will be delisted from The Nasdaq Global Market upon the consummation of the Merger and will no longer be traded. Upon the consummation of the Merger, your interest in Flag Ship Shares will only represent the right to receive the Merger Consideration issuable to you in the Merger.

 

Q: Will I receive dividends from GRT on GRT Shares underlying the GRT ADSs?

 

A: GRT does not currently plan paying dividends on its ordinary shares following the Merger. However, if GRT declares and pays a dividend on the ordinary shares underlying the GRT ADSs after completion of the Merger, the depositary has agreed that it will pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it receives from GRT on such underlying shares, after conversion of any cash received into U.S. dollars and net of fees, charges, withholding and deductions as provided for in the deposit agreement. See “Description of GRT American Depositary Shares — Share Dividends and Other Distributions.”

 

Q: Who will manage the Combined Company?

 

A: The current GRT Board and GRT management team will continue to manage the Combined Company following completion of the Merger. For information on the members of the GRT Board and GRT management team, see “Management and Compensation of GRT — Executive Officers and Directors.”

 

Q: If my Flag Ship Shares are held in “street name” by my broker, will my broker vote my Flag Ship Shares for me?

 

A: No. If your shares are held in “street name” in a stock brokerage account or by a broker, bank or other nominee, you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote your shares. Please follow the directions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee to submit a voting instruction card or otherwise communicate your voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee. Please note that you may not vote shares held in “street name” by returning a proxy card directly to Flag Ship or by voting online at the Shareholder Meeting unless you provide a “legal proxy,” which you must obtain from your broker, bank or other nominee

 

If you do not give instructions to your broker, your broker can vote your Flag Ship Shares with respect to “discretionary” items, but not with respect to “non-discretionary” items. Flag Ship believes that each of the Flag Ship Proposals are “non-discretionary” items. If you hold your Flag Ship Shares in “street name” and you do not instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares, your broker, bank or other nominee will not vote your shares on the Business Combination Proposal, the Merger Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal. You should instruct your broker to vote your Flag Ship Shares. Your broker can tell you how to provide these instructions.

 

However, if your broker does not vote, your shares will not be counted as present for the purposes of establishing a quorum.

 

Q: What do I need to do now?

 

A: You are urged to read this proxy statement/prospectus carefully, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” and the appendices and the documents incorporated by reference herein. You may also want to review the documents referenced under “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on pages 341, and consult with your accounting, legal and tax advisors.

 

35

 

After carefully reading and considering the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus, if you do not hold your shares in “street name,” please fill out and sign the proxy card, and then mail your signed proxy card in the enclosed prepaid envelope as soon as possible and not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting so that your shares may be voted at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. If you hold your shares in “street name,” follow the instructions in the previous question. The Flag Ship Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the Business Combination Proposal, “FOR” the Flag Ship Merger Proposal and if presented, “FOR” the Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal. You may also submit your proxy by through the Internet (for t Internet voting instructions, see “The Extraordinary General Meeting of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation Shareholders — Proxies; Board Solicitation”). Your proxy card will instruct the persons named on the card to vote your shares at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting as you direct on the proxy card. If you sign and send in your proxy card and do not indicate how you want to vote, your proxy will be voted as the Flag Ship Board recommends. If you do not vote or if you abstain, it will not have any effect on the vote for the approval of the Business Combination Proposal or the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, assuming a quorum is present at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting.

 

Q: How do I vote?

 

A:If you were a holder of record of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares on the Record Date, you may vote with respect to the proposals in person at the meeting, electronically, or by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided.

 

Voting by Mail. By signing the proxy card and returning it in the enclosed prepaid and addressed envelope, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card to vote your shares at the Shareholder Meeting in the manner you indicate. You are encouraged to sign and return the proxy card even if you plan to attend the Shareholder Meeting so that your shares will be voted if you are unable to attend the Shareholder Meeting. If you receive more than one proxy card, it is an indication that your shares are held in multiple accounts. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your shares are voted. Votes submitted by mail must be received by 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [●], 2024 (being not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the Shareholder Meeting).

 

Voting Electronically or in Person. You may attend and vote at the Shareholder Meeting in person or electronically by visiting https://[●] and entering the control number found on your proxy card or notice included in the proxy materials.

 

Shareholders who hold their investments through a broker, bank or other nominee should follow the directions provided by their broker, bank or other nominee to vote their Flag Ship Ordinary Shares. For more information, see “— If my shares are held in ‘street name,’ will my broker, bank or nominee automatically vote my shares for me?

 

Q: How many votes do I have at the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting?

 

A: For all Proposals, Flag Ship Shareholders are entitled to one vote at the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting for each Flag Ship Share held of record as of [●], 2024, the Record Date for the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting. As of the close of business on the Record Date, there were _____________ outstanding Flag Ship Shares.

 

Q: What will happen if I abstain from voting or fail to vote at the Shareholders’ Meeting?

 

A: At the Flag Ship Shareholder Meeting, a properly executed proxy marked “ABSTAIN” with respect to a particular Proposal will count as present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. For purposes of approval, failure to vote or an abstention will have no effect on the Proposals (assuming a quorum is present).

 

36

 

Q: What will happen if I sign and submit my proxy card without indicating how I wish to vote?

 

A: Signed and dated proxies received by Flag Ship without an indication of how the Flag Ship Shareholder intends to vote on a Proposal will be voted “FOR” each Proposal being submitted to a vote of the Flag Ship Shareholders at the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting.

 

Q: What if I do not want to vote “FOR” any of the proposals?

 

A: If you do not want any of the proposals to be approved, you should vote “AGAINST” such proposal. If you attend the Shareholder Meeting in person or by proxy, you may vote “AGAINST” the proposals and your Flag Ship Ordinary Shares will be counted for the purposes of determining whether the proposals (as the case may be) are approved.

 

However, if you fail to attend the Shareholder Meeting in person or by proxy, or if you do attend the Shareholder Meeting in person or by proxy but you abstain or otherwise fail to vote at the Shareholder Meeting (including as a result of a broker non-vote), your Flag Ship Ordinary Shares will not be counted for the purposes of determining whether any proposal is approved. Accordingly, your abstention or failure to vote (including as a result of a broker non-vote) will have no effect on the outcome of such proposal.

 

The Adjournment Proposal only will be put forth for a vote if Flag Ship determines that additional time is required to consummate the Merger for any reason.

 

Q: If I am not going to attend the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting, should I submit my proxy card instead?

 

A: Yes. Whether you plan to attend the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting or not, please read this proxy statement/prospectus carefully, and vote your Flag Ship Ordinary Shares by completing, signing, dating, and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided to the Company not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the Shareholder Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

Q: May I change my vote after I have mailed my signed proxy card?

 

A: Yes. You may change your vote by sending a later-dated, signed proxy card to Flag Ship’s acting secretary for the Merger or its proxy solicitor so that it is received by Flag Ship at least 48 hours prior to the time of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting or attend the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting in person and vote. You also may revoke your proxy by sending a notice of revocation to Flag Ship’s acting secretary or proxy solicitor, which must be received by them prior to the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. You can find the address of Flag Ship’s acting secretary and proxy solicitor in “Who can help answer my questions?” If your shares are held of record by a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, you must instruct your broker, bank or other nominee that you wish to change your vote by following the procedures on the voting instruction form provided to you by the broker, bank or other nominee. If your shares are held in street name, and you wish to attend the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting and vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting, you must bring to the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting a legal proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee holding your shares, confirming your beneficial ownership of the shares and giving you the right to vote your shares.

 

Q: What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials for the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting?

 

A: You may receive more than one set of voting materials for the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting, including multiple copies of this proxy statement/prospectus and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a holder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card.

 

37

 

Q: Who will solicit and pay the cost of soliciting proxies?

 

A: The expense of filing, printing and mailing this proxy statement/prospectus and the accompanying material will be shared equally by Flag Ship and GRT.

 

Flag Ship has retained Advantage Proxy to assist in soliciting proxies for a fee not to exceed $8,500, along with customary charges for shareholder contact, reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and indemnification against certain losses, costs and expenses. Flag Ship will pay the costs related to the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. Flag Ship may use the services of its directors, officer and employees, who will not be specially compensated, to solicit proxies from Flag Ship Shareholders, either personally or by telephone, facsimile, letter or electronic means. If you have questions about how to vote or direct a vote in respect of your shares, you may contact Advantage Proxy at (877) 870-8565 (toll free), at (206) 870-8565 (collect) or by email at ksmith@advantageproxy.com. Flag Ship has agreed to pay Advantage Proxy a fee of $8,500 and expenses, for its services in connection with the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting.

 

Q: Are there any risks associated with the Merger or related to owning GRT ADSs?

 

A: Yes. There are a number of risks related to the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, or related to owning GRT ADSs that are discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus. Please read with particular care the detailed description of the risks described in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 72 of this proxy statement/prospectus. You should carefully review the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” “Description of GRT Securities,” “Description of GRT American Depositary Shares” and “Comparison of Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders and GRT Shareholders.”

 

Q: Where can I find more information about the companies?

 

A: You can find more information about GRT and Flag Ship in the documents described under “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 341.

 

Q: Who can help answer my questions?

 

A: If you have any questions about the Merger or Flag Ship Proposals or if you need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or the enclosed proxy, you should contact Flag Ship’s proxy solicitor or investor relations department:

 

 

Advantage Proxy, Inc.

P.O. Box 13581

Des Moines, WA 98198

Attn: Karen Smith

Toll Free: (877) 870-8565

Collect: (206) 870-8565

Or

Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation

260 Madison Avenue

8th Floor

New York, NY, 10016
Phone: 646 216-2000

(646) 216-2000

 

To obtain timely delivery, Flag Ship Shareholders must request the materials no later than five business days prior to the Shareholders’ Meeting. You may also obtain additional information about Flag Ship from documents filed with the SEC by following the instructions in the section entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

 

38

 

 

SUMMARY OF THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

 

This summary highlights selected information from this proxy statement/prospectus and does not contain all of the information that is important to you. To better understand the proposals to be submitted for a vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting, and for a more complete description of the Merger, the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, we encourage you to read carefully this entire proxy statement/prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, the Merger Agreement attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus and the sections of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of GRT,” “Business,” and GRT s’ consolidated financial statements and the related notes, in each case contained elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus without charge by following the instructions in the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

Information about the Companies

 

GRT is a manufacturer of precision coating functional new materials and polymer film materials for 5G, consumer electronics, flexible display, automotive, semiconductors, IC, new energy, furniture, and construction industries. Its products include nanoporous materials, biaxially oriented optical grade BOPET, CPI film, explosion-proof film, electromagnetic shielding film, optical adhesive full lamination, PO acid-resistant film, TAC hardening, MLCC release film, photovoltaic backsheet film, laser TV screen, optical protective film, functional tap, lithium battery (aluminum plastic film, ear tap, tape), high-frequency and high-speed ultra-thin flexible copper clad laminates. GRT’s principal executive offices are located at No. 26 Tonggang Road, Changying Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province. Telephone: +86 (0) 510 86928666. GRT’s website address is: www.tonglioptech.com.

 

Flag Ship

 

Flag Ship is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company and formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses, which is referred to throughout this proxy statement/prospectus as an initial business combination.

 

On June 20, 2024, Flag Ship consummated the IPO of 6,900,000 of its Units. Each Unit consists of one Flag Ship Ordinary Share and one Flag Ship Right, each Flag Ship Right entitling the holder thereof to receive one-tenth of one Flag Ship Ordinary Share upon the completion of an initial business combination. The Units were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $69,000,000.

 

Flag Ship Units trade on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “FSHPU.” Commencing on August 15, 2024, the securities comprising the units began separate trading. The Flag Ship Units, Flag Ship Ordinary Shares, and Flag Ship Rights are trading on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “FSHPU,” “FSHP,” and “FSHPR,” respectively.

 

Flag Ship’s address is 26 Broadway, Suite 934, New York, NY, 10014, and phone number is (212) 884-2667.

 

GRT Merger Sub Limited

 

GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT.

 

 

39

 

 

Risk Factors

 

The Merger involves risks, some of which are related to the Merger itself and others of which are related to GRT’s business and to investing in and ownership of GRT Shares and GRT ADSs following the Merger, assuming the Merger is completed. In considering the Merger, you should carefully consider the information about these risks set forth under the section entitled “Risk Factors,” together with the other information included in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

The Cayman Plan of Merger and the Merger Agreement

 

Merger Agreement

 

On October 21, 2024, Flag Ship entered into the Merger Agreement with GRT and Merger Sub, pursuant to which, among other things, Flag Ship will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT. The Merger will become effective at such time as the Cayman Plan of Merger is registered by the Cayman Registrar or at such other time subsequent thereto, but not exceeding 90 days from the date of registration as mutually agreed between Merger Sub and Flag Ship and specified in the Cayman Plan of Merger.

 

At the Effective Time, each Flag Ship Share issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time (excluding shares held by GRT and Flag Ship and dissenting shares, if any) will be automatically converted into the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration, and each right to receive Flag Ship Shares that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be assumed by GRT and automatically converted into a right to receive ordinary shares of GRT, payable in GRT ADSs.

 

Shareholders are urged to read additional information and details of Merger Agreement in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement” on page 185 and the Merger Agreement in its entirety, a copy of which is attached hereto as an appendix.

 

Representations and Warranties of GRT and Flag Ship to Each Other

 

The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties made by GRT and Flag Ship relating to their respective businesses regarding, among other things:

 

  corporate matters, including organization and power to conduct its business, foreign qualifications, corporate authorizations, enforceability, organizational documents and subsidiaries;

 

  authority relative to execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement;

 

  required governmental authorizations;

 

  capitalization;
     
  options, stock-based awards and warrants;
     
  the timely filing of reports with governmental entities;

 

  financial statements, internal controls and accounting;

 

 

40

 

 

  liabilities;

 

  the absence of material adverse changes;

 

  legal proceedings;

 

  business contracts;

 

  employee benefit plans and labor relations;

 

  taxes and tax treatment of the merger;

 

  environmental matters;

 

  intellectual property and real and personal property;

 

  required permits and compliance with applicable laws;

 

  unlawful payments;

 

  insurance;

 

  broker, finder and investment banker fees payable in connection with the merger;

 

  compliance with its respective obligations under the Merger Agreement; and

 

  information supplied for inclusion in this proxy statement/prospectus and other similar documents.

 

The representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement do not survive the Effective Time of the Merger.

 

Covenants

 

As more fully described in this proxy statement/prospectus and as set forth in the Merger Agreement, under the Merger Agreement, each of GRT and Flag Ship agreed to conduct their respective businesses and the businesses of their subsidiaries in the ordinary course and to use commercially reasonable efforts to retain the services of its and their current officers and employees and maintain all insurance policies in effect as of the date of the Merger Agreement.

 

In addition, GRT has agreed that it will not:

 

  knowingly initiate, solicit or engage with, or provide information to, any person concerning offers or proposals relating to an “alternative takeover proposal” for GRT, as described below;

 

  withdraw or modify the recommendation of GRT’s board of directors in favor of the merger in any manner adverse to Flag Ship;

 

  fail to re-affirm the recommendation by GRT’s board of directors in favor of the merger up on written request by Flag Ship; or

 

  resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing.

 

GRT has agreed to cease any existing discussions, communication or negations, including electronic data room access, with any person other than Flag Ship, with respect to an “alternative transaction” for GRT, as described below. In the event that any unsolicited inquiry is made by a potential party to an “alternative transaction,” GRT will notify Flag Ship that such contact has occurred.

 

 

41

 

 

Similarly, Flag Ship has agreed that it will not:

 

  knowingly initiate, solicit or engage with, or provide information to, any person concerning offers or proposals relating to a “Company acquisition transaction,” as described below;

 

  withdraw or modify the recommendation of Flag Ship’s board of directors in favor of the merger in any manner adverse to GRT;

 

  fail to recommend against any “Company acquisition transaction”;

 

  fail to re-affirm the recommendation by Flag Ship’s board of directors in favor of the merger up on written request by GRT; or

 

  resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing.

 

Flag Ship has agreed to cease any existing discussions, communication or negations with any person other than GRT, with respect to a “Company acquisition transaction” with Flag Ship, as described below. In the event that any unsolicited inquiry is made by a potential party to a “Company acquisition transaction,” Flag Ship will notify GRT that such contact has occurred and provide the name of such potential party and proposed terms.

 

Establishment of ADR Facility; Stock Exchange Listing

 

The Merger Agreement provides that GRT will cause a sponsored American depositary receipt facility to be established with a depositary bank for the purpose of issuing the GRT ADSs to be issued to Flag Ship Shareholders pursuant to the Merger, and that GRT will enter into a customary deposit agreement with the depositary, which agreement will provide, among other things, that each GRT ADS will represent and be exchangeable for eight GRT Shares. The Merger Agreement also provides that GRT will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the GRT ADSs to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing on the Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance.

 

Conditions to the Closing of the Merger

 

As more fully described in this proxy statement/prospectus and as set forth in the Merger Agreement, each party’s obligation to effect the Merger is subject to satisfaction or mutual waiver of the following conditions:

 

  each of (i) the registration statement on Form F-4 relating to the registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the issuance of GRT Shares represented by GRT ADSs in the merger, (ii) the registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the registration under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of the GRT ADSs and the underlying GRT Shares is effective and (iii) the Form F-6 relating to the registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the issuances of the GRT ADSs is effective, and the SEC has not issued any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any such registration statement or initiated or threatened any stop order proceedings that are not concluded or withdrawn;

 

  all regulatory approvals to complete required the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are received and related mandatory waiting periods are expired;

 

  the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are approved by GRT shareholders;

 

  the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are approved by Flag Ship Shareholders;

 

 

42

 

 

  no order, judgement, decree, or law is in effect that prevents or makes illegal the performance of the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Merger;
     
  the establishment of a sponsored American depositary receipt facility with a depositary bank on the terms provided for in the Merger Agreement;
     
  Korea Stock Exchange grants clearance with respect to the establishment of the ADR facility, the issue of GRT Shares to the depositary bank, the admission of GRT ADRs to trading on the Nasdaq, the trading of GRT Shares on KOSDAQ following admission of GRT ADRs to trading on Nasdaq or the transfer or issue of any GRT Shares in the ADR facility;
     
  the filing with China Securities Regulatory Commission, shall have been obtained and any mandatory waiting periods related thereto (including any extension thereof) shall have expired;
     
  the GRT ADSs to be issued as merger consideration are approved for listing on the Nasdaq; and
     
  there shall be at least $10,000,000 in available liquidity upon the Closing of the Merger, representing the sum of: (i) funds in the Trust Account following the exercise of all redemption rights by the shareholders of Flag Ship, plus (ii) cash available from any other sources, including, without limitation, a PIPE Investment or other equity or debt financing arrangement mutually acceptable to Flag Ship and GRT.

 

GRT’s and Merger Sub’s obligation to consummate the Merger is further subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions:

 

  the representations and warranties of Flag Ship must be true and correct except, without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company material adverse effect,” as where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on Flag Ship;

 

  Flag Ship must have performed in all material respects all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement;

 

  Flag Ship must deliver to GRT a certificate signed by an authorized officer of Flag Ship stating that the above two conditions have been met;

 

  Flag Ship must deliver written resignations of all officers and directors of Flag Ship;

 

  the absence of any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or development since the date of the Merger Agreement that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company material adverse effect on Flag Ship;

 

  GRT must receive a fully-executed lock-up Agreement from the SPAC Sponsor; and

 

  there is no pending legal proceeding by a governmental entity seeking to enjoin, restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Merger pursuant to any applicable antitrust laws or seeking to impose regulatory restrains via mandatory divestitures or licensing of any assets of GRT or any of its affiliates and Flag Ship.

 

 

43

 

 

Flag Ship’s obligation to consummate the merger is further subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions:

 

  the representations and warranties of GRT must be true and correct except, without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “material adverse effect,” as where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on GRT;

 

  GRT must have performed in all material respects all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement;

 

  GRT must deliver to Flag Ship a certificate signed by an authorized officer of GRT stating that the above two conditions have been met;

 

  GRT must deliver to Flag Ship duly-executed counter-part signature pages for the parties other than the SPAC Sponsor that will be entering into lock-up agreements;

 

  the absence of any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or developments since the date of the Merger Agreement that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on GRT; and

 

  GRT must deliver a duly-executed counter-part signature page of the registration rights agreement.

 

Termination Events

 

As more fully described in this proxy statement/prospectus and as set forth in the Merger Agreement, the Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the consummation of the Merger by mutual written consent of GRT and Flag Ship, and either party may terminate the Merger Agreement in the following circumstances:

 

  if the Merger has not been consummated by February 28, 2025, or such other date as the Flag Ship Shareholders have extended the date by which Flag Ship must enter into a business combination, except that a party may not terminate the Merger Agreement on this basis if its failure to fulfill any of its obligations was a principal cause of the failure to consummate the Merger by such date; or

 

  if any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction issues a final, non-appealable order, issued a law or takes any other action restraining or enjoining the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, except that a party may not terminate the Merger Agreement on this basis if such party’s actions or failure to act has contributed to such order, law or other action by a governmental entity resulting in such restraint or injunction.

 

Flag Ship may terminate the Merger Agreement prior to the completion of the merger:

 

  if the independent directors of GRT cause its board to withdraw or amend its recommendation in favor of the Merger in a manner adverse to Flag Ship;

 

  if the necessary approval of the shareholders of GRT shall not have been obtained; or
     
  if GRT breaches any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement, which breach (i) would result in a material adverse effect on GRT (in the case of representations and warranties) or GRT’s failure to perform in all material respects all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement (in the case of covenants and agreements) and (ii) has not been cured by GRT within 30 days after its receipt of written notice of such breach from Flag Ship.

 

 

44

 

 

GRT may terminate the Merger Agreement prior to the consummation of the merger:

 

  if the independent directors of Flag Ship cause the Flag Ship Board to withdraw or amend its recommendation in favor of the Merger in a manner adverse to GRT;

 

  if the necessary approval of the Flag Ship Shareholders shall not have been obtained; or

 

  if Flag Ship breaches any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement, which breach (i) would result in a material adverse effect on Flag Ship (in the case of representations and warranties) or Flag Ship’s failure to perform in all material respects all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement (in the case of covenants and agreements) and (ii) has not been cured by Flag Ship within 30 days after its receipt of written notice of such breach from GRT.

 

Expenses

 

Whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger, the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will be paid by the party incurring those costs and expenses, except that expense incurred in connection with the printing, filing and mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus will be shared equally by GRT and Flag Ship.

 

Ancillary Agreements

 

In conjunction with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the parties entered into certain related agreements pursuant to the Merger Agreement. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of each of the Ancillary Agreements, copies of each of which are attached hereto as Appendix C. Shareholders are urged to read additional information and details of such Related Agreement in the section entitled “The Ancillary Agreements” on page 199 and such Ancillary Agreements in their entirety.

 

Parent Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreement

 

The Merger Agreement contemplates that, at the Effective Time, GRT will enter into a lock-up and support agreement with Flag Ship and certain shareholders of GRT (“Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement”), with respect to Parent Shares held by the GRT shareholders party to such agreement. In such Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement, each holder will agree that, subject to certain exceptions, during the defined “Lock-Up Period”, it will not (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, or agree to transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the Parent Shares covered by such agreement (the “Restricted Securities”), (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Restricted Securities, or (iii) publicly disclose the intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii). In addition, each Parent shareholder signatory to the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement will agree to vote all of its capital shares in Parent in favor of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and any other proposal included in the Proxy Statement related to the Merger for which the Parent’s board of directors has recommended that the Parent shareholders vote in favor and against any competing transaction.

 

As defined by the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement, the “Lock-Up Period” means, (i) with respect to 50% of the Restricted Securities, the period of time commencing on the closing of the Merger and expiring on the earlier of (A) the date that is six (6) months following the closing or (B) the date on which the closing trading price per Parent Share equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, rights issuances, subdivisions, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any thirty (30)-trading day period commencing after the closing, and (ii) with respect to the remaining 50% of the Restricted Securities, the period of time commencing on the closing of the Merger and expiring on the date this six (6) months following such closing date; or earlier in either case, if subsequent to the closing date, GRT completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of its shareholders having the right to exchange their Parent Shares for cash, securities or other property.

 

 

45

 

 

Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement

 

The Merger Agreement also contemplates that, the Flag Ship and GRT enter into a lock-up agreement with the Sponsor (the “Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement”), with respect to the Parent ADSs to be issued to it in consideration of its ordinary shares of Flag Ship. In such Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement, Sponsor will agree that, subject to certain exceptions, not to transfer the securities defined as “Locked-Up Private Placement Securities” in the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement for a period of 30 days following the closing of the Merger. In addition, Sponsor will agree, subject to certain exceptions, not to transfer the securities defined as “Locked-Up Private Placement Securities” in the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement for the same “Lock-Up Period” as applicable with respect to the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement. The term “transfer”, as used in the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement, has the same meanings as ascribed to such term under the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement

 

Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement

 

Concurrently with execution of the Merger Agreement, the Sponsor entered into a voting and support agreement with Flag Ship and GRT (the “Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement”). Under the Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement, the Sponsor thereto generally agreed to vote all of its shares of Flag Ship in favor of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, each other Company Proposal and any other proposal included in the Proxy Statement related to the Merger for which the Company’s board of directors has recommended that the Company Shareholders vote in favor and against any competing transaction. The Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement prevents transfers of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares held by the Sponsor between the date of the Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement and the termination of the Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement, subject to certain limited exceptions. The Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement will terminate upon the earliest of (a) the termination of the Merger Agreement and (b) the Effective Time.

 

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, GRT, Flag Ship and certain Investors (as defined in the Amended and Restated Rights Registration Agreement), as applicable, will enter into an Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), to be effective as of the Closing, pursuant to which GRT agrees to file a registration statement as soon as practicable upon receipt of a written request from certain shareholders to register the resale of certain registrable securities under the Securities Act, subject to required notice provisions to other parties thereto. GRT has also agreed to provide customary “piggyback” registration rights with respect to such registrable securities and, subject to certain circumstances, to file a resale shelf registration statement to register the resale under the Securities Act of such registrable securities. The Registration Rights Agreement also provides that Parent will pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the securityholders against certain liabilities. The rights granted under the Registration Rights Agreement supersede any prior registration, qualification, or similar rights of the parties with respect to their Company securities or Parent securities.

 

The Extraordinary General Meeting of Flag Ship Shareholders

 

Date, Time and Place of the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting

 

The Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting will be held on [●], 2024 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, in person at [●] and virtually via live webcast at https://www [●], pursuant to the procedures described in this proxy statement/prospectus to consider and vote upon the Proposals.

 

You may attend the Flag Ship Shareholder Meeting and vote your shares during the Shareholder Meeting in person and via live audio webcast by visiting www./[●]. You will need the control number that is printed on your proxy card to enter the Shareholder Meeting. Flag Ship recommends that you log in at least 15 minutes before the meeting to ensure you are logged in when the Shareholder Meeting starts. Please note that you will not be able to attend the Shareholder Meeting in person.

 

If you hold your Flag Ship Ordinary Shares through a bank or broker, you will need to contact Flag Ship’s transfer agent, to receive a control number. If you plan to vote at the Shareholder Meeting, you will need to have a legal proxy from your bank or broker, or if you would like to join and not vote, VStock, our transfer agent, can issue you a guest control number with proof of ownership. Either way you must contact the Flag Ship’s transfer agent for specific instructions on how to receive the control number. Flag Ship can be contacted at the number or email address below. Please allow up to 72 hours prior to the meeting for processing your control number. If you do not have access to the internet, you can listen only to the Shareholder Meeting by dialing [●] (or [●] if you are located outside of the United States and Canada (standard rates apply)) and when prompted enter the pin number [●]#. Please note you will not be able to vote or enter questions during the Shareholder Meeting if you choose to participate telephonically and in such circumstances will not count towards the quorum.

 

 

46

 

 

Purpose of the Flag Ship Shareholders Meeting and Proposals

 

The purpose of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting is to consider and vote upon adoption of the Cayman Plan of Merger, the Merger, and the Merger Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2024, by and among GRT, Flag Ship and Merger Sub, providing for the merger of Flag Ship with and into Merger Sub. Merger Sub will survive the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT.

 

At the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting, Flag Ship Shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the following Proposals:

 

  Proposal 1 – The Business Combination Proposal -- As discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus, Flag Ship is asking its shareholders to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. Flag Ship shareholders should carefully read this proxy statement/prospectus in its entirety for more detailed information concerning the Merger Agreement. Please see the section entitled the “Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal — The Merger Agreement” for additional information and a summary of the material terms of the Merger Agreement. You are urged to read the Merger Agreement in its entirety before voting on this proposal. A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix A.
     
  Proposal 2 – The Flag Ship Merger Proposal -- As discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus, Flag Ship is asking its shareholders to approve the entry by Flag Ship into the Cayman Plan of Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger pursuant to which Flag Ship Merger Sub will merge with and into Merger Sub with Merger Sub being the surviving company of such Merger and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT. Flag Ship shareholders should carefully read this proxy statement/prospectus in its entirety for more detailed information concerning the Merger Agreement. Please see the section entitled the “Proposal No. 2: The Flag Ship Merger Proposal” for additional information. A copy of the Cayman Plan of Merger is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix D.

 

  Proposal 3 – The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal -- As discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus, Flag Ship is asking its shareholders to approve the adjournment of the Shareholder Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, if Flag Ship determines that additional time is required to consummate the Merger. Please see the section entitled “Proposal No. 3: The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal” for additional detail.

 

The Flag Ship Board recommends approval of the Business Combination Proposal, the Flag Ship Merger Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal. On _____, 2024, the Flag Ship Board:

 

determined that it is in the best interests of Flag Ship and Flag Ship Shareholders that Flag Ship enter into the Merger Agreement;

 

approved and declared advisable the Cayman Plan of Merger and the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and

 

resolved to recommend that Flag Ship Shareholders adopt the Merger Agreement and the Cayman Plan of Merger.

 

Voting Power; Record Date

 

You will be entitled to vote or direct votes to be cast at the Flag Ship Shareholder Meeting, if you owned Flag Ship Ordinary Shares at the close of business on ____, 2024, the Record Date for the Flag Ship Shareholder Meeting. You will have one vote per proposal for each Flag Ship Ordinary Share you owned at that time. As of the close of business on the Record Date, there were 8,863,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Flag Ship Rights do not carry voting rights.

 

Flag Ship’s Sponsor has agreed, subject to applicable securities laws, to vote any Flag Ship Ordinary Shares owned by it in favor of the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the Sponsor owns 1,963,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares, which is approximately 22% of the total outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares.

 

 

47

 

 

Quorum and Required Votes

 

The holders of a majority of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares outstanding as of the close of business on the Record Date and entitled to vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting must be present, either in person or by proxy or if a corporation or other non-natural person by its duly authorized representative or proxy, at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to constitute a quorum. Approval of the Business Combination Proposal requires an ordinary resolution, being the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. Approval of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal requires a special resolution under Cayman Islands law, being a resolution of the company passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. The Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution. If presented, the Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal requires an ordinary resolution, being the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting.

 

Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes

 

Abstentions, which are not votes cast, are considered present for the purposes of establishing a quorum but will have no effect with respect to approval of these proposals.

 

Under Nasdaq rules, if a shareholder holds their shares in “street” name through a bank, broker or other nominee and the shareholder does not instruct their broker, bank or other nominee how to vote their shares on a proposal, the broker, bank or other nominee has the authority to vote the shares in its discretion on certain “routine” matters. However, banks, brokers and other nominees are not authorized to exercise their voting discretion on any “non-routine” matters. This can result in a “broker non-vote,” which occurs on a proposal when (i) a bank, broker or other nominee has discretionary authority to vote on one or more “routine” proposals to be voted on at a meeting of shareholders or has received instructions as to how to vote on some but not all of the “non-routine” proposals, (ii) there are one or more “non-routine” proposals to be voted on at the meeting for which the bank, broker or other nominee does not have authority to vote without instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares and (iii) the beneficial owner fails to provide the bank, broker or other nominee with voting instructions on a “non-routine” matter.

 

We believe that all of the proposals to be voted on at the Shareholder Meeting will be considered non-routine matters. As a result, if you hold your shares in street name, your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee cannot vote your shares on any of the proposals to be voted on at the Shareholder Meeting without your instruction. Because all of the proposals to be voted on at the Shareholder Meeting are “non-routine” matters, banks, brokers and other nominees will not have authority to vote on any proposals unless instructed, accordingly Flag Ship does not expect there to be any broker non-votes at the Shareholder Meeting.

 

Redemption Rights for Holders of Public Shares

 

Flag Ship is providing Flag Ship Public Shareholders with the opportunity to redeem Flag Ship Public Shares for cash equal to a pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest but net of taxes payable and amounts released to Flag Ship for working capital purposes, divided by the number of then outstanding Flag Ship Public Shares, upon the Closing, subject to the limitations described herein. However, Flag Ship may not consummate the Merger if it has less than $5,000,001 of net tangible assets immediately prior to or upon consummation of the Merger.

 

Holders of Public Shares will be entitled to receive cash for these shares only if they deliver their shares to the Transfer Agent no later than two (2) business days prior to the Shareholder Meeting. Holders of Public Shares do not need to vote for or against, or even vote at all on, the Merger Proposal, and do not need to be holders of such Public Shares as of the Record Date, in order to exercise redemption rights. If the Merger is not consummated, these shares will not be redeemed for cash. If a holder of Public Shares properly demands redemption, delivers his, her, or its shares to the Transfer Agent as described above, and the Merger is consummated, Flag Ship will redeem each Public Share for a full pro rata portion of the Trust Account, calculated as of two (2) business days prior to the anticipated consummation of the Merger. It is anticipated that this would amount to approximately $[●] per share. If a holder of Public Shares exercises its redemption rights, then it will be exchanging its Flag Ship Ordinary Shares for cash and will no longer own the shares. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Shareholder Meeting — Redemption Rights” for a detailed description of the procedures to be followed if you wish to redeem your shares for cash. Holders of outstanding units must separate the underlying Flag Ship Public Shares and public rights prior to exercising Redemption Rights with respect to the Flag Ship Public Shares.

 

 

48

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Flag Ship Charter provides that a Flag Ship Public Shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking Redemptions with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the Flag Ship Shares sold in the IPO without Flag Ship’s prior written consent.

 

Holders of Flag Ship Rights will not have redemption rights with respect to such Rights. However, holders of Flag Ship Rights will retain their Rights even if they exercise redemption rights with respect to their Public Shares. Accordingly, they may sell their Flag Ship Rights freely in the open market. However, Flag Ship cannot assure the holders of Flag Ship Rights that they will be able to sell their Rights in the open market as there may not be sufficient liquidity in such securities when holders of Rights wish to sell their Rights.

 

Appraisal Rights

 

With respect to the Merger, the Cayman Companies Act under Section 238 provides for a right of Flag Ship's dissenting shareholders to be paid the fair value of their shares in connection with the Merger Proposal, subject to certain limitations under Section 239. In connection with the Merger Proposal, record holders of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares who comply with the applicable requirements and procedures of Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act are entitled, under certain circumstances, to exercise their statutory rights of appraisal to seek payment of the fair value of their Flag Ship Ordinary Shares upon dissenting from the Merger. If you are contemplating the possibility of objecting to the Merger, you should seek advice from a suitably qualified Cayman lawyer. If you do not follow the procedural requirements of the Cayman Companies Act, you will lose your Appraisal Rights. A detailed description of the appraisal rights and procedures available to Flag Ship Shareholders is included in “The Flag Ship Shareholder Meeting — Appraisal Rights” beginning on page 185.

 

Proxy Solicitation

 

Flag Ship is soliciting proxies on behalf of the Flag Ship Board. This proxy solicitation is being made by mail, but also may be made by telephone or in person. Flag Ship has engaged Advantage Proxy to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the Shareholder Meeting.

 

If a shareholder of Flag Ship grants a proxy, such shareholder may still revoke such proxy by attending the Shareholder Meeting and voting in person or electronically. A shareholder of Flag Ship may also change its vote by sending another proxy card with a later date, as described in the section entitled “Shareholder Meeting — Revoking Your Proxy.”

 

Reasons for Flag Ship ’s Board of Directors’ Approval of the Merger

 

Flag Ship was formed to complete a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more business entities. As described above, the Flag Ship board of directors sought to do so by using the networks and industry experience of both the Sponsor, the Flag Ship board of directors, and Flag Ship’s management to identify and acquire one or more businesses.

 

In evaluating the transaction with GRT, the Flag Ship board of directors consulted with its legal counsel and accounting and other advisors. In determining that the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are in Flag Ship’s best interests, the Flag Ship board of directors considered and evaluated a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed below. In light of the number and wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, the Flag Ship board of directors did not consider it practicable to, and did not attempt to, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors that the Flag Ship board of directors considered in reaching its determination and supporting its decision. The Flag Ship board of directors viewed its decision as being based on all of the information available and the factors presented to and considered by the Flag Ship board of directors. In addition, individual directors may have given different weight to different factors. The Flag Ship board of directors realized that there can be no assurance about future results, including results considered or expected as disclosed in the following reasons. This explanation of Flag Ship’s reasons for the Merger and all other information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

The members of the Flag Ship board of directors are well qualified to evaluate the Merger with GRT. The Flag Ship board of directors and management collectively have extensive transactional experience. In particular, in addition to its review of GRT’s equity value and the consideration to be paid in connection with the proposed Merger, the Flag Ship board of directors considered the following reasons or made the following determinations, as applicable:

 

 

49

 

 

  GRT satisfies a number of acquisition criteria that Flag Ship had established to evaluate prospective business combination targets. The Flag Ship board of directors considered the business, history, prospects, credibility, and valuation of GRT and its affiliates, and determined that GRT satisfies a number of criteria and guidelines set forth during the IPO, including (i) unique competitive advantage in the markets and/or underexploited growth opportunities; (ii) strong management team that can create significant value; and (iii) potential to generate strong free cash flow.
     
  Favorable prospects for future growth. Information from Flag Ship and GRT’s management regarding (i) GRT’s business, prospects, financial condition, operations, technology, services, management, competitive position, and strategic business goals and objectives; (ii) general economic, industry, regulatory, and financial market conditions; and (iii) opportunities and competitive factors within GRT’s industry.
     
  Visionary management team with a proven track record of innovation and execution. GRT is led by a management team with extensive experience in the coating material industry, encompassing research and development, and many of them are pioneers in coating material industry.
     
  Best Available Opportunity. The Flag Ship board of directors determined, after a thorough review of other business combination opportunities reasonably available to Flag Ship, that the proposed Merger represents the best potential business combination for Flag Ship based upon the process utilized to evaluate and assess other potential acquisition targets, and the Flag Ship board of directors’ belief that such processes had not presented a better alternative.
     
  Continued Significant Ownership by GRT. The Flag Ship board of directors considered that GRT’s existing equity holders would not be subject substantial dilution in the proposed Merger. The current GRT Shareholders are expected to own approximately [●]% of the outstanding Ordinary Shares, assuming none of Flag Ship ’s Public Shareholders exercise their redemption rights in connection with the Merger.
     
  Use of Retained Proceeds. As represented by GRT’s management, the proceeds to be delivered to GRT in connection with the Merger (including funds that remain in Flag Ship’s trust account after giving effect to payments for redemptions), are expected to remain on the balance sheet of GRT after Closing in order to fund GRT’s existing operations and support new and existing growth initiatives. The Flag Ship board of directors considered these benefits to be realized as a result of the Merger.
     
  Likelihood of Closing the Merger. The Flag Ship Board believes that an acquisition by Flag Ship has a reasonable likelihood of closing without potential issues under applicable antitrust and competition laws and without potential issues from any regulatory authorities.
     
  Due Diligence. The Flag Ship Board reviewed and discussed in detail the results of the due diligence examination of GRT conducted by Flag Ship’s management team and Flag Ship’s financial, legal and regulatory advisors, including extensive telephonic and in-person meetings with the management team and advisors of GRT regarding GRT’s business plan, operations, prospects and forecasts including historical growth trends and market share information as well as end-market size and growth projections, evaluation analyses with respect to the Merger, review of material contracts, GRT’s audited and unaudited financial statements and other material matters, as well as general financial, technical, legal, intellectual property, regulatory, tax and accounting due diligence;
     
  Financial Condition. The Flag Ship Board also considered factors such as GRT’s historical financial results, outlook, financial plan, and debt structure. In considering these factors, the Flag Ship Board reviewed GRT’s historical growth and its current prospects for growth if GRT achieves its business plan and various historical and current balance sheet items of GRT.

 

 

50

 

 

  Negotiated Transaction. The Flag Ship Board considered the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby, each party’s representations, warranties and covenants, the indemnification obligations of Flag Ship’s equityholders, the conditions to each party’s obligation to consummate the Merger and the termination provisions, as well as the strong commitment by both Flag Ship and Flag Ship to complete the Merger.
     
  Fairness Opinion. The Flag Ship Board considered Newbridge Securities’ fairness opinion, in which Newbridge Securities opined that the Merger is “fair” to the shareholders of Flag Ship from a financial perspective.

 

The Flag Ship board of directors also considered a variety of uncertainties and risks and other potentially negative factors concerning the Merger, including but not limited to the following:

 

  Business risk. The risk that the future financial performance of GRT may not meet the Flag Ship board of directors’ expectations due to factors in GRT’s control or out of GRT’s control, such as GRT’s failure to continuously innovate, to attract and retain customers, to adapt to new businesses, to obtain sufficient capital, to maintain its competitive edge in the gaming business, among others.
     
  Industry risk. The risk that the coating material industry in which GRT operates is highly competitive.
     
  Closing of the Merger May Not Occur. The risks and costs to Flag Ship if the Merger is not completed, including the risk of diverting management focus and resources to other business combination opportunities, which could result in Flag Ship being unable to effect a business combination within the timeframe set forth under Flag Ship ’s current charter, forcing Flag Ship to liquidate the trust account.
     
  Current Public Shareholders Exercising Redemption Rights. The potential that a significant number of Public Shareholders elect to redeem their Public Shares prior to the consummation of the Merger and pursuant to the Flag Ship Charter, which would potentially make the Merger more difficult to complete.
     
  Closing Conditions of the Merger. The fact that the Closing is conditioned on satisfying certain closing conditions, many of which are not within Flag Ship’s control.
     
  Flag Ship Shareholders Not Holding a Majority Position in GRT. The fact that Flag Ship Shareholders will not hold a majority position in GRT following the Merger, which will reduce the influence that Flag Ship’s current shareholders have on GRT’s management.
     
  Post-Closing Corporate Governance. The fact that post-Closing, Mr. Yongnan Zhou will own voting power of approximately ___% of total issued and outstanding GRT Ordinary Shares assuming a No Redemption Scenario. Given Mr. Zhou’s voting power over the GRT Ordinary Shares as described in this paragraph, he will effectively be able to nominate, appoint, and remove the entirety of GRT’s board of directors. Mr. Zhou will therefore have significant influence over matters requiring shareholder approval by ordinary resolution and significant influence over matters requiring shareholder approval by special resolution, including significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or sale of GRT or its assets.
     
  Litigation Related to the Merger. The risk of potential litigation challenging the Merger.

 

 

51

 

 

  No Survival of Remedies for Breach of Representations, Warranties, or Covenants of GRT. The Merger Agreement provides that Flag Ship will not have any surviving remedies against GRT or its equity holders after the Closing to recover for losses as a result of any inaccuracies or breaches of the representations, warranties or covenants of GRT set forth in the Merger Agreement. As a result, Flag Ship Shareholders could be adversely affected by, among other things, a decrease in the financial performance or worsening of financial condition of GRT prior to the Closing, whether determined before or after the Closing, without any ability to recover for the amount of any damages. The Flag Ship Board determined that this structure was appropriate and customary in light of the fact that several similar transactions include similar terms and the current equity holders of GRT will be, collectively, the majority equity holders in GRT and therefore would bear a majority of any such losses.
     
  Transaction Fees and Expenses Incurred by Flag Ship. The substantial transaction fees and expenses to be incurred in connection with the Merger and the negative impact of such expenses on Flag Ship ’s cash reserves and operating results if the Merger is not completed.
     
  Negative Impact Resulting from the Announcement of the Merger. The possible negative effect of the Merger and public announcement of the Merger of Flag Ship’s financial performance, operating results, and share price.
     
  Regulatory Affairs. The Flag Ship Board considered the impact of the review of the Merger by various regulatory agencies, including those in the PRC.
     
  Listing Risks. The challenges associated with preparing GRT for the applicable disclosure and listing requirements to which it will be subject as a publicly traded company in the United States.
     
  Benefits May Not Be Achieved. The risks that the potential benefits of the Merger may not be fully achieved or may not be achieved within the expected timeframe;
     
  Market Volatility. The possibility that the market for GRT ADSs experiences volatility and disruptions, causing deal disruption
     
  Liquidation of Flag Ship. The risks and costs to Flag Ship if the Merger is not completed, including the risk of diverting management focus and resources from other business combination opportunities, which could result in Flag Ship being unable to effect a business combination within the required time period provided for in the Flag Ship Charter.
     
  Interests of Certain Persons. The Sponsors and Flag Ship’s officers and directors have interests in the Merger that are different from or in addition to (and which may conflict with) the interests of the Public Shareholders (see “— Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger”);
     
  Fees and Expenses. The fees and expenses associated with completing the Merger.
     
  Other Risks. Other factors that the Flag Ship Board deemed relevant, including various other risks associated with the Merger, Flag Ship’s business, and GRT’s business as described under Risk Factors.

 

Recommendation of the Flag Ship Board

 

The Flag Ship Board has determined that the Merger, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, is advisable and in the best interests of Flag Ship and its shareholders and has directed that the proposals set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus be submitted to its shareholders for approval at the Shareholder Meeting on the date and at the time and place set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus. The Flag Ship Board recommends that Flag Ship’s shareholders vote “FOR” the Business Combination Proposal, “FOR” the Merger Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal (if necessary). See the section entitled “Proposal No. 2: The Business Combination Proposal — Recommendation of the Flag Ship Board and Reasons for the Merger” for additional information.

 

 

52

 

 

Flag Ship’s directors and officers may have financial interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, their interests as shareholders of Flag Ship and the interests of shareholders of Flag Ship generally. The existence of financial and personal interests of one or more of Flag Ship’s directors may result in a conflict of interest on the part of such director(s) between what they may believe is in the best interests of Flag Ship and its shareholders and what they may believe is best for themselves in determining to recommend that shareholders vote for the proposals. See the section entitled “ Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal — Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.”

 

Satisfaction of 80% Test

 

It is a requirement under the Flag Ship Articles and Nasdaq rules that any business acquired by Flag Ship have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance of the funds in the Trust Account (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account, which were subsequently waived) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for an initial business combination. The balance of the funds in the Trust Account (excluding deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the execution of the Merger Agreement with GRT was approximately $[       ] and 80% thereof represents approximately $[       ]. In determining whether the 80% requirement was met, rather than relying on any one factor, Flag Ship’s Board of Directors concluded that it was appropriate to base such valuation on all of the qualitative factors described in this section and the discussion in this proxy statement under the caption “Proposal 2” as well as quantitative factors, such as the anticipated implied equity value of the combined company being approximately $800 million with no material debt expected to be outstanding. Based on the qualitative and quantitative information used to approve the Merger described herein, Flag Ship’s Board of Directors determined that the foregoing 80% net asset requirement was met. Flag Ship’s Board of Directors believes that the financial skills and background of its members qualify it to conclude that the acquisition met the 80% net asset requirement.

 

Accounting Treatment

 

The Merger will be accounted for as a recapitalization through an asset acquisition and not a business combination as Flag Ship does not meet the definition of a business in accordance with GAAP. For more information, see “The Merger — Accounting Treatment.”

 

Ownership of GRT ADS after Closing

 

Upon consummation of the Merger, the Flag Ship Shareholders will become GRT ADS holders. Prior to the Merger, the Flag Ship Public Shareholders who hold shares issued in the IPO own approximately 77.85% of the issued and outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares. After giving effect to the Merger and to the issuance of (1) 1,986,800 GRT ADSs Shares in exchange for the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares held by Sponsor, including GRT ADSs issuable upon conversion of the Flag Ship Rights held by Sponsor, (2) GRT ADSs at each level of redemptions in the table shown below in exchange for Flag Ship Ordinary Shares held by Flag Ship Public Shareholders, including in each case 690,000 GRT ADSs to be issued upon conversion of the Flag Ship Rights held by the Flag Ship Public Shareholders, and (3) 5,200,000 GRT ADSs to the Financial Advisors, it is anticipated that, upon completion of the Merger:

 

  (i) the ownership interests in GRT of Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be [7.94]% and the ownership interests in GRT of the Sponsor and its affiliates will be [2.08]%, assuming no redemption;

 

  (ii) the ownership interests in GRT of Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be [6.25]% and the ownership interests in GRT of the Sponsor and its affiliates will be [2.12]%, assuming 25% redemptions (as defined below);

 

  (iii) the ownership interests in GRT of Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be [4.49]% and the ownership interests in GRT of the Sponsor and its affiliates will be [2.16]%, assuming 50% redemptions (as defined below);

 

  (iv) the ownership interests in GRT of Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be [2.67]% and the ownership interests in GRT of the Sponsor and its affiliates will be [2.20]%, assuming 75% redemptions (as defined below); and

 

  (v) the ownership interests in GRT of Flag Ship Public Shareholders will be [0.78]% and the ownership interests in GRT of the Sponsor and its affiliates will be [2.24]%, assuming maximum redemptions (as defined below).

 

 

53

 

 

The tables below show the anticipated ownership of GRT upon completion of the Merger, along with other potential sources of dilution. The tables show the potential impact of redemptions on the share ownership by non-redeeming shareholders in (i) a no redemption scenario, (ii) 25% redemption scenario, (iii) 50% redemption scenario, (iv) 75% redemption scenario, and (v) maximum redemption scenario. The levels of ownership presented in the tables below assume that 5,200,000 GRT ADSs are issued to the Financial Advisors. The information in the tables below has been rounded to the nearest whole number or the nearest decimal. Therefore, the sum of the numbers in a column may not conform exactly to the total figure given for that column in the below table. In addition, certain percentages presented in the tables below reflect calculations based upon the underlying information prior to rounding and, accordingly, may not conform exactly to the percentages that would be derived if the relevant calculations were based upon the rounded numbers or may not sum due to rounding.

 

    Assuming No Redemption(1)     Assuming 25% Redemption(2)     Assuming 50% Redemption(3)     Assuming 75% Redemption(4)     Assuming Maximum Redemption(5)  
Shareholders   Ownership
in Shares
    Equity
%
    Ownership
in Shares
    Equity
%
    Ownership
in Shares
    Equity
%
    Ownership
in Shares
    Equity
%
    Ownership
in Shares
    Equity
%
 
Holders of Flag Ship Public Shares(6)   7,590,000    7.94%   5,865,000    6.25%   4,140,000    4.49%   2,415,000    2.67%   690,000    0.78%
Sponsor/Insiders Existing Shares(7)   1,986,800    2.08%   1,986,800    2.12%   1,986,800    2.16%   1,986,800    2.20%   1,986,800    2.24%
Existing GRT Shareholders   80,850,000    84.55%   80,850,000    86.10%   80,850,000    87.71%   80,850,000    89.38%   80,850,000    91.12%
Financial Advisors   5,200,000    5.43%   5,200,000    5.53%   5,200,000    5.64%   5,200,000    5.75%   5,200,000    5.86%
Total Shares Outstanding   95,626,800    100.0%   93,901,800    100.0%   92,176,800    100.0%   90,451,800    100.0%   88,726,800    100.0%

 

 
(1) This scenario assumes that no Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(2) This scenario assumes that 1,725,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(3) This scenario assumes that 3,450,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(4) This scenario assumes that 5,175,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(5) This scenario assumes that 6,900,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(6) Includes an aggregate of 690,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares to be issued upon conversion of the outstanding Flag Ship Rights upon consummation of the Merger.
(7) Includes an aggregate of 23,800 GRT ADSs to be issued upon conversion of the Flag Ship Private Rights upon consummation of the Merger.

 

 

54

 

 

Pursuant to the underwriting agreement with Flag Ship’s underwriter in its IPO, Flag Ship will pay a fixed amount of $1,725,000 to the IPO Underwriter as a deferred underwriting commission. This fee is equal to ____%, ___% and ____% of the gross proceeds of the IPO assuming no redemption, 25% redemption, 50% redemption, and 75% redemption, respectively. The number of Public Shares that are redeemed in connection with the Merger will not reduce this fee payable to the IPO Underwriter. As a result, such fee will represent a greater percentage of dilution as the number of Flag Ship Public Shares being redeemed increases. The following table shows the per share value of Ordinary Shares held by non-redeeming holders of Flag Ship and the effective underwriting fee on a percentage basis for shares under a range of redemption scenarios:

 

   

No Redemption

scenario

   

25% Redemption

scenario

    50% Redemption
scenario
   

75% Redemption

scenario

   

Maximum

Redemption scenario

 
Shares     6,900,000       5,175,000       3,450,000       1,725,000       -  
Book value per share                                        
Cash left in Trust Account                                        
Deferred Underwriting Fee Payable to the IPO Underwriter   $ 1,725,000     $ 1,725,000     $ 1,725,000     $ 1,725,000     $ 1,725,000  
Effective underwriting commission(1)     %       %               %       %

 

 
(1) Calculated as deferred underwriting commission of $1,725,000 divided by cash left in the Trust Account post redemption.

 

All of the relative per share value information above is for illustrative purposes only and is based upon certain assumptions as described in the section entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.” Additionally, the relative per share value information above assumes the Merger was consummated on __________, 2024. Should one or more of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual ownership percentages may vary materially from those described in this proxy statement/prospectus as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended.

 

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

 

In considering the unanimous recommendation of the Flag Ship Board to vote in favor of the Merger, Flag Ship Public Shareholders should be aware that, aside from their interests as shareholders, Sponsor and certain members of Flag Ship management have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of other Flag Ship Public Shareholders generally. The existence of financial and personal interests of one or more of Flag Ship’s directors may result in a conflict of interest on the part of such director(s) between what he, she or they may believe is in the best interests of Flag Ship and Flag Ship Shareholders and what he, she or they may believe is best for himself or themselves in determining to recommend that shareholders vote for the proposals. Flag Ship’s directors were aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating the Merger, and in recommending to Flag Ship Shareholders that they approve the Merger. Flag Ship Shareholders should take these interests into account in deciding whether to approve the Merger. These interests include, among other things:

 

  The Sponsor and Flag Ship’s management are not entitled to redemption rights with respect to any Flag Ship Founder Shares and have agreed to waive redemption rights with respect to any Flag Ship Public Shares held by them in connection with the consummation of the Merger. Additionally, the Sponsor and Flag Ship management are not entitled to liquidation rights with respect to any Founder Shares held by them if Flag Ship fails to consummate its initial business combination by the Deadline Date. If Flag Ship does not complete its initial business combination within such applicable time period, the proceeds of the sale of the Flag Ship Private Units held in the Trust Account will be used to fund the liquidation of the Flag Ship Public Shares, and the Flag Ship Rights will expire without the receipt of any value by the holders of such Rights. Accordingly, the Founder Shares would be worthless if the Merger or another business combination is not consummated within the required time period because the holders thereof are not entitled to participate in any redemption or liquidation distribution with respect to such shares. Since Sponsor and Flag Ship management directly or indirectly own Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and Flag Ship Private Rights, Flag Ship management may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate the initial business combination.

 

 

55

 

 

The fact that the Sponsors and Flag Ship’s officers and directors have certain economic interests in the Merger including:

 

that the Sponsor paid an aggregate of $25,000 for 1,725,000 Founder Shares currently owned by the Sponsor, in which certain of Flag Ship’s directors and executive officers hold an indirect interest. The Sponsor also paid an aggregate of $2,380,000 for 238,000 Flag Ship Private Units. The Founder Shares and Private Units may have a significantly higher value at the time of the Merger, and if unrestricted and freely tradable, the Founder Shares would be valued at approximately $[  ] based upon the closing price of $[  ] per Flag Ship Ordinary Share on Nasdaq on [  ], 2024 and the Private Units would be valued at approximately $[  ], based upon the closing price of $[  ] per Public Unit on Nasdaq on [  ], 2024;

 

that Sponsor currently holds an aggregate of 238,000 Flag Ship Rights, which will expire worthless if an initial business combination is not consummated, which if unrestricted and freely tradable would be valued at approximately $[●], based on the closing price of the Flag Ship Rights of $[●] per right on [●], 2024, the Record Date for the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting;

 

that given the differential in the purchase price that Sponsor paid for the Flag Ship Founder Shares as compared to the price of the Flag Ship Units sold in the Flag Ship IPO, Sponsor and its affiliates may earn a positive rate of return on their investment even if the GRT ADSs trade below the price initially paid for the Flag Ship Units in the Flag Ship IPO and the Flag Ship Public Shareholders experience a negative rate of return following the completion of the Merger;

 

that Flag Ship has borrowed certain amounts from the Sponsor pursuant to a promissory note which provides for up to $1,000,000 in working capital loans.

 

based on the value of the Flag Ship securities invested in and the amount of the loans and unreimbursed expenses as set forth below, the aggregate amount that the Sponsor and Flag Ship’s officers and directors have at risk is $2,405,000; and

 

the Sponsor and Flag Ship’s officers and directors will lose their entire investment in Flag Ship if the Merger is not consummated within the required time period.

 

The fact that certain members of Flag Ship management collectively own, directly or indirectly, a material interest in Sponsor.

 

Sponsor and Flag Ship management may have a conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a business combination and financing arrangements as Flag Ship may obtain loans from Sponsor or an affiliate of Sponsor or any of Flag Ship management to finance transaction costs in connection with the initial business combination.

 

The fact that if the SPAC Sponsor was to loan any amount(s) to Flag Ship and/or incur any fees or out-of-pocket expenses on Flag Ship’s behalf, the total sum of such loans, fees and out-of-pocket expenses would be repayable on or after the Closing and constitute Sponsor compensation. If any such amounts were loaned or incurred and Flag Ship failed to complete an initial business combination before its deadline pursuant to the Flag Ship Charter, as may be amended to extend such date, such amounts would be forfeited. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, there is a principal amount of $____________ outstanding under the note payable to the Sponsor and no fees due or out-of-pocket expenses to be repaid by Flag Ship to the Sponsor. Further, however, Flag Ship may incur additional loans to the Sponsor and/or Flag Ship’s officer and directors or become obligated to repay additional fees or out-of-pocket expenses to such persons after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, and such amounts would not be repaid unless Flag Ship consummates its initial business combination within the required time period.

 

 

56

 

 

The Flag Ship Charter provides that Flag Ship renounces any interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for any member of Flag Ship management on the one hand, and Flag Ship, on the other hand, or the participation of which would breach any existing legal obligation, under applicable law or otherwise, of a member of Flag Ship management to any other entity. Flag Ship is not aware of any such corporate opportunities not being offered to Flag Ship and does not believe that waiver of the corporate opportunities doctrine has materially affected Flag Ship’s search for an acquisition target or will materially affect Flag Ship’s ability to complete an initial business combination.

 

If the Trust Account is liquidated, including in the event Flag Ship is unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period, Sponsor has agreed to indemnify Flag Ship to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced below $10.00 per Flag Ship Public Share, or such lesser amount per Flag Ship Public Share as is in the Trust Account on the liquidation date, by the claims of (a) any third party for services rendered or products sold to Flag Ship or (b) a prospective target business with which Flag Ship has entered into a letter of intent, confidentiality or other similar agreement or business combination agreement, but only if such a third party or target business has not executed a waiver of all rights to seek access to the Trust Account.

 

The fact that Sponsor will benefit from the completion of an Initial Merger and may be incentivized to complete an acquisition of a less favorable target company or on terms less favorable to Flag Ship Shareholders rather than liquidate.

 

The fact that Flag Ship has a right to propose a director nominee for the post-closing GRT board of directors.

 

That Flag Ship entered into an agreement, commencing on the date its securities were first listed on Nasdaq and up to the earlier of the consummation of a business combination or its liquidation, to pay the Sponsor or an affiliate a monthly fee of US$10,000 for office space, secretarial and administrative support; as of [October 31], 2024, a total of $[  ] of service fees have been accrued by Flag Ship for services rendered by the Sponsor pursuant to the administrative services agreement.

 

The fact that GRT will indemnify Sponsor and its affiliates and their respective present and former directors and officers for a period of six years from the Closing, in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation and Sponsor’s ownership of Flag Ship securities or its control or ability to influence Flag Ship and the Merger agreement provides that GRT will purchase, at or prior to the Closing, and maintain in effect for a period of six years after the Closing, a “tail” policy providing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage for certain Flag Ship directors and officers after the Merger.

 

The fact that if the Merger or another business combination is not consummated within the required time period, Flag Ship will cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, redeeming 100% of the outstanding Public Shares for cash and, subject to the approval of its remaining shareholders and the Flag Ship Board, liquidating and dissolving.

 

The terms and provisions of the Ancillary Agreements as set forth in detail under the subsection entitled “The Merger — Related Agreements.”

 

 

57

 

 

The table set forth below summarizes the existing interests in Flag Ship securities and the anticipated interests of Sponsor and Flag Ship management as of Closing along with the value of such interests based on, in the case of Sponsor’s and Flag Ship management’s interests, the closing price of the Flag Ship Public Shares and Flag Ship Rights as of [●], 2024, which would be lost if an initial business combination is not completed by the Deadline Date.

 

Name of Holder   Type of
Holder
  Total
Purchase
Price/Capital
Contributions
   

Number of
Founder
Shares

    Number of
Private
Placement
Shares
    Number of
Private
Placement
Rights
   

Number of

GRT ADSs

 
Whale Management Corporation(1)   Sponsor   $ 2,405,000       1,725,000       238,000       238,000       1,986,800  
Matthew Chen(2)   CEO & Chairman   $ 2,405,000       1,725,000       238,000       238,000       1,986,800  
Luhuan Zhong   CFO   $ 0               0       0          
Shan Cui   Director   $ 0               0       0          
Pai Liu   Director   $ 0               0       0          
Wen He   Director   $ 0               0       0          

 

 
(1) The Sponsor paid an aggregate of $25,000 for 1,725,000 Founder Shares prior the Flag Ship’s IPO. On June 20, 2024, the Sponsor purchased the Private Placement Units contemporaneously with the closing of the IPO. Each of our officers and directors is a shareholder of the Sponsor; however, only our Chairman holds voting securities in the Sponsor and is the sole director of the Sponsor with the power to vote or dispose of the securities held by the Sponsor.
(2) Matthew Chen serves as manager for the Sponsor and may be deemed to beneficially own shares held by it by virtue of his control over the Sponsor.

 

The personal and financial interests of the Sponsor as well as Flag Ship’s executive officers and directors may have influenced their motivation in identifying and selecting GRT as a business combination target, completing the Merger with Flag Ship and influencing the operation of the business following the Merger. The existence of such financial and personal interests may result results in conflicts of interest on the part of the Sponsor and such executive officers and directors between what he, she, or they may believe is in the best interests of Flag Ship and what he, she, or they may believe is best for himself, herself, or themselves in determining to recommend that shareholders vote for the proposals. In considering the recommendations of the Flag Ship Board to vote for the proposals, its shareholders should consider these interests. See the section entitled “Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal — Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.

 

Certain Engagements in Connection with the Merger and Related Transactions

 

Deferred Underwriting Commission

 

The underwriters of Flag Ship’s Initial Public Offering are entitled to a deferred fee of two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the gross proceeds of the Initial Public Offering, or $1,725,000. The deferred fee will be paid in cash upon the closing of the Merger from the amounts held in the Trust Account, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.

 

Interest of Financial Advisors in the Merger

 

Leading Edge, LLC (“Leading Edge”) was retained by Flag Ship to provide financial advisory services including analyzing the target’s business, operations and financing plans, and preparing investor presentation and roadshow materials. As compensation for its professional services, Leading Edge has agreed to be paid entirely in GRT Ordinary Shares of ADSs, in an amount of 2,400,000 GRT Ordinary Shares or ADSs upon the closing of the Merger.

 

Dao Capital Group Ltd (“Dao Capital”) was retained by GRT to provide financial advisory services including guiding GRT to formulate its strategy in global capital market, advising GRT the options to complete the 2nd listing at NASDAQ and preparing necessary financing documentations, assisting GRT to establish/improve its internal control system to meet the NASDAQ’s listing requirements, searching for and negotiating with the strategic investors, searching for and negotiating with potential target companies and recommending the SPACs suitable for GRT to acquire or merger with if GRT decides to go listing at NASDAQ through merger with a SPAC, preparing investor presentations and roadshow materials; coordinating with all relevant parties and managing/facilitating the whole process of the 2nd listing at NASDAQ. As compensation for its professional services, Dao Capital agrees to receive (i) cash equal to 3% of the total funds raised after GRT being successfully listed at NASDAQ; and (ii) 3.5% of the issued and outstanding number of GRT Ordinary Shares or ADSs, in amount of 2,800,000 GRT Ordinary Shares or ADS upon closing of the Merger.

 

 

58

 

 

Regulatory Matters

 

The Merger is not subject to any additional federal or state regulatory requirement or approval, except for (i) filings with the Cayman Islands necessary to effectuate the Merger, (ii) filings of solicitation materials required pursuant to Rule 14a-12 of the Exchange Act, (iii) filings required to be made with the Korean Stock Exchange, and (iv) filings required to be made with the CSRC.

 

Listing of GRT ADSs

 

GRT has filed an initial listing application for the GRT ADSs on The Nasdaq Capital Market, effective as of the Closing Date, but such listing is subject to GRT fulfilling all of the listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market. There can be no assurance that the GRT ADSs will be accepted for trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

Delisting and Deregistration of Flag Ship Shares

 

Conditioned on the approval for listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market of the GRT ADSs, in exchange of existing Flag Ship Shares, holders of Flag Ship Shares will receive ordinary shares of GRT, payable in ADSs, immediately following the Closing. As a result, Flag Ship Shares will be delisted from The Nasdaq Global Market and deregistered with the SEC.

 

Risks and Uncertainties Relating to Doing Business in China

 

GRT faces various risks and uncertainties related to doing business in mainland China. GRT’s business operations are primarily conducted in mainland China, and it is subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations in mainland China. For example, it faces risks associated with regulatory approvals on offshore offerings, antimonopoly regulatory actions, and oversight on cybersecurity and data privacy, which may impact its ability to conduct certain businesses, accept foreign investments, or list on a United States stock exchange. These risks could result in a material adverse change in its operations and the value of GRT’s securities, significantly limit or completely hinder its ability to continue to offer securities to investors, or cause the value of such securities to significantly decline. For a detailed description of risks related to doing business in China, please refer to risks disclosed under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in China.”

 

The PRC government has significant authority in regulating GRT’s operations and may influence its operations. It may exert more oversight and control over offerings conducted overseas by, and/or foreign investment in, China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder GRT’s ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors. Implementation of industry-wide regulations in this nature may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline. For more details, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in China — Failure to meet the PRC government’s complex regulatory requirements on and significant oversight over our business operation could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our securities.”

 

Risks and uncertainties arising from the legal system of mainland China, including risks and uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of laws and quickly evolving rules and regulations in mainland China, could result in a material adverse change in GRT’s operations and the value of its securities. For more details, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in China — Uncertainties with respect to the legal system and changes in laws and regulations in mainland China could adversely affect us.”

 

 

59

 

 

The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act

 

Pursuant to the HFCAA, if the SEC determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspections by the PCAOB for two consecutive years, the SEC will prohibit our securities from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report to notify the SEC of its determination that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB issued a report that vacated its December 16, 2021 determination and removed mainland China and Hong Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms. GRT’s auditor is headquartered in Singapore and is and will be subject to PCAOB inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. The PCAOB currently has access to inspect the working papers of GRT’s auditor and such auditor was not subject to the determinations announced by the PCAOB on December 16, 2021. Each year, the PCAOB will determine whether it can inspect and investigate completely audit firms in mainland China and Hong Kong, among other jurisdictions. If the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in mainland China and GRT uses an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit report on its financial statements filed with the SEC, GRT would be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer following the filing of the annual report for the relevant fiscal year. In accordance with the HFCAA, GRT’s securities would be prohibited from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States if it is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for two consecutive years in the future. If GRT’s securities are prohibited from trading in the United States, there is no certainty that it will be able to list on a non-U.S. exchange or that a market for its securities will develop outside of the United States. In the event of such prohibition, the Nasdaq may determine to delist our securities. The delisting of GRT’s securities, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.

 

Permissions Required from the PRC Authorities for GRT’s Operations

 

GRT conducts its business in mainland China primarily through its PRC subsidiaries. Its operations in mainland China are governed by laws and regulations of mainland China. Many aspects of GRT’s business depend on obtaining and maintaining licenses, approvals, permits or qualifications from PRC regulators. Obtaining such approvals, licenses, permits or qualifications depends on GRT’s compliance with regulatory requirements, as applicable. PRC regulatory authorities also have relatively broad discretion to grant, renew and revoke licenses and approvals and to implement laws and regulations. Based on the legal advice of our PRC legal counsel and the PRC laws and regulations currently in effect, and subject to different interpretations of these laws and regulations that may be adopted by PRC authorities, as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, GRT and its subsidiaries have obtained all of the licenses and approvals necessary to operate in China. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, none of the applications by GRT or its subsidiaries for licenses or permits have been denied by the relevant governmental agency or authorities.

 

However, licensing requirements in China are constantly evolving, and GRT and the PRC subsidiaries may be subject to more stringent regulatory requirements due to changes in the political or economic policies in the relevant jurisdictions. We cannot assure you that the PRC subsidiaries will be able to satisfy such regulatory requirements, and as a result, the PRC subsidiaries may be unable to retain, obtain or renew relevant licenses, permits or approvals in the future. Furthermore, the government authorities may subsequently require the PRC subsidiaries and the affiliated entities to obtain additional licenses, permits and approvals. If (i) GRT does not receive or maintain any required permissions or approvals, (ii) GRT inadvertently concluded that certain permissions or approvals have been acquired or are not required, or (iii) applicable laws, regulations or interpretations thereof change and GRT becomes subject to the requirement of additional permissions or approvals in the future, there is no assurance that such permissions or approvals will be able to be obtained in a timely manner, or at all, and such approvals may be rescinded even if obtained. Any such circumstance could subject GRT to sanctions imposed by the PRC regulatory authorities, which could include fines and penalties, proceedings against it, and other forms of sanctions, and GRT’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. For more detailed information, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in China — Uncertainties with respect to the legal system and changes in laws and regulations in mainland China could adversely affect us.”

 

 

60

 

 

In addition, the PRC government has recently sought to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers. The PRC subsidiaries and the affiliated entities may also experience adverse publicity arising from such non-compliance with government regulations that negatively impact us. For more detailed information, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in China — The approval of and filing with the CSRC or other PRC government authorities is required in connection with this Merger of our listing under laws of mainland China. However, we cannot predict whether or when we will be able to obtain such approval or complete such filing, and even if we obtain such approval, it could be rescinded. Any failure to or delay in obtaining such approval or complying with such filing requirements in relation to offering, or a rescission of such approval, could subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC or other PRC government authorities.”

 

Cash and Asset Flows through GRT’s Organization

 

GRT currently conducts its operations through its subsidiaries in China. As a result, GRT’s ability to pay dividends to the shareholders and to service any debt it may incur may depend upon dividends paid by its subsidiaries. If any of its subsidiaries incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing such debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends to GRT. In addition, its PRC subsidiaries are permitted to pay dividends to GRT only out of their accumulated after-tax-profits upon satisfaction of relevant statutory conditions and procedures, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Further, its PRC subsidiaries are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds or may make appropriations to certain discretionary funds, which are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of a solvent liquidation of the companies.

 

Under laws and regulations of mainland China, GRT’s PRC subsidiaries are subject to certain restrictions with respect to paying dividends or otherwise transferring any of their net assets to GRT. Remittance of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned enterprise out of mainland China is also subject to examination by the banks designated by State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE. The amounts restricted include the paid-in capital and the statutory reserve funds of its PRC subsidiaries. Furthermore, cash transfers from GRT’s PRC subsidiaries to entities outside of mainland China are subject to PRC governmental control on currency conversion. As a result, the funds in its PRC subsidiaries in mainland China may not be available to fund operations or for other use outside of mainland China due to interventions in, or the imposition of restrictions and limitations on, the ability of the holding company, or its subsidiaries by the PRC government on such currency conversion. see “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in the PRC—We rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business,” and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in the PRC—PRC regulations of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of our offshore financing to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business,” and Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in China — Restrictions on the remittance of Renminbi into and out of China and governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to pay dividends and other obligations and affect the value of your investment.”

 

Under laws of mainland China, GRT may provide funding to its PRC subsidiaries only through capital contributions or loans, subject to satisfaction of applicable government registration that it is not able to make direct capital contribution. GRT has established cash management policies to direct how funds are transferred among GRT and its subsidiaries to ensure the efficient and compliant handling of funds. These policies dictate that each cash transfer shall (i) go through approval processes, ensuring that only authorized personnel are involved in the transaction, (ii) be properly recorded, facilitating audits and financial reviews, and (iii) be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including anti-money laundering and know-your-customer requirements.

 

 

61

 

 

Permission, Review and Filing Required from the Authorities in Mainland China Relating to the Transactions

 

The PRC government has recently sought to exert more control and impose more restrictions on China-based companies raising capital offshore and such efforts may continue or intensify in the future. On July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC authorities promulgated the Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law, which emphasized the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by mainland China-based companies. Effective measures, such as promoting the establishment of relevant regulatory systems, are to be taken to deal with the risks and incidents of mainland China-based overseas-listed companies, cybersecurity and data privacy protection requirements and similar matters. The revised Measures for Cybersecurity Review issued by Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”) and several other administrations on December 28, 2021 (which took effect on February 15, 2022) also requires that, in addition to critical information infrastructure operators purchasing network products or services that affect or may affect national security, any “online platform operator” carrying out data processing activities that affect or may affect national security should also be subject to a cybersecurity review, and any “online platform operator” possessing personal information of more than one million users must apply for a cybersecurity review before its listing overseas. In the event a member of the cybersecurity review working mechanism is in the opinion that any network product or service or any data processing activity affects or may affect national security, the Office of Cybersecurity Review shall report the same to the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission for its approval under applicable procedures and then conduct cybersecurity review in accordance with the revised Measures for Cybersecurity Review. In addition, on November 14, 2021, the CAC released the Regulations on Network Data Security (Draft for Comments), which clarified that data processors refer to individuals or organizations that autonomously determine the purpose and the manner of processing data, and if a data processor that processes personal data of more than one million users intends to list overseas, it must apply for a cybersecurity review. In addition, data processors that are listed overseas must carry out an annual data security assessment. Nonetheless, there remain substantial uncertainties with respect to the interpretation and implementation of these rules and regulations.

 

Further, according to the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, and five supporting guidelines, issued by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the “CSRC,” on February 17, 2023, collectively the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, if a PRC domestic company intends to complete a direct or indirect overseas (i) initial public offering and listing, or (ii) listing of its assets through a single or multiple acquisitions, share swaps, shares transfers or other means, the issuer (if the issuer is a PRC domestic company) or its designated major PRC domestic operating entity (if the issuer is an offshore holding company), in each applicable event, the reporting entity, shall complete the filing procedures with the CSRC within three business days after the issuer submits its application documents relating to the initial public offering and/or listing or after the first public announcement of the relevant transaction (if the submission of relevant application documents is not required). According to the Overseas Listing Filing Rules and a set of Q&A published on the CSRC’s official website in connection with the release of the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, if it is explicitly required (in the form of institutional rules) by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the relevant industry and field that regulatory procedures should be performed prior to the overseas listing of a PRC domestic company, such company must obtain the regulatory opinion, approval and other documents from and complete any required filing with such competent authority before submitting a CSRC filing. The reporting entity shall make a timely report to the CSRC and update its CSRC filing within three business days after the occurrence of any of the following material events, if any of them occurs after obtaining its CSRC filing and before the completion of the offering and/or listing: (i) any material change to principal business, licenses or qualifications of the issuer; (ii) a change of control of the issuer or any material change to equity structure of the issuer; and (iii) any material change to the offering and listing plan. Once listed overseas, the reporting entity will be further required to report the occurrence of any of the following material events within three business days after the occurrence and announcement thereof to the CSRC: (i) a change of control of the issuer; (ii) the investigation, sanction or other measures undertaken by any foreign securities regulatory agencies or relevant competent authorities in respect of the issuer; (iii) change of the listing status or transfer of the listing board; and (iv) the voluntary or mandatory delisting of the issuer. In addition, the completion of any overseas follow-on offerings by an issuer in the same overseas market where it has completed its public offering and listing would necessitate a filing with the CSRC within three business days thereafter.

 

 

62

 

 

The Overseas Listing Filing Rules came into effect on March 31, 2023 and there remain substantial uncertainties with respect to its interpretation and implementation. Based on the Notice on Administration for the Filing of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies published by the CSRC on February 17, 2023, or the Notice on the Overseas Listing Filing, and the set of Q&A published on the CSRC’s official website, which are in connection with the release of the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, the CSRC clarifies that (i) on or prior to the effective date of the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, domestic companies that have already submitted valid applications for overseas offering and listing but have not obtained approval from overseas regulatory authorities or stock exchanges may reasonably arrange the timing for submitting their filing applications with the CSRC, and must complete the filing before the completion of their overseas offering and listing; (ii) a transition period until September 30, 2023 will be granted to domestic companies which have already obtained the approval from overseas regulatory authorities or stock exchanges but have not completed the indirect overseas listing prior to the effective date of the Overseas Listing Filing Rules; if domestic companies fail to complete the overseas listing prior to September 30, 2023, they shall file with the CSRC according to the requirements. Based on the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, the Notice on the Overseas Listing Filing and the set of Q&A published on the CSRC’s official website, GRT is required to complete the filing procedures with the CSRC in connection with this Merger as required by the Overseas Listing Filing Rules prior to the listing of its securities on Nasdaq. GRT has not yet submitted a filing with the CSRC with respect to the Merger.

 

As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, GRT has not been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by the CAC and it has not received any official inquiry, notice, warning, or sanctions regarding cybersecurity and overseas listing from the CAC, CSRC or any other PRC authorities. Based on the opinion of GRT’s mainland China legal counsel, GRT believes that, as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the completion of the Merger does not require the application or completion of any cybersecurity review from PRC governmental authorities, including the CAC. However, given (i) the uncertainties with respect to the enactment, implementation, and interpretation of the Overseas Listing Filing Rules and laws and regulations relating to data security, privacy, and cybersecurity; and (ii) that the PRC government authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory provisions in general, it cannot be assured that the relevant PRC government authorities will not take a contrary position or adopt different interpretations, or that there will not be changes in the regulatory landscape.

 

If (i) the parties do not receive or maintain any required permission, or fail to complete any required review or filing, (ii) the parties inadvertently conclude that such permission, review or filing is not required, or (iii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change such that it becomes mandatory for the parties to obtain any permission, review or filing in the future, the parties may have to expend significant time and costs to comply with these requirements. If the parties are unable to do so, on commercially reasonable terms, in a timely manner or otherwise, they may become subject to sanctions imposed by the PRC regulatory authorities, which could include fines and penalties, proceedings against it, and other forms of sanctions, and the parties’ ability to conduct business, invest into China as foreign investments or accept foreign investments, complete the Merger, or list on a U.S. or other overseas exchange may be restricted, and its business, reputation, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Further, GRT’s ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors may be significantly limited or completely hindered, and the value of GRT’s securities may significantly decline. For more detailed information, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in China — ”We conduct our business in a highly regulated environment and are subject to extensive regulations in China which affect our operations, and which could result in material changes in our operations and the value of our ordinary shares,” and “— The approval of and filing with the CSRC or other PRC government authorities is required in connection with this Merger of our listing under laws of mainland China. However, we cannot predict whether or when we will be able to obtain such approval or complete such filing, and even if we obtain such approval, it could be rescinded. Any failure to or delay in obtaining such approval or complying with such filing requirements in relation to offering, or a rescission of such approval, could subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC or other PRC government authorities.”

 

 

63

 

 

Emerging Growth Company

 

Following the Merger, GRT will be, an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). As such, it will be eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in their periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. If some investors find the combined company’s securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for the combined company’s securities and the prices of the combined company’s securities may be more volatile.

 

The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. Pursuant to the JOBS Act, the combined company has elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted for public companies. As a result, the combined company’s operating results and financial statements may not be comparable to the operating results and financial statements of other companies who have adopted the new or revised accounting standards.

 

The combined company will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the IPO, (b) in which it has total annual gross revenue of at least US$1.235 billion, or (c) in which the combined company is deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of the combined company’s common equity that is held by non-affiliates exceeds US$700 million as of the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter; and (ii) the date on which the combined company has issued more than US$1.00 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period. References herein to “emerging growth company” have the meaning associated with it in the JOBS Act.

 

Foreign Private Issuer

 

GRT believes it will qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act at the first measurement period following the consummation of the Merger. As a result, GRT anticipates that it will be permitted to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country, Hong Kong, in lieu of the corporate governance standards of Nasdaq applicable to U.S. domestic companies. For example, it will not be required to have a majority of the board consisting of independent directors nor have a compensation committee or a nominating and corporate governance committee consisting entirely of independent directors. As a result, GRT’s shareholders may not have the same protection afforded to shareholders of U.S. domestic companies that are subject to Nasdaq corporate governance requirements. Foreign private issuers are also subject to reduced disclosure requirements and are exempt from certain provisions of the U.S. securities rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers such as the rules regulating solicitation of proxies and certain insider reporting and short-swing profit rules.

 

Material U.S. Tax Considerations

 

The Merger is intended to qualify as a reorganization, however, it is unclear under applicable law whether the Merger will qualify as a reorganization, and the qualification of the Merger as a reorganization may depend on certain facts not ascertainable until after the date hereof. As a result, no opinion of counsel has or will be provided regarding the qualification of the Merger as a reorganization. If the Merger qualifies as a reorganization, and subject to the discussion in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Material Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger—Application of the PFIC Rules to the Merger,” a holder who exchanges Flag Ship Shares for GRT ADSs pursuant to the Merger generally will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the Merger does not qualify as a reorganization, the Merger will be a taxable transaction for U.S. Holders (as defined in the section of this proxy statement/ prospectus titled “Material Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”).

 

 

64

 

 

Please carefully review the information under “Material Tax Consequences — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in this proxy statement/prospectus for a description of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger to U.S. Holders. The tax consequences to you will depend on your own situation. You are urged to consult your tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences to you of the Merger and your receipt of the Merger Consideration, including the applicability and effect of U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax laws in light of your particular circumstances.

 

Comparison of Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders and GRT Shareholders

 

As a result of the Merger, Flag Ship Shareholders will have the right to receive GRT Shares, payable in GRT ADSs, in consideration for their Flag Ship Shares. Former Flag Ship Shareholders will have different rights as holders of GRT ADSs than they did as Flag Ship Shareholders. The differences between the rights of these respective holders result from the differences among (1) Hong Kong and Cayman law, (2) the respective governing documents of Flag Ship and GRT, and (3) the terms of the deposit agreement among the depositary, GRT and the owners and holders and beneficial owners of GRT ADSs. For additional information, see “Comparison of Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders and GRT Shareholders” and “Description of the GRT American Depositary Shares.” For a copy of the Flag Ship Charter, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

 

65

 

 

SUMMARY RISK FACTORS

 

The below summary risks provide an overview of the material risks we are exposed to in the normal course of our business activities. The below summary risks do not contain all of the information that may be important to you, and you should read the summary risks below together with the more detailed discussion of risks set forth following this section under the heading “Risk Factors,” as well as elsewhere in this proxy/prospectus. The summary risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that it currently deems less significant may also affect our business operations or financial results. Consistent with the foregoing, we are exposed to a variety of risks, including those associated with the following:

 

  We are a holding company incorporated in Hong Kong and not an operating company. As a holding company, we conduct our operations through our subsidiaries located in mainland China. The ADSs offered in this offering are equity interests of the holding company and are not equity interests of our operating subsidiaries located in mainland China. Therefore, you will not directly hold any equity interests in our mainland China-based operating subsidiaries.

 

  We are subject to certain legal and operational risks associated with having all of our operations in mainland China. The local government has significant authority to exert influence on the current business operations of our operating subsidiaries. Therefore, investors of the Company face potential uncertainty from the local regulatory authority of our operating subsidiaries. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in mainland China — Recent greater oversight by the CAC over data security, particularly for companies seeking to list on a foreign exchange, could adversely impact our business and our offering.

 

  Our ADSs may be delisted from a national exchange or prohibited from being traded over-the-counter under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act if the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “PCAOB”) is unable to inspect our auditors for two consecutive years. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Doing Business in mainland China — Joint statement by the SEC and the PCAOB proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and the newly enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their auditors, especially the non-U.S. auditors who are not inspected by the PCAOB. These developments could add uncertainties to our offering.”

 

  We are an “emerging growth company” as defined under the federal securities laws and will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. Please read the disclosures beginning on page 131 of this prospectus for more information.

 

We will qualify as a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act and will therefore be exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. In addition, we are permitted to follow certain corporate governance practices of Hong Kong. Please read the disclosures beginning on page 132 of this prospectus for more information.

 

 

Our Ordinary Shares have been listed on KOSDAQ since 2016, and GRT has not distributed dividends to its shareholders or investors for each fiscal year between 2023 and 2024. For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 and 2024, we have not received any dividends or distributions from our subsidiaries, nor have we paid any dividends or distributions to our shareholders. However, on November 5, 2024, GRT paid stock dividends to existing shareholders, in an amount of 0.2 ordinary shares per each ordinary share issued and outstanding, for a total of 13,475,000 shares. In addition, On November 6, 2024, the Board of Directors of GRT adopted resolutions authorizing the interim dividend distribution in the amount of RMB 24282058 (approximately US$3,382,750 based on the exchange rate of US$1=RMB7.1782 as of November 6, 2024 published by The Federal Reserve, the Central Bank of the United States), representing 5% of the consolidated net profit of GRT for the fiscal year ended on June 30, 2024, the shareholders as of record date of December 12, 2024 are eligible for this dividend distribution.

 

  The constant changing environment in which we are doing business is unsteady, including the wars in middle east, the war between Ukraine and Russia may have adverse impact on our business.

 

  We face significant competition, and if our competitors develop and market technologies or products more rapidly than we do or that are more effective, safer or less expensive than the products we develop, our commercial opportunities will be negatively impacted.

 

 

66

 

 

We are subject to risks related to supply chain disruption and our results of operations may be adversely affected by fluctuations in market prices for raw materials.

 

We have not strictly complied with the Chinese social insurance law and failed to contribute the full amount of the statutory social insurance fund, therefore, we may be subject to claims by the employees and enforcement action by the social insurance administration agency, which may further expose us to negative publicity and impact adversely our financial results;

 

Our current insurance policies may not provide adequate levels of coverage against all claims and we may incur losses that are not covered by our insurances.

 

We expect to continue to experience rapid growth and organizational change. If we fail to manage our growth effectively, we may be unable to execute our business plan, maintain high levels of service and customer satisfaction or attract new employees and customers.

 

If we are unable to obtain and maintain patent and other intellectual property protection for any products we develop, or if the scope of the patent and other intellectual property protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize products and technology similar or identical to ours, and our ability to develop new products in particular and our business performance in general may be adversely affected.

 

  We may need to defend ourselves against intellectual property infringement claims, which may be time-consuming and could cause it to incur substantial costs.

 

  The deteriorating US-China relationship may impose additional challenge to our business.

 

  If we become directly subject to the scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm our operating subsidiaries’ business operations, the ADS price, and our reputation.

 

Summary Financial Data of Flag Ship

 

The following table provides summary selected financial information to correspond to the selected financial data provided for Flag Ship in “Selected Financial Data of Flag Ship.” For further information on selected financial data of Flag Ship, see “Selected Financial Data of Flag Ship.”

 

Statements of Operations Data:

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(unaudited)
   

Year Ended
December 31,

(audited)

 
Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“$”), except for number of shares   2024     2023     2023    

2022

 
Dividend income earned in investments held in Trust Account   $ 989,243     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Other income   $ -     $ 4,250     $ -     $ -  
Net income (loss)   $ 432,463     $ (45,804 )   $ (62,399 )   $ (107,192 )
Basic and diluted net income per ordinary shares subject to possible redemption   $ 0.10     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, ordinary shares subject to possible redemption     2,568,613       -       -       -  
Basic and diluted net income (loss), ordinary shares attributable to Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation   $ 0.10     $ (0.03 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.07 )
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, ordinary shares attributable to Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation     1,813,599       1,500,000       1,500,000       1,500,000  

 

 

67

 

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“$”)   September 30,
2024

(unaudited)
   

December 31,
2023

(audited)

   

December 31,
2022

(audited)

 
Balance Sheet Data:                        
Cash and cash equivalents     215       116,210       182,408  
Total assets     70,110,003       150,548       216,879  
Total liabilities     2,052,979       433,554       437,486  
Accumulated deficit     (1,934,182 )     (308,006 )     (245,607 )
Total stockholders’ deficit     (1,932,219 )     (283,006 )     (220,607 )

 

Summary Historic Financial Data of GRT

 

The following table provides summary selected financial information to correspond to the selected financial data provided for GRT in “Selected Historic Financial Data of GRT.” For information on selected financial data of GRT, see “Selected Historic Financial Data of GRT.”

 

    Year Ended
June 30,
 
U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share data   2023     2024  
Revenues   $ 581,229,763     $ 633,127,741  
Income from operations     60,773,061       110,671,318  
Net income   $ 45,701,767     $ 82,869,373  
Other comprehensive income                
Foreign currency translation adjustment     41,993,300       1,546,758  
Comprehensive income     87,695,067       84,416,131  
Basic and diluted net loss per common share     0.68       1.23  
Weighted average common shares used in computing basic and diluted net income per common share     67,375,000       67,375,000  

 

U.S. dollars in thousands   As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Balance Sheet Data:                
Cash and cash equivalents     77,292,964       49,575,286  
Total assets     1,223,143,495       1,131,561,240  
Total liabilities     484,899,139       544,045,225  
Retained earnings     447,397,351       383,900,592  
Total shareholders’ equity     738,244,356       587,516,015  

 

 

68

 

 

Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

 

The following table provides summary selected unaudited pro forma financial information to correspond to the unaudited pro forma financial information provided for GRT and Flag Ship in “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.” For information on selected, see “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”

 

   

Pro Forma
Combined

(Assuming No
Redemptions
& Divesture)

   

Pro Forma
Combined

(Assuming 25%
Redemptions
& Divesture)

   

Pro Forma
Combined

(Assuming 50%
Redemptions
& Divesture)

   

Pro Forma
Combined

(Assuming 75%
Redemptions
& Divesture)

   

Pro Forma
Combined

(Assuming 100%
Redemptions
& Divesture)

 
Cash and cash equivalents     143,364,828       125,867,517       108,370,207       90,872,896       73,375,585  
Total assets     1,288,837,502       1,271,340,191       1,253,842,881       1,236,345,570       1,218,848,259  
Total liabilities     485,227,118       485,227,118       485,227,118       485,227,118       485,227,118  
Ordinary shares subject to possible redemption     -       -       -       -       -  
Total shareholders’ equity     803,610,384       786,113,073       768,615,763       751,118,452       733,621,141  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity     1,288,837,502       1,271,340,191       1,253,842,881       1,236,345,570       1,218,848,259  

 

 

69

 

 

COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

 

Market Prices

 

The primary trading market for GRT Shares is KOSDAQ, a market operated by Korea Stock Exchange, where GRT Shares trade under the ticker symbol “900290.KQ.” As of June 30, 2024, there were 63,375,000 GRT Shares issued and outstanding. GRT has filed an initial listing application to list the GRT ADSs on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GRTL.”

 

Flag Ship Shares trade on The Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “FSHP.” As of November __, 2024, there were 8,863,000 Flag Ship Shares outstanding. Flag Ship Units and Flag Ship Rights are currently listed on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “FSHPU” and “FSHPR”, respectively.

 

The following table shows the closing sales price for GRT Shares from the Daily Official List of the KOSDAQ in KRW and as converted into U.S. dollars, the closing sales price for Flag Ship ordinary shares as reported by The Nasdaq Global Market, and the market value (in U.S. dollars) of the Merger consideration per share, in each case on (i) October 18, 2024, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the Merger Agreement, and (ii) _____, 2024, the last practicable trading day before the printing of this proxy statement/prospectus:

 

    Closing Sales
Price of GRT
Ordinary Shares
    Closing Sales
Price of Flag Ship
Ordinary Shares
    Flag Ship
Ordinary Share
Price Equivalent Value
 
October 18, 2024     3,645       10.05          
                         
                         

 

 
(1) Consists of the closing sales price of GRT Shares on __________ of ____ multiplied by ___, and converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of ₩1 = $____ (the prevailing exchange rate on such date).
(2) Consists of the closing sales price of GRT Shares on _____ of____ multiplied by ____, and converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of ₩ 1 = $______ (the prevailing exchange rate on such date).

 

The trading price of GRT Shares is denominated in KRW and the KRW-U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates continuously. You are urged to obtain current market quotations for GRT Shares and Flag Ship Shares and to assess KRW/dollar exchange rates before making a decision with respect to the Merger Agreement.

 

Holders

 

As of [●], 2024, the Record Date, there was [●] holders of record of Flag Ship Units, [●] holders of record of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and [●] holders of record of Flag Ship Rights. The number of holders of record does not include a substantially greater number of “street name” holders or beneficial holders whose Flag Ship Units, Ordinary Shares and Public Rights are held of record by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.

 

As of November ____, 2024, the capital stock of GRT consists of 80,850,000 Ordinary Shares, all of which are issued and outstanding. As of such date, there were [●] holders of record of shares of GRT Ordinary Shares.

 

Dividends

 

Flag Ship has not paid any cash dividends to date and does not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of the Merger.

 

GRT has not distributed dividends to its shareholders for each fiscal year between 2022 and 2023. On November 5, 2024, GRT paid stock dividends to its existing shareholders, with 0.2 shares per share, for a total of 13,475,000 shares. On November 6, 2024, the Board of Directors of GRT adopted resolutions authorizing the interim dividend distribution in the amount of RMB 24,282,058 (approximately US$3,382,750 based on the exchange rate of US$1=RMB7.1782 as of November 6, 2024 published by The Federal Reserve, the Central Bank of the United States), representing 5% of the consolidated net profit of GRT for the fiscal year ended on June 30, 2024, the GRT’s shareholders as of record date of December 12, 2024 are eligible for this dividend distribution.

 

 

70

 

 

COMPARATIVE PER SHARE INFORMATION

 

The following table shows per share data regarding book value per share and earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations for Flag Ship and GRT on a historical and on a pro forma basis extracted from the data as presented in this proxy statement/prospectus in the section entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information.” The pro forma combined book value per share information was computed as if the Merger had been completed on June 30, 2024. The Flag Ship pro forma combined equivalent information was calculated by multiplying the corresponding pro forma combined data by the exchange ratio of ____ GRT Shares, equivalent to, and payable in, ____ of a GRT ADS, for each ordinary share of Flag Ship held. This information is intended to illustrate how each Flag Ship Share would have participated in the Combined Company’s earnings per share and book value per share if the Merger had been completed on the relevant dates. These amounts are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect future amounts of earnings per share and book value per share of GRT.

 

The following comparative per share information is derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of each of Flag Ship and GRT. The information below should be read in conjunction with the sections entitled “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Information of GRT” beginning on page 145, “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Information of Flag Ship” beginning on page 144 and “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information” beginning on page 147 of this proxy statement/prospectus. See also “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 341.

 

Flag Ship’s unaudited financial statements began on October 1, 2023 and ended on September 30, 2024; and GRT’s 2024 fiscal year began on July 1, 2023 and ended on June 30, 2024. For purposes of the following table, book value per share information is as of September 30, 2024, and earnings per share (basic and diluted) is for the year ended September 30, 2024.

 

    ($)  
Book Value Per Share(1)        
GRT historical     10.96  
Flag Ship historical     (1.07 )
Pro forma combined (Assuming No Redemptions & Divesture)     8.40  
Pro forma combined (Assuming 25% Redemptions & Divesture)     8.37  
Pro forma combined (Assuming 50% Redemptions & Divesture)     8.34  
Pro forma combined (Assuming 75% Redemptions & Divesture)     8.30  
Pro forma combined (Assuming 100% Redemptions & Divesture)     8.27  
         
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share        
GRT historical     1.23  
Flag Ship historical     0.10
Pro forma combined (Assuming No Redemptions & Divesture)     0.86  
Pro forma combined (Assuming 25% Redemptions & Divesture)     0.87  
Pro forma combined (Assuming 50% Redemptions & Divesture)     0.89  
Pro forma combined (Assuming 75% Redemptions & Divesture)     0.90  
Pro forma combined (Assuming 100% Redemptions & Divesture)     0.92  

 

 
(1) Book Value Per Share is defined as total equity divided by issued shares less treasury shares held as of the balance sheet date.

 

 

71

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to GRT and its subsidiaries prior to the Closing.

 

You should carefully consider the following information to understand the risks associated with the Merger and an investment in GRT ADSs, which you will receive pursuant to the Merger, before deciding whether to vote in favor of the Flag Ship Proposals. You should also consider the other information in this proxy statement/prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including the Merger Agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

Investing in GRT Shares or GRT ADSs involves risks, some of which are related to the merger. In considering the proposed merger, you should carefully consider the following information about these risks, as well as the other information included in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including GRT’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes and “Managements’ Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.” The risks and uncertainties described below are those significant risk factors, currently known and specific to us, that we believe are relevant to an investment in the ADSs. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also harm us and adversely affect the ADSs.

 

You are also encouraged to read and consider the risk factors specific to Flag Ships’ businesses (that may also affect GRT) described in Flag Ships’ final prospectus on Form 424(b) because, as a result of the Merger, they will become our risks.

 

Please see “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 341, for information on where you can find the periodic reports and other documents we and Flag Ship have filed with or furnished to the SEC.

 

72

 

Risks Related to Flag Ship and the Merger

 

The completion of the Merger is subject to a number of important conditions, and the Merger Agreement may be terminated before the completion of the Merger in accordance with its terms. As a result, there is no assurance that the Merger will be completed.

 

The completion of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver, as applicable, of a number of important conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including the approval of the Merger by the shareholders of Flag Ship, our obtaining the GRT Shareholder Approvals, the approval of the listing of the ADSs on Nasdaq, that there be available liquidity of $10,000,000 as of the closing, and several other customary closing conditions. If these conditions are not satisfied, the Merger Agreement may be terminated by either party and you will not receive the Merger Consideration. For more information, see “The Merger Agreement.”

 

The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information included in this proxy statement/ prospectus may not be representative of our results after the Merger.

 

The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus has been presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations that actually would have occurred had the transactions been consummated as of the dates indicated, nor is it indicative of our future operating results or financial position after the assumed consummation of the transactions. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information present the combination of our financial information and the financial information of Flag Ship after giving effect to the Merger and related adjustments described in the accompanying notes. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”

 

The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information does not reflect future events that may occur, including any future nonrecurring charges resulting from the Merger, and does not consider potential impacts of current market conditions on revenues or expense. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information is based in part on certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Our assumptions may not prove to be accurate over time.

 

You are being offered a fixed number GRT ADSs, which involves the risk of market fluctuations.

 

You will receive a fixed number of GRT ADSs representing GRT Shares in the Merger, rather than a number of GRT Shares or GRT ADSs with a fixed market value. Consequently, the market value of GRT Shares and GRT ADSs, and of the Flag Ship Shares at the time of the completion of the Merger, may fluctuate significantly from the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, and the exchange ratio in the Merger might not be reflective of future market price ratios of GRT Shares relative to Flag Ship securities. In addition, the market price of GRT Shares and Flag Ship Shares may be adversely affected by arbitrage activities occurring prior to the completion of the Merger. These sales, or the prospects of such sales in the future, could adversely affect the market price for, and the ability to sell in the market, Flag Ship Shares before the Merger is completed and GRT Shares before and GRT Shares and GRT ADs after the Merger is completed.

 

The Merger may not result in increased share liquidity for GRT’s shareholders, including former Flag Ship Shareholders, following the Merger.

 

We are undertaking the Merger because we believe that the Merger will provide us and Flag Ship, and our and their respective shareholders, with a number of advantages, including providing our shareholders and Flag Ship Shareholders with securities that we expect will enjoy greater market liquidity than the securities these shareholders currently hold. However, the Merger may not accomplish these objectives. We cannot predict whether a liquid market for the newly issued GRT ADSs and existing GRT Shares will be maintained. If the Merger does not result in increased liquidity for the securities held by our shareholders and Flag Ship Shareholders, you may experience a decrease in your ability to sell the GRT ADSs you receive in the Merger compared to your ability to sell the Flag Ship Shares you currently hold.

 

73

 

Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders will experience immediate dilution as a consequence of the issuance of GRT’s ordinary shares as consideration in the Merger.

 

Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders will experience immediate dilution as a consequence of the issuance of the ordinary shares as consideration in the Merger. Flag Ship shareholders will have an ownership percentage in GRT following the Merger that will be less than their existing ownership percentage in Flag Ship as a result of dilution attributable to the relative equity values of the companies involved in the Merger. Having a minority share position may reduce the influence that current Public Shareholders have on the management of GRT. It is anticipated that upon completion of the Merger and assuming no redemptions by the Public Shareholders, Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders will retain an ownership interest of approximately [7.94] % of GRT, the Sponsors and other Insiders will retain an ownership interest of approximately [2.08]% of GRT, and the GRT shareholders will own approximately [84.55]% of GRT. These levels of ownership interest: (a) include the impact of the shares issuable upon conversion of the Flag Ship Rights, (b) the issuance of a total of 5,200,000 GRT ADSs to the Financial Advisors, and (c) assume that no additional public shareholder exercises redemption rights with respect to its shares for a pro rata portion of the funds in the Trust Account. If the actual facts are different from these assumptions (which they are likely to be), the percentage ownership retained by the Flag Ship shareholders will be different. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”

 

The tables below show the anticipated ownership of GRT upon completion of the Merger, along with other potential sources of dilution. The tables show the potential impact of redemptions on the share ownership by non-redeeming shareholders in (i) a no redemption scenario, (ii) 25% redemption scenario, (iii) 50% redemption scenario, (iv) 75% redemption scenario, and (v) 100% redemption scenario. The levels of ownership presented in the tables below assume that 5,200,000 GRT ADSs are issued to the Financial Advisors. The information in the tables below has been rounded to the nearest whole number or the nearest decimal. Therefore, the sum of the numbers in a column may not conform exactly to the total figure given for that column in the below table. In addition, certain percentages presented in the tables below reflect calculations based upon the underlying information prior to rounding and, accordingly, may not conform exactly to the percentages that would be derived if the relevant calculations were based upon the rounded numbers or may not sum due to rounding.

 

   Assuming No Redemption(1)   Assuming 25% Redemption(2)   Assuming 50% Redemption(3)   Assuming 75% Redemption(4)   Assuming Maximum Redemption(5) 
Shareholders  Ownership
in Shares
   Equity
%
   Ownership
in Shares
   Equity
%
   Ownership
in Shares
   Equity
%
   Ownership
in Shares
   Equity
%
   Ownership
in Shares
   Equity
%
 
Holders of Flag Ship Public Shares(6)   7,590,000    7.94%   5,865,000    6.25%   4,140,000    4.49%   2,415,000    2.67%   690,000    0.78%
Sponsor/Insiders Existing Shares(7)   1,986,800    2.08%   1,986,800    2.12%   1,986,800    2.16%   1,986,800    2.20%   1,986,800    2.24%
Existing GRT Shareholders   80,850,000    84.55%   80,850,000    86.10%   80,850,000    87.71%   80,850,000    89.38%   80,850,000    91.12%
Financial Advisors   5,200,000    5.43%   5,200,000    5.53%   5,200,000    5.64%   5,200,000    5.75%   5,200,000    5.86%
Total Shares Outstanding   95,626,800    100.0%   93,901,800    100.0%   92,176,800    100.0%   90,451,800    100.0%   88,726,800    100.0%

 

 
(1) This scenario assumes that no Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(2) This scenario assumes that 1,725,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(3) This scenario assumes that 3,450,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(4) This scenario assumes that 5,175,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(5) This scenario assumes that 6,900,000 Public Shares are redeemed by Public Shareholders.
(6) Includes an aggregate of 690,000 GRT ADSs to be issued upon conversion of the outstanding Flag Ship Rights upon consummation of the Merger.
(7) Includes an aggregate of 23,800 GRT ADSs to be issued upon conversion of the Flag Ship Private Rights upon consummation of the Merger.

 

74

 

The issuance of additional ordinary shares will significantly dilute the equity interests of existing holders of Flag Ship securities and may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Public Shares and Public Rights.

 

Holders of Flag Ship Shares and rights may recognize gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes from the Merger, regardless of whether the Merger qualifies as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

The Merger is intended to qualify as a Reorganization, however, it is unclear under applicable law whether the Merger will qualify as a Reorganization, and the qualification of the Merger as a Reorganization may depend on certain facts not ascertainable until after the date hereof. As a result, no opinion of counsel has or will be provided regarding the qualification of the Merger as a reorganization. Even if the Merger qualifies as a Reorganization, U.S. Holders may be required to recognize gain on account of the application of the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules. As described in more detail in the discussion in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Material Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger—Application of the PFIC Rules to the Merger,” if, as is expected to be the case, Flag Ship is treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes and we are not, a U.S. holder who exchanges Flag Ship Shares or rights for GRT ADSs pursuant to the Merger generally will recognize gain (but not loss) for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless, solely with respect to a U.S. Holder’s Flag Ship Shares, Flag Ship is a “pedigreed QEF” with respect to such U.S. Holder (which requires the U.S. Holder to have made and maintained a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”) election with respect to the Flag Ship Shares). However, the classification of either Flag Ship and us as a PFIC will depend on the composition of Flag Ship’s or our, as the case may be, assets and income, and no opinion of counsel has or will be provided regarding the classification of either Flag Ship or us as a PFIC. It is not expected that a U.S. Holder of Flag Ship rights will have been able to make a QEF election with respect to such rights.

 

If the Merger does not qualify as a Reorganization, the Merger will be a taxable transaction for U.S. Holders.

 

For additional information, including regarding the treatment of Flag Ship warrants and rights, see “Material Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.” The tax consequences of the Merger to you will depend on the facts of your own situation. You should consult your tax advisor in this regard.

 

Litigation relating to the Merger could result in an injunction preventing the completion of the Merger and/or substantial costs to Flag Ship and the combined company.

 

Securities class action lawsuits and derivative lawsuits are often brought against public companies that have entered into acquisition, merger, or other business combination agreements. Even if such a lawsuit is without merit, defending against these claims can result in substantial costs and divert management time and resources. An adverse judgment could result in monetary damages, which could have a negative impact on Flag Ship’s liquidity and financial condition.

 

Lawsuits that may be brought against Flag Ship or its directors could also seek, among other things, injunctive relief or other equitable relief, including a request to rescind parts of the Merger Agreement already implemented and to otherwise enjoin the parties from consummating the Merger. One of the closing conditions to the Merger are that no injunction by any court, administrative agency, or other governmental entity has been entered and continues to be in effect and no law having such effect has been adopted or is effective. Consequently, if a plaintiff is successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting completion of the Merger, that injunction may delay or prevent the Merger from being completed within the expected timeframe or at all, which may adversely affect Flag Ship’s and GRT’s respective business, financial position and results of operation.

 

There can be no assurance that any of the defendants will be successful in the outcome of any pending or any potential future lawsuits. The defense or settlement of any lawsuit or claim that remains unresolved at the time the Merger are completed may adversely affect the combined company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

75

 

Additional shares or other equity securities of GRT may be issued without the approval of Flag Ship or its shareholders, which would dilute the ownership interests of Flag Ship shareholders and may depress the market price of GRT’s shares.

 

Additional shares of GRT or other equity securities of equal or senior rank in the future in connection with, among other things, future acquisitions or repayment of outstanding indebtedness may be issued without shareholder approval, in a number of circumstances.

 

Such issuance of additional shares of GRT or other equity securities of equal or senior rank could have the following effects:

 

the proportionate ownership interest in GRT held by former Flag Ship shareholders will decrease;

 

the relative voting strength of shares of GRT issued to former Flag Ship shareholders may be diminished; or

 

the market price for shares of GRT may decline.

 

If the benefits of the Merger do not meet the expectations of financial analysts, the market price of GRT’s shares may decline.

 

The market price of GRT’s shares may decrease as a result of the Merger if GRT does not achieve the perceived benefits of the Merger as rapidly, or to the extent anticipated by, financial analysts, or at all, or if the effect of the Merger on GRT’s financial results is not consistent with the expectations of financial analysts. Accordingly, holders of GRT’s shares may experience a loss as a result of a drop in the market price of GRT’s shares. In addition, a decline in the market price of GRT’s shares could adversely affect GRT’s ability to issue additional securities and obtain financing in the future.

 

In addition, following the Merger, fluctuations in the price of GRT’s securities could contribute to the loss of all or part of your investment. Prior to the Merger, there has not been a public market for GRT’s securities. Accordingly, the valuation ascribed to GRT’s securities in the Merger may not be indicative of the actual price that will prevail in the trading market following the Merger. If an active market for GRT’s securities develops and continues, the trading price of its securities following the Merger could be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond its control.

 

Termination of the Merger could negatively impact Flag Ship.

 

If the Merger is not completed for any reason, including as a result of Flag Ship’s shareholders declining to approve the proposals required to effect the Merger, the ongoing business of Flag Ship may be adversely impacted and, without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the Merger, Flag Ship would be subject to a number of risks, including the following:

 

Flag Ship may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on its stock price;

 

Flag Ship will have incurred substantial expenses and will be required to pay certain costs relating to the Merger, whether or not it is completed; and

 

since the Merger Agreement restricts the conduct of Flag Ship’s businesses prior to completion of the Merger, Flag Ship may not have been able to take certain actions during the pendency of the Merger that would have benefitted it as an independent company, and the opportunity to take such actions may no longer be available.

 

Flag Ship will be forced to liquidate the Trust Account if it cannot consummate a business combination by June 20, 2026 (or such later date as may be approved by Flag Ship’s shareholders in an amendment to the Flag Ship Charter). In the event of a liquidation, Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders will receive approximately $[●] per share and the Flag Ship Rights will expire worthless.

 

If Flag Ship is unable to complete a business combination by June 20, 2026 (or such later date as may be approved by Flag Ship’s shareholders in an amendment to the Flag Ship Charter) and is forced to liquidate, the per-share liquidation distribution will be distributed to public shareholder of Flag Ship. Furthermore, in such an event, Flag Ship’s Rights will expire worthless as a result of Flag Ship’s failure to complete a business combination.

 

76

 

Flag Ship’s independent registered public accounting firm’s report contains an explanatory paragraph that expresses substantial doubt about Flag Ship’s ability to continue as a “going concern.”

 

As of September 30, 2024, Flag Ship had ___ in cash and working capital deficits of $___, which indicated a lack of liquidity it needed to sustain operations for a reasonable period of time, which was considered to be one year from the issuance date of the financial statements. Further, Flag Ship has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant costs as a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting, and auditing compliance), as well as expenses in connection with its proposed Merger with GRT. Flag Ship cannot assure you that any efforts to raise capital (if required) or to consummate an initial business combination (including the proposed Merger with GRT) will be successful. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about Flag Ship’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements contained elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus do not include any adjustments that might result from Flag Ship’s inability to continue as a going concern.

 

You must tender your ordinary shares in order to validly seek redemption at the Shareholder Meeting.

 

In connection with tendering your shares for redemption, you must elect either to physically tender your share certificates to Flag Ship’s transfer agent, VStock, or to deliver your ordinary shares to VStock electronically using DTC’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian) System, in each case at least two business days before the Shareholder Meeting. The requirement for physical or electronic delivery ensures that a redeeming holder’s election to redeem is irrevocable once the Merger is consummated. Any failure to observe these procedures will result in your loss of redemption rights in connection with the vote on the Merger.

 

The Initial Shareholders who own ordinary shares and private placement units will not participate in liquidation distributions and, therefore, they may have a conflict of interest in determining whether the Merger is appropriate.

 

As of the Record Date, the Initial Shareholders of Flag Ship owned an aggregate of 1,963,000 ordinary shares. They have waived their right to redeem these shares, or to receive distributions with respect to these shares upon the liquidation of the Trust Account if Flag Ship is unable to consummate a business combination. Based on a market price of $[●] per share and $[●] per unit on the Record Date, the value of these shares was approximately $____ million. These ordinary shares acquired by the Initial Shareholders prior to the IPO will be worthless if Flag Ship does not consummate a business combination. Consequently, directors’ and officers’ discretion in identifying and selecting GRT as a suitable target business may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether the terms, conditions, and timing of the Merger are appropriate and in Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders’ best interest.

 

If Flag Ship’s security holders exercise their registration rights with respect to their securities, it may have an adverse effect on the market price of Flag Ship’s securities.

 

Flag Ship’s Initial Shareholders are entitled to make a demand that it registers the resale of their insider shares at any time after closing. Additionally, Flag Ship’s Initial Shareholders, officers, and directors are entitled to demand that Flag Ship register the resale of the shares underlying any securities its Initial Shareholders, officers, directors, or their affiliates may be issued in payment of working capital loans made to us at any time after Flag Ship consummates a business combination. If such persons exercise their registration rights with respect to all of their securities, then there will be additional 1,986,800 ordinary shares eligible for trading in the public market. The presence of these additional ordinary shares trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of Flag Ship’s securities. Flag Ship’s Initial Shareholders may sell all or a significant portion of these shares upon registration of such shares for resale even if the then trading price of GRT’s securities is considerably lower than the current trading price of the Flag Ship ordinary shares, which may further exacerbate the ability of securities of Flag Ship (or GRT upon Closing) to trade at a premium to its current market price.

 

In the event that a significant number of Public Shares are redeemed, GRT’s securities may become less liquid following the Merger.

 

If a significant number of public shares are redeemed, Flag Ship may be left with a significantly smaller number of shareholders. As a result, trading in the share of GRT may be limited and your ability to sell your shares in the market could be adversely affected. GRT intends to apply to list its ADSs on Nasdaq, and Nasdaq may not list GRT’s securities, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in Flag Ship’s securities and subject Flag Ship to additional trading restrictions.

 

GRT will be required to meet the initial listing requirements to be listed on Nasdaq following the Merger. GRT may not be able to meet those initial listing requirements or it may not be able to maintain the listing of its securities in the future.

 

If GRT fails to meet the listing requirements and Nasdaq does not list its securities on its exchange, the Merger will not close. In connection with the shareholder vote on the Merger, holders of Flag Ship’s ordinary shares (excluding the Sponsor) have the right to redeem their ordinary shares for cash at a redemption price of approximately $[●] per share. Any redemptions of its ordinary shares will also reduce the public float and the number of shareholders that Flag Ship has. In light of these redemption rights, Flag Ship cannot give assurance that it will be able to satisfy either the Nasdaq public float requirement or the Nasdaq minimum number of round lot shareholders currently or as of a particular date. It is possible that, in order to meet the Nasdaq listing requirements, Flag Ship and/or GRT may have to raise additional funding, either through a private placement or a backstop arrangement, with no assurance that they will be able to obtain the necessary funding on reasonable terms, if any.

 

77

 

In addition, in order to assist its ability to comply with Nasdaq initial listing standards, GRT may also seek to register with the SEC the resale of the ADSs held by its current shareholders in addition to the registration of the ADSs covered by this proxy statement/prospectus. Such additional registration statement, upon effectiveness, would allow for the ADSs held by nonaffiliates of GRT to be included in GRT’s public float for purposes of complying with the Nasdaq listing rules.

 

However, even if GRT meets the initial listing requirements, if it is subsequently delisted, GRT could face significant material adverse consequences, including:

 

  a limited availability of market quotations for GRT’s securities;
     
  reduced liquidity with respect to GRT’s securities;
     
  a determination that its shares are a “penny stock,” which will require brokers trading in GRT’s securities to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for GRT’s securities;
     
  a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for the post-transaction company; and
     
  a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

 

Legal proceedings in connection with the Merger could delay or prevent the completion of the Merger.

 

Lawsuits may be filed against Flag Ship or its directors and officers in connection with the Merger. Defending this or any additional lawsuits could require Flag Ship to incur significant costs and draw the attention of its management team away from the Merger. Further, the defense or settlement of any lawsuit or claim that remains unresolved at the time the Merger is consummated may adversely affect the post-combination Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Such legal proceedings could delay or prevent the Merger from becoming effective within the agreed-upon timeframe.

 

GRT’s ability to successfully effect the Merger and to be successful thereafter will be dependent upon the efforts of the key personnel of Flag Ship and GRT. The loss of key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of GRT and its financial condition could suffer as a result.

 

GRT and Flag Ship’s key personnel and their efforts play a key role in the Merger. Their ability to successfully effect the Merger is dependent on the efforts of the key personnel of Flag Ship and GRT. It is possible that GRT will lose some key personnel, the loss of which could negatively impact the operations and profitability of GRT. GRT anticipates that some or all of its management will remain in place.

 

The success of GRT depends to a significant degree upon the continuous contributions of senior management, certain of whom would be difficult to replace. Departure by certain of GRT officers could have a material adverse effect on GRT’s business, financial condition, or operating results.

 

Flag Ship can provide no assurances that its due diligence review has identified all material risks associated with the Merger, and you may be less protected as an investor from any material issues with respect to GRT’s business, including any material omissions or misstatements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Merger, than an investor in an initial public offering.

 

Prior to entering into the Merger Agreement, Flag Ship conducted a due diligence review of GRT and its subsidiaries, including its business and operations; however, Flag Ship cannot assure you that its due diligence review identified all material issues, and certain unexpected risks may arise, and previous known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with Flag Ship’s preliminary risk analysis. In addition, the scope of due diligence Flag Ship has conducted in conjunction with the Merger may be different than would typically be conducted in the event GRT pursued an underwritten initial public offering. In a typical initial public offering, the underwriters of the offering conduct due diligence on the company to be taken public, and following the offering, the underwriters are subject to liability to private investors for any material misstatements or omissions in the registration statement. While potential investors in an initial public offering typically have a private right of action against the underwriters of the offering for any of these material misstatements or omissions, there are no underwriters of the ordinary shares that will be issued pursuant to the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, and thus no corresponding right of action is available to Flag Ship’s shareholders for any material misstatements or omissions in such registration statement and this proxy statement/ prospectus. Thus, as a shareholder, you may be exposed to future losses, impairment charges, write-downs, write-offs, or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on GRT’s financial condition, results of operations, and the price of its securities, causing you to lose some or all of your investment without recourse against an underwriter that may have been available had GRT been taken public through an underwritten public offering.

 

78

 

The Sponsor and some of Flag Ship’s directors and executive officers have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of Flag Ship’s shareholders generally in recommending that shareholders vote in favor of approval of the Merger Proposal and approval of the other proposals described in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

In considering the recommendation of Flag Ship’s board of directors to vote in favor of the Merger, shareholders should be aware that, aside from their interests as shareholders, the Sponsor and certain of Flag Ship’s directors and officers have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of other shareholders generally. Flag Ship’s directors were aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating the Merger, in recommending to shareholders that they approve the Merger and in agreeing to vote their shares in favor of the Merger. Shareholders should take these interests into account in deciding whether to approve the Merger. These interests include, among other things, the fact that:

 

  If the Merger with GRT or another business combination is not consummated by June 20, 2026 (or such later date as may be approved by Flag Ship’s shareholders in an amendment to the Flag Ship Charter), Flag Ship will cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, redeeming 100% of the outstanding Public Shares for cash and, subject to the approval of its remaining shareholders and Flag Ship’s board of directors, liquidating and dissolving. In such event, the Founder Shares held by the Sponsor, which were acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 prior to the Flag Ship IPO, are expected to be worthless because the holders are not entitled to participate in any redemption or distribution of proceeds in the Trust Account with respect to such shares. On the other hand, if the Merger is consummated, each outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Share will be converted into one GRT Ordinary Share, subject to adjustment as described in the Merger Agreement.

 

If Flag Ship is unable to complete a business combination within the required time period, the Sponsor will be liable under certain circumstances described herein to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by Flag Ship for services rendered to or, contracted for or, for products sold to, Flag Ship. If Flag Ship consummates a business combination, on the other hand, Flag Ship will be liable for all such claims.

 

The Sponsor acquired the Founder Shares, which will be converted into GRT Ordinary Shares in connection with the Merger, for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 prior to the Flag Ship IPO. Based on the average of the high and low prices for Flag Ship ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Global Market on the Record Date, the value of the Founder Shares outstanding upon the Closing would be $[●].

 

The Sponsor acquired 238,000 Private Placement Units, which will be converted into GRT Ordinary Shares in connection with the Merger, for an aggregate purchase price of $2,380,000 in the Flag Ship IPO. Based on the price of the Public Units on the Nasdaq Global Market of $[●] on the Record Date, the value of the Private Placement Units outstanding upon the Closing would be $[●].

 

As a result of the prices at which the Sponsor acquired the Founder Shares and the Private Placement Units, and their current value, the Sponsor could make a substantial profit after the completion of the Merger even if Flag Ship Public Shareholders lose money on their investments as a result of a decrease in the post-combination value of their Public Shares.

 

The Sponsor and Flag Ship’s officers and directors and their affiliates are entitled to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with certain activities on Flag Ship’s behalf, such as identifying and investigating possible business targets and business combinations. However, if Flag Ship fails to consummate a business combination within the required period, they will not have any claim against the Trust Account for reimbursement. Accordingly, Flag Ship may not be able to reimburse these expenses if the Merger or another business combination is not completed by June 20, 2026 (or such later date as may be approved by Flag Ship’s Shareholders in an amendment to the Flag Ship amended and restated articles of association).

 

79

 

If Flag Ship is unable to complete a business combination within the required time period, the aggregate dollar amount of non-reimbursable funds would be approximately $______, reflecting the market value of Founder Shares, the market value of Private Units, amounts outstanding under the Second Promissory Note (as defined below) and out-of-pocket unpaid reimbursable expenses.

 

Flag Ship has provisions in the Flag Ship amended and restated articles of association waiving the corporate opportunities doctrine on an ongoing basis, which means that Flag Ship’s officers and directors have not been obligated and continue to not be obligated to bring all corporate opportunities to Flag Ship.

 

The Merger Agreement provides for the continued indemnification of Flag Ship’s current directors and officers and the continuation of directors and officers liability insurance covering Flag Ship’s current directors and officers.

 

Flag Ship’s Sponsor, affiliates of the Sponsor, officers, and directors may make loans from time to time to Flag Ship to fund certain capital requirements. On August 30, 2024, Flag Ship issued a promissory note in the principal amount of up to $1,000,000 (“Promissory Note”) to the Sponsor pursuant to which the Sponsor will loan to Flag Ship up to $1,000,000 to pay the transaction costs relating to the Merger.

 

Flag Ship entered into an agreement, commencing June 20, 2024 through the earlier of the consummation of a business combination or its liquidation, to pay the Sponsor a monthly fee of $10,000 for office space, utilities, secretarial, and administrative services.

 

Matthew Chen, an officer of Flag Ship and a shareholder of the Sponsor, will be a member of the board of directors of GRT following the closing of the Merger and, therefore, in the future as long as he continues to serve on the board of directors of GRT, he will receive cash fees, share options, or share-based awards that the board of directors of GRT determines to pay to its non-executive directors.

 

The personal and financial interests of Flag Ship’s Sponsor, officers and directors may have influenced their motivation in identifying and selecting GRTs, completing the Merger and may influence their operation of GRT following the Merger. This risk may become more acute once the deadline of June 20, 2026 (or such later date as may be approved by Flag Ship’s shareholders in an amendment to the Flag Ship amended and restated articles of association) for completing an initial business combination becomes near.

 

In addition, Flag Ship has not adopted a policy that expressly prohibits its directors, officers, security holders, or affiliates from having a direct or indirect pecuniary or financial interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by Flag Ship or in any transaction to which Flag Ship is a party or has an interest. Flag Ship does not have a policy that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by GRT. Accordingly, such persons or entities may have a conflict between their interests and Flag Ship’s.

 

The Flag Ship board of directors and its officers was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the Transactions and in recommending to Flag Ship’s shareholders that they vote “FOR” the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting. In considering the recommendations of the Flag Ship board of directors to vote for the proposals, its shareholders should consider these interests.

 

80

 

The exercise of Flag Ship’s directors’ and officers’ discretion in agreeing to changes or waivers in the terms of the Transactions may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether such changes to the terms of the Transactions or waivers of conditions are appropriate and in Flag Ship’s shareholder’ best interest.

 

In the period leading up to Closing, events may occur that, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, would require Flag Ship to agree to amend the Merger Agreement, to consent to certain actions taken by GRT or to waive rights that Flag Ship is entitled to under, or conditions of, the Merger Agreement. Such events could arise because of a request by GRT to undertake actions that would otherwise be prohibited by the terms of the Merger Agreement or the occurrence of other events that would have a material adverse effect on GRT’s business and would entitle Flag Ship to terminate the Merger Agreement. In any of such circumstances, it would be at Flag Ship’s discretion, acting through the Flag Ship board of directors, to grant its consent or waive those rights or conditions. The existence of the financial and personal interests of the directors described in the preceding risk factors (and described elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus) may result in a conflict of interest on the part of one or more of the officers and directors between what he, she or they may believe is best for Flag Ship and what he, she or they may believe is best for himself, herself or themselves in determining whether or not to take the requested action. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, Flag Ship does not believe there will be any material changes or waivers that Flag Ship’s directors and officers would be likely to make after the mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus. While certain changes could be made without further shareholder approval, Flag Ship will circulate a new or amended proxy statement/prospectus or supplement thereto if changes to the terms of the Transactions that would have a material impact on its shareholders are required prior to the vote on the Merger Proposal.

 

Neither Flag Ship nor its shareholders will have the protection of any indemnification, escrow, price adjustment, or other provisions that allow for a post-closing adjustment to be made to the total merger consideration in the event that any of the representations and warranties made by GRT in the Merger Agreement ultimately proves to be inaccurate or incorrect.

 

The representations and warranties made by GRT and Flag Ship to each other in the Merger Agreement will not survive the consummation of the Merger. As a result, Flag Ship and its shareholders will not have the protection of any indemnification, escrow, price adjustment, or other provisions that allow for a post-closing adjustment to be made to the total merger consideration if any representation or warranty made by GRT in the Merger Agreement proves to be inaccurate or incorrect. Accordingly, to the extent such representations or warranties are incorrect, Flag Ship would have no indemnification claim with respect thereto and its financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Flag Ship’s shareholders who are not affiliates of the Sponsor may be exposed to greater risk as a result of becoming shareholders of the combined company through the Merger rather than acquiring securities of GRT directly in an underwritten public offering as a result of the differences between the two transaction structures, including that the Merger did not involve an independent due diligence review by an underwriter and that the Sponsor has conflicts of interest in connection with the Merger.

 

Because there is no independent third-party underwriter involved in the Merger or the issuance of Flag Ship’s securities in connection therewith, investors will not receive the benefit of any outside independent review of the respective finances and operations of Flag Ship and GRT and their subsidiaries. Underwritten public offerings of securities conducted by a licensed broker-dealer are subjected to a due diligence review by the underwriter or dealer manager to satisfy statutory duties under the Securities Act, the rules of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and the national securities exchange where such securities are listed. Additionally, underwriters or dealer-managers conducting such public offerings are subject to liability for any material misstatements or omissions in a registration statement filed in connection with the public offering. As no such review will be conducted in connection with the Merger, Flag Ship’s shareholders must rely on the information in this proxy statement/prospectus and will not have the benefit of an independent review and investigation of the type normally performed by an independent underwriter in a public securities offering.

 

81

 

If GRT became a public company through an underwritten public offering, the underwriters would be subject to liability under Section 11 of the Securities Act for material misstatements and omissions in the initial public offering registration statement. In general, an underwriter is able to avoid liability under Section 11 if it can prove that, it “had, after reasonable investigation, reasonable ground to believe and did believe, at the time the registration statement became effective, that the statements therein (other than the audited financial statements) were true and that there was no omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.” In order to fulfill its duty to conduct a “reasonable investigation,” an underwriter will, in addition to conducting a significant amount of due diligence on its own, usually require that an issuer’s independent registered public accounting firm provide a comfort letter with respect to certain numbers included in the registration statement and will require the law firm for the issuer to include in its legal opinion to the underwriters a statement that such counsel is not aware of any material misstatements or omissions in the initial public offering registration statement (“Counsel Negative Assurance Statements”). Auditor comfort letters and Counsel Negative Assurance Statements are generally not required in connection with private companies going public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company, such as Flag Ship, and no auditor comfort letter or Counsel Negative Assurance Statements have been requested or obtained in connection with the Merger or the preparation of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

In addition, the amount of due diligence conducted by Flag Ship and its advisors in connection with the Merger may not be as high as would have been undertaken by an underwriter in connection with an initial public offering of GRT. Accordingly, it is possible that defects in GRT’s business or problems with GRT’s management that would have been discovered if GRT conducted an underwritten public offering will not be discovered in connection with the Merger, which could adversely affect the market price of the GRT ADSs.

 

Unlike an underwritten initial public offering, the initial trading of the GRT’s securities will not benefit from the book-building process undertaken by underwriters that helps to inform efficient price discovery with respect to opening trades of newly listed shares and underwriter support to help stabilize, maintain or affect the public price of the new issue immediately after listing. The lack of such a process in connection with the listing of GRT’s securities on Nasdaq could result in diminished investor demand, inefficiencies in pricing, and a more volatile public price for GRT’s securities during the period immediately following the listing.

 

Furthermore, the Sponsor and certain of Flag Ship’s directors and executive officers have interests in the Merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Flag Ship’s shareholders generally. Such interests may have influenced Flag Ship’s directors in making their recommendation that you vote in favor of the Merger Proposal and the other proposals described in this proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, the value of the Sponsor’s Founder Shares will be significantly greater than the amount the Sponsor paid to purchase such shares in the event the Merger is completed, even if the Merger causes the trading price of GRT ADSs to materially decline.

 

Activities taken by existing Flag Ship’s shareholders to increase the likelihood of approval of the Merger Proposal and the other proposals described in this proxy statement/prospectus could have a depressive effect on Flag Ship’s securities.

 

At any time prior to the Shareholder Meeting, during a period when they are not then aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Flag Ship or its securities, the Sponsor, directors, officers, advisors, or any of their respective affiliates and/or their respective affiliates may purchase shares from institutional and other investors who vote, or indicate an intention to vote, against the Merger Proposal, or execute agreements to purchase such shares from such investors in the future, or they may enter into transactions with such investors and others to provide them with incentives to acquire Flag Ship ordinary shares or vote their shares in favor of the Merger Proposal. The purpose of such share purchases and other transactions would be to increase the likelihood of satisfaction of the requirements to consummate the Transactions where it appears that such requirements would otherwise not be met. Entering into any such arrangements may have a depressive effect on Flag Ship’s securities. For example, as a result of these arrangements, an investor or holder may have the ability to effectively purchase shares at a price lower than the market price and may therefore be more likely to sell the shares they own, either prior to or immediately after the Shareholder Meeting.

 

82

 

The Sponsor may beneficially own a significant equity interest in Flag Ship and may take actions that conflict with your interests.

 

The interests of the Sponsor may not align with the interests of Flag Ship and its other shareholders. The Sponsor is in the business of making investments in companies and may acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with Flag Ship. The Sponsor and its respective affiliates may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to Flag Ship’s business and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to Flag Ship.

 

Flag Ship and GRT have incurred and expect to incur significant costs associated with the Merger. Whether or not the Merger is completed, the incurrence of these costs will reduce the amount of cash available to be used for other corporate purposes by Flag Ship if the Merger is not completed.

 

Each of Flag Ship and GRT has incurred and expects that it will incur significant, non-recurring costs in connection with the Merger and operating as a public company following the Closing. Flag Ship and GRT may also incur additional costs to retain key employees. Flag Ship and GRT will also incur significant legal, financial advisor, accounting, banking, and consulting fees, fees relating to regulatory filings and notices, SEC filing fees, printing and mailing fees, and other costs associated with the Merger, which will be paid by GRT following the Closing. Even if the Merger is not completed, Flag Ship expects to incur approximately $1.0 million in expenses. These expenses will reduce the amount of cash available to be used for other corporate purposes by Flag Ship if the Merger is not completed.

 

If Flag Ship were deemed to be an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act, it may be forced to abandon its efforts to complete the Merger and instead be required to liquidate.

 

As indicated above, Flag Ship completed its initial public offering on June 20, 2024, and has operated as a blank check company searching for a target business with which to consummate an initial business combination since such time. On January 24, 2024, the SEC adopted final rules (the “SPAC Final Rules”) relating to, among other matters, the extent to which special purpose acquisition companies like Flag Ship could become subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). The SPAC Final Rules provide that whether a SPAC is an “investment company” under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the subject to the Investment Company Act is based on particular facts and circumstances. A specific duration period of a SPAC is not the sole determinant, but one of the long-standing factors to consider in determination of a SPAC’s status under the Investment Company Act. A SPAC could be deemed as an investment company at any stage of its operation. The determination of a SPAC’s status as an investment company includes analysis of a SPAC’s activities, depending upon the facts and circumstances, including but not limited to, the nature of SPAC assets and income, the activities of a SPAC’s officers, directors and employees, the duration of a SPAC, the manner a SPAC holding itself out to investors, and the merging with an investment company. The SPAC Final Rules were published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2024, and became effective on July 1, 2024 (125 days after publication in the Federal Register).

 

Flag Ship’s business will be to identify and complete a business combination and thereafter to operate the post-business combination business or assets for the long term. Flag Ship does not believe that its activities or the Merger or other transactions described herein will subject it to the Investment Company Act. To this end, the proceeds held in the Trust Account may only be held in an interest-bearing bank demand deposit account, or invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these instruments, and by having a business plan targeted at acquiring and growing businesses for the long term (rather than on buying and selling businesses in the manner of a merchant bank or private equity fund), Flag Ship intends to avoid being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act.

 

It is possible that a claim could be made that Flag Ship has been operating as an unregistered investment company. It is also possible that the investment of funds from the initial public offering during its life as a blank check company, and the earning and use of interest from such investment, could increase the likelihood of Flag Ship being found to have been operating as an unregistered investment company more than if Flag Ship sought to potentially mitigate this risk by holding such funds as cash. If Flag Ship was deemed to be an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act and found to have been operating as an unregistered investment company, it could cause Flag Ship to liquidate. If Flag Ship is forced to liquidate, investors would not be able to participate in any benefits of owning stock in an operating business, including the potential appreciation of its shares following such a transaction and Flag Ship’s rights would expire worthless.

 

83

 

In Flag Ship’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2024, it reported a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting.

 

In its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Flag Ship identified a material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness identified relates to (1) inadequate segregation of duties within account processes due to limited personnel, and (2) insufficient written policies and procedure for accounting, IT, financial reporting and record keeping. In light of these material weaknesses, Flag Ship performed additional analysis as deemed necessary to ensure that its financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, Flag Ship management believes that the financial statements present fairly in all material respects our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. However, Flag Ship cannot assure investors that its efforts to remediate such weaknesses will be effective or prevent any future material weakness or significant deficiency in its internal control over financial reporting. If Flag Ship is unable to remediate the identified weaknesses or maintain effective internal controls, it may fail to accurately report its results or prevent the occurrence of errors.

 

If, following the consummation of the Merger, securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about the Surviving Company, its business, or its market, or if they change their recommendations regarding GRT’s shares adversely, then the price and trading volume of GRT’s shares could decline.

 

The trading market for GRT’s shares will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about GRT, its business, its market, or its competitors. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, any may never, publish research on Flag Ship or GRT. If any of the analysts who may cover GRT change their recommendation associated with its shares adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about its competitors, then the price of GRT’s shares would likely decrease. If any analysts who may cover Flag Ship were to cease coverage of GRT or fail to regularly publish reports on it, GRT could lose visibility in the financial markets, leading its share price or trading volume to decline.

 

If Flag Ship is unable to complete the Transactions or another initial business combination by June 20, 2026 (if extended to the maximum 24-month period after the closing of the IPO or such later date as may be approved by Flag Ship’s shareholders in an amendment to the Flag Ship amended and restated articles of association), Flag Ship will cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, redeeming 100% of the outstanding public shares and, subject to the approval of its remaining shareholder and the Flag Ship board of directors, liquidating and dissolving. In such event, third parties may bring claims against Flag Ship and, as a result, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be reduced and the per-share liquidation price received by shareholders could be less than $10.00 per share.

 

According to Flag Ship’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, Flag Ship must complete a business combination before June 20, 2026 (assuming extensions to the maximum 24-month period after the closing of the IPO), if Flag Ship elects to make permitted extensions. Flag Ship may not be able to complete a business combination within such time period. If Flag Ship has not completed a business combination within such time period, it must cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, redeeming 100% of the outstanding public shares and, subject to the approval of its remaining shareholder and the Flag Ship board of directors, liquidating and dissolving. In such event, third parties may bring claims against Flag Ship. Accordingly, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be subject to claims which could take priority over those of Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders. In such case, Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders may only receive $10.00 per share initially held in the Trust Account, and the rights will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders may receive less than $10.00 per share on the redemption of their shares. If third parties bring claims against Flag Ship, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may be less than $10.00 per share.

 

Additionally, if Flag Ship is forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against it which is not dismissed, or if Flag Ship otherwise enters compulsory or court supervised liquidation, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in its bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of its shareholder. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the Trust Account, Flag Ship may not be able to return to its Public Shareholders at least $10.00 per share. Further, in such an event the Flag Ship Rights will expire worthless.

 

84

 

Flag Ship’s shareholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against Flag Ship to the extent of distributions received by them.

 

If Flag Ship is unable to complete the Transactions or another business combination prior to the Deadline Date, Flag Ship will take all such action to (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than 10 business days thereafter to redeem 100% of the outstanding Public Shares or distribute the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account on the date that is two Business Days prior to the consummation of the business combination, including interest earned but net of taxes payable, divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares; and (iii) as promptly as practicable thereafter, subject to the approval of its remaining shareholders and the Flag Ship Board, liquidate and dissolve Flag Ship, subject to Flag Ship's obligations under the Cayman Companies Act to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. Flag Ship cannot assure you that it will properly assess all claims that may be potentially brought against Flag Ship. As such, Flag Ship’s shareholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them (but no more) and any liability of its shareholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of the date of distribution. Accordingly, Flag Ship cannot assure you that third parties will not seek to recover from its shareholders amounts owed to them by Flag Ship.

 

If Flag Ship is forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against it which is not dismissed, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by Flag Ship’s shareholder. Furthermore, because Flag Ship intends to distribute the proceeds held in the Trust Account to its public shareholder promptly after the expiration of the time period to complete a business combination, this may be viewed or interpreted as giving preference to its public shareholder over any potential creditors with respect to access to or distributions from its assets. Furthermore, the Flag Ship board of directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to Flag Ship’s creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and Flag Ship to claims of punitive damages, by paying Public Shareholders from the Trust Account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. Flag Ship cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against it for these reasons.

 

Becoming a public company through a business combination rather than an underwritten offering presents risks to unaffiliated investors of GRT. Subsequent to the completion of the Merger, GRT may be required to subsequently take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment, or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on its financial condition, results of operations, and the price of GRT securities, which could cause GRT shareholders to lose some or all of their investment.

 

A traditional initial public offering involves a company engaging underwriters to purchase its shares and resell them to the public. An underwritten offering imposes statutory liability on the underwriters for material misstatements or omissions contained in the registration statement unless they are able to sustain the burden of proving that they did not know and could not reasonably have discovered such material misstatements or omissions. This is referred to as a “due diligence” defense and results in the underwriters undertaking a detailed review of the business, financial condition, and results of operations of the issuer and its subsidiaries. In a traditional initial public offering, investors may be able to recover damages from the underwriters in the event of misstatements and omissions in the registration statement and unavailability of the due diligence defense. Going public via a business combination with a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) does not involve any underwriters and may therefore result in less extensive vetting of the operating company’s information that is presented to the public. In addition, going public via a business combination with a SPAC does not involve a book building process as is the case in a traditional initial public offering. In a traditional initial public offering, the initial value of a company is set by investors who indicate the price at which they are prepared to purchase shares from the underwriters. In the case of a business combination involving a SPAC, the value of the target company is established by means of negotiations between the target company and the SPAC. The process of establishing the value of a target company in a SPAC business combination may be less effective than a traditional initial public offering book-building process and also does not reflect events that may have occurred between the date of the Merger Agreement and the Closing.

 

85

 

In addition, while traditional initial public offerings are sometimes oversubscribed, resulting in additional potential demand for shares in the after-market following the initial public offering, there is no comparable process of generating investor demand in connection with a business combination between a target company and a SPAC, which may result in lower demand for GRT’s securities after the Closing, and in turn could decrease liquidity and trading prices as well as increase the trading volatility of GRT’s securities.

 

Becoming a public company through a business combination rather than an underwritten offering, as GRT is seeking to do, presents risks to unaffiliated investors as described above. As a result, GRT, as the post-Merger company, may be forced to later write down or write off assets, restructure its operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in it reporting losses. Additionally, unexpected risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize. Even though these charges may be non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on GRT’s liquidity, the fact that GRT reports charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about it or its securities. In addition, charges of this nature may make it difficult for GRT to obtain future financing on favorable terms or at all.

 

Securities of companies formed through mergers with SPACs such as Flag Ship may experience a material decline in price relative to the share price of the SPACs prior to the merger.

 

Flag Ship issued Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as part of units for $10.00 per unit upon the closing of its initial public offering. As with other SPACs, the $10.00 per share price of Flag Ship reflected each Flag Ship Ordinary Share having a one-time right to redeem such share for a pro rata portion of the proceeds held in the Trust Account. Following Closing, the outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares will no longer have any such redemption right and may be dependent upon the fundamental value of GRT, as well as other relevant factors such as market conditions and trading multiples, and the securities of other companies formed through mergers with SPACs in recent years may be significantly less than $10.00 per share.

 

The SEC has adopted final rules to regulate SPACs. Certain of the procedures that Flag Ship, a potential business combination target, or others may determine to undertake in connection with such rules may increase the costs and the time needed to complete a business combination and may constrain the circumstances under which Flag Ship could complete a business combination.

 

On January 24, 2024, the SEC adopted final rules (the “SPAC Final Rules”) relating to, among other items, disclosures in SEC filings in connection with business combination transactions between SPACs, such as Flag Ship, and private operating companies; the financial statement requirements applicable to transactions involving shell companies; the use of projections in SEC filings in connection with proposed business combination transactions; the potential liability of certain participants in proposed business combination transactions; and the extent to which SPACs could become subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act, including a guidance describing circumstances in which a SPAC could become subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act, such as its duration, asset composition, business purpose and activities. Certain of the procedures that Flag Ship, a potential business combination target, or others may determine to undertake in connection with the SPAC Final Rules, or pursuant to the SEC’s views expressed in the SPAC Final Rules, may increase the costs of negotiating and completing a business combination and the time required to consummate the circumstances under which Flag Ship could complete a business combination.

 

If Flag Ship seeks shareholder approval of its business combination, its sponsor, officers, and directors have agreed to vote in favor of such business combination, regardless of how its Public Shareholders vote.

 

Unlike other blank check companies in which the initial shareholders agree to vote their sponsor shares in accordance with the majority of the votes cast by the Public Shareholders in connection with an initial business combination, the sponsor, officers, and directors of Flag Ship have agreed (and any permitted transferees will agree), pursuant to the terms of a letter agreement entered into with Flag Ship, to vote any Founder Shares and Private Shares held by them, as well as any public shares purchased during or after the IPO, in favor of the business combination with GRT. The Founder Shares and Private Shares in the aggregate represent approximately 22.15% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Flag Ship as of the Record Date. As a result, assuming that only a quorum of 4,431,501 of Flag Ship’s ordinary shares is present in person or by proxy at the Shareholder Meeting, and all such minimum number of shares representing a quorum are voted, the Merger Proposal would only require the affirmative vote of [   ] shares owned by Public Shareholders, or approximately [   ]% of the shares owned by Public Shareholders, in order to have it approved, assuming that only a quorum was present at the Shareholder Meeting. Accordingly, if Flag Ship seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination, it is more likely that the necessary shareholder approval will be received than would be the case if such persons agreed to vote their Founder Shares and Private Shares in accordance with the majority of the votes cast by Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders. While the Sponsor and other initial shareholders have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, shareholders should consider that such persons may have interests that are different from, or in addition to, those of other shareholders, and may be incentivized to complete the Merger even if it is with a less favorable target company or on less favorable terms, rather than liquidate.

 

86

 

Flag Ship’s Sponsor has the right to extend the term Flag Ship has to consummate its business combination, without providing shareholders with redemption rights.

 

Since Flag Ship entered into the Merger Agreement with GRT within twelve months from the closing of its IPO, it has a period of fifteen months from the closing of its IPO to consummate its initial business combination and thereafter, if it requires additional time to consummate its initial business combination, its board of directors may extend the period of time to consummate a business combination up to nine (9) times, each by an additional one-month period (for a total of up to 24 months to complete a business combination), subject to the authorization by the board of directors and the deposit of additional funds into the Trust Account by its sponsor or its affiliates or designees as described elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus. Flag Ship’s shareholders will not be entitled to vote or redeem their shares in connection with any such extension. In order for the time available for Flag Ship to consummate its initial business combination to be extended, its sponsor or its affiliates or designees must deposit into the Trust Account $230,000 (approximately $0.033 per public share) for each one-month extension, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, up to an aggregate of approximately $2,760,000, or $0.40 per public share if Flag Ship extends for the full 12 months (for an aggregate of 24 months). Any such payments may be made in the form of a non-interest-bearing loan from Flag Ship’s Sponsor or its affiliates or designees and may be repaid, if at all, from funds released to Flag Ship upon completion of the initial business combination. Any obligation to repay such loans may reduce the amount available to Flag Ship to pay as purchase price in the initial business combination, and/or may reduce the amount of funds available to the combined company following the initial business combination. This feature is different than the traditional special purpose acquisition company structure, in which any extension of the company’s period to complete a business combination requires a vote of the company’s shareholders and shareholders have the right to redeem their public shares in connection with such vote, and which do not provide the sponsor with the right to loan funds to the company to fund extension payments.

 

The requirement that Flag Ship completes its business combination within the prescribed time frame may give potential target businesses leverage in negotiating a business combination and may decrease Flag Ship’s ability to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets as the dissolution deadline approaches, which could undermine Flag Ship’s ability to complete a business combination on terms that would produce value for Flag Ship’s shareholders.

 

Any potential target business with which Flag Ship enters into negotiations concerning a business combination will be aware that Flag Ship must complete a business combination within fifteen months (since Flag Ship entered into the definitive Merger Agreement within 12 months from the closing of the IPO) from the closing of its Initial Public Offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of the IPO if it extends the period of time to consummate a business combination to the maximum permitted). Consequently, such target business may obtain leverage over Flag Ship in negotiating a business combination, knowing that if Flag Ship does not complete a business combination with that particular target business, it may be unable to complete a business combination with any target business. This risk will increase as Flag Ship nears the timeframe described above. In addition, Flag Ship may have limited time to conduct due diligence and may enter into a business combination on terms that it would have rejected upon a more comprehensive investigation.

 

Flag Ship’s Sponsor, directors, officers, advisors, and their affiliates may elect to purchase shares from Public Shareholders, which may influence a vote on a proposed business combination and reduce the public “float” of its ordinary shares.

 

In connection with seeking shareholder approval of its initial business combination and offering Public Shareholders the right to redeem their shares, Flag Ship’s Sponsor, directors, officers, advisors, or their affiliates may purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of the initial business combination, although they are under no obligation to do so. Such a purchase may include a contractual acknowledgement that such shareholder, although still the record holder of its shares is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights. In the event that Flag Ship’s Sponsor, directors, officers, advisors, or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from Public Shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. The price per share paid in any such transaction may be different than the amount per share a public shareholder would receive if it elected to redeem its shares in connection with the initial business combination. The purpose of such purchases could be to vote such shares in favor of the business combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining shareholder approval of the business combination or to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of the initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. This may result in the completion of the initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible.

 

87

 

In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of Flag Ship’s ordinary shares and the number of beneficial holders of Flag Ship’s securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to maintain or obtain the quotation, listing, or trading of its securities on a national securities exchange.

 

If third parties bring claims against Flag Ship, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may be less than $10.00 per share.

 

The placement of funds in the Trust Account may not protect those funds from third-party claims against Flag Ship. Although Flag Ship will seek to have all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses, or other entities with which it does business execute agreements waiving any right, title, interest, or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account for the benefit of the Public Shareholders, such parties may not execute such agreements, or, even if they execute such agreements, they may not be prevented from bringing claims against the Trust Account, including, but not limited to, fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility, or other similar claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in order to gain advantage with respect to a claim against Flag Ship’s assets, including the funds held in the Trust Account. If any third party refuses to execute an agreement waiving such claims to the monies held in the Trust Account, Flag Ship’s management will perform an analysis of the alternatives available to it and will only enter into an agreement with a third party that has not executed a waiver if it believes that such third party’s engagement would be significantly more beneficial than any alternative. Further, a court may not uphold the validity of such agreements. Making such a request of potential target businesses may make an acquisition proposal less attractive to them and, to the extent prospective target businesses refuse to execute such a waiver, it may limit the field of potential target businesses that Flag Ship might pursue.

 

Examples of possible instances where Flag Ship may engage a third party that refuses to execute a waiver include the engagement of a third-party consultant whose particular expertise or skills are believed by Flag Ship’s management to be significantly superior to those of other consultants that would agree to execute a waiver or in cases where Management is unable to find a service provider willing to execute a waiver. In addition, there is no guarantee that such entities will agree to waive any claims they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts, or agreements with Flag Ship and will not seek recourse against the Trust Account for any reason. Upon redemption of Flag Ship’s public shares, if it is unable to complete a business combination within the prescribed timeframe, or upon the exercise of a redemption right in connection with a business combination, it will be required to provide for payment of claims of creditors that were not waived that may be brought against it. Accordingly, the per-share redemption amount received by Public Shareholders could be less than the $10.10 per share initially held in the Trust Account, due to claims of such creditors.

 

If Flag Ship is unable to complete a business combination and distribute the proceeds held in trust to its Public Shareholders, the sponsor has agreed (subject to certain exceptions) that it will be liable to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced below $10.00 per share by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by Flag Ship for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to it. Flag Ship believes that the primary assets of the sponsor are comprised of Flag Ship securities and therefore no assurance can be given that it will have sufficient liquid assets to satisfy such obligations if it is required to do so. Therefore, the per-share distribution from the Trust Account may be less than $10.00, plus interest, due to such claims. Additionally, if Flag Ship is forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against it which is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law and may be included in Flag Ship’s bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of Flag Ship’s shareholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the Trust Account, Flag Ship may not be able to return to the Public Shareholders at least $10.00.

 

88

 

Flag Ship may not have sufficient funds to satisfy the indemnification claims of its directors and executive officers.

 

Flag Ship has agreed to indemnify its officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, Flag Ship’s officers and directors have agreed to waive any right, title, interest, or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Account and to not seek recourse against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever. Accordingly, any indemnification provided will be able to be satisfied by us only if (i) Flag Ship has sufficient funds outside of the Trust Account or (ii) Flag Ship consummates an initial business combination. Flag Ship’s obligation to indemnify its officers and directors may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against its officers or directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against officers and directors, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit Flag Ship and its shareholders. Furthermore, a shareholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent Flag Ship pays the costs of settlement and damage awards against Flag Ship’s officers and directors pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

 

Flag Ship’s directors may decide not to enforce the indemnification obligations of its Sponsor, resulting in a reduction in the amount of funds in the Trust Account available for distribution to Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders.

 

In the event that the proceeds in the Trust Account are reduced below $10.00 per public share and the Sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy its obligations or that it has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, Flag Ship’s independent directors would determine whether to take legal action against the sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations. While Flag Ship currently expects that its independent directors would take legal action on its behalf against the Sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations, it is possible that the independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not to do so in any particular instance. For example, the cost of such legal action may be deemed by the independent directors to be too high relative to the amount recoverable or the independent directors may determine that a favorable outcome is not likely. If the independent directors choose not to enforce these indemnification obligations, the amount of funds in the Trust Account available for distribution to Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders may be reduced below $10.00 per share.

 

If, before distributing the proceeds in the Trust Account to its Public Shareholders, Flag Ship files a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against it that is not dismissed, the claims of creditors in such proceeding may have priority over the claims of Public Shareholders and the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by such shareholders in connection with Flag Ship’s liquidation may be reduced.

 

If, before distributing the proceeds in the Trust Account to its Public Shareholders, Flag Ship files a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against it that is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law and may be included in Flag Ship’s bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of Flag Ship’s shareholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the Trust Account, the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by Public Shareholders in connection with Flag Ship’s liquidation may be reduced.

 

If, after we distribute the proceeds in the Trust Account to our Public Shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, a bankruptcy court may seek to recover such proceeds, and we and our board may be exposed to claims of punitive damages.

 

If, after we distribute the proceeds in the Trust Account to our Public Shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our shareholders. In addition, our board of directors may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors and/or having acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and us to claims of punitive damages, by paying Public Shareholders from the Trust Account prior to addressing the claims of creditors.

 

89

 

If Flag Ship is unable to consummate its business combination within up to 24 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering, if it extends the period of time to consummate a business combination, the Public Shareholders may be forced to wait up 24 months before redemption from the Trust Account.

 

If Flag Ship is unable to consummate a business combination within 24 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering, Flag Ship will take all such action necessary to (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than 10 business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding Public Shares or distribute the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account on the date that is two Business Days prior to the consummation of the business combination (net of taxes payable (but including remaining interest)) to the holders of Public Shares, on a pro rata basis; and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible thereafter, subject to the approval of its remaining shareholders and the Flag Ship Board, liquidate and dissolve Flag Ship, subject to Flag Ship's obligations under the Cayman Companies Act to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. If Flag Ship is required to windup, liquidate the Trust Account, and distribute such amount therein, pro rata, to its Public Shareholders, as part of any liquidation process, such winding up, liquidation, and distribution must comply with the applicable provisions of applicable Cayman Islands law. In that case, investors may be forced to wait up to 24 months before the redemption proceeds of the Trust Account become available to them and they receive the return of their pro rata portion of the proceeds from the Trust Account. Only after the expiration of this full time period will public security holders be entitled to distributions from the Trust Account if Flag Ship is unable to complete a business combination. Accordingly, investors’ funds may be unavailable to them until after such date and to liquidate your investment, public security holders may be forced to sell their public shares, potentially at a loss. Flag Ship has no obligation to return funds to investors prior to the date of its redemption or liquidation unless it consummates a business combination prior thereto and only then in cases where investors have sought to redeem their ordinary shares. Only upon redemption or any liquidation will Public Shareholders be entitled to distributions if Flag Ship is unable to complete a business combination.

 

Holders of rights will not have redemption rights with respect to such securities.

 

If Flag Ship is unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period and it redeems the funds held in the Trust Account, the rights will expire and holders of such securities will not receive any of the amounts held in the Trust Account in exchange for their rights.

 

The Sponsors and Flag Ship’s directors, officers, advisors and their affiliates may elect to purchase Public Shares prior to the consummation of the Merger, which may result it being more likely that we can consummate the Merger and reduce the public “float” of our Public Share.

 

At any time at or prior to the Merger, during a period when they are not then aware of any material nonpublic information regarding us or our securities, the Sponsors and Flag Ship’s directors, officers, advisors or respective affiliates may purchase Public Shares from institutional and other investors who vote, or indicate an intention to vote, against any of the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting, or execute agreements to purchase such shares from such investors in the future, or they may enter into transactions with such investors and others to provide them with incentives to acquire Public Shares or vote their Public Shares in favor of the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting. Such a purchase may include a contractual acknowledgement that such shareholder, although still the record holder of our shares, is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights. In the event that the Sponsors or Flag Ship’s directors, officers, advisors or respective affiliates purchase Public Shares in privately negotiated transactions from Public Shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholder would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their Public Shares. The purpose of such share purchases and other transactions would be to decrease the number of shares that have been or may be submitted for redemption.

 

Entering into any such arrangements may have a depressive effect on the market price of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares. For example, as a result of these arrangements, an investor or holder may have the ability to effectively purchase shares at a price lower than market and may therefore be more likely to sell the shares he or she owns, either at or prior to the Merger.

 

As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, there have been no such discussions and no agreements to such effect have been entered into with any such investor or holder. If such transactions are effected, the consequence could be to cause the Merger to be consummated in circumstances where such consummation could not otherwise occur. We will file or submit a Form 8-K to disclose any material arrangements entered into or significant purchases made by any of the aforementioned persons that would affect the vote on the proposals to be put to the Shareholder Meeting or the redemption threshold. Any such report will include descriptions of any arrangements entered into or significant purchases by any of the aforementioned persons.

 

If any shares were so purchased, the purchaser would not vote any such shares in favor of approval of the Merger Proposal. Additionally, the purchaser would waive any redemption rights with respect to any securities so purchased.

 

90

 

Any purchases by the Sponsors and Flag Ship’s officers and directors and/or their respective affiliates who are affiliated purchasers under Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act will only be made to the extent such purchases are able to be made in compliance with Rule 10b-18, which is a safe harbor from liability for manipulation under Section 9(a)(2) and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. Rule 10b-18 has certain technical requirements that must be complied with in order for the safe harbor to be available to the purchaser. The Sponsors and Flag Ship’s officers and directors and/or their respective affiliates will not make purchases of shares if the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements. Additionally, in the event the Sponsors or our directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates were to purchase Public Shares from Public Shareholders, such purchases would be structured in compliance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act.

 

On or prior to the Closing Date, the trading price per share value of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares may be less than the per share value of the Trust Account. In addition, the net cash per Flag Ship share (after taking into account the founder shares) is materially less than the $[___] in trust per share available to redeeming public shareholders.

 

Although the parties to the Merger agreed the consideration to be provided to Flag Ship shareholders was valued at a price equal to the per share amount in the Trust Account at the time of the execution of the Merger Agreement, the cash backed value per Flag Ship Ordinary Share following the Merger may be substantially less than such per share price. Accordingly, Public Shareholders who do not exercise redemption rights will hold GRT ADSs that will have a value ascribed to them by their trading price, which may be substantially less than the amount they would have received upon exercise of redemption rights. In particular, the shares of most companies that are the result of a recently completed business combinations between a SPAC and an operating company have traded at prices substantially below $10.00 per share. As such, Public Shareholders who do not exercise redemptions right may hold securities that never obtain a value equal to or exceeding the current per share value of the Trust Account.

 

The fairness opinion delivered by HRA Capital to the Flag Ship Board will not reflect changes, circumstances, developments or events that may have occurred or may occur (or information that may become, or may have become, available) after the date of the opinion.

 

The opinion delivered by HRA Capital, Flag Ship’s financial advisor, to the Flag Ship Board addresses the fairness of the consideration in the Merger from a financial point of view to the Flag Ship Board. The Flag Ship Board has not obtained an updated fairness opinion as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and Flag Ship does not expect to receive an updated fairness opinion prior to the Closing. Changes in the operations and prospects of GRT general market and economic conditions and other factors that may be beyond their control, and on which the fairness opinion was based, may alter the value of GRT or the prices of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares by the time the Merger is completed. The opinion did not speak as of the time the transaction will be completed or as of any date other than the date of such opinion. The Flag Ship Board’s recommendation that Flag Ship’s shareholders vote “FOR” approval of the Flag Ship Proposals, however, is made as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Public Shareholders who wish to redeem their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account must comply with specific requirements for redemption that may make it more difficult for them to exercise their redemption rights prior to the deadline. If shareholders fail to comply with the redemption requirements specified in this proxy statement/prospectus, they will not be entitled to redeem their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the Trust Account.

 

A Public Shareholder will be entitled to receive cash for any Public Shares to be redeemed only if such Public Shareholder: (i) holds Public Shares; (ii) submits a written request to the Transfer Agent in which it requests that Flag Ship redeem all or a portion of its Public Shares for cash,; and (iii) delivers its Public Shares to the Transfer Agent, physically or electronically through DTC. Holders must complete the procedures for electing to redeem their Public Shares in the manner described above prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [●], 2024 (two business days before the Shareholder Meeting) in order for their shares to be redeemed. In order to obtain a physical share certificate, a shareholder’s broker and/or clearing broker, DTC and the Transfer Agent will need to act to facilitate this request. It is Flag Ship’s understanding that shareholders should generally allot at least two weeks to obtain physical certificates from the transfer agent. However, because Flag Ship does not have any control over this process or over DTC, it may take significantly longer than two weeks to obtain a physical stock certificate. If it takes longer than anticipated to obtain a physical certificate, Public Shareholders who wish to redeem their Public Shares may be unable to obtain physical certificates by the deadline for exercising their redemption rights and thus will be unable to redeem their shares.

 

If the Merger is consummated, and if a Public Shareholder properly exercises its right to redeem all or a portion of the Public Shares that it holds and timely delivers its shares to the Transfer Agent, Flag Ship will redeem such Public Shares for a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the pro rata portion of the Trust Account, calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination.

 

91

 

If a Public Shareholder fails to receive notice of its right to redeem Public Shares in connection with the Merger or fails to comply with the procedures for tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.

 

If, despite Flag Ship’s compliance with the proxy rules, a Public Shareholder fails to receive Flag Ship’s proxy materials, such Public Shareholder may not become aware of the opportunity to redeem his, her or its Public Shares. In addition, the proxy materials that Flag Ship is furnishing to holders of Public Shares in connection with the Merger describes the various procedures that must be complied with in order to validly redeem Public Shares. In the event that a Public Shareholder fails to comply with these procedures, its Public Shares may not be redeemed.

 

If you or a “group” of shareholders of which you are a part are deemed to hold an aggregate of more than 15% of the Public Shares, you (or, if a member of such a group, all of the members of such group in the aggregate) will lose the ability to redeem all such shares in excess of 15% of the Public Shares.

 

A Public Shareholder, together with any of his, her or its affiliates or any other person with whom it is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from redeeming in the aggregate his, her or its shares or, if part of such a group, the group’s shares, in excess of 15% of the Public Shares. In order to determine whether a shareholder is acting in concert or as a group with another shareholder, Flag Ship will require each Public Shareholder seeking to exercise redemption rights to certify to Flag Ship whether such shareholder is acting in concert or as a group with any other shareholder. Such certifications, together with other public information relating to stock ownership available to Flag Ship at that time, such as Section 13D, Section 13G and Section 16 filings under the Exchange Act, will be the sole basis on which Flag Ship makes the above-referenced determination. Your inability to redeem any such excess Flag Ship Ordinary Shares will reduce your influence over Flag Ship’s ability to consummate the Merger and you could suffer a material loss on your investment in Flag Ship if you sell such excess shares in open market transactions. Additionally, you will not receive redemption distributions with respect to such excess shares if Flag Ship consummates the Merger. As a result, you will continue to hold that number of shares aggregating to more than 15% of the Public Shares and, in order to dispose of such excess shares, would be required to sell your shares in open market transactions, potentially at a loss. Flag Ship cannot assure you that the value of such excess shares will appreciate over time following the Merger or that the market price of the Public Shares will exceed the per-share redemption price. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shareholders may challenge Flag Ship’s determination as to whether a shareholder is acting in concert or as a group with another shareholder in a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

If the Merger’s benefits do not meet the expectations of investors, shareholders, or financial analysts, the market price of GRT’s shares may decline.

 

If the benefits of the Merger do not meet the expectations of investors, shareholders, or securities analysts, the market price of GRT’s shares following the Closing may decline. The market price of GRT’s shares at the time of the Merger may vary significantly from the market price of Flag Ship ordinary shares on the date the Merger Agreement was executed, the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, or the date on which Flag Ship’s shareholder vote on the Merger.

 

Immediately prior to the Merger, shares of GRT have a small public float at KOSDAQ has not been high and trading in Flag Ship ordinary shares has not been active.

 

The trading price of the shares of GRT following the Merger may fluctuate substantially and may be lower than the current market price of Flag Ship ordinary shares. This may be especially true since it is likely that GRT’s shares will have a small public float. If an active market for GRT’s securities develops and continues, the trading price of GRT’s securities following the Merger could be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. The trading price of GRT’s shares following the Merger will depend on many factors, including those described in this “Risk Factors” section, many of which are beyond GRT’s control and may not be related to GRT’s operating performance. These fluctuations could cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the shares of GRT since you might be unable to sell your shares at or above the price attributed to them in the Merger.

 

Changes in laws, regulations, or rules, or a failure to comply with any laws, regulations, or rules, may adversely affect the Merger and the value of GRT’s securities.

 

The listing of Flag Ship’s (and, after consummation of the Merger, GRT’s) securities are subject to laws, regulations, and rules enacted by national, regional, and local governments and Nasdaq. Flag Ship and GRT are required to comply with certain SEC, Nasdaq, and other legal or regulatory requirements for the Merger and the listing of securities. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws, regulations and rules may be time consuming and costly. Those laws, regulations, or rules and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material adverse effect on GRT’s business, investments, and results of operations and the value of GRT’s securities.

 

92

 

Because Flag Ship and GRT are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong, you may face difficulties in protecting your interests, including in the event the Merger is not completed, and your ability to protect your rights through the U.S. federal courts may be limited.

 

Flag Ship is an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and GRT is incorporated under the law of Hong Kong. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon Flag Ship’s and/or GRT’s directors or officers, or to enforce judgments obtained in the United States courts against Flag Ship’s and/or GRT’s directors or officers.

 

Currently, the corporate affairs of Flag Ship are governed by the Flag Ship Charter, the Cayman Companies Act (as the same may be supplemented or amended from time to time), and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The corporate affairs of GRT are governed by their respective amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (as the same may be supplemented or amended from time to time), and the common law of Hong Kong. Flag Ship is also subject to the federal securities laws of the United States as is GRT by virtue of this proxy statement/prospectus. The rights of Flag Ship shareholders to take action against Flag Ship’s directors, actions by minority Flag Ship shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of Flag Ship’s directors to Flag Ship shareholders under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedence in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority but are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of Flag Ship shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of Flag Ship’s directors under Cayman Islands law are different from what they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and certain states, such as Delaware, may have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.

 

The courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely (i) to recognize or enforce against either Flag Ship or GRT, judgments of courts of the United States obtained against it or its directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States; and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, to impose liabilities against either Flag Ship or GRT or its respective directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States, so far as the liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature. In those circumstances, although there is currently no statutory enforcement or treaty between the United States and the Cayman Islands providing for enforcement of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce a foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given provided certain conditions are met. For a foreign judgment to be enforced in the Cayman Islands, such judgment must be final and conclusive, given by a court of competent jurisdiction (the courts of the Cayman Islands will apply the rules of Cayman Islands private international law to determine whether the foreign court is a court of competent jurisdiction) and for a liquidated sum, and must not be in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matter, impeachable on the grounds of fraud or obtained in a manner, and or be of a kind the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. Furthermore, it is uncertain that Cayman Islands courts would enforce: (1) judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us or other persons that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws; or (2) original actions brought against Flag Ship or other persons predicated upon the Securities Act. Ogier (Cayman) LLP has informed Flag Ship that there is uncertainty with regard to Cayman Islands law relating to whether a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the securities laws will be determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands as penal or punitive in nature. A Cayman Islands court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere. A Cayman Islands court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.

 

Substantially all of the assets of GRT are located outside the United States. In addition, all or a substantial portion of the assets of the members of their board of directors and of their officers are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon Flag Ship and GRT and/or the aforementioned directors and officers, or to enforce against such companies or persons judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there is no assurance that confirmation of any judgment will be obtained, or that the process described above can be conducted in a timely manner. As a result of all of the above, Flag Ship shareholders and shareholders of GRT may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors, or controlling shareholders than they would as Public Shareholders of a corporation incorporated in the United States.

 

93

 

Risks Relating to Doing Business in China

 

Changes in China’s economic, political, or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on GRT’ operations.

 

GRT has all of its total assets located in mainland China. Accordingly, GRT’ business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic, and social conditions in China generally. The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange, and allocation of resources.

 

While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. Any adverse changes in economic conditions in China, in the policies of the Chinese government, or in the laws and regulations in China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China. Such developments could adversely affect GRT’s operating results and weaken their competitive position. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy but may have a negative effect on GRT. For example, GRT’s financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate adjustments, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activities in China, which may adversely affect GRT’s operating results.

 

The Chinese government has recently published new policies that significantly affected certain industries such as the education and internet industries, and there is no assurance that it will not in the future release regulations or policies regarding the coating material industry that could adversely affect GRT’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. Furthermore, if China adopts more stringent standards with respect to certain areas such as corporate social responsibilities, GRT’s PRC subsidiaries may incur increased compliance costs or become subject to additional restrictions in their operations.

 

Furthermore, GRT and our investors may face uncertainty about future actions by the government of China that could significantly affect GRT’s financial performance and operations. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, GRT has not received or was denied permission from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges. However, there is no guarantee that GRT will receive or not be denied permission from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges in the future.

 

Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations and changes in policies, rules, and regulations in China, could limit the legal protection available to you and us.

 

The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which legal cases have limited value as precedents. In the late 1970s, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The legislation over the past five decades has significantly increased the protection afforded to various forms of foreign or private-sector investment in China. GRT are subject to various PRC laws and regulations generally applicable to companies in China. Since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, however, the interpretations of many laws, regulations, and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations, and rules involves uncertainties.

 

From time to time, GRT’s PRC subsidiaries may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce their legal rights. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, however, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection GRT’s PRC subsidiaries enjoy in the PRC legal system than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies, internal rules, and regulations (some of which are not published in a timely manner or at all) that may have retroactive effect and may change quickly with little advance notice. As a result, GRT’ PRC subsidiaries may not be aware of their violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainties over the scope and effect of their contractual, property (including intellectual property), and procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory environment in China could materially and adversely affect GRT’s business and impede its ability to continue their operations.

 

94

 

Given the Chinese government’s significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of GRT’s business, the Chinese government may intervene or influence its operations at any time, which could result in a material change in GRT’s operations and/or the value of GRT ADSs.

 

The Chinese government has significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of GRT’s business and may intervene or influence its operations at any time as the government deems appropriate to further regulatory, political, and societal goals, which could result in a material change in GRT’s operations and/or the value of GRT/’s ADSs.

 

The Chinese government has recently published new policies that significantly affected certain industries such as the education and Internet industries, and we cannot rule out the possibility that it will in the future release regulations or policies regarding the mobile game industry that could adversely affect GRT’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. Furthermore, if China adopts more stringent standards with respect to certain areas such as environmental protection or corporate social responsibilities, GRT and GRT may incur increased compliance costs or become subject to additional restrictions in their operations. Certain areas of the law, including intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections, in China may also not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. In addition, GRT cannot predict the effects of future developments in the PRC legal system on their business operations, including the promulgation of new laws, or changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to GRT and its investors, including you.

 

Any actions by the Chinese government, including any decision to intervene or influence the operations of GRT or to exert control over any offering of securities conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, may cause GRT to make material changes to the operations of GRT, may limit or completely hinder GRT’s ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

 

The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Following the consummation of the Merger, the ability of GRT’s subsidiaries to operate in China may be impaired by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, foreign investment limitations, and other matters. The central or local governments of China may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts for GRT and GRT to ensure their PRC subsidiaries’ compliance with such regulations or interpretations. As such, GRT may be subject to various government and regulatory interference in the provinces in which they operate in China. They could be subject to regulation by various political and regulatory entities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions. They may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply.

 

Furthermore, it is uncertain when and whether GRT will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be later denied or rescinded. Although we believe GRT are currently not required to obtain permission from any Chinese authorities and have not received any notice of denial of permission to list on the U.S. exchange as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, their operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to their business or industry, particularly in the event permission to list on U.S. exchanges may be later required, or withheld or rescinded once given.

 

95

 

Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision to intervene or influence the operations of GRT at any time or to exert control over an offering of securities conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, may cause GRT to make material changes to the operations of GRT, may limit or completely hinder GRT’s ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and/or may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

 

The joint statement by the SEC and the PCAOB proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and the newly enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their auditors, especially the non-U.S. auditors who are not inspected by the PCAOB. These developments could add uncertainties to our offering.

 

On April 21, 2020, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton and PCAOB Chairman William D. Duhnke III, along with other senior SEC staff, released a joint statement highlighting the risks associated with investing in companies based in or that have substantial operations in emerging markets, including China. The joint statement emphasized the risks associated with lack of access for the PCAOB to inspect auditors and audit work papers in China and higher risks of fraud in emerging markets.

 

On May 18, 2020, Nasdaq filed three proposals with the SEC to (i) apply a minimum offering size requirement for companies primarily operating in a “Restrictive Market,” (ii) adopt a new requirement relating to the qualification of management or the board of directors for Restrictive Market companies, and (iii) apply additional and more stringent criteria to an applicant or listed company based on the qualifications of the company’s auditor.

 

On May 20, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act requiring a foreign company to certify it is not owned or controlled by a foreign government if the PCAOB is unable to audit specified reports because the company uses a foreign auditor not subject to PCAOB inspection. If the PCAOB is unable to inspect the company’s auditors for three consecutive years, the issuer’s securities are prohibited to trade on a national exchange. On December 2, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. On December 18, 2020, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act was signed into law.

 

On March 24, 2021, the SEC announced the adoption of interim final amendments to implement the submission and disclosure requirements of the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. In the announcement, the SEC clarifies that before any issuer will have to comply with the interim final amendments, the SEC must implement a process for identifying covered issuers. The announcement also states that the SEC staff is actively assessing how best to implement the other requirements of the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, including the identification process and the trading prohibition requirements.

 

On September 22, 2021, the PCAOB adopted a final rule implementing the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which provides a framework for the PCAOB to use when determining, as contemplated under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, whether the board of directors of a company is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by one or more authorities in that jurisdiction.

 

On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, and on December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law by President Biden, which contained, among other things, an identical provision to Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and amended the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act by requiring the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years, instead of three.

 

96

 

On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed SOP Agreements with the CSRC and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC. The SOP Agreements established a specific, accountable framework to make possible complete inspections and investigations by the PCAOB of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong, as required under U.S. law. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB announced that it was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong completely in 2022. The PCAOB vacated its previous 2021 determination that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. However, whether the PCAOB will continue to be able to satisfactorily conduct inspections of PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong is subject to uncertainty and depends on a number of factors out of our control. The PCAOB is continuing to demand complete access in mainland China and Hong Kong moving forward. The PCAOB has indicated that it will act immediately to consider the need to issue new determinations with the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act if needed. If the PCAOB in the future again determines that it is unable to inspect and investigate completely auditors in mainland China and Hong Kong, then the companies audited by those auditors would be subject to a trading prohibition on U.S. markets pursuant to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

 

Our auditor, Enrome LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report included elsewhere in this prospectus, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our auditor is headquartered in Singapore, and is currently subject to inspection by the PCAOB on a regular basis. As of the date of this prospectus, the PCAOB has not yet issued an inspection report for Enrome LLP. However, the recent developments would add uncertainties to our offering and we cannot assure you whether the national securities exchange we apply to for listing or regulatory authorities would apply additional and more stringent criteria to us after considering the effectiveness of our auditor’s audit procedures and quality control procedures, adequacy of personnel and training, or sufficiency of resources, geographic reach, or experience as it relates to our audit. Furthermore, the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which requires the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years, may result in the delisting of our Company in the future if the PCAOB is unable to inspect our accounting firm at such future time.

 

U.S. regulatory bodies may be limited in their ability to conduct investigations or inspections of the operations of our operating subsidiaries in mainland China.

 

The SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice and other U.S. authorities may also have difficulties in bringing and enforcing actions against us or our directors or executive officers in mainland China. The SEC has stated that there are significant legal and other obstacles to obtaining information needed for investigations or litigation in mainland China. Mainland China adopted a revised securities law that became effective on March 1, 2020, Article 177 of which provides, among other things, that no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of mainland China. Further, the Trial Administrative Measures provide that overseas securities regulatory authorities may conduct investigations or evidence collection relating to mainland China companies’ overseas offering and listing activities through the assistance of the CSRC under relevant cross-border securities regulatory cooperation mechanisms. Accordingly, without regulatory cooperation between the U.S. and China, no entity or individual in mainland China may provide documents and information relating to securities business activities to overseas regulators when it is under direct investigation or evidence discovery conducted by overseas regulators, which could present significant legal and other obstacles to obtaining information needed for investigations and litigation conducted outside of mainland China.

 

Changes, application and interpretation with respect to the applicable legal laws/regulations, and economic policies for our PRC subsidiaries, could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of the securities we are registering for sale.

 

The legal system of mainland China is based on written statutes and their legal interpretations by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China (SCNPC). Previous court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, the regulatory authority of mainland China has been developing a comprehensive system of commercial laws, and considerable progress has been made in introducing laws and regulations dealing with economic matters such as foreign investment, corporate organization and governance, commerce, taxation and trade. However, as these laws and regulations are relatively new, and due to the non-binding nature of the court decisions, as mainland China is not a common law country, the interpretation and application of these laws and regulations are subject to change, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our ADRs.

 

97

 

While the economy of mainland China has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. Any changes in economic conditions in mainland China, in the policies of the regulatory authority, or in the laws and regulations in mainland China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of mainland China. Such developments could adversely affect our business and operating results, reduce demand for our products, and weaken our competitive position. The regulatory authority of mainland China has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall economy of mainland China but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government supervision over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the regulatory authority of mainland China has implemented certain measures, including interest rate adjustments, to adjust the pace of economic growth. These measures may affect economic activities in mainland China, which impact our business and operating results.

 

Recent greater oversight by the CAC over data security, particularly for companies seeking to list on a foreign exchange, could adversely impact our business and our offering.

 

On December 28, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) and other relevant regulatory authority jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which took effect on February 15, 2022. The Cybersecurity Review Measures provide that, in addition to critical information infrastructure operators (“CIIOs”) that intend to purchase Internet products and services, net platform operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security must be subject to cybersecurity review by the Cybersecurity Review Office of the PRC. According to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, a cybersecurity review assesses potential national security risks that may be brought about by any procurement, data processing, or overseas listing. The Cybersecurity Review Measures require that an online platform operator which possesses the personal information of at least one million users must apply for a cybersecurity review by the CAC if it intends to be listed in foreign countries.

 

On January 4, 2022, the CAC, in conjunction with 12 other government departments issued the New Measures for Cybersecurity Review (the “Cyber Security Review Measures”), which came into force on February 15, 2022. According to the Cyber Security Review Measures, the network operators with personal information of more than one million users must apply for cybersecurity review to the Cybersecurity Review Office when they go public abroad.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, neither we nor our operating subsidiaries have been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by any regulatory authority, nor has any of them received any inquiry, notice, or sanction. We believe that our operations and listing will not be affected by the Cyber Security Review Measures, and that we will not be subject to cybersecurity review by the CAC for this offering, given that: (i) as a company that mainly manufactures and sells functional coating materials and providing coating solutions to our customers, our operating subsidiaries in mainland China are unlikely to be classified as CIIOs by the regulatory agencies; (ii) our customers are enterprises and we do not have individual customers; as a result, we possess personal data of far fewer than one million individuals in our business operations as of the date of this prospectus and do not anticipate that we will be collecting over one million users’ personal information in the near future, which we understand might otherwise subject us to the Cybersecurity Review Measures; and (iii) since we are in the functional coating materials manufacturing industry, data processed in our business is unlikely to have a bearing on national security and therefore is unlikely to be classified as core or important data by the authorities. However, the relevant regulatory authorities of mainland China may take a view that is contrary to or otherwise different from the opinion stated above. The enforcement as to how the Cybersecurity Review Measures will be interpreted or implemented will still require further clarification, and whether the regulatory agencies of mainland China, including the CAC, may adopt new laws, regulations, rules, or detailed implementation and interpretation related to the Cybersecurity Review Measures. If any such new laws, regulations, rules, or implementation and interpretation come into effect and may have an adverse effect on us, we will take all reasonable measures and actions to comply and to minimize the adverse effect of such laws on us. We cannot guarantee, however, that we will not be subject to cybersecurity review in the future. During such review, we may be required to suspend our operating subsidiaries’ operation or experience other disruptions to their operations. Cybersecurity review could also result in negative publicity with respect to our Company and diversion of our managerial and financial resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

98

 

Chinese regulatory authorities could disallow GRT’s holding company structure, which may result in a material change in its operations and/or a material change in the value of the securities GRT is registering for sale, including that it could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless.

 

Following the consummation of the Merger, GRT will indirectly hold the equity of its PRC subsidiaries. Although the PRC government has increasingly open attitude towards absorbing foreign investment in general, it still implements the Special Administrative Measures for Access of Foreign Investments (2024 Edition) (the “Negative List”). Under the Negative List, foreign investors shall not invest in any forbidden fields stipulated in the Negative List and shall meet the conditions stipulated in the Negative List before investing in any restricted fields. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, since GRT researches, manufacts and distribute costing materials in China, GRT’s operations in China are unlikely to be restricted or prohibited by the Negative List, but there is no guarantee that the Chinese government will not make a different interpretation, so as to disallow GRT’s holding corporate structure. Moreover, the Chinese government revises the Negative List from time to time; although the scope of the Negative List is narrowing as a whole, it remains uncertain whether GRT’s existing business or future business will be included in future revisions. If the business of GRT’s PRC subsidiaries is deemed as a restricted or prohibited business based on the Negative List, GRT’s corporate structure post-Merger may be considered illegal and required to be restructured by the Chinese government, which may adversely affect GRT’s operations and the value of the securities it is registering for sale.

 

Due to the differences in the legal systems of different countries, you may find it difficult in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments, or bringing actions in mainland China against us or our management named in the prospectus based on foreign laws, compared to doing so in your home country against a domestic company.

 

As a holding company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong, we conduct substantially all our operations in mainland China and a majority of our assets are located in mainland China. In addition, all of our officers and directors reside outside the U.S. As a result, it may be time-consuming and costly for you to effect service of process upon those persons outside the U.S. It may be difficult for you to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors, as none of them currently resides in the U.S. or has substantial assets in the U.S. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the judicial branch outside the U.S. would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the U.S. or any state.

 

The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in mainland China are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. Courts of mainland China may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties between mainland China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. Mainland China does not have any treaties or other forms of written arrangement with the United States that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, the mainland China courts will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of mainland China laws or national sovereignty, security, or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a mainland China court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States. See “Enforceability of Civil Liabilities.”

 

Increases in labor costs in mainland China may adversely affect our business and our profitability.

 

China’s economy has experienced increases in labor costs in recent years. The overall economy and the average wage in mainland China are expected to continue to grow. The average wage level for our employees has also increased in recent years. We expect that our labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, will continue to increase. Unless we are able to pass on these increased labor costs to our customers by increasing prices for our products or services, our profitability and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

In addition, we have been subject to stricter regulatory requirements in terms of entering into labor contracts with our employees and paying various statutory employee benefits, including pensions, housing fund, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance, and maternity insurance to designated government agencies for the benefit of our employees. Pursuant to the PRC Labor Contract Law, or the “Labor Contract Law,” that became effective in January 2008 and its amendments that became effective in July 2013 and its implementing rules that became effective in September 2008, employers are subject to stricter requirements for labor protection in terms of signing labor contracts, minimum wages, paying remuneration, determining the term of employees’ probation, and unilaterally terminating labor contracts. In the event that we decide to terminate some of our employees or otherwise change our employment or labor practices, the Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules may limit our ability to effect those changes in a desirable or cost-effective manner, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

99

 

As the interpretation and implementation of labor-related laws and regulations are still evolving, we cannot assure you that our employment practice does not and will not violate labor-related laws and regulations in mainland China, which may subject us to labor disputes or government investigations. If we are deemed to have violated relevant labor laws and regulations, we could be required to provide additional compensation to our employees and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our operating subsidiaries in mainland China have not made adequate social insurance and housing provident fund contributions for all employees as required by the mainland China regulations, which may subject us to penalties.

 

According to the PRC Social Insurance Law and the Administrative Regulations on the Housing Funds, companies operating in mainland China are required to participate in pension insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance (collectively known as “social insurance”), and housing provident funds plans, and the employers must pay all or a portion of the social insurance premiums and housing provident funds for their employees. For more details, see “Regulations — Laws and Regulations on Labor and Work Safety — Regulations on Social Insurance and Housing Provident Fund.” The requirement of social insurance and housing provident fund has not been implemented consistently by the local governments in mainland China given the different levels of economic development in different locations. As of the date of this prospectus, our operating subsidiaries in mainland China have not made adequate social insurance and housing provident fund contributions for all employees. Our operating subsidiaries in mainland China may be required to make up the social insurance contributions as well as to pay late fees at the rate of 0.05% per day of the outstanding amount from the due date. If they fail to make up for the shortfalls within the prescribed time limit, the relevant administrative authorities will impose a fine of one to three times the outstanding amount upon our PRC subsidiaries. With respect to housing provident fund plans, our operating subsidiaries in mainland China may be required to pay and deposit housing provident funds in full and on time within the prescribed time limit. If our operating subsidiaries in mainland China fail to do so, relevant authorities could file applications to competent courts for compulsory enforcement of payment and deposit. As of the date of this prospectus, our operating subsidiaries in mainland China have not received any notice from local authorities or any claim or request from the employees in this regard. However, if the relevant mainland China authorities determine that our operating subsidiaries in mainland China shall make supplemental social insurance and housing fund contributions or that our operating subsidiaries in mainland China are subject to fines and legal sanctions in relation to their failure to make social insurance and housing fund contributions in full for their employees, their business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

Failure to adapt to changes in laws and regulations governing our industry on a timely basis may result in fines, create limitations or uncertainties with respect to our operating subsidiaries’ business activities, make it difficult for them to obtain or maintain the necessary approvals, permits or licenses or render their operations non-compliant, any of which could materially and adversely affect our operating subsidiaries’ business.

 

The functional coating industry is a fragmented and evolving industry in mainland China, and the laws and regulations governing the industry are still developing. There are substantial uncertainties as to the legal system and the interpretation and implementation of the laws and regulations of mainland China applicable to the industry.

 

Any significant changes to the laws, regulations and government policies governing the coating materials and polymer film materials manufacturing and processing industry could impose substantial costs on us, create limitations or uncertainties regarding the way our operating subsidiaries conduct or expand their business, or affect our rights or obligations under our existing agreements with investors, target companies or other parties as well as the extent to which we can engage in, or charge fees for our business.

 

We will continue to monitor any new rules in this area to ensure that we remain in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Any failure to adapt to and other changes in applicable laws, regulations and other government policies on a timely basis may result in fines, restrictions on our operating subsidiaries’ business activities or revocations of approvals, permits or licenses, or render our operating subsidiaries’ operations to be non-compliant, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

100

 

China’s recent phenomena that the local governments chasing after “un-paid tax” may make us vulnerable to such policy and if we are requested to pay any unpaid tax, our profitability may be adversely impacted.

 

In the past 40+ years, China enjoyed a rapid economic growth, and the governments, from the central to the local, may have granted tax-exemption or tax reduction policies to encourage the investment. During covid-19 period, certain taxes are either waived, deferred or reduced. However, it is possible that Chinese government may request certain companies that they select to pay back the reduced income tax or request us to give back the grants that it once awarded to the companies. Recently Chinese authorities are chasing unpaid taxes from companies and individuals dating back decades, as the government moves to plug massive budget shortfalls and address a mounting debt crisis. More than a dozen listed Chinese companies are reported that they were slapped with millions of dollars in back taxes in a renewed effort to fix local finances that have been wrecked by a downturn in the property market that hit sales of land leases, a main source of revenues. We have not received any notice from the government to pay back any incentives or award we received or pay back the taxes that are waived or reduced, nor do we believe either we have received any tax concession that we are not entitled to, however, if the Chinese government is continuing pushing the companies to alleviate the continued shrinking revenue that the government is facing, we may need to pay certain amount of money to alleviate the problem and our profitability may be adversely impacted.

 

Regulations in mainland China relating to offshore investment activities by mainland China residents may limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or otherwise expose us or our shareholders who are mainland China residents to liabilities or penalties.

 

On July 4, 2014, SAFE issued the Circular on Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control over the Overseas Investment and Financing and Round-trip Investment by Domestic Residents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or “SAFE Circular 37.” According to SAFE Circular 37, prior registration with the local SAFE branch is required for PRC residents (including mainland China individuals and mainland China corporate entities as well as foreign individuals that are deemed to be mainland China residents for foreign exchange administration purpose), in connection with their direct or indirect contribution of domestic assets or interests to offshore special purpose vehicles, or “SPVs.” SAFE Circular 37 further requires amendments to the SAFE registrations in the event of any changes with respect to the basic information of the offshore SPV, such as change of a PRC individual shareholder, name and operation term, or any significant changes with respect to the offshore SPV, such as an increase or decrease of capital contribution, share transfer or exchange, or mergers or divisions. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are mainland China tax residents and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we make in the future. In February 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or “SAFE Notice 13,” effective in June 2015 and revised in December, 2019. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound overseas direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, will be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE.

 

In addition to SAFE Circular 37 and SAFE Notice 13, our ability to conduct foreign exchange activities in mainland China may be subject to the interpretation and enforcement of the Implementation Rules of the Administrative Measures for Individual Foreign Exchange promulgated by SAFE in January 2007 (as amended and supplemented, the “Individual Foreign Exchange Rules”). Under the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules, any mainland China individual seeking to make a direct investment overseas or engage in the issuance or trading of negotiable securities or derivatives overseas must make the appropriate registrations in accordance with SAFE provisions, the failure of which may subject such mainland China individual to warnings, fines, or other liabilities.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, our majority shareholder and shareholders who are directors and/or executives of our Company and known to us as mainland China residents have completed the registrations under the SAFE Circular 37 and SAFE Notice 13. However, we may not be informed of the identities of all the mainland China residents holding direct or indirect interest in our Company, and we have no control over any of our future beneficial owners. Thus, we cannot provide any assurance that our current or future beneficial owners who are mainland China resident will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable registrations or continuously comply with all registration procedures set forth in these SAFE regulations. Such failure or inability of our mainland China residents beneficial owners to comply with these SAFE regulations may subject us or our mainland China resident beneficial owners to fines and legal sanctions, restrict our cross-border investment activities, or limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to or obtain foreign-exchange-dominated loans from us, or prevent us from being able to make distributions or pay dividends, as a result of which our business operations and our ability to distribute profits to you could be materially and adversely affected.

 

101

 

Mainland China regulation of parent/subsidiary loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC subsidiaries may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

 

Any funds we transfer to our operating subsidiaries in mainland China, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, are subject to approval by or registration with relevant governmental authorities in mainland China. According to the relevant regulations on foreign-invested enterprises, or “FIEs,” in mainland China, trans-border shareholder loans to our PRC subsidiary, Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co., Ltd (“Tongli Group”), which is a FIE, are subject to registration with SAFE or its local branches in advance. There is, in effect, no statutory limit on the amount of capital contributions that we can make to our operating subsidiaries in mainland China, and we are allowed to make capital contributions to our operating subsidiaries in mainland China by subscribing to their initial registered capital and increased registered capital, provided that the operating subsidiaries in mainland China complete the relevant filing and registration procedures.

 

On the other hand, any foreign loan provided by us to our operating subsidiaries in mainland China is required to be registered with SAFE or its local branches or filed with SAFE in its information system, and our operating subsidiaries in mainland China may not procure foreign loans which exceed the difference between its total investment amount and registered capital (the “Current Foreign Debt Mechanism”) or, as an alternative, only procure loans subject to the calculation approach and limitations as provided in the Circular on Matters concerning the Macro-Prudential Management of Full-Covered Cross-Border Financing of the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”), or “PBOC Notice No. 9” (the “PBOC Notice No. 9 Mechanism”), which shall not exceed 200% of the net asset of the relevant PRC subsidiaries. According to PBOC Notice No. 9, after a transition period of one year since its promulgation, PBOC and SAFE will determine the cross-border financing administration mechanism for the FIEs after evaluating the overall implementation of PBOC Notice No. 9. As of the date of this prospectus, neither PBOC nor SAFE has promulgated and made public any material changes to PBOC Notice No. 9. It is uncertain which mechanism will be adopted by PBOC and SAFE in the future and what statutory limits will be imposed on us when providing loans to our operating subsidiaries in mainland China. Currently, our operating subsidiaries in mainland China have the flexibility to choose between the Current Foreign Debt Mechanism and the PBOC Notice No. 9 Mechanism. However, if a more stringent foreign debt mechanism becomes mandatory, our ability to provide loans to our operating subsidiaries in mainland China may be significantly limited, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

If we seek to make capital contributions to our operating subsidiaries in mainland China or provide any loan to our operating subsidiaries in mainland China in the future, we may not be able to obtain the required government approvals or complete the required registrations on a timely basis, if at all. If we fail to receive such approvals or complete such registrations, our ability to use the proceeds of this offering and to capitalize our operating subsidiaries in mainland China may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

 

On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Management Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or “SAFE Circular 19,” effective as of June 1, 2015, as amended by Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement under the Capital Account, or “SAFE Circular 16,” effective on June 9, 2016. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 allow FIEs to settle their foreign exchange capital at their discretion, but prohibit FIEs from using the RMB fund converted from their foreign exchange capitals for (i) expenditures beyond the enterprise’s business scope or expenditures prohibited by laws and regulations; (ii) investments in securities or other investments than principal-secured products issued by banks; (iii) granting loans to non-affiliated enterprises, except where it is expressly permitted in the business license providing entrusted loans, or repaying loans between non-financial enterprises; and (iv) construction or purchase of real estate for purposes other than self-use (except for real estate enterprises). On October 23, 2019, SAFE promulgated the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Promoting the Facilitation of Cross-Border Trade and Investment, or “SAFE Circular 28,” which removes the restrictions on domestic equity investments by non-investment foreign-invested enterprises with their capital funds, provided that certain conditions are met. The use of such RMB capital may not be altered without SAFE’s approval, and such RMB capital may not in any case be used to repay RMB loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used.

 

102

 

As a result, we are required to apply RMB funds converted from the net proceeds we received from this offering within the business scopes of our PRC subsidiaries. Violations of these Circulars could result in severe monetary or other penalties. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 could potentially limit our ability to use RMB converted from the net proceeds of this offering to fund the establishment of new entities in mainland China by our operating subsidiaries in mainland China or to invest in or acquire any other mainland China companies through our operating subsidiaries in mainland China, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Fluctuations in exchange rates could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.

 

The value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in economic conditions in mainland China and by mainland China’s foreign exchange policies. On July 21, 2005, the mainland China regulatory authority changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the RMB to the U.S. dollar, and the RMB appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar over the following three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, the RMB has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. It is difficult to predict how market forces or mainland China or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar in the future.

 

Our business is conducted in mainland China, and our books and records are maintained in RMB, which is the currency of mainland China. The financial statements that we file with the SEC and provide to our shareholders are presented in U.S. dollars. Changes in the exchange rates between the RMB and U.S. dollar affect the value of our assets and the results of our operations, when presented in U.S. dollars. Any significant revaluation of the RMB may materially and adversely affect our cash flows, revenue, and financial condition. Further, the ADSs offered by this prospectus are offered in U.S. dollars, we will need to convert the net proceeds we receive into RMB in order to use the funds for our business. Changes in the conversion rate among the U.S. dollar and the RMB will affect the amount of proceeds we will have available for our business.

 

Very limited hedging options are available in mainland China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into more hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by mainland China exchange administration regulations that affect our ability to convert RMB into foreign currency. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on your investment.

 

Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a mainland China “resident enterprise” for mainland China enterprise income tax purposes. Such classification would likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-Chinese-mainlander shareholders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.

 

Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the “EIT Law,” that became effective in January 2008, an enterprise established outside mainland China with “de facto management bodies” within mainland China is considered a “resident enterprise” for mainland China enterprise income tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. Under the implementation rules to the EIT Law, a “de facto management body” is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances, and properties of an enterprise. In addition, a circular, known as SAT Circular 82, issued in April 2009 by the State Administration of Taxation, or the “SAT,” specifies that certain offshore incorporated enterprises controlled by mainland China enterprises or mainland China enterprise groups will be classified as mainland China resident enterprises if the following are located or resident in mainland China: senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; financial and personnel decision making bodies; key properties, accounting books, company seal, and minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings; and half or more of the senior management or directors having voting rights. Further to SAT Circular 82, the SAT issued a bulletin, known as SAT Bulletin 45, which took effect in September 2011, to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82 and clarify the reporting and filing obligations of such “Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated resident enterprises.” SAT Bulletin 45 provides procedures and administrative details for the determination of resident status and administration on post-determination matters. Although both SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 only apply to offshore enterprises controlled by mainland China enterprises or mainland China enterprise groups, not those controlled by mainland China individuals or foreign individuals, the determining criteria set forth in SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the “de facto management body” test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by mainland China enterprises, mainland China enterprise groups, or by mainland China or foreign individuals.

 

103

 

If the mainland China tax authorities determine that the actual management organ of GRT is within the territory of China, GRT may be deemed to be a mainland China resident enterprise for mainland China enterprise income tax purposes and a number of unfavorable mainland China tax consequences could follow. First, we will be subject to the uniform 25% enterprise income tax on our worldwide income, which could materially reduce our net income. In addition, we will also be subject to mainland China enterprise income tax reporting obligations. Finally, dividends payable by us to our investors and gains on the sale of the ADSs may become subject to mainland China withholding tax, at a rate of 10% in the case of non-Chinese-mainlander enterprises or 20% in the case of non-mainland individuals (in each case, subject to the provisions of any applicable tax treaty), if such gains are deemed to be from sources of mainland China. It is unclear whether non-mainland shareholders of our Company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and mainland China in the event that we are treated as a mainland China resident enterprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in the ADSs. Although up to the date of this prospectus, GRT has not been notified or informed by the mainland China tax authorities that it has been deemed to be a resident enterprise for the purpose of the EIT Law, we cannot assure you that it will not be deemed to be a resident enterprise in the future.

 

We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in mainland China resident enterprises by their non-Chinese-mainlander holding companies.

 

In February 2015, SAT issued a Public Notice Regarding Certain Corporate Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of Properties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or “SAT Circular 7.” SAT Circular 7 provides comprehensive guidelines relating to indirect transfers of mainland China taxable assets (including equity interests and real properties of a mainland China resident enterprise) by a non-resident enterprise. In addition, in October 2017, SAT issued an Announcement on Issues Relating to Withholding at Source of Income Tax of Non-resident Enterprises, or “SAT Circular 37,” effective in December 2017, which, among others, amended certain provisions in SAT Circular 7 and further clarify the tax payable declaration obligation by non-resident enterprise. The indirect transfer of an equity interest and/or real properties in a mainland China resident enterprise by an overseas holding company will be deemed a direct transfer of mainland China taxable assets and subject to enterprise income taxes, unless such transactions are for a reasonable commercial purpose.

 

SAT Circular 7 provides clear criteria for an assessment of reasonable commercial purposes and has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. As stipulated in SAT Circular 7, indirect transfers of mainland China taxable assets are considered as reasonable commercial purposes if the shareholding structure of both transaction parties falls within the following situations: i) the transferor directly or indirectly owns 80% or above equity interest of the transferee, or vice versa; ii) the transferor and the transferee are both 80% or above directly or indirectly owned by the same party; iii) the percentage in bullet point i) and ii) shall be 100% if over 50% the share value of a foreign enterprise is directly or indirectly derived from real properties in mainland China. Furthermore, SAT Circular 7 also brings challenges to both foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of taxable assets. Where a non-resident enterprise transfers mainland China taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an indirect transfer, the non-resident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the mainland China entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such indirect transfer to the relevant tax authority and the mainland China tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding, or deferring mainland China tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to mainland China enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a mainland China resident enterprise.

 

According to SAT Circular 37, where the non-resident enterprise fails to declare the tax payable pursuant to Article 39 of the EIT Law, the tax authority may order it to pay the tax due within required time limits, and the non-resident enterprise shall declare and pay the tax payable within such time limits specified by the tax authority. If the non-resident enterprise, however, voluntarily declares and pays the tax payable before the tax authority orders it to do so within required time limits, it shall be deemed that such enterprise has paid the tax in time.

 

104

 

We face uncertainties as to the reporting and assessment of reasonable commercial purposes and future transactions where mainland China taxable assets are involved, such as offshore restructuring and investments. In the event of being assessed as having no reasonable commercial purposes in an indirect transfer transaction, we may be subject to filing obligations or taxed if we are a transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations (to be specific, a 10% withholding tax for the transfer of equity interests) if we are a transferee in such transactions, under SAT Circular 7 and SAT Circular 37. For transfer of shares by investors who are non-mainland resident enterprises, our operating subsidiaries in China may be requested to assist in the filing under the SAT circulars. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with the SAT circulars or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that we should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our PRC subsidiaries are subject to certain limitations and restrictions on paying dividends or making other payments to us, which may have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.

 

We are a holding company incorporated in Hong Kong. We may need dividends and other distributions on equity from our operating subsidiaries in mainland China to satisfy our liquidity requirements. Current mainland China regulations permit our operating subsidiaries in mainland China to pay dividends to us only out of its accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with mainland China accounting standards and regulations. In addition, our operating subsidiaries in mainland China are required to set aside at least 10% of its respective accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds until the total amount set aside reaches 50% of their respective registered capital. Our operating subsidiaries in mainland China may also allocate a portion of their respective after-tax profits based on mainland China accounting standards to employee welfare and bonus funds at their discretion. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. These limitations on the ability of our operating subsidiaries in mainland China to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments, or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business.

 

In response to the persistent capital outflow and Renminbi’s depreciation against U.S. dollar in the fourth quarter of 2016, the PBOC and SAFE implemented a series of capital administration measures, including stricter vetting procedures for China-based companies to remit foreign currency for overseas acquisitions, dividend payments and shareholder loan repayments. For instance, PBOC issued the Circular on Further Clarification of Relevant Matters Relating to Offshore RMB Loans Provided by Domestic Enterprises, or “PBOC Circular 306,” on November 26, 2016, which provides that offshore RMB loans provided by a domestic enterprise to offshore enterprises with which it has an equity relationship shall not exceed 30% of the domestic enterprise’s most recent audited owner’s equity. PBOC Circular 306 may constrain our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to provide offshore loans to us. The Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Advancing Foreign Exchange Administration Reform to Enhance Authenticity and Compliance Reviews, promulgated by SAFE in January 2017, provides for several capital administration measures with respect to outbound remittances of profits from domestic entities to offshore entities, including the following: when a bank handles the remittances of profits of an amount exceeding the equivalent of US$50,000 for a domestic entity, the resolutions of the board of directors on profit distributions, the original tax filing forms and the audited financial statements should be verified in accordance with the principle of genuine transaction, and the domestic entity should hold income to account for previous years’ losses before remittances of profits. In addition, the domestic entity is required to make a detailed description of sources and use arrangements of capital, as well as proof of board resolutions, contracts, etc., when completing the registration procedures in connection with an outbound investment. The mainland China regulatory authority may continue to strengthen its capital administration, and our PRC subsidiaries’ dividends and other distributions may be subjected to tighter scrutiny in the future. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business. See also “Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a mainland China ‘resident enterprise’ for mainland China enterprise income tax purposes. Such classification would likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-mainland shareholders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.”

 

105

 

Limitations and restrictions on currency conversion may affect the value of your investment and our payment of dividends.

 

The mainland China government regulates and imposes certain restrictions on the convertibility of the RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of mainland China. We receive substantially all of our revenue in the RMB. Under our current corporate structure, GRT may rely on dividend payments from our operating subsidiaries in mainland China to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing mainland China foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. Therefore, our operating subsidiaries in mainland China are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without prior approval from SAFE, subject to the condition that the remittance of such dividends outside of mainland China complies with certain procedures under mainland China foreign exchange regulation, such as the overseas investment registrations by our shareholders or the ultimate shareholders of our corporate shareholders who are mainland China residents. Approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is, however, required where the RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of mainland China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions, within its scope of authority as prescribed by law. If the foreign exchange administration system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demand, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders.

 

There are uncertainties under the EIT Law relating to the withholding tax liabilities of our operating subsidiaries in mainland China, and dividends payable by our operating subsidiaries in mainland China to us may not qualify to enjoy certain treaty benefits.

 

Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, the profits of a foreign-invested enterprise generated through operations, which are distributed to its immediate holding company outside mainland China, will be subject to a withholding tax rate of 10%. Pursuant to the Arrangement between mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, or the “Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement,” a withholding tax rate of 10% may be lowered to 5% if the mainland China enterprise is at least 25% held by a Hong Kong enterprise for at least 12 consecutive months prior to distribution of the dividends and is determined by the relevant mainland China tax authority to have satisfied other conditions and requirements under the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement and other applicable mainland China laws.

 

However, based on the Circular on Certain Issues with Respect to the Enforcement of Dividend Provisions in Tax Treaties, or the “SAT Circular 81,” which became effective on February 20, 2009, if the relevant mainland China tax authorities determine, in their discretion, that a company benefits from such reduced income tax rate due to a structure or arrangement that is primarily tax-driven, such mainland China tax authorities may adjust the preferential tax treatment. According to Circular on Several Issues regarding the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax Treaties, which became effective as of April 1, 2018, when determining an applicant’s status as the “beneficial owner” regarding tax treatments in connection with dividends, interests, or royalties in the tax treaties, several factors will be taken into account. Such factors include whether the business operated by the applicant constitutes actual business activities, and whether the counterparty country or region to the tax treaties does not levy any tax, grant tax exemption on relevant incomes, or levy tax at an extremely low rate. This circular further requires any applicant who intends to be proved of being the “beneficial owner” to file relevant documents with the relevant tax authorities. Tongli Group is wholly owned by us, as a Hong Kong holding company. However, we cannot assure you that our determination regarding our qualification to enjoy the preferential tax treatment will not be challenged by the relevant mainland China tax authority or we will be able to complete the necessary filings with the relevant mainland China tax authority and enjoy the preferential withholding tax rate of 5% under the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement with respect to dividends to be paid by our PRC subsidiaries to us, in which case, we would be subject to the higher withdrawing tax rate of 10% on dividends received.

 

106

 

If we become directly subject to the scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm our operating subsidiaries’ business operations, the ADS price, and our reputation.

 

U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in mainland China have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators, and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity has centered on financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity, the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed Chinese companies sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, has become virtually worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear what effect this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity will have on us, our business, and the price of the ADSs. If we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we will have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend our Company. This situation will be costly and time-consuming and distract our management from developing our business. If such allegations are not proven to be groundless, we and our business operations will be severely affected and you could sustain a significant decline in the value of the ADSs.

 

We are required to fulfill the Trial Administrative Measures filing procedures and report relevant information to the CSRC; and, since further interpretation and implementation of the new regulations are still required, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the filings for any future offerings, after the completion of this offering, and fully comply with the relevant new rules on a timely basis, if at all.

 

On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions on Strictly and Lawfully Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities to crack down on illegal activities in the securities market and promote the high-quality development of the capital market (the “Opinions”), which, among other things, requires the relevant governmental authorities to strengthen cross-border oversight of law-enforcement and judicial cooperation, to enhance supervision over China-based companies listed overseas, and to establish and improve the system of extraterritorial application of the securities laws of mainland China.

 

On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Trial Administrative Measures, which came into force on March 31, 2023. On the same date, the CSRC circulated the Guidance Rules on CSRC’s official website. The Trial Administrative Measures refine the regulatory system by subjecting both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing activities to the CSRC filing-based administration. The Trial Administrative Measures, together with the Guidance Rules reiterate the basic principles of the Draft Administrative Provisions and Draft Filing Measures and impose substantially the same requirements for the overseas securities offering and listing by domestic enterprises, and clarified and emphasized several aspects, which include, but are not limited to: (i) comprehensive determination of the “indirect overseas offering and listing by domestic companies of mainland China” in compliance with the principle of “substance over form” and particularly, an issuer will be required to undertake the filing procedures under the Trial Administrative Measures if the following criteria are met at the same time: a) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets, as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year, is accounted for by mainland China companies, and b) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in mainland China; (ii) a negative list of types of issuers banned from listing or offering overseas, such as issuers under investigation for crimes or major violations of the law, or whose overseas offering and listing may endanger national security, or whose controlling shareholders have been recently convicted of

 

107

 

bribery and corruption; (iii) issuers’ compliance with foreign investment, network security, data security, and other national security laws, regulations and relevant provisions; (iv) issuers’ filing and reporting obligations, such as the obligation to file with the CSRC after it submits an application for initial public offering to competent overseas regulators, and the obligation to file with the CSRC after it completes subsequent offerings in the same overseas market and to report to the CSRC on material events including change of control or voluntary or mandatory delisting of the issuer; and (v) the CSRC’s authority to fine both issuers and their relevant shareholders for failure to comply with the Trial Administrative Measures, including failure to comply with the filing procedures or filing with materials on false, misleading statements or material omissions. Specifically, pursuant to the Trial Administrative Measures and Guidance Rules, we are required to file with the CSRC within three business days after Flag Ship announces the specific arrangements for the Merger, and this offering is contingent upon the completion of the filing with the CSRC (“CSRC Filing”). We plan to submit the CSRC Filing report and related materials to the CSRC on about ______, 2024, three business days after Flag Ship files Form 8-K with SEC. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received the notification from the CSRC that we have completed the CSRC filing procedure for this offering in accordance with the Trial Administrative Measures and Guidance Rule. As the Trial Administrative Measures are newly-issued, there remains uncertainty regarding their interpretation and implementation. Therefore, we cannot assure you that we are fully comply with the relevant new rules on a timely basis, if at all.

 

The M&A Rules and certain other mainland China regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of mainland China companies by foreign investors, which could create certain obstacles for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in mainland China.

 

The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors, or the “M&A Rules,” and recently adopted regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time consuming and complex. For example, the M&A Rules require that the Ministry of Commerce be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a mainland China enterprise, if (i) any important industry is concerned, (ii) such transaction involves factors that have or may have impact on the national economic security, or (iii) such transaction will lead to a change in control of a domestic enterprise which holds a famous trademark or Chinese time-honored brand. Mergers or acquisitions that allow one market player to take control of or to exert decisive impact on another market player must also be notified in advance to the Ministry of Commerce when the threshold under the Provisions on Thresholds for Prior Notification of Concentrations of Undertakings, or the “Prior Notification Rules,” issued by the State Council in August 2008 is triggered. In addition, the security review rules issued by the Ministry of Commerce that became effective in September 2011 specify that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors that raise “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control over domestic enterprises that raise “national security” concerns are subject to strict review by the Ministry of Commerce, and the rules prohibit any activities attempting to bypass a security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement. In the future, we may grow our business by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the requirements of the above-mentioned regulations and other relevant rules to complete such transactions could be time consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the Ministry of Commerce or its local counterparts may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions. We do not believe our business would be deemed to be in an industry that raises “national defense and security” or “national security” concerns. The Ministry of Commerce or other government agencies, however, may publish explanations in the future determining that our business is in an industry subject to the security review, in which case our future acquisitions in mainland China, including those by way of entering into contractual control arrangements with target entities, may be closely scrutinized or prohibited. Our ability to expand our business or maintain or expand our market share through future acquisitions would as such be materially and adversely affected.

 

To the extent cash or assets in the business is in mainland China or Hong Kong or an entity incorporated in mainland China or Hong Kong, the funds or assets may not be available to fund operations or for other use outside of mainland China or Hong Kong due to the imposition of restrictions and limitations on the ability of us or our subsidiaries by the mainland China regulatory authority within their scope of authority to transfer cash or assets.

 

The transfer of funds and assets among GRT and its subsidiaries in mainland China is subject to certain limitations and restrictions. The mainland China regulatory authority imposes certain regulations and restrictions on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of mainland China. See “Risk Factors — Limitations and restrictions on currency conversion may affect the value of your investment and our payment of dividends.” In addition, the PRC EIT Law and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax at a rate of 10% will be applicable to dividends payable by Chinese companies to non-mainland resident enterprises, unless reduced under treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and the governments of other countries or regions where the non-mainland resident enterprises are tax residents. See “Risk Factors — Our PRC subsidiaries are subject to certain limitations and restrictions on paying dividends or making other payments to us, which may have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.”

 

108

 

As of the date of this prospectus, there are no restrictions or limitations imposed by the Hong Kong government on the transfer of capital within, into and out of Hong Kong (including funds from Hong Kong to mainland China), except for the transfer of funds involving money laundering and criminal activities. However, there is no guarantee that the Hong Kong government will not promulgate new laws or regulations that may impose such restrictions in the future.

 

As a result of the above, to the extent cash or assets in the business is in mainland China or Hong Kong or a mainland China or Hong Kong entity, the funds or assets may not be available to fund operations or for other use outside of mainland China or Hong Kong due to the imposition of restrictions and limitations on the ability of us or our subsidiaries by the mainland China regulatory authority to transfer cash or assets.

 

We rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our operating subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of our operating subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.

 

We are a holding company, though currently we have sufficient capital to meet our operation needs, when such capital is depleted, we will rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our operating subsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders and service any debt we may incur. If our operating subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. In addition, the mainland China tax authorities may require our mainland China subsidiaries to adjust their taxable income in a manner that would materially and adversely affect their ability to pay dividends and other distributions to us.

 

Under laws and regulations of mainland China, our PRC subsidiaries may pay dividends only out of their respective accumulated after-tax profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations of mainland China. In addition, each of our PRC subsidiaries is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, after making up for previous year’s accumulated losses, if any, to fund certain statutory common reserves, and may stop setting aside such after-tax profits after the aggregate amount of such funds reaches 50% of its registered capital. And for the purpose of avoiding misunderstanding, this portion of such operating subsidiaries’ respective statutory common reserves are prohibited from being distributed to their shareholders as dividends except in the event of liquidation. If the shareholders’ meeting or the board of directors distributes the profits to the shareholders by violating the above-mentioned provisions before the losses are made up and the statutory common reserves are drawn, the profits distributed shall be refunded to the company.

 

109

 

Risks Related to GRT’s Business and Industry

 

The demand for our products and services are impacted by many factors outside of our control, and if such demand does not continue to grow or grows at a slower rate than we anticipate, our business and prospects will suffer.

 

Our future success depends on continued demand for coating materials. Coating industry is a rapidly evolving and competitive market that has experienced substantial changes in recent years. The market size of our industry and our service may be affected by many factors outside of our control, including:

 

availability, scale and scope of government subsidies, economic incentives and financing sources to support the development and commercialization of solar energy solutions;

 

levels of investment by project developers and owners of solar energy products, which tend to decrease when economic growth slows;

 

the emergence, continuance or success of, or increased government support for, other alternative energy generation technologies and products;

 

local, state and federal permitting and other regulatory requirements related to environmental, land use and transmission issues, each of which can significantly impact the feasibility and timelines for solar projects;

 

technical and regulatory limitations regarding the interconnection of solar energy systems to the electrical grid;

 

the cost and availability of raw materials and components necessary to produce solar energy, such as polysilicon; and

 

regional, national or global macroeconomic trends, which could affect the demand for new energy resources.

 

If demand for solar energy fails to continue to grow, demand for our products will plateau or decrease, which would have an adverse impact on our ability to increase our revenue and grow our business. If we are not able to mitigate these risks and overcome these difficulties successfully, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our failure to win new contracts and purchase orders may adversely affect our business operations and financial results.

 

Our business depends on our ability to win contracts and purchase orders with customers. Contract proposals and negotiations are complex and frequently involve a lengthy bidding and selection process, which is affected by a number of factors. These factors include market conditions, financing arrangements, and required governmental approvals. If negative market conditions arise, or if we fail to secure adequate financial arrangements or the required government approvals, we may not be able to pursue particular projects, which could adversely affect our profitability. If we fail to complete a project in a timely manner, miss a required performance standard, or otherwise fail to adequately perform on a project, then we may incur a loss on that project, which may reduce or eliminate our overall profitability.

 

Our business may in the future benefit in part from national and local government support for coating material industry, and a decline in such support could harm our business.

 

We may in the future benefit in part from legislation and government policies that support coating material industry, we cannot assure you that we will continue to receive government support in future periods at a similar level or at all. The availability of or lack of the support from the government depend, to a large extent, on political and policy developments relating to environmental concerns and other macro-economic factors. Adverse changes in government regulations and policies relating to the coating materials industry and their implementation, especially those relating to economic subsidies and incentives, could significantly reduce the profitability of our business and materially adversely affect the state of the industry.

 

110

 

Risk Related to our Business Operation

 

Our manufacturing facility and those of our third-party contract manufacturers and suppliers, as well as our customers’ facilities and our third-party logistics providers, are vulnerable to disruption due to natural or other disasters, strikes and other events beyond our control.

 

A major earthquake, fire, tsunami, hurricane, cyclone or other disaster, such as a major flood, seasonal storms, nuclear event or terrorist attack affecting our facilities or the areas in which they are located, or affecting those of our customers or third-party manufacturers, suppliers or fulfillment centers, could significantly disrupt our or their operations and delay or prevent product shipment or installation during the time required to repair, rebuild or replace our or their damaged manufacturing facilities. These delays could be lengthy and costly. If any of our facilities, or those of our third-party contract manufacturers, suppliers, third-party logistics providers or customers are negatively impacted by such a disaster, production, shipment and installation of our additive manufacturing machines could be delayed, which can impact the period in which we recognize the revenue related to that additive manufacturing machine sale. Additionally, customers may delay purchases of our products until operations return to normal. Even if we are able to respond quickly to a disaster, the continued effects of the disaster could create uncertainty in our business operations. In addition, concerns about terrorism, the effects of a terrorist attack, political turmoil, labor strikes, war or the outbreak of epidemic or pandemic diseases (including the outbreak of COVID-19) could have a negative effect on our operations and sales.

 

Our manufacturing process is complicated and expensive, failure to achieve satisfactory production volumes of our products could result in higher unit production costs.

 

The production of our products involves complex processes. Deviations in the manufacturing process can cause a substantial decrease in output and, in some cases, disrupt production significantly or result in defective products. This often occurs during the introduction of new products, the installation of new equipment or the implementation of new process technologies. As we bring additional lines or facilities into production, we may operate at less than intended capacity during the ramp-up period. In addition, if the demand for our product market may decrease, it may also cause us to operate at less than intended capacity. This would result in higher marginal production costs and lower output, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Unsatisfactory performance of or defects in our products may cause us to incur additional expenses and warranty costs, damage our reputation and cause our sales to decline.

 

Our products may contain defects that are not detected until after they are shipped or inspected by our customers. Our future sales contract for solar cells and/or solar modules may include warranty that is in line with the industry customary practice. If we experience a significant increase in warranty claims, we may incur significant replacement costs associated with such claims. In addition, product defects could cause significant damage to our market reputation and reduce our product sales and market share, and our failure to maintain the consistency and quality throughout our production process could result in substandard quality or performance of our products. If we deliver our products with defects, or if there is a perception that our products are of substandard quality, we may incur substantially increased costs associated with returns or replacements of our products, our credibility and market reputation could be harmed and our sales and market share may be materially adversely affected.

 

We are subject to risks related to supply chain disruptions.

 

Our operating subsidiaries must manage the supply chain for raw materials and the delivery services they rely upon for our products. Th raw materials that we are sourcing mainly include polyester film, polypropylene film, acrylic glue, silica gel, copper foil, etc. Though 70% of our coatings are self-produced, we nevertheless face the supply chain disruption risks resulting from supply chain fragmentation and local protectionism within the PRC. Local administrative bodies and physical infrastructure built to protect local interests pose transportation challenges for raw material transportation as well as product delivery. In addition, profitability and sales volume could be negatively impacted by limitations inherent within the supply chain, including competitive, governmental, and legal impediments, natural disasters, and other events that could impact both supply and price of our products. As of the date of this prospectus, our operating subsidiaries’ business and operations have not been materially impacted by any supply chain disruptions. However, any of these occurrences could cause significant disruptions to our supply chain, production capability and distribution system that could adversely impact our ability to produce and deliver products, and materially affect our outlook or business goals.

 

111

 

We may not be able to obtain sufficient raw materials in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We may experience interruption to our supply of raw materials or late delivery in the future for the following reasons, among others:

 

suppliers under our raw materials supply contracts may delay deliveries for a significant period of time without incurring penalties;

 

our suppliers may not be able to meet our production needs consistently or on a timely basis;

 

compared with us, some of our competitors who also purchase same raw materials from our suppliers have longer and stronger relationships with and have greater buying power and bargaining leverage over some of our key suppliers; and

 

our supply of raw materials is subject to the business risk of our suppliers, some of whom have limited operating history and limited financial resources, and one or more of which could go out of business for reasons beyond our control in the current economic environment.

 

Our failure to obtain the required amounts of raw materials, such as glass, in a timely manner and on commercially reasonable terms could increase our manufacturing costs and limit our ability to meet our contractual obligations to our customers. Any failure by us to meet such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, ability to retain customers, market share, business and results of operations and may subject us to claims from our customers and other disputes. Furthermore, our failure to obtain sufficient silicon and other raw materials would result in under-utilization of our production facilities and an increase in our marginal production costs. Any of the above events could have a material adverse effect on our growth, profitability and results of operations.

 

We are sourcing the raw materials from a limited number of suppliers, and their failure to perform could cause manufacturing delays and impair our ability to deliver products to customers in the required quality and quantities and at a price that is profitable to us.

 

Our failure to obtain raw materials that meet our quality, quantity, and cost requirements in a timely manner could interrupt or impair our ability to manufacture our products, or increase our manufacturing costs. We currently only source our raw materials from a limited number of suppliers. As a result, the failure of any of our suppliers to perform could disrupt our supply chain and adversely impact our operations. In addition, our suppliers may be unable to supply our increasing demand for raw materials as we expand or seek to expand our business. We may be unable to identify new suppliers or qualify their products for use on our production lines in a timely manner and on commercially reasonable terms. A constraint on our production may result in our inability to meet our capacity plans and/or our obligations under our customer contracts, which would have an adverse impact on our business.

 

Prepayment arrangements to our suppliers, if any, may expose us to the credit risks of such suppliers and may also significantly increase our costs and expenses, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

 

As we conduct our business in the ordinary course, we may incur prepayment obligations for the procurement of raw materials or the construction of our plants. Our prepayments, secured or unsecured, may expose us to the credit risks of our suppliers, and reduce our chances of obtaining the return of such prepayments in the event that our suppliers become insolvent or bankrupt. Moreover, we may have difficulty recovering such prepayments if any of our suppliers fails to fulfill its contractual delivery obligations to us. Accordingly, a default by our suppliers to whom we have made substantial prepayment may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

 

Shortage or disruption of electricity supply may adversely affect our business.

 

We consume a significant amount of electricity in our operations. We cannot assure you that there will not be disruptions or shortages in our electricity supply or that there will be sufficient electricity available to us to meet our future requirements. Shortages or disruptions in electricity supply and any increases in electricity costs may significantly disrupt our normal operations, cause us to incur additional costs and adversely affect our profitability.

 

112

 

We rely on a limited number of third-party logistics providers for distribution of our products, and their failure to distribute our products effectively and in a cost effective manner would adversely affect our sales.

 

We rely on a limited number of third-party logistics providers for shipping our products, if there is a disruption in the distribution channels of such third-party logistics providers, including but not limited to any disruption caused by labor shortages or if these providers continue to increase their rates, our business and financial condition could be adversely impacted.

 

If our third-party logistics providers do not fulfill their contractual obligations to us, or refuse or fail to adequately distribute our products, such as by shipping our products to the incorrect recipient, or the agreements are terminated without adequate notice, shipments of our products, and associated revenues, would be adversely affected. In addition, we expect that it may take a significant amount of time if we were required to change our third-party logistics providers and would require significant efforts to provide the systems support required for a new provider to effectively support our operations.

 

Our estimates of market opportunity and forecasts of market growth may prove to be inaccurate.

 

Market opportunity estimates and growth forecasts, whether obtained from third-party sources or developed internally, are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates that may prove to be inaccurate. This is especially so at the present time due to the uncertain and rapidly changing projections of the market opportunity and growth. The estimates and forecasts included in this prospectus relating to the size and expected growth of the target market and market demand may also prove to be inaccurate. The estimated addressable market may not materialize in the timeframe of the projections included herein, if ever, and even if the markets meet the size estimates and growth estimates presented in this proxy statement, our business could fail to grow at similar rates.

 

We operate in a highly competitive industry, and our current or future competitors may be able to compete more effectively than we do, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, growth rates and market share.

 

The markets and industries in which we compete in are highly competitive, with many companies of varying size and business models, many of which have their own proprietary technologies, competing for the same business as we do. Some of our competitors have longer operating histories and greater resources than us and could focus their substantial financial resources to develop a competitive advantage. Our competitors may also offer coating solutions at prices below cost, devote significant sales forces to competing with us or attempt to recruit our key personnel by increasing compensation, any of which could improve their competitive positions. Additionally, we expect competition to intensify in the future as existing competitors and new market entrants introduce new products into our markets. Any of these competitive factors could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain customers, increase our sales and marketing expenses, reduce profit margins, cause us to lower our prices in order to compete, and reduce our market share and revenues, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. We can provide no assurance that we will continue to effectively compete against our current competitors or additional companies that may enter our markets.

 

In addition, we may also face competition based on technological developments that compete with our products and services. Our competitors may develop technology that would make ours noncompetitive or obsolete. If we do not keep pace with product and technology advances and otherwise keep our product offerings competitive, there could be a material and adverse effect on our competitive position, revenue and prospects for growth. Some of our existing competitors have, and some of our potential competitors could have, substantial competitive advantages such as:

 

greater name recognition, longer operating histories and larger customer bases;

 

larger sales and marketing budgets and resources;

 

broader and deeper product lines;

 

greater customer support resources;

 

113

 

greater resources to make acquisitions;

 

lower labor and research and development costs;

 

substantially greater financial and other resources; and

 

larger scale manufacturing operations.

 

Some of our expected larger competitors may have substantially broader product offerings and may be able to leverage their relationships with partners and customers based on other products to gain business in a manner that discourages potential customers from purchasing our products or services. In addition, larger companies that are making significant investments in research and development may invent similar or superior technologies that compete with ours. Our current and potential competitors may also establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties that may further enhance their resources. If we are unable to compete successfully, or if competing successfully requires us to take costly actions in response to the actions of our competitors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Declines in the prices of our products and services, or in our volume of sales, together with our relatively inflexible cost structure, may adversely affect our financial results.

 

Our business is subject to price competition. Such price competition may adversely affect our results of operation, especially during periods of decreased demand. Decreased demand also adversely impacts the volume of our sales. If our business is not able to offset price reductions resulting from these pressures, or decreased volume of sales due to contractions in the market, by improved operating efficiencies and reduced expenditures, then our operating results will be adversely affected.

 

Our business is in a capital intensive industry, though demand for our products is anticipated to grow significantly, if the demand for our products slows, we may be faced with excess manufacturing capacity and related costs that cannot readily be reduced, which will adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risk related to our Growth Strategy and Expansion

 

We expect to continue to experience rapid growth and organizational change. If we fail to manage our growth effectively, we may be unable to execute our business plan, maintain high levels of service and customer satisfaction or attract new employees and customers.

 

We expect to continue to experience growth in our number of customers, sales, revenues and headcount. We expect to continue to make significant investments in our business, including investments in building new plant, update software, technology, personnel headcount, facilities, marketing and sales efforts. If our business does not generate the level of revenue required to support our investment, our net sales and profitability will be adversely affected.

 

To manage growth in our operations and personnel, we will need to continue to scale and improve our operational, financial, and management controls, and our reporting systems and procedures, which will require significant capital expenditures, increasing our cost of operations and the reallocation of valuable management resources. As we scale, it may become more difficult and will require additional capital expenditures to maintain and increase the productivity of our employees, expand production, to address the needs of our actual and prospective customers, to further develop and enhance our products, and remain competitive against our competitors’ products. These enhancements and improvements will require significant capital expenditures, investments in additional headcount and other operating expenditures and allocation of valuable management and employee resources, including but not limited to investments related to our manufacturing facilities. Our future financial performance and our ability to execute on our business plan will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any future growth and expansion. There are no guarantees we will be able to do so in an efficient or timely manner, or at all.

 

Global economic, political and social conditions and uncertainties in the markets that we serve may adversely impact our business.

 

Our performance depends on the financial health and strength of our customers, which in turn is dependent on the economic conditions of the markets in which we and our customers operate. Declines in the global economy, difficulties in the financial services sector and credit markets, continuing geopolitical uncertainties and other macroeconomic factors all affect the spending behavior of potential customers, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

114

 

President-Elect Trump has repeatedly vowed to impose punishing tariffs of up to 60 per cent on imports from China, which may result in our loss some multinational customers.

 

We have become a supplier to some reputable customers who are owned directly or indirectly by US companies. President-Elect Trump has repeatedly vowed to impose punishing tariffs of up to 60 percent on imports from China, and there is a risk that these customers may decide to leave China, indeed, we already observed that multinational companies have left China and established their facilities to south east Asia or Mexico or started to source from these countries. Other changes in U.S. social, political, regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, development and investment could also adversely affect our business.

 

International expansion is one of our growth strategies, and our potential expansion into international markets may expose our business and operations to additional risks, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results.

 

While our focus remains on the China market, we intend to explore opportunities globally and further penetrate markets outside of China, especially in Middle East and Southeast Asia. Operations in international markets may require us to respond to new and unanticipated regulatory, marketing, sales and other challenges. These efforts may be time-consuming and costly, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in responding to these and other challenges we may face as we enter and attempt to expand in international markets, including:

 

building and managing a highly experienced foreign workforce and overseeing and ensuring the performance of foreign subcontractors;

 

difficulties in developing, staffing, and simultaneously managing a large number of varying foreign operations as a result of distance, language, and cultural differences;

 

increased travel, infrastructure and legal and compliance costs associated with multiple international locations;

 

additional withholding taxes or other taxes on our foreign income, and tariffs or other restrictions on foreign trade or investment;

 

imposition of, or unexpected adverse changes in, foreign laws or regulatory requirements;

 

increased exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk;

 

longer payment cycles for sales in some foreign countries and potential difficulties in enforcing contracts and collecting accounts receivable;

 

difficulties in repatriating overseas earnings;

 

compliance with numerous legislative, regulatory or market requirements of foreign countries;

 

compliance with international and local laws prohibiting bribery and corrupt payments to government officials;

 

laws and business practices that favor local competitors or prohibit foreign ownership of certain businesses;

 

potentially adverse tax consequences;

 

compliance with laws of foreign countries, international organizations, such as the European Commission, treaties, and other international laws;

 

the inability to continue to benefit from local subsidies due to change in control;

 

unfavorable labor regulations; and

 

general economic conditions in the countries in which we operate.

 

Our future international operations will also be subject to general geopolitical risks, such as political, social and economic instability, war, incidents of terrorism, changes in diplomatic and trade relations, or responses to such events. One or more of these factors could adversely affect any of our international operations and result in lower revenue and/or greater operating expenses than we expect, and could significantly affect our results of operations and financial condition. Our overall success in international markets will depend, in part, on our ability to succeed in differing legal, regulatory, economic, social and political conditions. We may not be successful in developing and implementing policies and strategies that will be effective in managing these risks in each country where we do business. Our failure to manage these risks successfully could harm our international operations, reduce our international sales and increase our costs, thus adversely affecting our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

115

 

Risk Related to Intellectual Properties

 

We are subject to risks of loss of proprietary information.

 

Our ability to compete successfully and/or to achieve future growth in sales will depend, in part, on our ability to protect our proprietary information relating to our product development, production, and marketing of our products. Our directors and executive officers and all other employees, who may come into possession of such proprietary information including our technical know-how and our customer database in the course of their employment with us, are under an obligation to maintain confidentiality on any such information during their term of employment with us, as well as for a prescribed period after the cessation of their employment. However, there is no assurance that such confidentiality obligations will not be breached. In the event of a disclosure of our proprietary information by any employee in breach of their confidentiality obligations, in particular, where disclosure is made to third parties who may be our competitors or prospective competitors, our ability to compete against such parties may be materially and adversely affected. This would, in turn, have a material adverse impact on our business and profitability as well as our prospects.

 

If we are unable to obtain and maintain patent and other intellectual property protection for the products we developed and technical solutions that we provide to our customers, or if the scope of the patent and other intellectual property protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize products and technology similar or identical to ours, and our comparative advantage in competing in the market may be adversely affected.

 

Our success largely depends on our ability to obtain and maintain patent, trade secret and other intellectual property protection of our coating and packaging and other technology, methods used to manufacture them, as well as successfully defending our patent and other intellectual property rights against third-party challenges. It is difficult and costly to protect and enforce intellectual property rights, and we may not be able to ensure the same for every product. Our ability to stop unauthorized third parties from making, using, selling, offering to sell, importing or otherwise commercializing our technologies is dependent upon the extent to which we have rights under valid and enforceable patents or trade secrets that cover these activities.

 

We seek to protect our proprietary position by developing a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio including filing patent applications and obtaining granted patents in China related to our products and providing solutions to our customers. If we are unable to obtain or maintain patent protection with respect to our products, or if the scope of the patent protection secured is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize products and technology similar or identical to ours and our ability to commercialize that product candidate may be adversely affected.

 

The patent prosecution process is expensive, time-consuming, and complex, and we may not be able to file, prosecute, maintain, enforce, or license all necessary or desirable patent applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. In addition, we may not pursue or obtain patent protection in all relevant markets. It is also possible that we will fail to identify patentable aspects of our research and development output in time to obtain patent protection. Although we enter into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties who have access to confidential or patentable aspects of our research and development output, such as our employees, consultants, advisors, and other third parties, any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose such output before a patent application is filed, thereby jeopardizing our ability to seek patent protection. In addition, our ability to obtain and maintain valid and enforceable patents depends on whether the differences between our inventions and the prior art allow our inventions to be patentable over the prior art. Furthermore, publications of discoveries in the scientific literature often lag behind the actual discoveries, therefore, we cannot be certain that that we were the first to file for patent protection of such inventions.

 

The patent position of chemical materials companies generally is highly uncertain, involves complex legal and factual questions, and has been the subject of much litigation in recent years. As a result, the issuance, scope, validity, enforceability, and commercial value of our patent rights are uncertain and we may become involved in complex and costly litigation. Our pending and future patent applications may not result in patents being issued which protect therapeutic candidates or effectively prevent others from commercializing competitive technologies.

 

Changes in either the patent laws or their interpretation in China and other countries may diminish our ability to protect our inventions, obtain, maintain, enforce and defend our intellectual property rights and, more generally, could affect the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our owned patent rights. We also cannot predict whether the patent applications we are currently pursuing will issue as patents in any particular jurisdiction or whether the claims of any issued patents will be valid and enforceable and provide sufficient protection from competitors. Any patents that we own may be challenged, narrowed, circumvented, or invalidated by third parties. Consequently, we do not know whether any our patents remain protected by valid and enforceable patents. Our competitors or other third parties may be able to circumvent our patents by developing similar or alternative technologies or products in a non-infringing manner.

 

116

 

In addition, our intellectual property may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours, which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial conditions, results of operations, and prospects.

 

The strength of patents in the chemical materials field involves complex legal and scientific questions and can be uncertain.

 

We may also be subject to claims that former employees, or other third parties have an interest in our patents or patent applications or other intellectual property as an inventor or co-inventor. Though we may have an co-inventor for any particular patent, all patents are exclusively owned by us and we do not have any co-owner. However, we cannot assure you that a co-inventor will not claim as a co-owner. If co-inventor’s claim for co-ownership is successful but if we are unable to obtain an exclusive license to any such third party co-owners’ interest in such patent applications, such co-owners may be able to license their rights to other third parties, including our competitors. In addition, we may need the cooperation of any such co-owners to enforce any patents that issue from such patent applications against third parties, and such cooperation may not be provided to us.

 

If we are unsuccessful in any interference proceedings or other priority, validity (including any patent oppositions), or inventorship disputes to which we maybe subject, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights through the loss of one or more of our owned patents, or such patent claims may be narrowed, invalidated, or held unenforceable, or through loss of exclusive ownership of our patents. The loss of exclusivity or the narrowing of our patent claims could limit our ability to stop others from using or commercializing similar or identical technology. Even if we are successful in an interference proceeding or other similar priority or inventorship disputes, it could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and other employees. Any of the foregoing could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or prospects.

 

We may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents, which could be expensive, time consuming, and unsuccessful and could result in a finding that such patents are unenforceable or invalid.

 

Competitors may infringe our patents, or we may be required to defend against claims of infringement. In addition, our patents also are, and may in the future become, involved in inventorship, priority, validity or enforceability disputes. Countering or defending against such claims can be expensive and time consuming. In future infringement proceedings, a court may decide that a patent owned by us is invalid or unenforceable, or may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our owned or any in-licensed patents do not cover the technology in question. An adverse result in any litigation proceeding could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly.

 

Even if resolved in our favor, litigation or other legal proceedings relating to intellectual property claims may cause us to incur significant expenses and could distract our personnel from their normal responsibilities. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions, or other interim proceedings or developments, and if securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our Ordinary Shares. Such litigation or proceedings could substantially increase our operating losses and reduce the resources available for development activities or any future sales, marketing, or distribution activities. We may not have sufficient financial or other resources to conduct such litigation or proceedings adequately. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their greater financial resources and more mature and developed intellectual property portfolios. Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of patent litigation or other proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete in the marketplace.

 

If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position would be harmed.

 

In addition to seeking patents for our technology, we also rely on know-how and trade secret protection, as well as confidentiality agreements, non-disclosure agreements and invention assignment agreements with our employees, consultants and third-parties, to protect our confidential and proprietary information, especially where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable.

 

117

 

It is our policy to require our employees, consultants, advisors, and other third parties to execute confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of employment or consulting relationships with us. These agreements provide that all confidential information concerning our business or financial affairs developed by or made known to the individual or entity during the course of the party’s relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties, except in certain specified circumstances. In the case of employees, the agreements provide that all inventions conceived by the individual, and that are related to our current or planned business or research and development or made during normal working hours, on our premises or using our equipment or proprietary information, are our exclusive property. In the case of consultants and other third parties, the agreements provide that all inventions conceived in connection with the services provided are our exclusive property. However, we cannot guarantee that we have entered into such agreements with each party that may have or have had access to our trade secrets or proprietary technology and processes. Additionally, the assignment of intellectual property rights may not be self-executing, or the assignment agreements may be breached, and we may be forced to bring claims against third parties, or defend claims that they may bring against us, to determine the ownership of what we regard as our intellectual property. Any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable.

 

In addition to contractual measures, we try to protect the confidential nature of our proprietary information through other appropriate precautions, such as physical and technological security measures. However, trade secrets and know-how can be difficult to protect. These measures may not, for example, in the case of misappropriation of a trade secret by an employee or third party with authorized access, provide adequate protection for our proprietary information. Our security measures may not prevent an employee or consultant from misappropriating our trade secrets and providing them to a competitor, and any recourse we might take against this type of misconduct may not provide an adequate remedy to protect our interests fully. In addition, trade secrets may be independently developed by others in a manner that could prevent us from receiving legal recourse. If any of our confidential or proprietary information, such as our trade secrets, were to be disclosed or misappropriated, or if any of that information was independently developed by a competitor, our competitive position could be harmed.

 

In addition, if we choose to go to court to stop a third party from using any of our trade secrets, we may incur substantial costs. Even if we are successful, these types of lawsuits may consume our time and other resources. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Third parties may assert that our employees, consultants, or advisors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information or misappropriated trade secrets.

 

We employ individuals that were previously employed by other companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Although we try to ensure that our employees, consultants, and advisors do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or these individuals have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed intellectual property, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of any such individual’s former employer. Also, we have in the past and may in the future be subject to claims that these individuals are violating non-compete agreements with their former employers. We may then have to pursue litigation to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to our technical and management personnel from their normal responsibilities. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments, and, if securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, that perception could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our Ordinary Shares. This type of litigation or proceeding could substantially increase our operating losses and reduce our resources available for development activities, and we may not have sufficient financial or other resources to adequately conduct this type of litigation or proceedings. For example, some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of this type of litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their substantially greater financial resources. In any case, uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of intellectual property litigation or other intellectual property related proceedings could adversely affect our ability to compete in the marketplace.

 

118

 

If our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest and our business may be adversely affected.

 

Our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks. We may not be able to protect our rights to these trademarks and trade names, which we need to build name recognition among potential partners or customers in our markets of interest. At times, competitors or other third parties may adopt trade names or trademarks similar to ours, thereby impeding our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion. In addition, there could be potential trade name or trademark infringement claims brought by owners of other registered trademarks or trademarks that incorporate variations of our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names. Over the long term, if we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to compete effectively and our business may be adversely affected. Our efforts to enforce or protect our proprietary rights related to trademarks, trade secrets, domain names, copyrights or other intellectual property may be ineffective and could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

 

Intellectual property rights do not necessarily address all potential threats.

 

The degree of future protection afforded by our intellectual property rights is uncertain because intellectual property rights have limitations and may not adequately protect our business or permit us to maintain our competitive advantage. For example:

 

others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies without infringing our intellectual property rights;

 

it is possible that our pending patent applications or those that we may own in the future will not lead to issued patents;

 

it is possible that there are prior public disclosures that could invalidate our patents, or parts of our patents;

 

it is possible that our patents or patent applications omit individual(s) that should be listed as inventor(s) or include individual(s) that should not be listed as inventor(s), which may cause these patents or patents issuing from these patent applications to be held invalid or unenforceable;

 

issued patents that we hold rights to may be held invalid, unenforceable, or narrowed in scope, including as a result of legal challenges by our competitors;

 

the inventors of our patents or patent applications may become involved with competitors, develop products or processes that design around our patents, or become hostile to us or the patents or patent applications on which they are named as inventors;

 

our competitors might conduct research and development activities in countries where we do not have patent rights and then use the information learned from such activities to develop competitive products for sale in our major commercial markets;

 

we may not develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable;

 

the patents of others may harm our business; or

 

we may choose not to file a patent in order to maintain certain trade secrets or know-how, and a third party may subsequently file a patent covering such intellectual property.

 

Should any of these events occur, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.

 

119

 

We depend on our founding members and other key personnel, and the loss of their services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

The success of our Company is attributable to the contribution and experience of our key management team, headed by our director and chairman of the board of directors, Mr. Younan Zhou. He is responsible for implementing overall business strategies and identifying business opportunities. The key management team also includes our executive director, Mr. Jiangzhe Xiang and CFO Mr. Shiyi Yu. Please refer to “Management” of this prospectus for further details of our directors and executive officers. As such, our continued success is dependent on our ability to retain the services of our key management team, which has collectively amassed over 40 years of experience in the coating materials industry and contributed to the financial and operational aspects of our business. We do not maintain key person life insurance. Our management team currently has no immediate plans to cease providing services to our Company, but our founders and other key personnel are not obligated to remain employed with us. In addition, our other key personnel may leave us in the future, and we cannot predict the impact that the departure of any key personnel will have on our ability to achieve our investment objectives. The loss of the services of any of them could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, net income, and cash flow.

 

In order to recruit and retain existing and future senior professionals and other key personnel, we may need to increase the level of compensation that we pay to them. Accordingly, as we promote or hire new senior professionals and other key personnel over time or attempt to retain the services of certain of our key personnel, we may increase compensation we pay to these individuals, which could cause our total employee compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of our total revenue to increase and adversely affect our profitability.

 

We are dependent on the mainland China market.

 

We are dependent on the mainland China market, as substantially all of our customers are located in mainland China. We anticipate that the mainland China market will continue to be a significant sales and production base for our Group in the near future and we are therefore susceptible to the market conditions in mainland China. Any adverse changes in the economic conditions in mainland China will affect purchasing power and may negatively impact the demand for our products resulting in our revenue, future performance and profitability being materially and adversely affected.

 

Any failure to obtain or renew approvals, licenses, permits, and quality/product certifications for certain markets required for our operating subsidiaries’ operations could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

Our operating subsidiaries’ business is regulated by various laws and regulations in mainland China, which, among other things, require them to complete certain registrations and obtain various licenses, permits, and quality/product certificates for our operations. For details, see “Business — Licenses, Awards and Certificates,” and “Regulations.”

 

Most of the licenses needed for our operating subsidiaries’ operations are subject to examinations or verifications by relevant authorities and are valid only for a fixed period of time, subject to renewal and accreditation. Compliance with the relevant laws and regulations may require substantial expenses, and any non-compliance with such laws and regulations may expose our operating subsidiaries to liabilities. In case of any non-compliance, our operating subsidiaries may have to incur significant expenses and divert substantial management time to remedy any deficiencies. There can be no assurance that our operating subsidiaries will be able to obtain or renew all of the approvals, licenses, permits, and certifications required for our operating subsidiaries’ existing business operations upon expiration in a timely manner or at all. If our operating subsidiaries cannot obtain or maintain all licenses required to operate our operating subsidiaries’ business, planned new business operations and expansion may be delayed, and our operating subsidiaries’ ongoing business could be interrupted. Our operating subsidiaries may also be subject to prosecutions and penalties.

 

We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics, and other outbreaks, which could significantly disrupt our operations.

 

Our business may be adversely affected by instability, disruption, or destruction in a geographic region of China in which our operating subsidiaries operate, regardless of cause, including international supply chain disruptions or delays, war, terrorism, riot, civil insurrection, or social unrest, and natural or manmade disasters, including famine, flood, fire, earthquake, storm or pandemic events and spread of disease (including the COVID-19 pandemic). Such events may cause our customers to suspend their decisions to purchase our products, as well as give rise to sudden significant changes in regional and global economic conditions and cycles. These events also pose significant risks to our personnel, physical facilities, and operations, which could materially adversely affect our financial results.

 

120

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected, and could continue to affect, the global economy as a whole and the markets in which we operate.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused volatility in the global economy and resulted in the implementation of significant governmental measures, including lockdowns, closures, quarantines, and travel bans, intended to control the spread of the virus. While the severity of COVID-19 has diminished as of the date of this prospectus, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business going forward will depend on a range of factors which we are not able to accurately predict, including the duration and scope of the pandemic, a repeat of the spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, the geographies impacted, the impact of the pandemic on economic activity and the nature and severity of measures adopted by governments, including restrictions on travel, mandates to avoid large gatherings and orders to self-quarantine or shelter in place.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to sharp reductions in global growth rates and the ultimate impact on the global economy remains uncertain. Accordingly, the COVID-19 pandemic may have significant negative impacts in the medium and long term, including on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.

 

We may be harmed by negative publicity.

 

We operate in a highly competitive industry, and there are other companies in the market that offer similar products. We rely on the positive feedback of our loyal customers to expand our customer base. Thus, customer satisfaction is critical to the success of our business, as this will also result in potential referrals from our existing customers. If we fail to meet our customers’ expectations, there may be negative feedback regarding our products, which may have an adverse impact on our business and reputation. In the event we are unable to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction or any customer dissatisfaction is inadequately addressed, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects may also be adversely affected.

 

Our reputation may also be adversely affected by negative publicity in reports and publications such as major newspapers and forums, or any other negative publicity or rumors. There is no assurance that we will not experience negative publicity in the future or that such negative publicity will not have a material and adverse effect on our reputation or prospects. This may result in our inability to attract new customers or retain existing customers and may in turn adversely affect our business and the results of operations.

 

Our failure to understand and respond effectively to the risks associated with corporate governance could adversely affect us.

 

A failure to maintain high standards of corporate governance may adversely impact us and our customers, staff and employees, through poor decision-making and a lack of oversight of our key risks. Poor governance may arise where key governance committees have insufficient independence, a lack of diversity, skills or experience in their members, or unclear (or insufficient) oversight responsibilities and mandates. Inadequate oversight increases the risk of poor senior management behaviors. In particular, as a foreign private issuer, under the Nasdaq listing rules, we are not required to comply with many of the Nasdaq’s corporate governance protections. We operate across multiple jurisdictions and have a group and subsidiary governance structure which may add further complexity to these considerations.

 

Our risk management and internal control systems may be inadequate or ineffective in identifying or mitigating the various risks to which we are exposed.

 

We have established risk management and internal control systems consisting of organizational frameworks, policies, procedures and risk management methods that we believe are appropriate for our business operations, and we seek to continue to improve these systems. However, due to the inherent limitations in the design and implementation of risk management and internal control systems, including identification and evaluation of risks, internal control variables and the communication of information, we cannot assure you that such systems will be able to identify, mitigate and manage all exposures to risks.

 

Our risk management methods have inherent limitations, as they are generally based on statistical analysis of historical data as well as the assumption that future risks will share similar characteristics with past risks. We cannot assure you that such assumptions are an accurate prediction of future events.

 

121

 

In addition, our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, we cannot assure you that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected. Furthermore, our financial systems are not fully automated and some of our financial controls still require manual intervention and are therefore susceptible to human error. To the extent we use information technology systems to support our financial controls, these systems need regular maintenance and upgrades to handle the expansion in information as we expand our existing operations and acquire new businesses. Our historical data may also need to be updated to unwind errors identified from time to time. If we fail to carry out these maintenance or upgrades, our risk management methods and techniques may not be effective in alerting us to take timely and appropriate measures to manage our risks.

 

Our risk management and internal controls also depend on the proficiency of and implementation by our employees. We cannot assure you that such implementation will not involve any human error or mistakes, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may be affected by adverse changes in taxation law, tax treaties and in the practices of tax authorities.

 

Changes in taxation legislation, tax treaties and in the practices of tax authorities can affect investment behavior which can have the effect of making specific kinds of investment products either more or less attractive to existing or potential investors.

 

We cannot predict the impact of future changes to tax legislation, tax treaties and the practices of tax authorities on our business or on the attractiveness of our investment projects. Amendments to existing tax legislation (in particular if there is a withdrawal of any available tax relief or an increase in tax rates) and tax treaties or the introduction of new rules and new tax treaties or changes in the practices of tax authorities may affect the investment decisions of either existing or potential investors. Changes from time to time in the interpretation of existing tax laws, amendments to existing tax rates, the introduction of new tax legislation and tax treaties, a change in the interpretation of tax legislation, any change in the enforcement of such legislation or any particular change in our tax treatment could have a material adverse effect on our business, growth prospects, fee income, results of operations and/or financial condition.

 

We are subject to compliance with relevant Korea laws governing foreign exchange and our fund flow would be restricted under certain circumstances.

 

Since our GRT Shares are listed on KRX, our GRT Shares and the ADSs to be issued in this offering are also subject to certain Korean foreign exchange controls and securities regulations.

 

The Foreign Exchange Transaction Act of Korea and the Presidential Decree and regulations under such Act and Decree, which we refer to collectively as the “Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws”, regulate investments in Korean securities (including KRW securities, such as our GRT Shares and KRW linked securities, such as the ADSs) by non-residents and issuances of securities outside Korea by Korean companies. Non-residents may invest in Korean securities pursuant to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws. The Financial Services Commission has also adopted, pursuant to its authority under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea (the “FSCMA”), regulations that regulate investments by foreigners in Korean securities and issuances of securities outside Korea by Korean companies.

 

Subject to certain limitations, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has the authority to take the following actions under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws:

 

if the Korean government deems it necessary on account of war, armed conflict, natural disaster, grave and sudden and significant changes in domestic or foreign economic circumstances, or similar events or circumstances, the Ministry of Economy and Finance may (i) temporarily suspend payment, receipt, or performance under any or all foreign exchange transactions, in whole or in part, to which the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws apply (including suspension of payment and receipt of foreign exchange), (ii) impose an obligation to deposit, safe-keep, or sell precious metal or any means of payment to The Bank of Korea, a foreign exchange equalization fund, or certain other governmental agencies or financial companies, or (iii) require resident creditors to collect and recover debts owed by non-resident debtors and to retrieve them to Korea; and

 

if the Korean government concludes that the international balance of payments and international financial markets are experiencing or are likely to experience significant disruption or that the movement of capital between Korea and other countries is likely to adversely affect its currency policies, exchange rate policies or other macroeconomic policies, the Ministry of Economy and Finance may take action to require any person who intends to effect a capital transaction to obtain permission or to require any person who effects a capital transaction to deposit a portion of the means of payment acquired in such transaction with The Bank of Korea, a foreign exchange equalization fund, or certain other governmental agencies or financial companies.

 

122

 

Korea Government review of issuances of ADSs

 

In order for us to issue GRT Shares or ADSs (including with respect to the deposit of any new or existing GRT Shares), we may be required to submit a report to the Ministry of Economy and Finance with respect to the issuance of such GRT Shares or ADSs as KRW securities or KRW linked securities prior to and after such issuance. The Ministry of Economy and Finance may at its discretion direct us to take necessary measures to avoid exchange rate fluctuations in connection with its acceptance of the report of our issuance of the GRT Shares or the ADSs.

 

Under current Korean laws and regulations, in order for the depositary to accept for deposit any existing GRT Shares from holders of the GRT Shares, other than from us, for the purpose of issuing ADSs representing such GRT Shares, the depositary would be required to obtain our prior consent for the purposes of the above-mentioned prior report to the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the filing of a securities registration statement noted in “Restrictions applicable to ADSs”. For the avoidance of doubt, the issuer may obtain approval from the MOEF for all issuances of ADSs and a securities registration statement must be submitted to FSCMA for all issuances, irrespective of whether the issuance is of GRT Shares deposited with the Custodian purchased over KRX, rather than newly-issued GRT Shares.

 

Restrictions applicable to ADSs

 

No Korean governmental approval is necessary for the sale and purchase of ADSs in the secondary market outside Korea or for the withdrawal of shares underlying ADSs. Persons who have acquired shares as a result of the withdrawal of shares underlying the ADSs may exercise their preemptive rights for any newly issued shares of ours and participate in free distributions and receive dividends on shares without any further governmental approval. In addition, we are required to file a securities registration statement with the Financial Services Commission and such securities registration statement has to become effective pursuant to the FSCMA in order for us to issue ADSs, except in certain limited circumstances.

 

Restrictions applicable to shares

 

The GRT Shares must be kept in custody with an eligible custodian in Korea. Only foreign exchange banks, investment dealers or brokers (which may include a Korean securities company and a non-Korean securities company’s branch office in Korea), the Korea Securities Depository, asset management companies, and internationally recognized custodians are eligible to act as a custodian of such shares for a non-resident or foreign investor. A custodian acting for a non-resident or foreign investor must deposit the shares with the Korea Securities Depository. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from such deposit requirement with the approval of the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service (the “Governor”) in circumstances where its compliance with such requirement is impracticable, including cases where such compliance would contravene the laws of its home country.

 

A foreign investor may appoint one or more standing proxies from among the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks, investment dealers or brokers (which may include Korean securities companies and Korean branch offices of non-Korean securities companies), asset management companies, and internationally recognized foreign custodians. Generally, a foreign investor may not allow any person, other than its standing proxy, to exercise any rights associated with its shares or perform any tasks related to such shares on its behalf. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with these standing proxy rules with the approval of the Governor in circumstances where such compliance is impracticable, including cases where such compliance would contravene the laws of its home country.

 

No governmental approval is required for a foreign investor to receive any dividends or sales proceeds in Korean Won of any shares listed in a Korean company which are to be paid, received, and retained in Korea. Such dividends or sales proceeds received by such foreign investor may be deposited in a Korean Won account established with such investor’s investment dealer or investment broker or its Korean Won account established with a foreign exchange bank. Funds in such foreign investor’s Korean Won account may be transferred to its foreign currency account in Korea or withdrawn for investing in shares in any Korean company (including the Company) and other limited purposes.

 

Investment dealers and investment brokers are allowed to open foreign currency accounts with foreign exchange banks exclusively for accommodating foreign investors’ stock investments in Korea. Through these accounts, investment dealers and investment brokers may enter into foreign exchange transactions on a limited basis, such as conversion of foreign currency funds and Korean Won funds, either as a counterparty to or on behalf of foreign investors, without the investors having to open their own accounts with foreign exchange banks.

 

123

 

Our current insurance policies may not provide adequate levels of coverage against all claims and we may incur losses that are not covered by our insurance.

 

We believe we maintain insurance coverage that is customary for businesses of our size and type. However, we may be unable to insure against certain types of losses or claims, or the cost of such insurance may be prohibitive. Uninsured losses or claims, if they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects.

 

We might face risks related to compliance with environmental regulations in mainland China, including waste disposal, water usage, emissions standards, and other environmental guidelines. Changes in regulations or failure to comply could result in fines, legal actions, or operational constraints.

 

We are subject to various domestic environmental laws and regulations that govern the discharge of pollutants and disposal of wastes, and which may require that we investigate and remediate the effects of the release or disposal of materials at sites associated with past and present operations. We could incur substantial cleanup costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third party property damage or personal injury claims as a result of violations or liabilities under these laws or non-compliance with environmental permits required at our facilities. We also could be subject to future laws and regulations that govern greenhouse gas emissions and various matters related to climate change and other air emissions, which could increase our operating costs.

 

We believe that we operate our businesses in compliance in all material respects with applicable environmental laws and regulations. As of the date of this prospectus, none of the operating subsidiaries have received any notifications of noncompliance of any environmental regulations from relevant governmental authorities in mainland China. However, we may be involved in lawsuits and other proceedings involving alleged violations of, or liabilities arising from, environmental laws. When our liability is probable and we can reasonably estimate our costs, we record environmental liabilities in our financial statements. However, in many cases, we are not able to determine whether we are liable or if liability is probable or to reasonably estimate the loss or range of loss. Estimates of our liability remain subject to additional uncertainties, including the nature and extent of site contamination, available remediation alternatives, the extent of corrective actions that may be required, and the extent of our responsibility for the remediation. We have taken and expect to take all reasonable measures to control any probable contamination, however, future developments, administrative actions or liabilities relating to environmental matters, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Our success is highly dependent on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled executive officers and employees.

 

To succeed, we must recruit, retain, manage and motivate qualified scientific, technical and management personnel, and we face significant competition for experienced personnel. We are highly dependent on the principal members of our management and scientific and engineering and technical staff. If we do not succeed in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, particularly at the management level, it could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan and harm our operating results. In particular, the loss of one or more of our executive officers could be detrimental to us if we cannot recruit suitable replacements in a timely manner. We could in the future have difficulty attracting and retaining experienced personnel and may be required to expend significant financial resources in our employee recruitment and retention efforts.

 

A few of the other companies that we compete against for qualified personnel have greater financial and other resources, different risk profiles and a longer history in the industry than we do. They also may provide higher compensation, more diverse opportunities and better prospects for career advancement. Some of these characteristics may be more appealing to high-quality candidates than what we have to offer. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain high-quality personnel, the rate and success at which we can discover, develop and commercialize our therapeutic candidates will be limited and the potential for successfully growing our business will be harmed.

 

124

 

Our internal computer systems, or those of any of our contractors or consultants or potential future collaborators, may fail or suffer security or data privacy breaches or other unauthorized or improper access to, use of, or destruction of our proprietary or confidential data, employee data, or personal data, which could result in additional costs, loss of revenue, significant liabilities, harm to our brand and material disruption of our operations.

 

Despite the implementation of security measures in an effort to protect systems that store our information, given their size and complexity and the increasing amounts of information maintained on our internal information technology systems, and those of our third-party contractors and consultants, these systems are potentially vulnerable to breakdown or other damage or interruption from service interruptions, system malfunction, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication and electrical failures, as well as security breaches from inadvertent or intentional actions by our employees, contractors, consultants, business partners, and/or other third parties, or from cyber-attacks by malicious third parties (including the deployment of harmful malware, ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, social engineering and other means to affect service reliability and threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information), which may compromise our system infrastructure or lead to the loss, destruction, alteration or dissemination of, or damage to, our data. For example, companies have experienced an increase in phishing and social engineering attacks from third parties in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. To the extent that any disruption or security breach were to result in a loss, destruction, unavailability, alteration or dissemination of, or damage to, our data or applications, or for it to be believed or reported that any of these occurred, we could incur liability and reputational damage and the development and sale of our products could be delayed. We cannot assure you that our data protection efforts and our investment in information technology, or the efforts of consultants or other third parties, will prevent significant breakdowns or breaches in systems or other cyber incidents that cause loss, destruction, unavailability, alteration or dissemination of, or damage to, our data that could have a material adverse effect upon our reputation, business, operations or financial condition. For example, if such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our development and production of our products could be delayed. Furthermore, significant disruptions of our internal information technology systems or security breaches could result in the loss, misappropriation, and/or unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of, or the prevention of access to, data (including trade secrets or other confidential information, intellectual property, proprietary business information, and personal information), which could result in financial, legal, business, and reputational harm to us. For example, any such event that leads to unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of personal information, including personal information regarding our employees, could harm our reputation directly, compel us to comply with national breach notification laws, subject us to mandatory corrective action, and otherwise subject us to liability under laws and regulations that protect the privacy and security of personal information, which could result in significant legal and financial exposure and reputational damages that could potentially have an adverse effect on our business.

 

Notifications and follow-up actions related to a security incident could impact our reputation and cause us to incur significant costs, including legal expenses and remediation costs. We may face increased costs and requirements to expend substantial resources in the event of an actual or perceived security breach.

 

We have not purchased insurance policies that may compensate us for the potential losses arising from any such disruption in or, failure or security breach of our systems or third-party systems where information important to our business operations or commercial development is stored. Though we are planning to purchase this type of insurances, such insurance may not be available to us in the future on economically reasonable terms, or at all. Further, our insurance may not cover all claims made against us and could have high deductibles in any event, and defending a suit, regardless of its merit, could be costly and divert management attention.

 

The collection, processing and cross-border transfer of personal information is subject to restrictive laws and regulations.

 

We are subject to privacy and data protection laws and regulations that apply to the collection, transmission, storage and use of personally identifiable information. The legislative and regulatory landscape for privacy and data protection continues to evolve, and there has been an increasing amount of focus on compliance in this area, with the potential to affect our business.

 

In China, the collection and use of personal data is governed by the provisions of the Personal Information Protection Law “PIPL”) promulgated on August 20, 2021. Further, we are required to comply with the Regulations on Promoting and Regulating Cross-Border Data Flows issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) on March 22, 2024 (the “Regulations on Cross-Border Data Flows”). Aiming to ease compliance burdens and facilitate cross-border data flows, the Regulations on Cross-Border Data Flows introduce substantial changes to the current rules over filings and security assessments of cross-border data transfers, including exemptions from and higher thresholds for filing standard contracts for outbound cross-border data transfers (the “Standard Contract”).

 

125

 

Similarly, failure to comply with federal and state laws in the United States regarding privacy and security of personal information could further expose us to penalties under privacy and data protection laws. Even if we are not determined to have violated these laws, government investigations into these issues typically require the expenditure of significant resources and generate negative publicity, which could harm our business.

 

Our employees, consultants and contractors may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance with regulatory standards and requirements or insider trading violations, which could significantly harm our business.

 

We are exposed to the risk of employee fraud or other misconduct. Misconduct by employees, consultants or contractors could include intentional failures to comply with governmental regulations, comply with anti-kickback laws and regulations in the United States, China, South Korea and other jurisdictions, or failure to report financial information or data accurately or disclose unauthorized activities to us. We have adopted a robust compliance program, but it is not always possible to identify and deter employee misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with these laws or regulations. If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business and results of operations, including the imposition of significant fines or other sanctions.

 

Legal, political and economic uncertainty surrounding US-China relationship may be a source of instability in international markets, create significant currency fluctuations, adversely affect our operations in China and pose additional risks to our business, revenue, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.

 

Our functional currency is RMB, and our transactions are commonly denominated in that currency. However, we receive payments in U.S. dollars and we incur a portion of our expenses in other currencies. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates, particularly between the RMB on the one hand and the U.S. dollar on the other hand, may adversely affect our reported results of operations and cash flows. Since the COVID 19, there has been a significant increase in the volatility of these exchange rates and an overall weakening of the RMB. Our business and the price of our ADSs may be affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between the, RMB, KRW and other currencies, any of which may have a significant impact on our results of operations and cash flows from period to period.

 

If we fail to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, we could become subject to fines or penalties or incur costs that could have a material adverse effect on the success of our business.

 

We are subject to numerous environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing laboratory procedures and the handling, use, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. Our operations involve the use of hazardous and flammable materials, including chemicals and biological materials. Our operations also produce hazardous waste products. We generally contract with third parties for the disposal of these materials and wastes. We cannot eliminate the risk of contamination or injury from these materials. In the event of contamination or injury resulting from our use of hazardous materials, we could be held liable for any resulting damages, and any liability could exceed our resources. We also could incur significant costs associated with civil or criminal fines and penalties.

 

Although we maintain work-related injury (similar to workers’ compensation insurance in the U.S) to cover us for costs and expenses we may incur due to injuries to our employees resulting from the use of hazardous materials or other work-related injuries, this insurance may not provide adequate coverage against potential liabilities. In addition, we may incur substantial costs in order to comply with current or future environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. These current or future laws and regulations may impair our research, development or production efforts. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations also may result in substantial fines, penalties or other sanctions.

 

126

 

Risks Related to Our Financial Position and Need for Additional Capital after the Merger

 

We will require substantial additional capital to finance our operations. If we are unable to raise such capital when needed, or on acceptable terms, we may be forced to delay, reduce and/or eliminate one or more of expansion plan.

 

As of June 30, 2024, we had $77,292,964 in cash and cash equivalents. As of such time, we expected our current cash and cash equivalents, without giving effect to the Merger, would be sufficient to fund our current operating plan through June 30, 2025. Our estimate as to how long our anticipated revenue, together with our existing cash and cash equivalents, will be able to continue to fund our operations is based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Changing circumstances, some of which may be beyond our control, could cause us to consume capital significantly faster than we currently anticipate, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned.

 

We could be required to obtain further funding through public or private equity offerings, debt financings or other sources, which may dilute our shareholders or restrict our operating activities. We do not have any committed external source of funds. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

Concurrently with this transaction, we intend to approach a limited number of qualified institutional buyers and institutional accredited investors regarding a potential private placement of our ordinary shares or ADSs in order to raise additional funds for working capital purposes. We currently expect to seek to raise at least $25 million in gross proceeds and, subject to market conditions, may seek to raise a greater amount. This financing transaction, if completed, could close contemporaneously with, or on a date after, the closing of the Merger. However, we cannot assure you that we will raise such funds or that a financing transaction will occur at all.

 

To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a shareholder. Debt financing may result in imposition of debt covenants, increased fixed payment obligations or other restrictions that may affect our business. If we raise additional funds through upfront payments or milestone payments pursuant to strategic collaborations with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to other investors on terms that may not be favorable to us. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.

 

Our failure to raise capital as and when needed or on acceptable terms would have a negative impact on our ability to pursue our business strategy, and we may have to delay, reduce the scope of, suspend or eliminate one or more of our future expansion efforts.

 

Our ability to generate revenue and maintain profitability depends significantly on our ability to achieve several objectives relating to the providing customer-tailored solutions to our customers’ needs.

 

Our business depends entirely on the continued successful provision of customer-tailored solutions, including the development and sale of our products, to our customers to meet their specific needs. To maintain or increase our profitability, we must succeed in a range of challenging activities, including expand our manufacturing capacity, developing and selling customer-tailored products. We may not be always successful in our endeavors and, even if we do, may not be able to generate the amount of revenue that is significant maintain or exceed our current profitability level. Even if we do achieve anticipated profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. Our failure to become and remain profitable on quarterly or annual basis would depress our value and could impair our ability to raise capital, expand our business, maintain our research and development efforts, diversify our products portfolio or even continue our operations.

 

127

 

Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our holders, including holders of our ADSs, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies.

 

We expect that significant additional capital will be needed in the future to continue our planned operations, including expanded research and development activities. To achieve these goals, we expect to finance our cash needs through any or a combination of securities offerings, debt financings, and apply for and obtain approval for research grants and tax credits.

 

To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a shareholder. Debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, could result in fixed payment obligations, and we may be required to accept terms that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, force us to maintain specified liquidity or other ratios or restrict our ability to pay dividends or make acquisitions. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may be required to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or to grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. In addition, we could also be required to seek funds through arrangements that may not be desirable to us.

 

If we raise funds through research grants or take advantage of research and development tax credits, we may be subject to certain requirements, which may limit our ability to use the funds or require us to share information from our research and development. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to a third party to develop and market products that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves. Raising additional capital through any of these or other means could adversely affect our business and the holdings or rights of our shareholders, and may cause the market price of our ADSs to decline.

 

128

 

Risks Related to Our ADSs and Shares and Our Prospective Nasdaq Listing

 

We do not know whether an active, liquid and orderly trading market will develop for our ADSs or what the market price of our ADSs will be and as a result it may be difficult for you to sell your ADSs at or above the price you pay for them, if at all.

 

Prior to this filing, while our ordinary shares have been traded on KOSDAQ since 2016, no public market has previously existed for our ADSs or ordinary shares in the United States. We have filed an initial listing application to list our ADSs on The Nasdaq Capital Market, and it is a condition to the Merger that the ADSs are approved for listing on Nasdaq. There can be no assurance that the ADSs will be approved for listing on Nasdaq or, if approved for listing, that an active trading market for the ADSs will develop or be sustained after our ADSs are listed on Nasdaq. The lack of an active market may impair your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them or at a price that you consider reasonable. The lack of an active market may also reduce the fair market value of the ADSs and could also affect the market price for our ordinary shares on KOSDAQ. The price at which ADSs trade on Nasdaq may or may not be correlated with the price at which our ordinary shares trade on KOSDAQ.

 

The price of our ADSs may be volatile and fluctuate substantially, which could result in substantial losses for purchasers of our ADSs, and we could be subject to securities class action litigation as a result.

 

Our stock price is likely to be volatile. The stock market in general and the market for chemical materials companies in particular have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. As a result of this volatility, you may not be able to sell your ADSs at or above the price at which you purchase the shares. The market price for our ADSs may be influenced by many factors, including:

 

the success of competitive products or technologies;

 

actual or anticipated changes in our growth rate relative to our competitors;

 

developments related to any future collaborations;

 

regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries;

 

adverse actions taken by regulatory agencies with respect to our manufacturing or sales and marketing activities;

 

any adverse changes to our relationship with third party contractors;

 

development of new products that may address our markets and may make our products less attractive;

 

announcements by us, our collaborators or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations or capital commitments;

 

developments or disputes concerning patent applications, issued patents or other proprietary rights;

 

the recruitment or departure of key personnel;

 

the level of expenses related to any of our technology or product development programs;

 

failure to meet or exceed financial estimates and projections of the investment community or that we provide to the public;

 

press reports or other negative publicity, whether or not true, about our business;

 

actual or anticipated changes in estimates as to financial results, development timelines or recommendations by securities analysts;

 

129

 

variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us;

 

market conditions in the functional coating materials sectors;

 

the trading volume of our ADSs on Nasdaq;

 

sales of our ADSs or ordinary shares by us, members of our senior management and directors or our shareholders;

 

general economic, political, and market conditions and overall fluctuations in the financial markets in China, the United States, and other countries; and

 

the other factors described in this “Risk Factors” section.

 

These and other market and industry factors may cause the market price and demand for our ADSs to fluctuate substantially, regardless of our actual operating performance, which may limit or prevent investors from selling their ADSs at or above the price paid for the ADSs and may otherwise negatively affect the liquidity of our ADSs.

 

Some companies that have experienced volatility in the trading price of their shares have been the subject of securities class action litigation. Any lawsuit to which we are a party, with or without merit, may result in an unfavorable judgment. We also may decide to settle lawsuits on unfavorable terms.

 

Any such negative outcome could result in payments of substantial damages or fines, damage to our reputation or adverse changes to our business practices. Defending against litigation is costly and time-consuming and could divert our management’s and key employees’ attention and our resources. Furthermore, during the course of litigation, there could be negative public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments, which could have a negative effect on the market price of our ADSs.

 

Future sales, or the possibility of future sales, of a substantial number of ADSs representing our shares or our shares could adversely affect the price of such securities.

 

Future sales of a substantial number of ADSs or shares, or the perception that such sales will occur, could cause a decline in the market price of our ADSs. All of our outstanding shares are freely tradeable on KOSDAQ. The ADSs issued in connection with the Merger will be freely tradeable on Nasdaq. If holders sell substantial amounts of ADSs on Nasdaq or ordinary shares on KOSDAQ, or if the market perceives that such sales may occur, the market price of the ADSs and the ordinary shares our ability to raise capital through an issue of equity securities in the future could be adversely affected.

 

The dual-listing of ordinary shares and ADSs is costly to maintain and may adversely affect the liquidity and value of our ordinary shares and ADSs.

 

Our ordinary shares trade on KOSDAQ and we will apply to list our ADSs on Nasdaq. For now, we plan to maintain a dual listing, which will generate additional costs, including increased legal, accounting, investor relations and other expenses that we did not incur prior to the listing of our ADSs on Nasdaq, in addition to the costs associated with the additional reporting requirements described elsewhere in this proxy statement/​prospectus. We cannot predict the effect of this dual listing on the value of our ADSs and ordinary shares. However, the dual listing of ADSs and ordinary shares may dilute the liquidity of these securities in one or both markets and may adversely affect the development of an active trading market for our ADSs. The price of our ADSs could also be adversely affected by trading in our ordinary shares on KOSDAQ.

 

130

 

We will be traded on more than one market and this may result in price variations and adversely affect the liquidity and value of the ADSs and potentially facilitate market manipulation.

 

Our GRT Shares have traded on the KOSDAQ of KRX since 2016 and, assuming our listing application is accepted, our ADSs will be traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Trading in our ADSs or GRT Shares on these markets takes place in different currencies (U.S. dollars on the Nasdaq Capital Market and Korean won on the KOSDAQ), and at different times (resulting from different time zones, different trading days and different public holidays in the United States and South Korea). The trading prices of our GRT Shares and our ADSs on these two markets may differ due to these and other factors. Any decrease in the price of our GRT Shares on the KOSDAQ could cause a decrease in the trading price of our ADSs on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Investors could seek to sell or buy our GRT Shares to take advantage of any price differences between the markets through a practice referred to as arbitrage. Arbitrage can disrupt markets and reduce liquidity. It may facilitate market manipulation and harm long-term shareholders by increasing trading costs and spreading false information. Additionally, it can fragment markets, making it harder for investors to achieve best execution and eroding market efficiency.

 

Restrictions applicable to ADSs

 

No Korean governmental approval is necessary for the sale and purchase of ADSs in the secondary market outside Korea or for the withdrawal of shares underlying ADSs. Persons who have acquired shares as a result of the withdrawal of shares underlying the ADSs may exercise their preemptive rights for any newly issued shares of ours and participate in free distributions and receive dividends on shares without any further governmental approval. In addition, we are required to file a securities registration statement with the Financial Services Commission of the Republic of South Korea and such securities registration statement has to become effective pursuant to the FSCMA in order for us to issue shares to be represented by ADSs, except in certain limited circumstances.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make our ADSs less attractive to investors.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”) and may remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (i) the last day of the fiscal year (A) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of the Merger, (B) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, or (C) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our outstanding ordinary shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30, and (ii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three year period. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we are permitted and intend to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These exemptions include:

 

being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements, in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements, with correspondingly reduced “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure;

 

not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting;

 

not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements;

 

reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation; and

 

exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This allows an emerging growth company to delay the adoption of these accounting standards until they would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of this extended transition period.

 

131

 

We have elected to take advantage of certain of the reduced reporting obligations. In particular, we have not included all of the executive compensation information that would be required if we were not an emerging growth company. We cannot predict whether investors will find our ADSs less attractive if we rely on certain or all of these exemptions. If some investors find our ADSs less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our ADSs and our ADS price may be more volatile.

 

We qualify as a foreign private issuer and, as a result, we will not be subject to U.S. proxy rules and will be subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient and less frequent than those of a U.S. domestic public company. This may limit the information available to holders of our ADSs.

 

We are a foreign private issuer, as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and upon the listing of our ADSs on Nasdaq, we will report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as a non-U.S. company with foreign private issuer status. As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to all of the disclosure requirements applicable to public companies organized within the United States. For example, we are exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. domestic public companies, including (i) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; (ii) the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time (including the requirement applicable to emerging growth companies to disclose the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and the other two most highly compensated executive officers on an individual, rather than an aggregate, basis); and (iii) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specified information, or current reports on Form 8-K upon the occurrence of specified significant events. In addition, foreign private issuers are not required to file their annual report on Form 20-F until 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, while U.S. domestic issuers that are accelerated filers are required to file their annual report on Form 10-K within 75 days after the end of each fiscal year. Foreign private issuers also are exempt from Regulation Fair Disclosure, aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning our business than there would be if we were a U.S. public company and you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are not foreign private issuers.

 

As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ significantly from Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. These practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.

 

As a foreign private issuer listed on Nasdaq, we will be subject to corporate governance listing standards. However, Nasdaq rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country in lieu of certain Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. Certain corporate governance practices in Hong Kong may differ significantly from Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. For example, neither the corporate laws of Hong Kong nor our articles of association require a majority of our directors to be independent; and our independent directors would not necessarily hold regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present. We are required to follow the KOSDAQ Rules for companies published by Korea Stock Exchange. Therefore, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would have under Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. See “Management — and Compensation of GRT Foreign Private Issuer Exemption” for the exemptions to the Nasdaq corporate governance rules applicable to foreign private issuers.

 

We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional cost and expense.

 

We are a foreign private issuer, as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, however, under Rule 405, the determination of foreign private issuer status is made annually on the last business day of an issuer’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter and, accordingly, the next determination will be made with respect to us on December 31, 2025 (the end of our second fiscal quarter in the fiscal year after this listing).

 

132

 

In the future, we would lose our foreign private issuer status if a majority of our shareholders, directors or management are U.S. citizens or residents and we fail to meet additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status. Although we may elect to comply with certain U.S. regulatory provisions, our loss of foreign private issuer status would make such provisions mandatory. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws as a U.S. domestic issuer may be significantly higher. If we are not a foreign private issuer, we will be required to file periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the SEC, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. For example, the annual report on Form 10-K requires domestic issuers to disclose executive compensation information on an individual basis with specific disclosure regarding the domestic compensation philosophy, objectives, annual total compensation (base salary, bonus, and equity compensation) and potential payments in connection with change in control, retirement, death or disability, while the annual report on Form 20-F permits foreign private issuers to disclose compensation information on an aggregate basis.

 

We would also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors, and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We may also be required to modify certain of our policies to comply with good governance practices associated with U.S. domestic issuers. Such conversion and modifications will involve additional costs. In addition, we may lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements on U.S. stock exchanges that are available to foreign private issuers.

 

We will incur increased costs as a result of simultaneously having our ADSs listed in the United States and our ordinary shares admitted to trading on KOSDAQ in the Republic of South Korea, and our senior management will be required to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives and corporate governance practices.

 

As a company whose securities are publicly listed in the United States, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur previously, even though our ordinary shares are admitted to trading on KOSDAQ, and these expenses may increase even more after we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” We will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Protection Act, as well as rules adopted, and to be adopted, by the SEC and Nasdaq. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, we expect these rules and regulations to substantially increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly, which will increase our operating expenses. For example, we expect these rules and regulations to make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to incur substantial costs to maintain sufficient coverage, particularly in light of recent cost increases related to coverage. We cannot accurately predict or estimate the amount or timing of additional costs we may incur to respond to these requirements. The impact of these requirements could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, our board committees or as executive officers.

 

In addition, as a public company we will be required to incur additional costs and obligations in order to comply with SEC rules that implement Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Under these rules, beginning with our second annual report on Form 20-F after we become a company whose securities are publicly listed in the United States, we will be required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, and once we cease to be an emerging growth company, we will be required to include an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm. To achieve compliance with Section 404 within the prescribed period, we will be engaging in a process to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, which is both costly and challenging. In this regard, we will need to continue to dedicate internal resources, potentially engage outside consultants and adopt a detailed work plan to assess and document the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, continue steps to improve control processes as appropriate, validate through testing that controls are designed and operating effectively, and implement a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal control over financial reporting.

 

133

 

The rules governing the standards that must be met for management to assess our internal control over financial reporting are complex and require significant documentation, testing and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards under the rules. During the course of its testing, our management may identify material weaknesses or deficiencies which may not be remedied in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.

 

If we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, or if we are unable to maintain proper and effective internal controls, we may not be able to produce timely and accurate financial statements. If that were to happen, the market price of our stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the stock exchange on which our ordinary shares is listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.

 

Further, being a U.S. listed company and a Korea public company with ordinary shares admitted to trading on KOSDAQ impacts the disclosure of information and requires compliance with two sets of applicable rules. From time to time, this may result in uncertainty regarding compliance matters and result in higher costs necessitated by legal analysis of dual legal regimes, ongoing revisions to disclosure and adherence to heightened governance practices. As a result of the enhanced disclosure requirements of the U.S. securities laws, business and financial information that we report is broadly disseminated and highly visible to investors, which we believe may increase the likelihood of threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties, which could, even if unsuccessful, divert financial resources and the attention of our management and key employees from our operations.

 

If we do not develop and implement all required accounting practices and policies, including proper and effective internal control over financial reporting, we may be unable to provide the financial information required of a U.S. publicly traded company in a timely and reliable manner or prevent fraud. As a result, shareholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our ADSs.

 

Ensuring that we have adequate internal financial and accounting controls and procedures in place so that we can produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis is a costly and time-consuming effort that needs to be re-evaluated frequently. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In connection with the listing, we intend to improve the process of documenting, reviewing and improving our internal controls and procedures for compliance with Section 404, which will require annual management assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have begun recruiting additional finance and accounting personnel with certain skill sets that we will need as an English public company listed in the U.S.

 

Implementing any appropriate changes to our internal controls may distract our officers and employees from day-to-day business operations, entail substantial costs to modify our existing processes, and take significant time to complete. These changes may not, however, be effective in maintaining the adequacy of our internal controls, and any failure to maintain that adequacy, or consequent inability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis, could increase our operating costs and harm our business.

 

Any delays or deficiencies in our internal controls could penalize us, including by limiting our ability to obtain financing, either in the public capital markets or from private sources and hurt our reputation and could thereby impede our ability to implement our growth strategy. In addition, any such delays or deficiencies could result in our failure to meet the requirements for listing of our ADSs on a national securities exchange.

 

We also intend to seek shareholder approval to amend our Articles of Association to provide that any action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, such as, for example, an action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, or other employees, including the ability to bring such a claim, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong, and that any such claims may only be instituted in the courts of Hong Kong.

 

134

 

Although we believe these exclusive forum provisions will benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of U.S. federal securities laws and the laws of Hong Kong in the types of lawsuits to which they apply, these provisions may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with us or any of our directors, shareholders, officers, or others, or may increase the cost of doing so, both of which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Our shareholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder as a result of our exclusive forum provision. Further, in the event a court finds the exclusive forum provisions contained in our Articles of Association or the Deposit Agreement to be unenforceable or inapplicable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our results of operations.

 

If equity research analysts do not publish research or reports, or publish unfavorable research or reports, about us, our business or our market, the price and trading volume of our ADSs could decline.

 

The trading market for our ADSs will be influenced by the research and reports that equity research analysts publish about us and our business. As a company admitted to trading on KOSDAQ, our equity securities are currently subject to coverage by a number of analysts. Equity research analysts may elect not to provide research coverage of our ADSs, and such lack of research coverage may adversely affect the market price of our ADSs. We will not have any control over the analysts or the content and opinions included in their reports. If any of the equity research analysts who cover us downgrade our ADSs or issue an adverse or misleading opinion regarding us, our business model, our intellectual property or our stock performance, or if our operating results fail to meet the expectations of analysts, the price of our ADSs could decline. If one or more equity research analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our ADSs could decrease, which in turn could cause the trading price or trading volume of our ADSs to decline.

 

Concentration of ownership of our ordinary shares (including ordinary shares represented by ADSs) among our existing senior management, directors and principal shareholders may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions and matters submitted to shareholders for approval.

 

Upon the listing of our ADSs on The Nasdaq Capital Market, members of our senior management, directors and current beneficial owners of 5% or more of our ordinary shares and their respective affiliates will, in the aggregate, beneficially own approximately ___% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares, based on the number of ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of ____, 2024. As a result, depending on the level of attendance at general meetings of our shareholders, these persons, acting together, would be able to significantly influence all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election, re-election and removal of directors, any merger, scheme of arrangement, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or other significant corporate transactions, and amendments to our articles of association. In addition, these persons, acting together, may have the ability to control the management and affairs of our company. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership may harm the market price of our ADSs by:

 

delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control;

 

entrenching our management and/or the board of directors;

 

impeding a merger, scheme of arrangement, takeover, or other business combination involving us; or

 

discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

 

In addition, some of these persons or entities may have interests different than yours. For example, because many of these shareholders purchased their shares at prices substantially below the current market price for an ordinary share on KOSDAQ and have held their shares for a longer period, they may be more interested in selling our company to an acquirer than other investors, or they may want us to pursue strategies that deviate from the interests of other shareholders.

 

135

 

Though we may pay cash dividends on our ordinary shares (including ordinary shares represented by ADSs) in the future, we cannot guarantee that dividends will be paid, therefore you cannot rely on dividends distribution for your capital investment, instead, capital appreciation, if any, will be your sole source of gains and you may never receive a return on your investment.

 

Though we intend to pay cash distribution on our ordinary shares (including ordinary shares represented by ADSs) in the future, we cannot guarantee that either annual dividends or interim dividends will be declared or distributed in any particular year or any particular time. You should not rely on an investment in our ADSs to provide dividend income. Under current Hong Kong law, a company’s accumulated realized profits must exceed its accumulated realized losses (on a non-consolidated basis) before dividends can be paid. Therefore, we must have distributable profits before issuing a dividend. Though we enjoy significant amount of profit in the past several years and we have accumulated profit to distribute, we have never declared or paid a dividend on our ordinary shares in the past until November 6, 2024, and such distribution should not be interpreted as a guarantee for the future dividend distribution. We are continuing expanding our business, and our future earnings, if any, may be used to fund the development of our technologies and equipment and the growth of our business. As a result, if we do not make dividend distributions, capital appreciation, if any, on our ADSs will be your sole source of gains for the foreseeable future. Investors seeking guaranteed cash dividends should not purchase our ADSs.

 

Securities traded on KOSDAQ may carry a higher risk than securities traded on other exchanges, which may impact the value of your investment.

 

Our ordinary shares are currently traded on KOSDAQ. Investment in equities traded on KOSDAQ is sometimes perceived to carry a higher risk than an investment in equities quoted on exchanges with more stringent listing requirements, such as New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq. This is because KOSDAQ imposes less stringent corporate governance and ongoing reporting requirements than those other exchanges. The value of our ordinary shares may be influenced by many factors, some of which may be specific to us and some of which may affect KOSDAQ companies generally, including the depth and liquidity of the market, our performance, a large or small volume of trading in our ordinary shares, legislative changes and general economic, political or regulatory conditions, and that the prices may be volatile and subject to extensive fluctuations. Therefore, the market price of our ordinary shares, the ADSs, or the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs, may not reflect the underlying value of our company.

 

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the KRW may increase the risk of holding ADSs and ordinary shares.

 

The share price of our ordinary shares is quoted on KOSDAQ in KRW, while our ADSs will trade on Nasdaq in U.S. dollars. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the KRW may result in differences between the value of our ADSs and the value of our ordinary shares, which may result in heavy trading by investors seeking to exploit such exchange rate differences. In addition, as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the KRW, the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds that a holder of the ADSs would receive upon the sale in the South Korea of any ordinary shares withdrawn in connection with a cancellation of ADSs, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of any cash dividends paid in KRW on ordinary shares represented by the ADSs, could also decline.

 

Holders of our ADSs have fewer rights than our shareholders.

 

The rights of shareholders under Hong Kong law to take actions, including with respect to voting their shares, receiving dividends and distributions, bringing derivative actions, examining our accounting books and records, and exercising appraisal rights, are available only to shareholders of record. ADS holders are not shareholders of record. The depositary, through its custodian, is the record holder of our ordinary shares underlying the ADSs. ADS holders will not be able to bring a derivative action, examine our accounting books and records, or exercise appraisal rights through the depositary.

 

Holders of ADSs may exercise their voting rights only in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. If we instruct the depositary to ask for your voting instructions, upon receipt of voting instructions from the ADS holders in the manner set forth in the deposit agreement, the depositary will make efforts to vote the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs in accordance with the instructions of the ADS holders. If we do not instruct the depositary to ask for your voting instructions (and we are not required to do so), you can still send instructions and the depositary may try to vote ordinary shares in accordance with those instruction, but it is not required to do so. The depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to ADS holders or carry out their voting instructions in a timely manner. Furthermore, the depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast, or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, holders of ADSs may not be able to exercise their right to vote.

 

Furthermore, the depositary will not be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may lack recourse if your ADSs are not voted as you request. In addition, in your capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to call a shareholders’ meeting.

 

136

 

You may be subject to limitations on transfers of your ADSs.

 

Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time when deemed expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason, subject to certain rights to cancel ADSs and withdraw the underlying ordinary shares. Temporary delays in the cancellation of ADSs and withdrawal of the underlying ordinary shares may arise because the depositary has closed its transfer books, and in other circumstances such as corporate actions including voting and dividend distributions. In addition, ADS holders may not be able to cancel their ADSs and withdraw the underlying Ordinary Shares when they owe money for fees, taxes and similar charges and when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADSs or to the withdrawal of ordinary shares or other deposited securities.

 

The ADSs are subject to various fees.

 

The depositary for our ADSs is entitled to charge or deduct fees, including for the issuance of ADSs upon deposit of ordinary shares (other than in the case of ADSs issued pursuant to the merger), cancellation of ADSs, distributions of cash dividends or other cash distributions, distributions of ADSs pursuant to share dividends or other free share distributions, distributions of securities other than ADSs and annual servicing fees. In the case of ADSs issued by the depositary into The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, the fees will be charged by the DTC participant to the account of the applicable beneficial owner in accordance with the procedures and practices of the DTC participant as in effect at the time. Amounts may also be withheld on amount of transfer or other governmental charges. The depositary for our ADSs will not generally be responsible for any Korea stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax arising upon the issuance or transfer of ADSs.

 

You may not receive distributions on our ordinary shares represented by the ADSs or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to holders of ADSs.

 

Although we do not have any present plans to declare or pay any dividends, in the event we declare and pay any dividend, the depositary for the ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on our ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of our ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, in accordance with the limitations set forth in the deposit agreement, it may be unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to holders of ADSs. We have no obligation to register under U.S. securities laws any offering of ADSs, ordinary shares or other securities received through such distributions. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit distribution on the ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of the ADSs. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our ordinary shares or any value from them if it is unlawful or impractical to make them available to you. These restrictions may have an adverse effect on the value of your ADSs.

 

Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings.

 

Under Hong Kong law, shareholders usually have preemptive rights to subscribe on a pro rata basis in the issuance of new shares for cash. The exercise of preemptive rights by certain shareholders not resident in the Hong Kong may be restricted by applicable law or practice in Hong Kong and overseas jurisdictions. We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make rights available to you in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Also, under the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will not make rights available to you unless either both the rights and any related securities are registered under the Securities Act, or the distribution of them to ADS holders is exempted from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. If the depositary does not distribute the rights, it may, under the deposit agreement, either sell them, if possible, or allow them to lapse. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings. We are also permitted under Hong Kong law to waive preemptive rights (subject to the approval of our shareholders by an ordinary resolution at the general meeting).

 

137

 

We may be a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. investors owning the ADSs or our ordinary shares.

 

A non-U.S. corporation, such as our company, will be considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during a taxable year) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income.

 

Based upon our current and projected income and assets, and projections as to the value of our assets, we do not anticipate that we will be a PFIC for the taxable year in which the Merger occurs or the foreseeable future. However, no assurance can be given in this regard because the determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC is a factual determination made annually that will depend, in part, upon the composition of our income and assets, and we have not and will not obtain an opinion of counsel regarding our classification as a PFIC. Fluctuations in the market price of the ADSs may cause us to be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test, including the value of our goodwill and unbooked intangibles, may be determined by reference to the market price of the ADSs from time to time (which may be volatile). If our market capitalization subsequently declines, we may be or become classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the Merger occurs or future taxable years. Furthermore, the composition of our income and assets may also be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets and the cash acquired or received in the Merger and any future fundraising activity. Under circumstances where our revenues from activities that produce passive income significantly increases relative to our revenues from activities that produce non-passive income, or where we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes, our risk of becoming classified as a PFIC may substantially increase. It is also possible that the IRS may challenge the classification or valuation of GRT’s assets, including its goodwill and other unbooked intangibles, or the classification of certain amounts received by GRT, which may result in GRT being, or becoming classified as, a PFIC for the taxable year in which the Merger occurs or future taxable years.

 

If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. investor held an ADS or an ordinary share, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to the U.S. Holder. See “Material Tax Consequences—U.S Federal Income Tax Consequences—Passive foreign investment company rules.”

 

We may be unable to use benefit from favorable China tax legislation.

 

As a company that carries out extensive research and development activities, we benefit from the China high tech enterprise tax regime. Under the current corporate income tax law of China, the standard corporate income tax rate is 25%. However, for the qualified high tech companies such as our two subsidiaries, Jiangyin Tongli and Jiangsu Huizhi, the applicable tax rate is 15%. Further, as a high tech company, we are able to surrender to the China tax authorities some of our losses that arise from our qualifying research and development activities for a cash payment using an enhanced effective rate of up to 33.35% of such qualifying research and development expenditures (again subject to certain restrictions but including enhanced deductions), while the RDEC scheme offers up to 13% (10.53% after tax). We may not be able to continue to claim payable research and development tax credits in the future if we cease to qualify as a high-tech enterprise, based on criteria concerning percentage of highly educated employees in the work force, qualified expenditure and gross revenue. Qualifying expenditures largely are comprised of employment costs for research staff, research materials, outsourced CRO costs and R&D consulting costs incurred as part of research projects.

 

We may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive and could divert management attention.

 

The market price of our ADSs may be volatile and, in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.

 

138

 

Changes and uncertainties in the tax system in the countries in which we have operations, could cause us to experience fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate materially adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations, and reducing net returns to our shareholders.

 

We are subject to a variety of taxes and tax collection obligations in China and in other jurisdictions where we record tax expense, including indirect taxes, based on current tax payments and our estimates of future tax payments. We may recognize additional tax expense and be subject to additional tax liabilities, including tax collection obligations, due to changes in tax law such as legislation, including regulations, administrative practices, outcomes of court cases, and changes to the global tax framework. Further, our effective tax rate and cash taxes paid in a given financial statement period may be adversely impacted by results of our business operations including changes in the mix of costs and revenue among different jurisdictions, acquisitions, investments, entry into new geographies, the relative amount of foreign earnings, changes in foreign currency exchanges rates, changes in our stock price, intercompany transactions, changes to accounting rules, expectation of future profits, changes to tariff rates, changes in our deferred tax assets and liabilities and our assessment of their realizability, and changes to our ownership or capital structure. Fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate could adversely affect our business.

 

In the ordinary course of our business, there are numerous transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we believe that our tax positions and related provisions reflected in the financial statements are fully supportable, we recognize that these tax positions and related provisions may be challenged in the future by various tax authorities. These tax positions and related provisions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted as additional facts and information become available, including changes in interpretation of tax laws, and closing of statute of limitations. To the extent that the ultimate results differ from our original or adjusted estimates, our effective tax rate can be adversely affected.

 

The provision for income taxes involves a significant amount of management judgment regarding interpretation of relevant facts and laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Future changes in applicable laws, projected levels of taxable income and tax planning could change the effective tax rate and tax balances recorded by us. In addition, should tax authorities review our income tax returns filed by us then they may raise issues regarding our filing positions, timing and amount of income and deductions, and the allocation of income among the jurisdictions in which we operate. A significant period of time may elapse between the filing of an income tax return and the ultimate resolution of an issue raised by a tax authority with respect to that return. Any adjustments as a result of any examination may result in additional taxes or penalties being assessed on or imposed against us. If the ultimate result of any audit differs from original or adjusted estimates, it could have a material impact our effective tax rate and tax liabilities.

 

At any one time, multiple tax years could be subject to audit by various taxing jurisdictions. As a result, we could be subject to higher than anticipated tax liabilities as well as ongoing variability in our disclosed tax rates as audits close and exposures are re-evaluated.

 

If a U.S. person is treated as owning at least 10% of our ordinary shares (including ordinary shares represented by ADSs), such holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.

 

If a U.S. person is treated as owning (directly, indirectly or constructively) at least 10% of the value or voting power of our ordinary shares, such person may be treated as a “United States shareholder” with respect to us or to any of our subsidiaries, if we or any of our subsidiaries constitute a “controlled foreign corporation” ​(in each case, as such terms are defined under the Code). Certain United States shareholders of a controlled foreign corporation may be required to annually report and include in its U.S. taxable income, as ordinary income, its pro rata share of “Subpart F income,” “global intangible low-taxed income” and certain investments in U.S. property by controlled foreign corporations, whether or not we make any distributions to such United States shareholder. A failure by a United States shareholder to comply with its reporting obligations may subject the United States shareholder to significant monetary penalties and other adverse tax consequences, and may extend the statute of limitations with respect to the United States shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax return for the year for which such reporting was due. We cannot provide any assurances that we will assist investors in determining whether we or any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are controlled foreign corporations or whether any investor is a United States shareholder with respect to any such controlled foreign corporations. We also cannot guarantee that we will furnish to United States shareholders information that may be necessary for them to comply with the aforementioned obligations. United States investors should consult their own advisors regarding the potential application of these rules to their investments in us. The risk of being subject to increased taxation may deter our current shareholders from increasing their investment in us and others from investing in us, which could impact the demand for, and value of, our ADSs.

 

139

 

The rights of our shareholders may differ from the rights typically offered to shareholders of a U.S. corporation.

 

We are incorporated under Hong Kong law. The rights of holders of ordinary shares and, therefore, certain of the rights of holders of our ADSs, are governed by Hong Kong law, including the provisions the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and by our articles of association. These rights differ in certain respects from the rights of shareholders in typical Cayman or U.S. corporations. See “Comparison of Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders and GRT Shareholders” in this proxy statement/prospectus for a description of the principal differences between the provisions of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance applicable to us as opposed to the Cayman Companies Act.

 

As a Hong Kong company, certain capital structure decisions will require shareholder approval, which may limit our flexibility to manage our capital structure.

 

Hong Kong law generally protects the right of shareholders of a Hong Kong incorporated company to subscribe for shares pro-rata to their existing shareholding in the company. However, pursuant to Sections 140 and 141 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and Article 89 of the Articles of Association of the Company, a yearly waiver of the aforesaid right may be made by an ordinary resolution passed by a simple majority of the members at the general meeting of the Company. This waiver, subject to annual renewal, will be valid from the passing of the said ordinary resolution and expire when the next annual general meeting of the Company is concluded. See “Description of GRT Securities and Articles of Association.”

 

Claims of U.S. civil liabilities may not be enforceable against us.

 

We are incorporated under Hong Kong law. All of our assets are located outside the United States. The majority of our senior management and board of directors reside outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons or to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts against them or us, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.

 

The United States and China/Hong Kong do not currently have a treaty providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments (other than arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters. Consequently, a final judgment for payment given by a court in the United States, whether or not predicated solely upon U.S. securities laws, would not automatically be recognized or enforceable in China/Hong Kong. In addition, uncertainty exists as to whether the Hong Kong or any Chinese courts would entertain original actions brought in Hong Kong or China against us or our directors or senior management predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. As a result, U.S. investors may not be able to enforce against us or our senior management, board of directors or certain experts named herein who are residents of the People’s Republic of China or countries other than the United States any judgments obtained in U.S. courts in civil and commercial matters, including judgments under the U.S. federal securities laws.

 

ADS holders may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to claims arising under the deposit agreement, which could result in less favorable results to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.

 

The deposit agreement governing our ADSs provides that owners and holders of ADSs irrevocably waive the right to a trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to the deposit agreement or the ADSs, including claims under U.S. federal securities laws, against us or the depositary to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. If this jury trial waiver provision is prohibited by applicable law, an action could nevertheless proceed under the terms of the deposit agreement with a jury trial. Although we are not aware of a specific federal decision that addresses the enforceability of a jury trial waiver in the context of U.S. federal securities laws, it is our understanding that jury trial waivers are generally enforceable. Moreover, insofar as the deposit agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York, New York laws similarly recognize the validity of jury trial waivers in appropriate circumstances. In determining whether to enforce a jury trial waiver provision, New York courts and federal courts will consider whether the visibility of the jury trial waiver provision within the agreement is sufficiently prominent such that a party has knowingly waived any right to trial by jury. We believe that this is the case with respect to the deposit agreement and the ADSs.

 

140

 

In addition, New York courts will not enforce a jury trial waiver provision in order to bar a viable setoff or counterclaim of fraud or one which is based upon a creditor’s negligence in failing to liquidate collateral upon a guarantor’s demand, or in the case of an intentional tort claim (as opposed to a contract dispute). No condition, stipulation or provision of the deposit agreement or ADSs serves as a waiver by any holder or beneficial owner of ADSs or by us or the depositary of compliance with any provision of U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

If any owner or holder of our ADSs brings a claim against us or the depositary in connection with matters arising under the deposit agreement or the ADSs, including claims under U.S. federal securities laws, such owner or holder may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to such claims, which may have the effect of limiting and discouraging lawsuits against us or the depositary. If a lawsuit is brought against us or the depositary under the deposit agreement, it may be heard only by a judge or justice of the applicable trial court, which would be conducted according to different civil procedures and may result in different results than a trial by jury would have had, including results that could be less favorable to the plaintiff(s) in any such action, depending on, among other things, the nature of the claims, the judge or justice hearing such claims, and the venue of the hearing.

 

141

 

Risks Relating to Redemptions and Certain Outstanding Securities of Flag Ship

 

Public Shareholders of Flag Ship who wish to redeem their public shares for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account must comply with specific requirements for redemption that may make it more difficult for them to exercise their redemption rights prior to the deadline. If shareholders fail to comply with the redemption requirements specified in this proxy statement/prospectus, they will not be entitled to redeem their public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the Trust Account.

 

A public shareholder of Flag Ship will be entitled to receive cash for any public shares to be redeemed only if such public shareholder: (1)(a) holds public shares, or (b) if the public shareholder holds public shares through units, the public shareholder elects to separate its units into the underlying public shares prior to exercising its redemption rights with respect to the public shares; (2) submits a written request to Flag Ship and redeem all or a portion of its public shares for cash; and (3) delivers its public shares to Flag Ship’s transfer agent VStock, physically or electronically.

 

If the Merger is consummated, and if a public shareholder of Flag Ship properly exercises its right to redeem all or a portion of the public shares that it holds and timely delivers its shares to VStock, its transfer agent, Flag Ship will redeem such public shares for a pro rata portion of the cash held in the Trust Account, including interest earned, but net of taxes payable, calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination.

 

If a public shareholder of Flag Ship fails to receive notice of its offer to redeem public shares in connection with the Merger, or fails to comply with the procedures for tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.

 

If, despite Flag Ship’s compliance with the proxy rules, a public shareholder fails to receive Flag Ship’s proxy materials, such public shareholder may not become aware of the opportunity to redeem his, her, or its public shares. In addition, the proxy materials that we are furnishing to holders of public shares in connection with the Merger describe the various procedures that must be complied with in order to validly redeem the public shares. In the event that a public shareholder fails to comply with these procedures, its public shares may not be redeemed. Please see the discussion in this proxy statement/prospectus under the caption, “Redemption Rights” for additional information on how to exercise your redemption rights.

 

If you or a “group” of shareholders of which you are a part are deemed to hold an aggregate of more than 15% of the public shares, you (or, if a member of such a group, all of the members of such group in the aggregate) will lose the ability to redeem all such shares in excess of 15% of the public shares.

 

A public shareholder, together with any of his, her, or its affiliates or any other person with whom it is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from redeeming in the aggregate his, her, or its shares or, if part of such a group, the group’s shares, in excess of 15% of the public shares. In order to determine whether a shareholder is acting in concert or as a group with another shareholder, Flag Ship will require each public shareholder seeking to exercise redemption rights to certify to Flag Ship whether such shareholder is acting in concert or as a group with any other shareholder. Such certifications, together with other public information relating to stock ownership available to us at that time, such as Section 13D, Section 13G, and Section 16 filings under the Exchange Act, will be the sole basis on which Flag Ship makes the above-referenced determination. Your inability to redeem any such excess shares will reduce your influence over Flag Ship’s ability to consummate the Merger and you could suffer a material loss on your investment in GRT if you sell such excess shares in open market transactions. Additionally, you will not receive redemption distributions with respect to such excess shares if Flag Ship consummates the Merger. As a result, you will continue to hold that number of shares aggregating to more than 15% of the public shares sold in the IPO and, in order to dispose of such excess shares, would be required to sell your stock in open market transactions, potentially at a loss. Flag Ship cannot assure you that the value of such excess shares will appreciate over time following the Merger or that the market price of the public shares will exceed the per-share redemption price. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shareholders may challenge Flag Ship’s determination as to whether a shareholder is acting in concert or as a group with another shareholder in a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

However, Flag Ship’s shareholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including such excess shares) for or against the Merger is not restricted by this limitation on redemption.

 

142

 

There is no guarantee that a shareholder’s decision whether to redeem its shares for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account will put the shareholder in a better future economic position.

 

Flag Ship can give no assurance as to the price at which a shareholder may be able to sell its public shares in the future following the completion of the Merger or any alternative business combination. Certain events following the consummation of any initial business combination, including the Merger, may cause an increase in Flag Ship’s share price, and may result in a lower value realized now than a shareholder of Flag Ship might realize in the future had the shareholder not redeemed its shares. Similarly, if a shareholder does not redeem its shares, the shareholder will bear the risk of ownership of the public shares after the consummation of any initial business combination, and there can be no assurance that a shareholder can sell its shares in the future for a greater amount than the redemption price set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus. A shareholder should consult the shareholder’s own tax or financial advisor for assistance on how this may affect his, her, or its individual situation.

 

Economic substance legislation of the Cayman Islands may adversely impact Flag Ship or its operations.

 

The Cayman Islands, together with several other non-EU jurisdictions, have introduced legislation aimed at addressing concerns raised by the Council of the EU as to offshore structures engaged in certain activities which attract profits without real economic activity. With effect from January 1, 2019, the Substance Act came into force in the Cayman Islands introducing certain economic substance requirements for in-scope Cayman Islands entities which are engaged in certain “relevant activities,” which in the case of exempted companies incorporated before January 1, 2019, will apply in respect of financial years commencing July 1, 2019, onwards. As Flag Ship is a Cayman Islands company, compliance obligations include filing annual notifications for Flag Ship, which need to state whether it is carrying out any relevant activities and if so, whether it has satisfied economic substance tests to the extent required under the Substance Act. As it is a new regime, it is anticipated that the Substance Act will evolve and be subject to further clarification and amendments. Flag Ship may need to allocate additional resources to keep updated with these developments, and may have to make changes to its operations in order to comply with all requirements under the Substance Act. Failure to satisfy these requirements may subject Flag Ship to penalties under the Substance Act.

 

143

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF FLAG SHIP

 

The following tables set forth summary historical financial data derived from historical data derived from Flag Ship’s unaudited financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 and audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, each of which is included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus. The financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP). Such financial information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. You should carefully read the following selected financial information in conjunction with the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Flag Ship” and Flag Ship’s financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

    September 30,
2024
(Unaudited)
    December 31,
2023
(Audited)
    December 31,
2022
(Audited)
 
Balance Sheet Data:                        
Total assets   $ 70,110,003     $ 150,548     $ 216,879  
Total liabilities   $ 2,052,979     $ 433,554     $ 437,486  
Ordinary shares subject to possible redemption   $ 69,989,243     $ -     $ -  
Total Shareholders’ Deficit   $ (1,932,219 )   $ (283,006 )   $ (220,607 )

 

    Nine months
ended
September 30,
2024
(Unaudited)
    Nine months
ended
September 30,
2023
(Unaudited)
    Year ended
December 31,
2023
(Audited)
    Year ended
December 31,
2022
(Audited)
 
Income Statement Data:                                
Operating costs   $ (556,780 )   $ (50,054 )   $ (62,399 )   $ (107,192 )
Dividend income earned in investments held in Trust Account   $ 989,243     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Other income   $ -     $ 4,250     $ -     $ -  
Net income (loss)   $ 432,463     $ (45,804 )   $ (62,399 )   $ (107,192 )
Basic and diluted net income per share, subject to possible redemption   $ 0.10     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, attributable to Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation   $ 0.10   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.07 )
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted, subject to possible redemption     2,568,613       -       -       -  
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted, attributable to Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation     1,813,599       1,500,000       1,500,000       1,500,000  

 

    Nine months
ended
September 30,
2024
(Unaudited)
    Nine months
ended
September 30,
2023
(Unaudited)
    Year ended
December 31,
2023
(Audited)
    Year ended
December 31,
2022
(Audited)
 
Statements of Cash Flow Data:                                
Cash flows used in operating activities   $ (632,574 )   $ (48,292 )   $ (66,778 )   $ (96,386 )
Cash flows used in investing activities   $ (69,000,000 )   $ -     $ -     $ -  
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities   $ 69,516,579     $ (3,671 )   $ 580     $ 215,341  
Net change in cash   $ (115,995 )   $ (51,963 )   $ (66,198 )   $ 118,955  
Cash at beginning of year/period   $ 116,210     $ 182,408     $ 182,408     $ 63,453  
Cash at end of year/period   $ 215     $ 130,445     $ 116,210     $ 182,408  

 

144

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF GRT

 

The following selected consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income data and selected consolidated statements of cash flows data for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements of GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results expected for future periods. You should read this Selected Historical Financial Information section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Great Rich Technologies Limited” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

The following table presents our summary of consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income/(loss) for the years indicated.

 

   

For the

years ended
June 30,

 
    2024     2023  
Revenue   $ 633,127,741     $ 581,229,763  
Cost of revenue     (471,366,490 )     (490,896,017 )
Gross profit     161,761,251       90,333,746  
                 
Operating expenses:                
Selling expenses     (11,763,388 )     (8,823,429 )
General and administrative expenses     (11,561,140 )     (9,361,301 )
Research and development expenses     (27,765,405 )     (11,375,955 )
Total operating expenses     (51,089,933 )     (29,560,685 )
                 
Other income (expenses):                
Interest income     1,060,118       2,044,033  
Interest expenses     (14,908,846 )     (6,759,013 )
Other income, net     3,850,883       473,895  
Other expense, net     (1,886,291 )     (1,146,197 )
Exchange gain (loss)     97,236       (300,593 )
Total other expenses, net     (11,786,900 )     (5,687,875 )
                 
Income before income tax     98,884,418       55,085,186  
Income tax expenses     (16,015,045 )     (9,383,419 )
Net income   $ 82,869,373     $ 45,701,767  
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests     15,738,885       3,503,661  
Net income attributable to Great Rich Technologies Limited’s Shareholders   $ 67,130,488     $ 42,198,106  
                 
Other comprehensive income                
Net income     82,869,373       45,701,767  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax     1,546,758       41,993,300  
Total comprehensive income   $ 84,416,131     $ 87,695,067  

 

145

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
ASSETS                
CURRENT ASSETS:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 77,292,964     $ 49,575,286  
Accounts receivable, net     235,458,405       158,135,890  
Inventories     16,109,040       16,335,481  
Amount due from related parties     -       459,915  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     14,546,625       31,618,247  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS   $ 343,407,034     $ 256,124,819  
                 
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:                
Property, plant and equipment, net   $ 828,654,042     $ 819,777,693  
Intangible assets, net     190,682       288,019  
Land use rights, net     12,287,643       12,639,805  
Right-of-use assets     61,650       100,807  
Long-term Investment     8,546,672       8,580,761  
Goodwill     4,238,083       5,924,090  
Deferred offering costs     498,402       -  
Deferred tax assets     32,075       323,335  
Other non-current assets     25,227,212       27,801,911  
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS   $ 879,736,461     $ 875,436,421  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 1,223,143,495     $ 1,131,561,240  
                 
LIABILITIES                
ACURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Short term loans   $ 25,456,847     $ 26,933,102  
Long-term loans due within one year     5,504,183       1,792,782  
Accounts payable     50,839,927       85,498,431  
Notes payable     -       1,196,607  
Accrued expenses and other payables     40,611,542       42,701,898  
Taxes payable     4,333,424       2,319,426  
Contract liabilities     61,829       316,452  
Amounts due to related parties     5,414,879       5,634,791  
Other current liabilities     1,650,498       223,284  
Lease liabilities     38,526       43,648  
Deferred revenue     82,563       95,126  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES   $ 133,994,218     $ 166,755,547  
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Long term loans   $ 350,539,066     $ 376,897,935  
Lease liabilities     24,500       60,768  
Deferred revenue     247,688       330,975  
Deferred tax liabilities     93,667       -  
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES   $ 350,904,921     $ 377,289,678  
TOTAL LIABILITIES   $ 484,899,139     $ 544,045,225  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 24)     -       -  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
Ordinary shares (67,375,000 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and 2023)   $ 114,469,857     $ 114,469,857  
Additional paid-in capital     110,316,374       63,533,586  
Statutory reserve     18,411,165       14,777,436  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (50,287,269 )     (48,740,511 )
Retained earnings     447,397,351       383,900,592  
Total Great Rich Technologies Limited Shareholders’ Equity   $ 640,307,478     $ 527,940,960  
                 
Non-controlling interest     97,936,878       59,575,055  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 738,244,356     $ 587,516,015  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 1,223,143,495     $ 1,131,561,240  

 

  

For the
years ended
June 30,

 
Statements of Cash Flow Data:  2024   2023 
Cash flows provided by operating activities  $42,209,401   $49,835,774 
Cash flows used in investing activities  $(9,019,359)  $(237,872,988)
Cash flows provided by financing activities  $46,130,952   $5,479,918 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash held in foreign currencies   (51,603,316)   (30,277,538)
Net change in cash  $27,717,678   $(212,834,834)
Cash at beginning of year  $49,575,286   $262,410,120 
Cash at end of year  $77,292,964   $49,575,286 

 

146

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Introduction

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is provided to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the Merger. The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X. Defined terms included below have the same meaning as terms defined and included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2024 gives pro forma effect to the Transactions as if they had been consummated as of that date. The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024 give pro forma effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred as of the beginning of the earliest period presented.

 

This information should be read together with GRT’s and Flag Ship’s audited financial statements and related notes, GRT Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Flag Ship’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and other financial information included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2024 has been prepared using the following:

 

GRT’s audited historical consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2024 and the related notes included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus; and

 

  Flag Ship’s unaudited historical balance sheet as of September 30, 2024 and the related notes as included in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024 has been prepared using the following:

 

GRT’s audited historical consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024, and the related notes included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus; and

 

  Flag Ship’s unaudited historical statement of operation for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 and 2024, and the related notes included in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Description of the Transactions

 

On October 21, 2024, Flag Ship entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Great Rich Technologies Limited, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong, and GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands company limited by shares and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT (“Merger Sub”), Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, at the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, Flag Ship will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT.

 

As a result of the Mergers, (i) each of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, excluding the Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares, if any, will be automatically cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon consummation the Merger, one ordinary share of GRT (such shares of GRT, collectively, “Parent Ordinary Shares”) payable in American Depositary Shares of GRT (“Parent ADSs”) for each such company share (the “Per Share Merger Consideration”); and (ii) each right to receive one-tenth of a Flag Ship Share at the consummation of a business combination of Flag Ship that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, Parent Ordinary Shares, payable in Parent ADSs, in an amount equal to (in each case, as rounded down to the nearest whole number) the product of (a) the Per Share Merger Consideration, multiplied by (b) the number of company shares that the holder of the cancelled Company Right would have been entitled to receive from the Company assuming satisfaction of the terms and conditions of such Company Right, multiplied by (c) the ADS exchange rate of rate of one Parent Ordinary Share per one Parent ADS.

 

147

 

The implied total equity value for the combined entity following consummation of the Business Combination is $808,500,000.

 

Accounting for the Transactions

 

The Merger will be accounted for as a reverse merger in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Under this method of accounting, Flag Ship will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. This determination was primarily based on the holders of GRT expecting to have a majority of the voting power of the post-combination company, GRT Senior Management comprising substantially all of the Senior Management of the post-combination company, the relative size of GRT compared to Flag Ship, and GRT operations comprising the ongoing operations of the post-combination company. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the Merger will be treated as the equivalent of GRT issuing stock for the net assets of Flag Ship, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of Flag Ship will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Merger will be those of GRT.

 

Basis of Pro Forma Presentation

 

The historical financial information has been adjusted to give pro forma effect to events that are related and/or directly attributable to the Business Combination, are factually supportable, and as it relates to the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations, are expected to have a continuing impact on the results of the post-combination company. The adjustments presented on the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements have been identified and presented to provide relevant information necessary for an accurate understanding of the post-combination company upon consummation of the Merger.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is for illustrative purposes only. The financial results may have been different had the companies always been combined. You should not rely on the unaudited pro forma combined financial information as being indicative of the historical financial position and results that would have been achieved had the companies always been combined or the future financial position and results that the post-combination company will experience. GRT and Flag Ship have not had any historical relationship prior to the Merger. Accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were required to eliminate activities between the companies.

 

There is no historical activity with respect to GRT and Merger Sub, and accordingly, no adjustments were required with respect to these entities in the pro forma combined financial statements.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined financial information has been prepared assuming various alternative levels of redemption into cash of Flag Ship ordinary shares:

 

  Scenario 1 — Assuming the shareholders of Flag Ship do not exercise their redemption rights, Flag Ship ordinary shares previously subject to redemption for cash amounting to approximately $69.9 million would be transferred to shareholders’ equity;

 

Scenario 2 — Assuming 25% of the shareholders of Flag Ship exercise their redemption rights, Flag Ship ordinary shares previously subject to redemption for cash amounting to approximately $52.5 million would be transferred to shareholders’ equity;

 

Scenario 3 — Assuming 50% of the shareholders of Flag Ship exercise their redemption rights, Flag Ship ordinary shares previously subject to redemption for cash amounting to approximately $35.0 million would be transferred to shareholders’ equity;

 

Scenario 4 — Assuming 75% of the shareholders of Flag Ship exercise their redemption rights, Flag Ship ordinary shares previously subject to redemption for cash amounting to approximately $17.5 million would be transferred to shareholders’ equity; and

 

Scenario 5 — Assuming 100% of the shareholders of Flag Ship exercise their redemption rights, cash required at approximately $69.9 million would be paid out in cash

 

Included in the shares outstanding and weighted average shares outstanding as presented in the pro forma combined financial statements are approximately ____________ GRT Ordinary Shares, to be issued to the shareholders of Flag Ship, based on the price of $10.00 per share.

 

148

 

The pro forma combined financial statements do not take into consideration of the GRT Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the PIPE.

 

Upon the completion of the Merger, assuming, among other things, that the shareholders of Flag Ship do not exercise redemption rights, public shareholders of Flag Ship, the Sponsor and other Flag Ship Initial Shareholders, and the shareholders of GRT will own approximately 7.22%, 8.23% and 84.55% of the outstanding shares of GRT, respectively, with such percentages calculated assuming that the shareholders of Flag Ship and their affiliates receive approximately ___________ GRT Ordinary Shares, derived from the shares outstanding and weighted average shares outstanding as presented in the pro forma combined financial statements.

 

If Flag Ship ordinary shares are fully redeemed, public shareholders of Flag Ship, the Sponsor and other Flag Ship Initial Shareholders and the shareholders of GRT are expected to own approximately 0.00%, 8.88% and 91.12%, respectively, of the GRT Ordinary Shares. As such, the shareholders of Flag Ship who do not redeem their Flag Ship ordinary shares will experience immediate and material dilution following the consummation of the Merger.

 

The following table provides a pro forma summary of the GRT Ordinary Shares that would be outstanding under each of the redemption scenarios if the Merger had occurred on September 30, 2024.

 

    Pro Forma     No redemption     25% redemption     50% redemption     75% redemption     Maximum redemption  
    No. of
shares
    %     No. of
shares
    %     No. of
shares
    %     No. of
shares
    %     No. of
shares
    %     No. of
shares
    %  
GRT shareholders     80,850,000       100.00 %     80,850,000       84.55 %     80,850,000       86.10 %     80,850,000       87.71 %     80,850,000       89.38 %     80,850,000       91.12 %
Flag Ship’s Public Shares     -       0.00 %     6,900,000       7.22 %     5,175,000       5.51 %     3,450,000       3.74 %     1,725,000       1.91 %     -       0.00 %
Flag Ship’s Founder Shares     -       0.00 %     1,725,000       1.80 %     1,725,000       1.84 %     1,725,000       1.87 %     1,725,000       1.91 %     1,725,000       1.94 %
Private Shares     -       0.00 %     238,000       0.25 %     238,000       0.25 %     238,000       0.26 %     238,000       0.26 %     238,000       0.27 %
Shares to be issued to the Financial Advisors     -       0.00 %     5,200,000       5.43 %     5,200,000       5.54 %     5,200,000       5.65 %     5,200,000       5.75 %     5,200,000       5.87 %
Shares issuable upon the conversion of the Public and Private Rights held by Flag Ship Shareholders     -       0.00 %     713,800       0.75 %     713,800       0.76 %     713,800       0.77 %     713,800       0.79 %     713,800       0.80 %
      80,850,000       100.00 %     95,626,800       100.00 %     93,901,800       100.0 %     92,176,800       100.0 %     90,451,800       100.0 %     88,726,800       100.0 %

 

149

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

 

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

                Pro Forma     Scenario 1
Assuming No
Redemptions into Cash
   

Scenario 2
Assuming 25%

Redemptions into Cash

    Scenario 3
Assuming 50%
Redemptions into Cash
    Scenario 4
Assuming 75%
Redemptions into Cash
    Scenario 5
Assuming Maximum
Redemptions into Cash
 
    FSHP
(A)
   

GRT

(B)

    FSHP
(A)
    GRT
(B)
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Balance Sheet
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Balance Sheet
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Balance Sheet
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Balance Sheet
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Balance Sheet
 
ASSETS                                                                                                                
Current Assets                                                                                                                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 215     $ 77,292,964     $ 215     $ 77,292,964     $ 69,989,243 (a)    $ 143,364,828     $ 52,491,932 (a)    $ 125,867,517     $ 34,994,622 (a)    $ 108,370,207     $ 17,497,311 (a)    $ 90,872,896     $ - (a)    $ 73,375,585  
              -       -       -       (1,725,000 )(d)              (1,725,000 )(d)              (1,725,000 )(d)              (1,725,000 )(d)              (1,725,000 )(d)         
                               -       (2,192,594 )(e)              (2,192,594 )(e)              (2,192,594 )(e)              (2,192,594 )(e)              (2,192,594 )(e)         
Accounts receivable     -       235,458,405       -       235,458,405       -       235,458,405       -       235,458,405       -       235,458,405       -       235,458,405       -       235,458,405  
Inventories     -       16,109,040       -       16,109,040       -       16,109,040       -       16,109,040       -       16,109,040       -       16,109,040       -       16,109,040  
Amount due from related parties     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     120,545       14,546,625       120,545       14,546,625       -       14,667,170       -       14,667,170       -       14,667,170       -       14,667,170       -       14,667,170  
Total Current Assets     120,760       343,407,034       120,760       343,407,034       66,071,649       409,599,443       48,574,338       392,102,132       31,077,028       374,604,822       13,579,717       357,107,511       (3,917,594 )     339,610,200  
                                                                                                                 
Non-current Assets                                                                                                                
Cash held in trust escrow account     69,989,243       -       69,989,243       -       (69,989,243 )(a)      -       (69,989,243 )     -       (69,989,243 )     -       (69,989,243 )     -       (69,989,243 )     -  
Property, plant and equipment, net     -       828,654,042       -       828,654,042               828,654,042               828,654,042               828,654,042               828,654,042               828,654,042  
Intangible assets, net     -       190,682       -       190,682               190,682               190,682               190,682               190,682               190,682  
Land use rights, net     -       12,287,643       -       12,287,643               12,287,643               12,287,643               12,287,643               12,287,643               12,287,643  
Right-of-use assets     -       61,650       -       61,650               61,650               61,650               61,650               61,650               61,650  
Long-term Investment     -       8,546,672       -       8,546,672       -       8,546,672       -       8,546,672       -       8,546,672       -       8,546,672       -       8,546,672  
Goodwill     -       4,238,083       -       4,238,083       -       4,238,083       -       4,238,083       -       4,238,083       -       4,238,083       -       4,238,083  
Deferred offering costs             498,402       -       498,402       (498,402 )     -       (498,402 )     -       (498,402 )     -       (498,402 )     -       (498,402 )     -  
Deferred tax assets     -       32,075       -       32,075       -       32,075       -       32,075       -       32,075       -       32,075       -       32,075  
Other non-current assets     -       25,227,212       -       25,227,212       -       25,227,212       -       25,227,212       -       25,227,212       -       25,227,212       -       25,227,212  
Total assets   $ 70,110,003     $ 1,223,143,495     $ 70,110,003     $ 1,223,143,495     $ (4,415,996 )   $ 1,288,837,502     $ (21,913,307 )   $ 1,271,340,191     $ (39,410,617 )   $ 1,253,842,881     $ (56,907,928 )   $ 1,236,345,570     $ (74,405,239 )   $ 1,218,848,259  
                      -       -                                                                                  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICITS) EQUITY                                                                                                                
LIABILITIES                                                                                                                
Short term loans   $ -     $ 25,456,847     $ -     $ 25,456,847     $ -     $ 25,456,847     $ -     $ 25,456,847     $ -     $ 25,456,847     $ -     $ 25,456,847     $ -     $ 25,456,847  
Long-term loans due within one year     -       5,504,183       -       5,504,183       -       5,504,183       -       5,504,183       -       5,504,183       -       5,504,183       -       5,504,183  
Accounts payable     -       50,839,927       -       50,839,927       -       50,839,927       -       50,839,927       -       50,839,927       -       50,839,927       -       50,839,927  
Accrued expenses and other payables     10,413       40,611,542       10,413       40,611,542       -       40,621,955       -       40,621,955       -       40,621,955       -       40,621,955       -       40,621,955  
Taxes payable     -       4,333,424       -       4,333,424       -       4,333,424       -       4,333,424       -       4,333,424       -       4,333,424       -       4,333,424  
Contract liabilities     -       61,829       -       61,829       -       61,829       -       61,829       -       61,829       -       61,829       -       61,829  
Amounts due to related parties             5,414,879       -       5,414,879       -       5,414,879       -       5,414,879       -       5,414,879       -       5,414,879       -       5,414,879  
Promissory notes – related party     317,566               317,566       -               317,566       -       317,566               317,566               317,566               317,566  
Other current liabilities     -       1,650,498       -       1,650,498       -       1,650,498       -       1,650,498       -       1,650,498       -       1,650,498       -       1,650,498  
Lease liabilities             38,526       -       38,526       -       38,526       -       38,526       -       38,526       -       38,526       -       38,526  
Deferred revenue     -       82,563       -       82,563       -       82,563       -       82,563       -       82,563       -       82,563       -       82,563  
Total Current Liabilities     327,979       133,994,218       327,979       133,994,218       -       134,322,197       -       134,322,197       -       134,322,197       -       134,322,197       -       134,322,197  
                                                                                                                 
Deferred underwriting commission     1,725,000       -       1,725,000       -       (1,725,000 )(d)      -       (1,725,000 )(d)              (1,725,000 )(d)              (1,725,000 )(d)      -       (1,725,000 )(d)         
                                                                                                                 
Non-current Liabilities                     -       -               -                                                                  
Long term loans             350,539,066       -       350,539,066               350,539,066               350,539,066               350,539,066               350,539,066               350,539,066  
Lease liabilities             24,500       -       24,500               24,500               24,500               24,500               24,500               24,500  
Deferred revenue             247,688       -       247,688               247,688               247,688               247,688               247,688               247,688  
Deferred tax liabilities             93,667       -       93,667               93,667               93,667               93,667               93,667               93,667  
Total Liabilities     2,052,979       484,899,139       2,052,979       484,899,139       (1,725,000 )     485,227,118       (1,725,000 )     485,227,118       (1,725,000 )     485,227,118       (1,725,000 )     485,227,118       (1,725,000 )     485,227,118  
                                                                                                                 
Commitments and Contingencies                     -       -                                                                                  
                      -       -                                                                                  
Ordinary shares subject to possible redemption     69,989,243       -       69,989,243       -       (69,989,243 )(c)      -       (69,989,243 )(c)      -       (69,989,243 )(c)      -       (69,989,243 )(c)      -       (69,989,243 )(c)         
                      -       -                                                                                  
SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICITS) EQUITY                     -       -                                                                                  
Ordinary shares(50,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.001 par value per share)1,963,000 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024     1,963               1,963       -       (1,963 )(b)      -       (1,963 )(b)      -       (1,963 )(b)      -       (1,963 )(b)      -       (1,963 )(b)      -  
Ordinary shares (67,375,000 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and 2023)     -       114,469,857       -       153,087,325 *     (153,087,325 )(b)      -       (153,087,325 )(b)      -       (153,087,325 )(b)      -       (153,087,325 )(b)      -       (153,087,325 )(b)      -  
Ordinary shares, US$0.001 par value     -       -       -       -       95,627 (c)      95,627       93,902 (c)      93,902       92,177 (c)      92,177       90,452 (c)      90,452       88,727 (c)      88,727  
Additional paid-in capital     -       110,316,374       -       110,316,374       222,982,904 (c)      329,129,100       205,487,318 (c)      311,633,514       187,991,732 (c)      294,137,928       170,496,146 (c)      276,642,343       153,000,561 (c)      259,146,757  
                      -       -       (2,235,996 )(e)              (2,235,996 )(e)              (2,235,996 )(e)              (2,235,996 )(e)              (2,235,996 )(e)         
      -       -       -       -       (1,934,182 )(f)              (1,934,182 )(f)              (1,934,182 )(f)              (1,934,182 )(f)              (1,934,182 )(f)      -  
Surplus reserve     -       18,411,165       -       18,411,165       -       18,411,165       -       18,411,165       -       18,411,165       -       18,411,165       -       18,411,165  
Retained earnings/ Accumulated deficit     (1,934,182 )     447,397,351       (1,934,182 )     408,779,883       (455,000 )(e)      408,324,883       (455,000 )(e)      408,324,883       (455,000 )(e)      408,324,883       (455,000 )(e)      408,324,883       (455,000 )(e)      408,324,883  
      -       -       -       -       1,934,182 (f)      -       1,934,182 (f)      -       1,934,182 (f)      -       1,934,182 (f)      -       1,934,182 (f)         
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     -       (50,287,269 )     -       (50,287,269 )     -       (50,287,269 )     -       (50,287,269 )     -       (50,287,269 )     -       (50,287,269 )     -       (50,287,269 )
Total Equity     (1,932,219 )     640,307,478       (1,932,219 )     640,307,478       67,298,247       705,673,506       49,800,936       688,176,195       32,303,626       670,678,885       14,806,315       653,181,574       (2,690,996 )     635,684,263  
Non-controlling interest             97,936,878       -       97,936,878               97,936,878               97,936,878               97,936,878               97,936,878               97,936,878  
Total Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity     (1,932,219 )     738,244,356       (1,932,219 )     738,244,356       67,298,247       803,610,384       49,800,937       786,113,074       32,303,626       768,615,763       14,806,315       751,118,452       (2,690,996 )     733,621,141  
                                                                                                             
Total Liabilities, Mezzanine Equity and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)   $ 70,110,003     $ 1,223,143,495     $ 70,110,003     $ 1,223,143,495     $ (4,415,996 )   $ 1,288,837,502     $ (21,913,307 )   $ 1,271,340,191     $ (39,410,617 )   $ 1,253,842,881     $ (56,907,928 )   $ 1,236,345,570     $ (74,405,239 )   $ 1,218,848,259  

 

150

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet Adjustments

 

The pro forma adjustment to the unaudited combined pro forma balance sheet consists of the following:

 

  A. Derived from the unaudited balance sheet of Flag Ship as of September 30, 2024.

 

B. Derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet of GRT as of June 30, 2024.

 

a. Reflects the release of cash from cash and investment held in the Trust Account.

 

  b. Reflects the conversion of Flag Ship ordinary shares into GRT Ordinary Shares.

 

  c. In Scenario 1, which assumes that no shareholders of Flag Ship exercise their redemption rights, the Flag Ship ordinary shares previously subject to redemption for cash amounting to approximately $69.9 million would be transferred to shareholders’ equity.

 

In Scenario 2, which assumes the same facts as described in Scenario 1 above, but also assumes that the 25% number of Flag Ship ordinary shares at 1,725,000 are redeemed for cash by the shareholders of Flag Ship, cash required at approximately $17.5 million would be paid out in cash.

 

In Scenario 3, which assumes the same facts as described in Scenario 1 above, but also assumes that the 50% number of Flag Ship ordinary shares at 3,450,000 are redeemed for cash by the shareholders of Flag Ship, cash required at approximately $35.0 million would be paid out in cash.

 

In Scenario 4, which assumes the same facts as described in Scenario 1 above, but also assumes that the 75% number of Flag Ship ordinary shares at 5,175,000 are redeemed for cash by the shareholders of Flag Ship, cash required at approximately $52.5 million would be paid out in cash.

 

In Scenario 5, which assumes the same facts as described in Scenario 1 above, but also assumes that the maximum number of Flag Ship ordinary shares at 6,900,000 are redeemed for cash by the shareholders of Flag Ship, cash required at approximately $69.9 million would be paid out in cash.

 

  d. Reflects the settlement of $1,725,000 of deferred underwriting commission incurred during Flag Ship’s IPO due upon completion of the Merger.

 

  e. Reflects estimated cash payments of professional expenses of approximately $2.19 million related to the Merger, among which approximately $1.73 million was deducted against additional paid-in capital, and $0.46 million was charged to income statements. The cash payments of professional expenses of approximately $2.19 million related to the Merger was comprised of $1.02 million incurred by Flag Ship and $1.17 million incurred by GRT, respectively. The professional expenses were comprised of legal expenses, financial advisory expenses, audit expenses, fairness opinion expenses and other service fees.

 

  f. Reflects recapitalization of GRT through issuance of GRT Ordinary Shares (including upon conversion of Flag Ship Rights) and eliminates Flag Ship ’s historical accumulated earnings.

 

151

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED September 30, 2024

 

                Pro Forma     Scenario 1
Assuming No
Redemptions into Cash
   

Scenario 2
Assuming 25%

Redemptions into Cash

    Scenario 3
Assuming 50%
Redemptions into Cash
    Scenario 4
Assuming 75%
Redemptions into Cash
    Scenario 5
Assuming Maximum
Redemptions into Cash
 
   

Flag Ship

(A)

   

GRT

(B)

    Flag Ship
(A)
    GRT
(B)
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Income Statement
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Income Statement
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Income Statement
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Income Statement
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Income Statement
 
Account Name                                                                                                                
Revenues  $-   $633,127,741   $-   $633,127,741   $-   $633,127,741   $-   $633,127,741   $-   $633,127,741   $-   $633,127,741   $-   $633,127,741 
Cost of revenues   -    (471,366,490)   -    (471,366,490)   -    (471,366,490)   -    (471,366,490)   -    (471,366,490)   -    (471,366,490)   -    (471,366,490)
Gross profit   -    161,761,251    -    161,761,251    -    161,761,251    -    161,761,251    -    161,761,251    -    161,761,251    -    161,761,251 
                                                                       
Operating expenses                                                                      
Selling expenses   -    (11,763,388)   -    (11,763,388)   -    (11,763,388)   -    (11,763,388)   -    (11,763,388)   -    (11,763,388)   -    (11,763,388)
General and administrative expenses   (569,125)   (11,561,140)   (569,125)   (11,561,140)   (455,000)(b)   (12,585,265)   (455,000)(b)   (12,585,265)   (455,000)(b)   (12,585,265)   (455,000)(b)   (12,585,265)   (455,000)(b)   (12,585,265)
Research and development expenses   -    (27,765,405)   -    (27,765,405)   -    (27,765,405)   -    (27,765,405)   -    (27,765,405)   -    (27,765,405)   -    (27,765,405)
Total operating expenses   (569,125)   (51,089,933)   (569,125)   (51,089,933)   (455,000)   (52,114,058)   (455,000)   (52,114,058)   (455,000)   (52,114,058)   (455,000)   (52,114,058)   (455,000)   (52,114,058)
                                                                      
(Loss) income from operations   (569,125)   110,671,318    (569,125)   110,671,318    (455,000)   109,647,193    (455,000)   109,647,193    (455,000)   109,647,193    (455,000)   109,647,193    (455,000)   109,647,193 
                                                                       
Other Income (expenses)                                                                      
Interest income   -    1,060,118    -    1,060,118    -    1,060,118    -    1,060,118    -    1,060,118    -    1,060,118    -    1,060,118 
Interest expenses   -    (14,908,846)   -    (14,908,846)   -    (14,908,846)   -    (14,908,846)   -    (14,908,846)   -    (14,908,846)   -    (14,908,846)
Other income, net   (4,250)   3,850,883    (4,250)   3,850,883    -    3,846,633    -    3,846,633    -    3,846,633    -    3,846,633    -    3,846,633 
Other expense, net        (1,886,291)        (1,886,291)   -    (1,886,291)   -    (1,886,291)   -    (1,886,291)   -    (1,886,291)        (1,886,291)
Exchange gain   -    97,236    -    97,236    -    97,236    -    97,236    -    97,236    -    97,236    -    97,236 
Income earned on investment held in Trust Account   989,243    -    989,243    -    (989,243)(a)   -    (989,243)(a)   -    (989,243)(a)    -    (989,243)(a)   -    (989,243)(a)   - 
Total other income (expenses), net   984,993    (11,786,900)   984,993    (11,786,900)   (989,243)   (11,791,150)   (989,243)   (11,791,150)   (989,243)   (11,791,150)   (989,243)   (11,791,150)   (989,243)   (11,791,150)
                                                                       
Income Before Income Taxes   415,868    98,884,418    415,868    98,884,418    (1,444,243)   97,856,043    (1,444,243)   97,856,043    (1,444,243)   97,856,043    (1,444,243)   97,856,043    (1,444,243)   97,856,043 
                                                                       
Income tax expenses   -    (16,015,045)   -    (16,015,045)   -    (16,015,045)   -    (16,015,045)   -    (16,015,045)   -    (16,015,045)   -    (16,015,045)
                                                                       
Net income (loss)  $415,868   $82,869,373   $415,868   $82,869,373   $(1,444,243)  $81,840,998   $(1,444,243)  $81,840,998   $(1,444,243)  $81,840,998   $(1,444,243)  $81,840,998   $(1,444,243)  $81,840,998 
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest   -    15,738,885    -    15,738,885         15,738,885         15,738,885         15,738,885         15,738,885         15,738,885 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY   415,868    67,130,488    415,868    67,130,488    (1,444,243)   66,102,113    (1,444,243)   66,102,113    (1,444,243)   66,102,113    (1,444,243)   66,102,113    (1,444,243.00)   66,102,113 
                                                                       
Weighted average shares outstanding of non-redeemable ordinary shares   1,813,599    67,375,000    1,813,599    80,850,000    12,963,201(c)    95,626,800    11,238,201(c)    93,901,800    9,513,201(c)    92,176,800    7,788,201(c)    90,451,800    6,063,201(c)    88,726,800 
                                                                       
Basic and diluted net income per ordinary share   0.23    1.23    0.23    1.02     (c)    0.86     (c)    0.87     (c)    0.89     (c)    0.90     (c)    0.92 

 

 
* On November 5, 2024, the Company decided to pay stock dividends to existing shareholders, with 0.2 shares per share, for a total of 13,475,000 shares.

 

152

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations Adjustments

 

The notes and pro forma adjustments to the unaudited condensed combined pro forma statements of operations consist of the following:

 

A. Derived from Flag Ship ’s unaudited statement of income for twelve months ended September 30, 2024.

 

B. Derived from GRT’s consolidated audited statement of income for the year ended June 30, 2024.

 

a) Represents an adjustment to eliminate interest income related to cash and investment held in Trust Account.

 

  b) Reflects accrual of professional expenses incurred by Flag Ship.

 

  c) The calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net income per share assumes that the initial public offering occurred as of the earliest period presented. In addition, as the Merger are being reflected as if it had occurred on this date, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per share assumes that the shares have been outstanding for the entire period presented. This calculation is retroactively adjusted to eliminate the number of shares redeemed in the Merger for the entire period.

 

The calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for twelve months ended September 30, 2024, assuming different scenarios of redemption into cash, is set forth in below table:

 

    Pro forma     Assuming No
Redemptions
into Cash
    Assuming 25%
Redemptions
into Cash
    Assuming 50%
Redemptions
into Cash
    Assuming 75%
Redemptions
into Cash
    Assuming
Maximum
Redemptions into Cash
 
The GRT Shareholders     80,850,000       80,850,000       80,850,000       80,850,000       80,850,000       80,850,000  
Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders     -       7,590,000       5,865,000       4,140,000       2,415,000       690,000  
Flag Ship Insiders     -       1,986,800       1,986,800       1,986,800       1,986,800       1,986,800  
Shares to be issued to the Financial Advisors     -       5,200,000       5,200,000       5,200,000       5,200,000       5,200,000  
Weighted average shares outstanding of ordinary shares     80,850,000       95,626,800       93,901,800       92,176,800       90,451,800       88,726,800  
Less: Flag Ship’s Weighted average shares outstanding of ordinary shares     (1,813,599 )     (1,813,599 )     (1,813,599 )     (1,813,599 )     (1,813,599 )     (1,813,599 )
Adjustment(c)     79,036,401       93,813,201       92,088,201       90,363,201       88,638,201       86,913,201  

 

153

 

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION SHAREHOLDERS

 

General

 

Flag Ship is furnishing this proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders as part of the solicitation of proxies by the Flag Ship Board for use at the Shareholder Meeting to be held on [●] and at any adjournment thereof. This proxy statement/prospectus provides Flag Ship shareholders with information they need to know to be able to vote or direct their vote to be cast at the Shareholder Meeting.

 

Date, Time and Place of the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting

 

The Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting will be held on [●], 2024 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, in person at [●] and virtually via live webcast at https://www [●], or at such other time, on such other date and at such place to which the meeting may be adjourned, pursuant to the procedures described in this proxy statement/prospectus to consider and vote upon the Proposals.

 

On or about [●], 2024, Flag Ship commenced mailing this proxy statement/prospectus and the enclosed form of proxy to its shareholders entitled to vote at the Shareholder Meeting. You may attend the Flag Ship Shareholder Meeting and vote your shares during the Shareholder Meeting in person and via live audio webcast by visiting www./[●]. You will need the control number that is printed on your proxy card to enter the Shareholder Meeting. Flag Ship recommends that you log in at least 15 minutes before the meeting to ensure you are logged in when the Shareholder Meeting starts. Please note that you will not be able to attend the Shareholder Meeting in person.

 

If you hold your Flag Ship Ordinary Shares through a bank or broker, you will need to contact Flag Ship’s transfer agent, to receive a control number. If you plan to vote at the Shareholder Meeting, you will need to have a legal proxy from your bank or broker, or if you would like to join and not vote, VStock, our transfer agent, can issue you a guest control number with proof of ownership. Either way you must contact the Flag Ship’s transfer agent for specific instructions on how to receive the control number. Flag Ship can be contacted at the number or email address below. Please allow up to 72 hours prior to the meeting for processing your control number. If you do not have access to the internet, you can listen only to the Shareholder Meeting by dialing [●] (or [●] if you are located outside of the United States and Canada (standard rates apply)) and when prompted enter the pin number [●]#. Please note you will not be able to vote or enter questions during the Shareholder Meeting if you choose to participate telephonically and in such circumstances will not count towards the quorum.

 

You can pre-register to attend the Shareholder Meeting starting [●] at [●] a.m., Eastern Time (two business days prior to the meeting date). Enter the following URL address into your browser www. [●], enter your control number, name and email address. Once you pre-register you can vote or enter questions in the chat box. At the start of the Shareholder Meeting, you will need to log in again using your control number and will also be prompted to enter your control number if you want to vote during the Shareholder Meeting.

 

Purpose of the Shareholder Meeting

 

The purpose of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting is to consider and vote upon adoption of the Cayman Plan of Merger, the Merger, and the Merger Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2024, by and among GRT, Flag Ship and Merger Sub, providing for the merger of Flag Ship with and into Merger Sub. Merger Sub will survive the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT.

 

At the Flag Ship Shareholders’ Meeting, Flag Ship Shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the following Proposals:

 

  Proposal 1 – The Business Combination Proposal -- Flag Ship is asking its shareholders to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

154

 

  Proposal 2 – The Flag Ship Merger Proposal --Flag Ship is asking its shareholders to approve the entry by Flag Ship into the Cayman Plan of Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger pursuant to which Flag Ship Merger Sub will merge with and into Merger Sub with Merger Sub being the surviving company of such Merger and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT.

 

  Proposal 3 – The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal -- Flag Ship is asking its shareholders to approve the adjournment of the Shareholder Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, if Flag Ship determines that additional time is required to consummate the Merger.

 

Each of the Business Combination Proposal and the Merger Proposal are cross-conditioned on the approval and adoption of each other. The Adjournment Proposal is not conditioned upon the approval of any other proposal.

 

Record Date; Who is Entitled to Vote

 

The Flag Ship Board has fixed the close of business on [●] as the Record Date for determining Flag Ship shareholders entitled to notice of and to attend and vote at the Shareholder Meeting. As of the close of business on the Record Date, there were 8,863,000Flag Ship Ordinary Shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Flag Ship Rights do not carry voting rights.

 

Flag Ship’s Sponsor has agreed, subject to applicable securities laws, to vote any Flag Ship Ordinary Shares owned by it in favor of the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the Sponsor owns 1,963,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares, which is approximately 22% of the total outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares.

 

Quorum and Required Vote for Proposals for the Shareholder Meeting

 

The holders of a majority of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares outstanding as of the close of business on the Record Date and entitled to vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting must be present, either in person or by proxy or if a corporation or other non-natural person by its duly authorized representative or proxy, at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to constitute a quorum. The Sponsor, which currently hold approximately 22% of the issued and outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares, will count towards this quorum.

 

Approval of the Business Combination Proposal requires an ordinary resolution, being the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. Approval of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal requires a special resolution under Cayman Islands law, being a resolution of the company passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. The Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution. If presented, the Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal requires an ordinary resolution, being the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting.

 

155

 

Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes

 

Abstentions, which are not votes cast, are considered present for the purposes of establishing a quorum but will have no effect with respect to approval of these proposals.

 

Under Nasdaq rules, if a shareholder holds their shares in “street” name through a bank, broker or other nominee and the shareholder does not instruct their broker, bank or other nominee how to vote their shares on a proposal, the broker, bank or other nominee has the authority to vote the shares in its discretion on certain “routine” matters. However, banks, brokers and other nominees are not authorized to exercise their voting discretion on any “non-routine” matters. This can result in a “broker non-vote,” which occurs on a proposal when (i) a bank, broker or other nominee has discretionary authority to vote on one or more “routine” proposals to be voted on at a meeting of shareholders or has received instructions as to how to vote on some but not all of the “non-routine” proposals, (ii) there are one or more “non-routine” proposals to be voted on at the meeting for which the bank, broker or other nominee does not have authority to vote without instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares and (iii) the beneficial owner fails to provide the bank, broker or other nominee with voting instructions on a “non-routine” matter.

 

We believe that all of the proposals to be voted on at the Shareholder Meeting will be considered non-routine matters. As a result, if you hold your shares in street name, your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee cannot vote your shares on any of the proposals to be voted on at the Shareholder Meeting without your instruction. Because all of the proposals to be voted on at the Shareholder Meeting are “non-routine” matters, banks, brokers and other nominees will not have authority to vote on any proposals unless instructed, accordingly Flag Ship does not expect there to be any broker non-votes at the Shareholder Meeting.

 

Recommendation of the Flag Ship Board

 

The Flag Ship Board has determined that the Merger, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, is advisable and in the best interests of Flag Ship and its shareholders and has directed that the Proposals set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus be submitted to its shareholders for approval at the Shareholder Meeting on the date and at the time and place set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus. The Flag Ship Board recommends that Flag Ship’s shareholders vote “FOR” the Business Combination Proposal, “FOR” the Merger Proposal, and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal (if necessary).

 

Flag Ship’s directors and officers may have financial interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, their interests as shareholders of Flag Ship and the interests of shareholders of Flag Ship generally. The existence of financial and personal interests of one or more of Flag Ship’s directors may result in a conflict of interest on the part of such director(s) between what they may believe is in the best interests of Flag Ship and its shareholders and what they may believe is best for themselves in determining to recommend that shareholders vote for the proposals. See the section entitled “Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal — Interests of Certain Persons in the Business Combination.”

 

Voting Your Shares

 

If you were a holder of record of Public Shares as of the close of business on [●], the Record Date for the Extraordinary General Meeting, you may vote with respect to the proposals in person, electronically, or by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided. Your proxy card shows the number of Public Shares that you own. If your shares are held in “street name” or are in a margin or similar account, you should contact your broker to ensure that votes related to the shares you beneficially own are properly counted.

 

There are two ways to vote your Public Shares at the Shareholder Meeting:

 

  1. Voting by Mail. By signing the proxy card and returning it in the enclosed prepaid and addressed envelope, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card to vote your shares at the Shareholder Meeting in the manner you indicate. You are encouraged to sign and return the proxy card even if you plan to attend the Shareholder Meeting so that your shares will be voted if you are unable to attend the Shareholder Meeting. If you receive more than one proxy card, it is an indication that your shares are held in multiple accounts. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your shares are voted. Votes submitted by mail must be received by 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [●].

 

156

 

  2. Voting Electronically or in Person. You may attend, vote and examine the list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Shareholder Meeting in person or electronically by visiting the website listed on your proxy card or voting instruction form and entering the control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form or notice included in the proxy materials.

 

Revoking Your Proxy

 

If you give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time before the Shareholder Meeting or at the Shareholder Meeting by doing any one of the following:

 

  you may send another proxy card with a later date;
     
  you may notify Flag Ship’s Chief Executive Officer in writing to Flag Ship Acquisition Corp, 26 Broadway, Suite 934, New York, NY 10004, before the Shareholder Meeting that you have revoked your proxy; or
     
  you may attend the Shareholder Meeting and vote electronically, as indicated above.

 

Vote of Sponsors, Directors and Officers

 

Pursuant to a letter agreement with Flag Ship, the Sponsor has agreed, subject to applicable securities laws, to vote any Flag Ship Ordinary Shares owned by it in favor of the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting, and has agreed to waive its redemption rights with respect to any Flag Ship Ordinary Shares owned by it in connection with the Shareholder Meeting. The Flag Ship Ordinary, including the Private Shares will be excluded from the pro rata calculation used to determine the per-share redemption price. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the Sponsor owns approximately 22% of the issued and outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares and Flag Ship’s officers and directors do not own any Flag Ship Ordinary Shares (excluding any securities indirectly owned by officers or directors as a result of his or her membership interest in the Sponsor).

 

No Additional Matters May Be Presented at the Shareholder Meeting

 

The Shareholder Meeting has been called only to consider the approval of the Business Combination Proposal, the Merger Proposal, and the Adjournment Proposal (if necessary). Under the Flag Ship Charter, no other matters may be considered at the Shareholder Meeting if they are not included in this proxy statement/prospectus, which serves as the notice of the Shareholder Meeting.

 

Who Can Answer Your Questions about Voting Your Shares?

 

If you are a Flag Ship shareholder and have any questions about how to vote or direct a vote in respect of your Flag Ship Ordinary Shares, you may call Advantage Proxy, our proxy solicitor, by calling [●], or banks and brokers can call [●], or by emailing [●].

 

Redemption Rights

 

Pursuant to the Flag Ship Charter, holders of Public Shares may elect to have their shares redeemed for cash at the applicable redemption price per share equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account as of two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination, including interest (net of taxes payable), by (ii) the total number of then-outstanding Public Shares. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, this amounts to approximately $[●] per share. Holders of Public Shares may seek to redeem their shares for cash, regardless of whether they vote for or against, or whether they do not vote at all on, the Business Combination Proposal or the Merger Proposal.

 

157

 

Any shareholder holding Public Shares may demand that Flag Ship redeem such shares for a full pro rata portion of the Trust Account (which, for illustrative purposes, was approximately $●] per share of Public Shares as of ●], the most recent practicable date prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus), calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to Flag Ship to pay its taxes (which interest shall be net of taxes payable). If a holder properly seeks redemption as described in this section and the Merger is consummated, Flag Ship will, subject to funds being legally available therefor, redeem these shares for a pro rata portion of funds deposited in the Trust Account and the holder will no longer own these shares following the Merger.

 

You will be entitled to receive cash for any Public Shares to be redeemed only if you:

 

  (i) (a) hold Public Shares, or

 

  (b) hold Public Shares through Units and you elect to separate your Units into the underlying public shares prior to exercising your redemption rights with respect to the public shares; and

 

  (ii) prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [●], 2025, (a) submit a written request to VStock that Flag Ship redeem your public shares for cash and (b) deliver your public shares to VStock, physically or electronically through DTC.

 

Holders of outstanding Flag Ship Units must separate the underlying Flag Ship Ordinary Shares prior to exercising Redemption Rights with respect to the Public Shares. If the Flag Ship Units are registered in a holder’s own name, the holder must deliver the certificate for its Flag Ship Units to VStock, with written instructions to separate the Flag Ship Units into their individual component parts. This must be completed far enough in advance to permit the mailing of the certificates back to the holder so that the holder may then exercise his, her or its redemption rights upon the separation of the public shares from the Flag Ship Units.

 

A Public Shareholder must complete the procedures for electing to redeem its Public Shares in the manner described above prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [●], 2025 (two business days before the initially scheduled date of the Shareholder Meeting), in order for its shares to be redeemed.

 

If a holder exercises its Redemption Rights, then such holder will be exchanging its Public Shares for cash and will no longer own shares of Flag Ship. Such a holder will be entitled to receive cash for its Public Shares only if it properly demands redemption and delivers its shares (either physically or electronically) to VStock in accordance with the procedures described herein. If the Merger is not consummated, the Public Shares will be returned to the respective holder, broker or bank.

 

If you hold your shares in “street name,” you will have to coordinate with your broker to have your shares certificated or delivered electronically. Public Shares that have not been tendered (either physically or electronically) in accordance with these procedures will not be redeemed for cash. There is a nominal cost associated with this tendering process and the act of certificating the shares or tendering/delivering them through DTC’s DWAC system. VStock will typically charge the tendering broker a fee and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the redeeming shareholder. In the event the proposed Merger is not consummated, this may result in an additional cost to shareholders for the return of their shares.

 

Any request for redemption, once made by a Public Shareholder, may be withdrawn at any time until the deadline for exercising redemption requests. If you tender or deliver your shares for redemption to VStock, acting as transfer agent, and later decide prior to the deadline for exercising redemption requests not to elect redemption, you may request that Flag Ship instruct VStock to return the shares (physically or electronically). You may make such request by contacting VStock at the phone number or address listed at the end of this section. Flag Ship will be required to honor such request only if made prior to the deadline for exercising redemption requests (although the Flag Ship Board may agree to honor such requests after such deadline in its sole discretion).

 

158

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Public Shareholder, together with any affiliate of such Public Shareholder or any other person with whom such Public Shareholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from redeeming its Public Shares with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the Public Shares, without our prior consent. Accordingly, if a Public Shareholder, alone or acting in concert or as a group, seeks to redeem more than 15% of the outstanding Public Shares, then any such shares in excess of that 15% limit would not be redeemed for cash, without our prior consent.

 

If the Business Combination is not approved or completed for any reason, then the Public Shareholders who elected to exercise their redemption rights will not be entitled to redeem their shares for a full pro rata portion of the Trust Account, as applicable. In such case, Flag Ship will promptly return any shares (and share certificates (if any)) tendered or delivered by Public Shareholders.

 

Flag Ship’s transfer agent can be contacted at the following address:

 

VStock Transfer LLC

18 Lafayette Place

Woodmere, NY 11598

Phone: 212.828.8436

Email: info@vstocktransfer.com

 

Our Sponsor has waived its redemption rights with respect to its Flag Ship Ordinary Shares in connection with the shareholder vote to approve the Merger. Accordingly, such shares will be excluded from the pro rata calculation used to determine the per-share redemption price.

 

The closing price of Public Shares on [●], the most recent practicable date prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, was $[●] per share. The cash held in the Trust Account on such date was approximately $[●] million (including interest not previously released to Flag Ship to pay its taxes) (approximately $[●] per share of Public Shares). Prior to exercising redemption rights, shareholders should verify the market price of Public Shares as they may receive higher proceeds from the sale of their Public Shares in the public market than from exercising their redemption rights if the market price per share is higher than the redemption price. Flag Ship cannot assure its shareholders that they will be able to sell their Public Shares in the open market, even if the market price per share is higher than the redemption price stated above, as there may not be sufficient liquidity in its securities when its shareholders wish to sell their shares.

 

If a holder of Public Shares exercises his, her or its redemption rights, then he, she or it will be exchanging its Public Shares for cash and will no longer own those shares. You will be entitled to receive cash for these shares only if you properly demand redemption by tendering or delivering your Public Shares (and share certificates (if any) and other redemption forms) (either physically or electronically) to Flag Ship’s transfer agent as described above and the Merger is consummated.

 

For a discussion of certain material United States federal income tax considerations for shareholders with respect to the exercise of these redemption rights, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders of Exercising Redemption Rights.” The consequences of a redemption to any particular shareholder will depend on that shareholder’s particular facts and circumstances. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your tax advisor to determine your tax consequences from the exercise of your redemption rights, including the applicability and effect of U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax laws in light of your particular circumstances.

 

159

 

Appraisal Rights

 

With respect to the Merger, the Cayman Companies Act under Section 238 provides for a right of Flag Ship’s dissenting shareholders to be paid the fair value of their shares in connection with the Merger Proposal, subject to certain limitations under Section 239. In connection with the Merger Proposal, record holders of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares who comply with the applicable requirements and procedures of Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act are entitled, under certain circumstances, to exercise their statutory rights of appraisal to seek payment of the fair value of their Flag Ship Ordinary Shares upon dissenting from the Merger. If you are contemplating the possibility of objecting to the Merger, you should seek advice from a suitably qualified Cayman lawyer. If you do not follow the procedural requirements of the Cayman Companies Act, you will lose your Appraisal Rights. A detailed description of the appraisal rights and procedures available to Flag Ship Shareholders is included in “The Business Combination Proposal — Appraisal Rights” beginning on page ____. The full text of Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Proxy Solicitation

 

Flag Ship is soliciting proxies on behalf of the Flag Ship Board. This proxy solicitation is being made by mail, but also may be made by telephone or in person. Flag Ship has engaged Advantage Proxy to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the Shareholder Meeting. Flag Ship and its directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies in person. Flag Ship will ask banks, brokers and other institutions, nominees and fiduciaries to forward this proxy statement/prospectus and the related proxy materials to their principals and to obtain their authority to execute proxies and voting instructions.

 

Flag Ship will bear the entire cost of the proxy solicitation, including the preparation, assembly, printing, mailing and distribution of this proxy statement/prospectus and the related proxy materials. Flag Ship will pay Advantage Proxy a fee of $[●], plus disbursements, reimburse it for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and indemnify Advantage Proxy and its affiliates against certain claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses for its services as Flag Ship’s proxy solicitor. Directors, officers and employees of Flag Ship who solicit proxies will not be paid any additional compensation for soliciting.

 

Sponsor Ownership of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares

 

As of the Record Date for the Shareholder Meeting, the Sponsor owned of record and was entitled to vote 1,963,800 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares. Such shares currently constitute approximately 22.15% of the outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Shares. The Sponsor has agreed, subject to applicable securities laws, to vote any Flag Ship Ordinary Shares owned by it in favor of the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting, and has agreed to waive its redemption rights with respect to any Flag Ship Ordinary Shares owned by it in connection with this Shareholder Meeting. The Flag Ship Founder Shares and the Flag Ship Private Shares will be excluded from the pro rata calculation used to determine the per-share redemption price.

 

Potential Purchases of Public Shares

 

At any time at or prior to the Merger, during a period when they are not then aware of any material nonpublic information regarding us or our securities, the Sponsors and Flag Ship’s directors, officers, advisors or respective affiliates may purchase Public Shares from institutional and other investors who vote, or indicate an intention to vote, against any of the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting, or execute agreements to purchase such shares from such investors in the future, or they may enter into transactions with such investors and others to provide them with incentives to acquire Public Shares or vote their Public Shares in favor of the proposals presented at the Shareholder Meeting. Such a purchase may include a contractual acknowledgement that such shareholder, although still the record holder of our shares, is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights. In the event that the Sponsors or Flag Ship’s directors, officers, advisors or respective affiliates purchase Public Shares in privately negotiated transactions from Public Shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholder would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their Public Shares. The purpose of such share purchases and other transactions would be to decrease the number of shares that have been or may be submitted for redemption.

 

160

 

Entering into any such arrangements may have a depressive effect on the market price of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares. For example, as a result of these arrangements, an investor or holder may have the ability to effectively purchase shares at a price lower than market and may therefore be more likely to sell the shares he or she owns, either at or prior to the Merger.

 

As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, there have been no such discussions and no agreements to such effect have been entered into with any such investor or holder. If such transactions are effected, the consequence could be to cause the Merger to be consummated in circumstances where such consummation could not otherwise occur. We will file or submit a Form 8-K to disclose any material arrangements entered into or significant purchases made by any of the aforementioned persons that would affect the vote on the proposals to be put to the Shareholder Meeting or the redemption threshold. Any such report will include descriptions of any arrangements entered into or significant purchases by any of the aforementioned persons including (i) the amount of securities purchased in any such purchases, along with the purchase price; (ii) the purpose of any such purchases; (iii) the impact, if any, of any such purchases on the likelihood that the Merger will be approved; (iv) the identities or the nature of the security holders (e.g., 5% security holders) who sold their securities in any such purchases; and (v) the number of securities for which Flag Ship has received redemption requests pursuant to its shareholders’ redemption rights in connection with the Merger.

 

If any shares were so purchased, the purchaser would not vote any such shares in favor of approval of the Merger Proposal. Additionally, the purchaser would waive any redemption rights with respect to any securities so purchased.

 

Any purchases by the Sponsors and Flag Ship’s officers and directors and/or their respective affiliates who are affiliated purchasers under Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act will only be made to the extent such purchases are able to be made in compliance with Rule 10b-18, which is a safe harbor from liability for manipulation under Section 9(a)(2) and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. Rule 10b-18 has certain technical requirements that must be complied with in order for the safe harbor to be available to the purchaser. The Sponsors and Flag Ship’s officers and directors and/or their respective affiliates will not make purchases of shares if the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements. Additionally, in the event the Sponsors or our directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates were to purchase Public Shares from Public Shareholders, such purchases would be structured in compliance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act.

 

161

 

PROPOSAL 1: THE BUSINESS COMBINATION PROPOSAL

 

Overview

 

Flag Ship is asking holders of Flag Ship Shares to approve by ordinary resolution the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement The approval of this Business Combination Proposal is conditioned on the approval of the Merger Proposal. Therefore, if either the Business Combination Proposal or the Merger Proposal is not approved, the Merger may not be consummated. Flag Ship Shareholders should read carefully this proxy statement in its entirety for more detailed information concerning the Merger Agreement and the Merger. Please see the subsections below for additional information and a summary of the material provisions of the Merger Agreement, which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement. You are urged to read carefully the Business Combination Agreement in its entirety before voting on this proposal.

 

Because we are holding an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to vote on the Merger, we may consummate the Merger only if the Business Combination Proposal is approved by an ordinary resolution, being the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares entitled to vote at the Shareholder Meeting (provided that the Merger Proposal is also approved as set forth under “Proposal 2 – The Flag Ship Merger Proposal”). The approval of the Merger Proposal is a requirement under the Cayman Companies Act.

 

Flag Ship, GRT and a wholly-owned merger subsidiary of GRT entered into the Merger Agreement on October 21, 2024.

 

The following discussion summarizes material provisions of the Merger Agreement. The rights and obligations of the parties are governed by the express terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and not by this summary or any other information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus. Flag Ship Shareholders are urged to read the Merger Agreement carefully and in its entirety.

 

The Merger Agreement is described in this proxy statement/prospectus only to provide you with information regarding its terms and conditions, and not to provide any other factual information regarding GRT, Flag Ship or their respective businesses. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Merger Agreement: (i) were made only for purposes of the Merger Agreement and as of the specific dates set forth therein; (ii) were solely for the benefit of the parties to the Merger Agreement; (iii) are subject to limitations agreed upon by the parties, including being qualified by confidential disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts; and (iv) may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties that differ from those applicable to investors. Investors should not rely on the representations, warranties and covenants or any description thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of GRT, Flag Ship or Merger Sub, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties and covenants may change after the date of the Merger Agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in public disclosures by GRT and Flag Ship. Accordingly, you should not rely on the representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement as characterizations of the actual state of facts about GRT or Flag Ship, and you should read the information provided elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus for information regarding GRT and Flag Ship and their respective businesses. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

Merger Agreement

 

On October 21, 2024, Flag Ship entered into the Merger Agreement with GRT and Merger Sub, pursuant to which, among other things, Flag Ship will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT. The Merger will become effective at such time as the Cayman Plan of Merger is registered by the Cayman Registrar or at such other time subsequent thereto, but not exceeding 90 days from the date of registration as mutually agreed between Merger Sub and Flag Ship and specified in the Cayman Plan of Merger.

 

162

 

At the Effective Time, each Flag Ship Share issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time (excluding shares held by GRT and Flag Ship and dissenting shares, if any) will be automatically converted into the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration, and right to receive Flag Ship Shares that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be assumed by GRT and automatically converted into a right to receive ordinary shares of GRT, payable in GRT ADSs.

 

Flag Ship Shareholders are urged to read additional information and details of Merger Agreement in section entitled “The Merger Agreement” on page 185 and the Merger Agreement in its entirety, a copy of which is attached hereto as exhibit.

 

Ancillary Agreements

 

In conjunction with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the parties entered into certain related agreements pursuant to the Merger Agreement. Flag Ship Shareholders are urged to read additional information and details of such Ancillary Agreement in section entitled “The Ancillary Agreements” on page 199 and such Ancillary Agreements in their entirety.

 

Consideration Payable in the Merger

 

Exchange of Flag Ship Securities

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, all of Flag Ship’s Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time other than (i) Flag Ship Ordinary Shares held by the parties to the Merger Agreement or their respective wholly owned subsidiaries and (ii) those Flag Ship Ordinary Shares owned by the holders of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares who have validly exercised and not effectively withdrawn or lost their rights to dissent from the Merger pursuant to the Cayman Companies Act, will be automatically converted into the right to receive an aggregate of (a) 8,863,000 GRT ADSs, and (b) an additional aggregate of 713,800 GRT ADSs upon the exchange of the outstanding Flag Ship Rights.

 

The transaction implies a value of $10.__ per Flag Ship Share, or an equity value for Flag Ship of approximately $___ million for all outstanding shares, based on a deal price for GRT Ordinary Shares of ___, an ___premium to the closing stock price of GRT as of ____, converted to a price of $___using a U.S. dollar/KRW exchange rate of $___ per ₩ ___ as of that date, which was the latest practicable business day before the publication of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Potential Dilution to Non-Redeeming Flag Ship Public Shareholders

 

The unadjusted net tangible book value of Flag Ship as of its most recent balance sheet date, September 30, 2024, is $________________, equating to Flag Ship’s total assets of $____________ minus its total liabilities of $____________. As of such date, Flag Ship had a total of 8,863,000 shares issued and outstanding, consisting of 1,963,000 shares held by its initial shareholders and 6,900,000 shares held by Public Shareholders and subject to redemption. Therefore, Flag Ship’s unadjusted net tangible book value per share as of its most recent balance sheet date is approximately $____ per share. The following table sets forth, with respect to each material transaction reasonably likely to occur in connection with the Merger while excluding the Merger itself, across potential redemption levels, (i) the number of ordinary shares of the combined company to be issued pursuant to such material transaction, (ii) the as-adjusted net tangible book value per share (the “NVPS”) of Flag Ship ordinary shares issued and outstanding after giving effect to such material transaction, calculated as (a) the net tangible book value in such redemption scenario before considering any of the material transactions, as described for each redemption scenario in the footnote thereabout (see footnote (1) through (4), as applicable), plus any amount that such material transaction would add to such net tangible book value, if any, as described for each material transaction in the footnote thereabout (see footnote (5) through (9), as applicable), divided by (b) the amount of shares outstanding in such redemption scenario before considering any of the material transactions plus the number of ordinary shares of Flag Ship to be issued pursuant to such material transaction, as described for each material transaction in the footnote thereabout, (iii) the difference between such as-adjusted NVPS, in the given redemption scenario, and the Flag Ship IPO offering price per share of $10.00 (the “Difference”); and (iv) the valuation of Flag Ship at or above which, after factoring in the potential dilution caused by such material transaction, the non-redeeming Public Shareholders’ interest per Flag Ship ordinary share would be at least the Flag Ship IPO offering price per share of $10.00 (the “Equalizing Company Value” or “ECV”).

 

163

 

   Assuming No
Redemption(1)
   Assuming 25%
Redemption(2)
   Assuming 50%
Redemption(3)
    Assuming 75%
Redemption(4)
  Assuming Full
Redemption(5)
 
   Shares   NVPS   Difference   ECV   Shares   NVPS   Difference   ECV   Shares   NVPS   Difference   ECV   Shares   NVPS   Difference   ECV   Shares   NVPS   Difference   ECV 
Prior to Adjustment for Potential Dilution Sources:   8,863,000   $    $    $      7,138,000   $    $    $     5,413,000   $    $    $     3,688,000   $    $    $     1,963,000   $    $    $  
Potential Dilution Sources                                                                                                     
Financial Advisor(6)   5,200,000   $    $    $      5,200,000   $    $    $     5,200,000   $    $    $     5,200,000   $    $    $     5,200,000   $    $    $  
Flag Ship Public Rights(7)   690,000   $    $    $      690,000   $    $    $     690,000   $    $    $     690,000   $    $    $     690,000   $    $    $  
Flag Ship Private Rights(8)   23,800   $    $    $      23,800   $    $    $     23,800   $    $    $     23,800   $         $     23,800   $    $    $  
TOTALS(9)   14,776,800   $    $    $      13,051,800   $    $    $     11,326,800   $    $    $     9,601,800   $    $    $     7,876,800   $    $    $  

 

 

(1) Assuming No Redemptions: This presentation assumes that no Flag Ship Public Shareholders elect to have their Flag Ship Public Shares redeemed for cash in connection with the Merger and there are no Flag Ship Shares for which appraisal rights are being exercised. This presentation also assumes that the value of total assets and therefore net tangible book value of Flag Ship as of its most recent balance sheet date are reduced by $__________, to account for the estimated total Merger transaction expenses. In this scenario, before considering any of the material transactions reasonably likely to occur in connection with the Merger described in the table, (i) a total of 8,863,000 shares would be issued and outstanding, consisting of 6,900,000 Public Shares and 1,963,000 shares held by Flag Ship’s initial shareholders, and (ii) Flag Ship would have total assets of $_________, a net tangible book value of $______________, and NVPS of $_____, such NVPS being equal to the $____________ as-adjusted net tangible book value divided by 8,863,000 shares.
(2) Assuming 25% Redemptions: This presentation assumes that 1,725,000 Flag Ship Public Shares are redeemed for aggregate redemption payments of $_______, assuming a $_____ per share Redemption Price and based on funds in the trust account as of September 30, 2024. This presentation also assumes that the value of total assets and therefore net tangible book value of Flag Ship as of its most recent balance sheet date are reduced by $____________, to account for the estimated total Merger transaction expenses. In this scenario, before considering any of the material transactions reasonably likely to occur in connection with the Merger described in the table, (i) a total of 7,138,000 shares would be issued and outstanding, consisting of 5,175,000 Public Shares and 1,963,000 shares held by Flag Ship’s initial shareholders, and (ii) the aggregate redemption payments of $_________ would be subtracted from the assets of Flag Ship, resulting in total assets of $_______________, a net tangible book value of $_______, and NVPS of $____, such NVPS being equal to the $____________ as-adjusted net tangible book value divided by 7,138,000 shares.
(3) Assuming 50% Redemptions: This presentation assumes that 3,450,000 Flag Ship Public Shares are redeemed for aggregate redemption payments of $_______, assuming a $____ per share Redemption Price and based on funds in the trust account as of September 30, 2024. This presentation also assumes that the value of total assets and therefore net tangible book value of Flag Ship as of its most recent balance sheet date are reduced by $________, to account for the estimated total Merger transaction expenses. In this scenario, before considering any of the material transactions reasonably likely to occur in connection with the Merger described in the table, (i) a total of 5,413,000 shares would be issued and outstanding, consisting of 3,450,000 Public Shares and 1,963,000 shares held by Flag Ship’s initial shareholders, (ii) the aggregate redemption payments of $_____________ would be subtracted from the assets of Flag Ship, resulting in total assets of $_____________, a net tangible book value of $__________, and NVPS of $___, such NVPS being equal to the $______________ as-adjusted net tangible book value divided by 5,413,000 shares.

 

164

 

(4) Assuming 75% Redemptions: This presentation assumes that 5,175,000 Flag Ship Public Shares are redeemed for aggregate redemption payments of $_________, assuming a $_____ per share Redemption Price and based on funds in the trust account as of September 30, 2024. This presentation also assumes that the value of total assets and therefore net tangible book value of Flag Ship as of its most recent balance sheet date are reduced by $__________, to account for the estimated total transaction expenses. In this scenario, before considering any of the material transactions reasonably likely to occur in connection with the Merger described in the table, (i) a total of 3,688,000 shares would be issued and outstanding, consisting of 1,725,000 Public Shares and 1,963,000 shares held by Flag Ship’s initial shareholders, and (ii) the aggregate redemption payments of $_____________ would be subtracted from the assets of Flag Ship, resulting in total assets of $____________, a net tangible book value of $___________, and NVPS of $____, such NVPS being equal to the $_________ as-adjusted net tangible book value divided by 3,688,000 shares.
(5) Assuming Full Redemptions: This presentation assumes that 6,900,000 Flag Ship Public Shares are redeemed for aggregate redemption payments of $_________, assuming a $_____ per share Redemption Price and based on funds in the trust account as of September 30, 2024. This presentation also assumes that the value of total assets and therefore net tangible book value of Flag Ship as of its most recent balance sheet date are reduced by $__________, to account for the estimated total transaction expenses. In this scenario, before considering any of the material transactions reasonably likely to occur in connection with the Merger described in the table, (i) a total of 1,963,000 shares would be issued and outstanding, 1,963,000 shares held by Flag Ship’s initial shareholders, and (ii) the aggregate redemption payments of $_____________ would be subtracted from the assets of Flag Ship, resulting in total assets of $____________, a net tangible book value of $___________, and NVPS of $____, such NVPS being equal to the $_________ as-adjusted net tangible book value divided by 1,963,000 shares.
(6) Financial Advisors: In connection with the Merger, Flag Ship agreed to cause GRS to issue a total of 2,400,000 GRT ADSs to Flag Ship’s financial advisor and GRT agreed to issue a total of 2,800,000 to its financial advisor upon the consummation of the Merger. In this scenario, (i) the total assets remaining and the net tangible book value of Flag Ship at each respective redemption level will not change, and (ii) the total number of shares outstanding used to calculate as-adjusted NVPS at each respective redemption level would increase by 5,200,000.
(7) Flag Ship Public Rights: There are currently 6,900,000 Flag Ship Rights outstanding held by Public Shareholders, each of which will automatically convert into 1/10 of one Flag Ship Ordinary Share at Closing, for a total of 690,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares to be issued in respect of the Flag Ship Rights at Closing. Flag Ship will not receive any consideration for the issuance of 690,000 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares. As such, (i) the total assets remaining and the net tangible book value of Flag Ship at each respective redemption level will not change, while (ii) the total number of shares outstanding used to calculate NVPS at each respective redemption level will increase by 690,000.
(8) Flag Ship Private Rights: There are currently 238,000 Flag Ship Rights outstanding held by Flag Ship’s initial shareholders, each of which will automatically convert into 1/10 of one Flag Ship Ordinary Share at Closing, for a total of 23,800 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares to be issued in respect of the Flag Ship Rights at Closing. Flag Ship will not receive any consideration for this issuance of 23,800 Flag Ship Ordinary Shares. As such, (i) the total assets remaining and thus net tangible book value of the combined company at each respective redemption level will not change, while (ii) the total number of shares outstanding used to calculate NVPS at each respective redemption level will increase by 23,800.
(9) TOTALS: The figures represented in this row for each respective redemption scenario assume that each of the foregoing material transactions reasonably likely to occur in connection with the Merger has occurred, along with their effects on the as-adjusted total assets, net tangible book value and NVPS of Flag Ship.

 

Finally, as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, there is $__________________ outstanding under a loan payable to the SPAC Sponsor and no fees due or out-of-pocket expenses to be repaid by Flag Ship to the SPAC Sponsor. If the foregoing amounts were to change after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the total sum of such loans, fees and out-of-pocket expenses would be repayable on or after the Closing and reduce the total assets or net tangible book value of the combined company. Further, up to $1,500,000 of loans may be convertible into Flag Ship Private Units at $10.00 per Flag Ship Private Unit at the option of the lender, which would cause dilution to the non-redeeming shareholders. Such potential loans, fees and out-of-pocket expenses have not been factored into the calculations in the above presentation because it is not materially probable that any will accrue after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Other than as described above in this “Potential Dilution to Non-Redeeming Flag Ship Public Shareholders” section of the proxy statement/prospectus, there are no additional material potential sources of future dilution that non-redeeming shareholders may experience by electing not to tender their shares in connection with the Merger.

 

165

 

Background of the Merger

 

Flag Ship is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company on May 14, 2018, for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Flag Ship’s intention was to capitalize on its board’s and management team’s extensive network of relationships, industry knowledge, acquisition experience, and deal sourcing capabilities to access a broad spectrum of opportunities. The terms of the Merger were the result of negotiations among representatives of Flag Ship and representatives of Great Rich. The following is a brief description of the background of those negotiations, the Merger and related transactions.

 

On June 20, 2024, Flag Ship consummated its IPO of 6,900,000 units (including the full exercise of the overallotment option of 900,000 units), with each unit consisting of one ordinary share, and one right to receive one-tenth (1/10) of an ordinary share upon the consummation of an initial business combination. Prior to the consummation of the IPO, the Sponsor purchased an aggregated of 1,725,000 Founder Shares for an aggregate price of $25,000. Simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO, Flag Ship consummated the private placement to the Sponsor of an aggregate of 238,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $2,380,000.

 

Prior to the consummation of the IPO on June 20, 2024, neither Flag Ship, nor anyone acting on its behalf, contacted any prospective target business or had any substantive discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with Flag Ship.

 

Since the completion of the IPO, Flag Ship considered numerous potential target businesses with the objective of consummating its initial business combination. Representatives of Flag Ship contacted and were contacted by numerous individuals and entities who presented ideas for business combination opportunities, including numerous technology companies. Flag Ship considered businesses that it believed had attractive long-term growth potential, were well-positioned within their industry and would benefit from the substantial intellectual capital, operational and investment experience, and network of Flag Ship’s management team.

 

Flag Ship reviewed and evaluated the potential targets based on the investment criteria set forth in its IPO prospectus. However, these criteria are not intended to be exhaustive, and Flag Ship was looking for factors with respect to potential targets including but not limited to:

 

  those which have exhibited strong growth in revenue or profit in recent fiscal periods or have healthy cash flow from operations;

 

  those which may offer an attractive return for its shareholders, potential upside from growth in the target business and with an improved capital structure will be provide a favorable upside reward metric measured against any identified downside risks;

 

  candidates which meet some key characteristics such as being or having the capability of being a disruptive participant within an industry;

 

  candidates which are capable of generating both organic and acquisitive growth;

 

166

 

  those candidates which are or can be positioned to enhance stockholder value and revenue growth as a result of increased presence across geographic borders; and

 

  candidates which possess exploitable intellectual property.

 

Flag Ship’s business strategy was to identify and complete its business combination with one or more entities that meet one or more criteria of:

 

  being or having the potential to be disruptive within an industry;

 

  possessing a strong growth record;

 

  significant potential for further growth;

 

  a leading technology position or potential for such position; or

 

  a proven management team prepared for being a public company.

 

During this search process, Flag Ship reviewed over 20 potential business combination opportunities, entered into non-disclosure agreements with seven companies, and entered into non-binding and non-exclusive letters of intent with four potential target companies other than GRT. These potential targets were in the fin-tech, blockchain, new energy motor vehicle, technology, and media industries. Flag Ship ultimately determined not to proceed with any of its other potential acquisition opportunities because, in the judgment of the Flag Ship’s board and management, the other potential business combination targets did not meet the valuation expectations of Flag Ship or otherwise did not present as attractive or feasible a business combination opportunity as GRT.

 

With regard to those four targets with which Flag Ship did not pursue a business combination:

 

Company A: In July 2024, Company A, which is not affiliated with Flag Ship or any affiliated business entities of Flag Ship, was referred to Flag Ship’s search team. Company A is a Chinese high-tech enterprise committed to conduct advanced technology research, development, production, and sales in the 3D display field. In July 2024, after reviewing a business introduction and models of Company A and holding discussions with the management of Company A, Flag Ship’s management team established Company A as a merger candidate based upon a preliminary due diligence review. Subsequently, Flag Ship entered into a confidentiality agreement with Company A on July 16, 2024 and started to conduct due diligence on Company A. Flag Ship entered into a letter of intent with Company A on July 30, 2023. In September 2023, Flag Ship removed Company A from the priority list of candidates because it determined that Company A’s valuation was significantly higher than its fair market price as evaluated by Flag Ship’s management team.

 

Company B: In July 2024, Company B, which is not affiliated with Flag Ship or any affiliated business entities of Flag Ship, was referred to Flag Ship ’s search team. Company B is engaged in the research and manufacture of new energy heavy trucks in China. In July 2024, after reviewing a business introduction of Company B and discussing with the management of Company B, Flag Ship ’s management team established Company B as a merger candidate based upon a preliminary due diligence review. Subsequently, Flag Ship entered into a letter of intent with Company B on August 5, 2024. Flag Ship later conducted additional due diligence on Company B through the end of August 2024, reviewing Company B’s information as it became available. In September 2024, Flag Ship removed Company B from the priority list of candidates because it did not believe that Company B’s valuation was significantly higher than its fair market price as evaluated by Flag Ship’s management team.

 

167

 

Company C: In July 2024, Company C, which is not affiliated with Flag Ship or any affiliated business entities, was referred to Flag Ship. Company C is engaged in the business of music creation, music education, concert operation and other cultural products in China. In July 2024, after reviewing introductory information about Company C and holding meetings with its management, Flag Ship’ management team established Company C as a potential merger candidate. On July 31, 2024, Flag Ship entered into a letter of intent with Company C. From August to early September 2024, Flag Ship conducted due diligence, including examining Company C’s financial information, share structure, and business model. Flag Ship removed Company C from the priority list of candidates in early September 2024 since Flag Ship’s management team did not believe that Company C would attract investors in the public market.

 

Company D: In July 2024, Company D, which is not affiliated with Flag Ship or any affiliated business entities, was referred to Flag Ship. Company D is a digital crypto assets trading platform in Singapore. In July 2024, after reviewing introductory information about Company D and holding meetings with its management, Flag Ship’s management team established Company D as a potential merger candidate. On August 11, 2024, Flag Ship entered into a letter of intent with Company D. From August to early September 2024, Flag Ship conducted further diligence on Company D. Flag Ship removed Company D from the priority list of candidates in early September 2024 since Flag Ship’s management team did not believe that Company C would attract investors in the public market.

 

Timeline of the Merger

 

On July 4, 2024, Mike Wong of Leading Edge Technology Ltd. (“Leading Edge”), a consulting company located in Hong Kong, introduced GRT to Flag Ship. Through its operating subsidiaries in China, GRT manufactures and distributes functional coating composite materials in China. GRT is an integrated solution provider with leading advantages in precision coating bonding materials, precision coating protective materials, functional coating materials, and polymer film materials, offering customers with “One-stop” product and technical services. GRT was seeking a potential business combination partner and was interested to know if Flag Ship was open to a discussion regarding a potential transaction. The possibility of a business combination with GRT aligned with Flag Ship’s investment thesis, as GRT has industry leading technology; has achieved rapid growth and its management holds ambitions for long term growth at scale; possesses a strong, defensible market position; has an experienced and strong management team; has built strong technologies; and has more than twelve years of operating history having been established in 2012.

 

On July 8, 2024, Flag Ship sent a proposed non-disclosure agreement to Mr. Wong who forwarded the non-disclosure agreement for GRT to review and execute. On July 8, 2024, Flag Ship and GRT entered into a non-disclosure agreement that allowed Flag Ship to receive and evaluate detailed materials and information concerning GRT.

 

On July 11, 2024, Mr. Wong coordinated an introduction conference call to introduce Flag Ship to Dao Capital, the advisor of GRT. Matthew Chen and Lou Zhong of Flag Ship attended the meeting, and Catherine Huang and Nathan Cai of Dao Capital attended the meeting. At the meeting, Nathan Cai of Dao Capital made presentation for GRT, and all parties discussed the business, technology, market and financial position of GRT. 

 

On July 17, 2024, Mr. Wong coordinated with GRT, Dao Capital and Flag Ship for Flag Ship team to visit GRT’s Lianyungang and Wuxi factories. On July 19, 2024, Matthew Chen, CEO of Flag Ship and a representative of Becker & Poliakoff P.A. (“Becker”), Flag Ship’s U.S. legal counsel, visited GRT’s Liangyungang and Wuxi factories. Matthew Chen met with GRT’s management team in GRT’s Wuxi factory. GRT team includes Yongnan Zhou, Chairman of GRT, Jiangzhe Xiang, CEO of GRT and Yawu Jiang. Dao Capital’s representatives also attended the meeting in Wuxi. During the meeting, GRT’s competitive advantages, business, financial condition were discussed. The parties also discussed commercial and capital-raising plans, the prospects for a business combination as well as the terms of a proposed letter of intent (“LOI”) for a business combination with GRT, including the valuation range, post-transaction corporate governance, timing, organization schedule and related steps necessary to complete its due diligence.

 

168

 

On July 22, 2024, Flag Ship send the draft of LOI to Mr. Wong for him to forward to GRT’s management. During the period from July 22, 2024 to July 25, 2024, Flag Ship had multiple calls with Mr. Wong, who assisted Flag Ship in its negotiation of the LOI with Dao Capital and GRT regarding valuation, board composition after the business combination, escrow for indemnification and other issues. On July 25, 2024, Miller Canfield (“Miller”), counsel of GRT, circulated a revised letter of intent to the parties for further discussion.

 

On July 26, 2024, a conference call was held to discuss the LOI. Yawu Jiang of GRT, Catherine Huang of Dao Capital, Miller Canfield, Mike Wong of Leading Edge, Matthen Chen of Flag Ship, and Becker joined the call. Miller Canfield further revised the LOI based on the discussion after the group conference call. GRT executed the LOI and Flag Ship counter signed the LOI on the same date.

 

During that same period, Flag Ship also had a number of internal calls among its management and board members to discuss the proposed transaction with GRT. Throughout these negotiations, Flag Ship management would report to its board of directors on the status of such discussions.

 

On July 30, 2024, Flag Ship and Becker communicated with GRT and Miller to discuss the potential deal structure and logistics of conducting due diligence.

 

On July 31, 2024, GRT established a data room and granted Flag Ship and Becker access to its data room, where GRT’s summarized financial information, legal documents, material agreements. On the same day, Becker started the legal due diligence on GRT and its business operations. Flag Ship also started its due diligence review on GRT. At the same time, GRT and its advisor also conducted due diligence on Flag Ship by reviewing Flag Ship’s public disclosure and held interviews with Flag Ship management.

 

From July 31, 2024 to August 8, 2024, Flag Ship and GRT, as well as their U.S. counsels, Dentons Hong Kong, counsel to GRT, exchanged a series of emails and had several conference calls, to discuss the deal structure, status of GRT’s financial report, timeline of the business combination and the drafting of the Merger Agreement.

 

Miller Canfield and Dentons Hong Kong proposed the deal structure to Flag Ship and its advisors, pursuant to which GRT would acquire Flag Ship pursuant to a merger of Flag Ship with and into a newly formed subsidiary of GRT, with Flag Ship’s shareholders receiving GRT stock and GRT listing shares (potentially via ADSs) on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The representatives of GRT conveyed GRT’s belief that the proposed structure had several advantages, including tax advantages to some GRT stockholders since they would retain their GRT stock. Further, the structure overcomes the obstacle that under the Hong Kong law, the vertical merger between a Hong Kong company such as GRT and a Cayman company such as Flag Ship is not permitted, therefore, setting up GRT Merger Sub by GRT in Cayman and having Flag Ship merge with and into GRT Merger Sub merger, was a desirable deal structure. On August 8, 2024, Miller circulated an initial draft of the Merger Agreement.

 

On July 29, 2024, Flag Ship engaged the DeHeHeng Law Firm, a PRC-licensed law firm, (“DHH”) to conduct legal due diligence regarding PRC law issues relating to GRT and its business. Attorneys at DHH then were granted access to GRT’s data room to review documents.

 

From July 31 to August 2, 2024, lawyers from DHH, Chinese counsel for Flag Ship, conducted an on-site due diligence review at GRT’s office in Wuxi, China, which included but was not limited to (i) reviewing corporate documents, operations, financial information, business plans, and other material agreements, (ii) conducting interviews of GRT’s management team, and (iii) visited GRT’s manufacturing lines to gain a better understanding of GRT’s operations. Attorneys from DHH reviewed the industrial and commercial archives of the company, certificates of the assets, credit reports, material agreements, and other related documents.

 

GRT also provided additional materials requested by Flag Ship’s team, DHH and Becker, and addressed the questions generated from these parties in the following days. Flag Ship had a series of internal discussions and also had several conference calls with GRT management regarding issues identified in the due diligence and the proposed merger. On August 9, 2024, DHH provided a preliminary legal due diligence report to Flag Ship. Based on comments from Flag Ship, DHH conducted further diligence and provided an updated legal due diligence report to Flag Ship on September 3, 2024. On October 18, 2024, DHH delivered final legal due diligence report to Flag Ship.

 

169

 

On August 8, 2024, Flag Ship engaged Crowe China Beijing Office. (“Crowe”) as an independent financial advisor, to provide a financial due diligence report to the board of directors of Flag Ship in connection with the proposed merger with GRT. Crowe sent a due diligence list requesting certain financial information for its analysis, including the financial statements, trial balance sheet, draft audit report, income tax final settlement report, and other related materials. From August 12, 2024 to August 16, 2024, Crowe conducted an on-site financial due diligence review of the materials and information provided by GRT. Crowe’s work mainly included (i) an analysis of GRT and its business; (ii) a review of its financial statements and material accounts utilizing substantive analytical procedures and detailed testing, and (iii) an analysis of the material financial results of operations and assets and liabilities, such as revenue, account receivables, accounts payable, and research and development expenses of GRT and its affiliated companies. On August 29, 2024, Crowe submitted its final financial due diligence report to Flag Ship.

 

On August 8, 2024, Flag Ship retained HRA Capital LLC (“HRA”), an independent financial advisory firm, to provide a valuation analysis of the equity value of GRT and its opinion of the fairness of the transaction to Flag Ship’s shareholders for use by the board of directors of Flag Ship in evaluating the proposed merger with GRT. Flag Ship’s board of directors decided to obtain a valuation analysis and a fairness opinion based on their determination that it was prudent and in the best interests of Flag Ship and its shareholders to engage an independent valuation consultant with relevant experience to provide a professional opinion as to the equity value of GRT and whether the transaction terms would be fair to all shareholders of Flag Ship. For this purpose, Flag Ship’s board of directors engaged HRA to provide its independent expert view of the equity valuation of GRT and the fairness of the transaction to Flag Ship’s shareholders from a financial point of view.

 

From August 15, 2024 to September 7, 2024, Flag Ship provided information about GRT to HRA for its further analysis and had several discussions with HRA to discuss the suitable comparable companies and the valuation modeling.

 

On August 16, 2024, Flag Ship retained Hugill & IP (“HIP”) a Hong Kong law firm to conduct due diligence on GRT in Hong Kong, and review the business combination agreement regarding Hong Kong law. On August 23, 2024, HIP submitted its due diligence report regarding GRT legal status in Hong Kong to Flag Ship.

 

From August 14, 2024, Miller Canfield circulated ancillary agreements to Flag Ship and Becker. On the same day, Miller circulated GRT’s disclosure schedule for Flag Ship and Becker to review. On August 15, 2024, Miller Canfield circulated additional ancillary agreements for Flag Ship and Becker to review.

 

During the period from August 8, 2024 to August 14, 2024, all parties held multiple discussions on issues surrounding the proposed transaction, including deal structure, SEC registration, proxy statement considerations, Nasdaq listing, due diligence, required Korea filings, and shareholders’ approval, and the notice filing with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”).

 

During the same period, Flag Ship’s and GRT’s management team and their respective advisors held many calls to negotiate the terms of various transaction documents, including: (i) the definitive Merger Agreement, (ii) Disclosure Letter, (iii) Lock-up Agreement, (v) Sponsor Voting Agreement, and (vi) other ancillary agreements. During those negotiations, the parties discussed the valuation range and transaction expenses.

 

On August 16, 2024, Becker and Miller conducted a conference call to discuss the deal structure and its related tax issues.

 

On August 20, 2024, Flag Ship retained Ogier as its Cayman counsel to advise Flag Ship regarding issues under Cayman law.

 

From August 16, 2024 to August 20, 2024, Becker provided to GRT and its legal counsel a revised draft of the Merger Agreement, and revised drafts of the ancillary agreements for review and discussion. Subsequently, Flag Ship, GRT, and their legal teams had several conference calls, and email exchanges discussing and revising the Merger Agreement and the ancillary agreements.

 

170

 

On August 19, 2024, due to Leading Edger’s important role and continued efforts, Flag Ship officially retained Leading Edgar as its advisor to the business combination transaction with GRT.

 

From August 21, 2024 to September 3, 2024, Nathan Cai of Dao Capital provided several rounds of supplemental diligence documents of GRT based on the requests from Becker.

 

On August 23, 2024, HIP provided a diligence report on GRT from Hong Kong law perspective. On August 28, 2024, Becker circulated further comments to GRT’s disclosure schedule.

 

On August 29, 2024, Ogier provided Becker with comments on the Merger Agreement. On the same day, Becker received comments from Appleby, Cayman counsel of GRT.

 

From and after August 28, 2024 and through October 16, 2024, the parties and their advisors prepared and continuously updated a signing checklist for the execution of the Merger Agreement as well as exchanged additional drafts of the Merger Agreement and ancillary transaction documents to reflect discussions related business and legal aspects of the Merger Agreement, including issues surrounding the proposed deal structure, SEC registration, proxy statements, Nasdaq listing and the valuation analysis and fairness opinion. Key topics included: (i) the merger structure, (ii) the post-completion capitalization table, (iii) the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, (iv) issues relating to expenses of the parties during the interim period from execution of the Merger Agreement to closing, (v) covenants and conditions relating to the recently published Trial Measures by the CSRC, (vi) the inclusion of a minimum cash closing condition, and (vii) public disclosure on the Korean market and shareholders’ approval for GRT. During the same period, Becker commented and revised the disclosure letter of GRT and requested further diligence documents from GRT in order to finalize the due diligence on GRT. GRT and Dao Capital provided further due diligence information as requested to satisfy the due diligence requirements.

 

From October 16, 2024 to October 18, 2024, parties exchanges email to finalize Merger Agreement, press release and draft of 8-K filing in connection in anticipation of the execution of the merger agreement.

 

On October 21, 2024, GRT held a Board meeting, with members of GRT management and representatives of Dao Capital, present. At the meeting, the members of the GRT Board reviewed their fiduciary obligations in connection with a business combination, reviewed the terms of the proposed transaction, and reviewed other alternatives that might be available to GRT. GRT’s management team reviewed with the Board the economic terms of the proposed Merger, including the cash of Flag Ship which would become an asset of the combined company in the Merger and the relative ownership of the shareholders of Flag Ship and GRT following the Merger, as well as the other potential advantages of transaction, including the potential for increased liquidity for shareholders, increased visibility in the United States and ability to access the U.S. market to raise capital. After discussion, the Board concluded, based on the information provided by management and its own analysis, that the transaction was fair, to the shareholders of GRT and approved the terms of the transaction. The Board authorized Yongnan Zhou, GRT’s Chairman to execute the final transaction documents.

 

On October 21, 2024, Flag Ship held a board meeting. Flag Ship management presented the board with the full Merger Agreement and its ancillary agreements to be executed immediately or at the closing of the merger, the legal due diligence report from DHH regarding GRT’s Chinese operations, the legal due diligence report from HIP regarding GRT’s Hong Kong holding company, the financial due diligence report from Crowe, and the fairness opinion from HRA. Flag Ship’s board of directors approved the transaction and authorized Flag Ship’s management to enter into the definitive agreement with GRT and certain other parties for the purpose of consummating a business combination.

 

On October 21, 2024, Flag Ship, GRT and Merger Sub entered into the definitive Merger Agreement.

 

On October 22, 2024, Flag Ship and GRT each released press releases announcing the execution of the definitive Merger Agreement.

 

171

 

Basis for Flag Ship Board of Directors’ Recommendation — Valuation Analysis and Fairness Opinion

 

In addition to the foregoing factors, the board of directors of Flag Ship also considered the fairness opinion and supporting analysis provided by an independent valuation consultancy, HRA. HRA performed various valuation and financial analyses, including guideline public company analyses and comparable transactions analyses.

 

Pursuant to the Engagement Letter signed by Flag Ship on August 10, 2024, Flag Ship retained HRA to provide a fairness opinion to the board of directors of Flag Ship in connection with the proposed merger with GRT. Subsequently, Flag Ship provided HRA with information of GRT for HRA to conduct its valuation of GRT.

 

Fairness Opinion of HRA Capital

 

Introduction

 

On October 21, 2024, HRA Capital rendered its Fairness Opinion to the Flag Ship Board to the effect that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of review undertaken by HRA Capital, including the redemption rights of the Public Shareholders at the current redemption price, as set forth in the Fairness Opinion, the Merger, including the consideration to be paid by Flag Ship pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, was fair to the Public Shareholders from a financial point of view.

 

Flag Ship retained HRA Capital to render the fairness opinion on the Merger. HRA Capital, as part of its valuation advisory business, is continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. Flag Ship selected HRA Capital in connection with the Merger on the basis of HRA Capital’s experience in similar transactions and its reputation in the investment community.

 

The full text of HRA Capital’s written Fairness Opinion to the Flag Ship Board, dated October 21, 2024, which sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of the review undertaken by HRA in rendering its opinion, is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix [   ] and is incorporated herein by reference to the full text of the opinion. The foregoing summary of HRA’s opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. You are encouraged to read HRA’s opinion and the summary of HRA’s opinion below carefully and in their entirety. HRA’s opinion was for the benefit of the Flag Ship Board and addressed only the fairness from a financial point of view of the Merger pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, as of the date of the opinion and did not address any other aspects or implications of the Merger. HRA’s opinion does not indicate that the consideration paid is the best possible attainable under any circumstances. HRA’s opinion was not intended to, and does not, constitute an opinion or recommendation as to how the shareholders of Great Rich Technologies Limited (“GRT”) or the shareholders of Flag Ship should vote at any shareholders’ meeting, to be held in connection with the Merger.

 

For purposes of rendering the Fairness Opinion, HRA, among other things:

 

reviewed the following documents:

 

Flag Ship’s filings with the SEC, including its audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 and its unaudited financial statements included in its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024;

 

GRT’s audited financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2022, 2023 and 2024;

 

other internal documents relating to the history and current operations of GRT prepared by management of GRT;

 

execution copies of the Agreement of Plan and Merger; and

 

certain publicly available business and financial information that HRA Capital deemed to be generally relevant concerning GRT and the industry in which GRT operates;

 

172

 

reviewed certain internal information relating to the business of GRT furnished to HRA by Flag Ship;

 

reviewed GRT’s and Flag Ship’s capital structure furnished to HRA by the management of Flag Ship both on a standalone basis pre-transaction and on a pro forma basis giving effect to the proposed Merger;

 

discussed the information referred to above and the background and other elements of the proposed Merger with the management teams of each of Flag Ship and GRT;

 

reviewed the historical trading price and trading volume of the publicly traded securities of Flag Ship and certain companies that HRA deemed relevant;

 

performed certain valuation and comparative analyses using generally accepted valuation and analytical techniques including an analysis of selected public companies that HRA deemed relevant and an analysis of selected transactions that HRA deemed relevant; and

 

conducted such other analyses and considered such other factors as HRA deemed appropriate.

 

In preparing the Fairness Opinion, HRA has assumed and relied upon the accuracy, completeness, and fair presentation of all information, data, advice, opinions and representations obtained from public sources or provided to it from private sources, including Flag Ship and GRT management, and did not independently verify such information. HRA has also assumed that (i) any estimates and evaluations furnished to HRA were reasonably prepared and based upon the best currently available information and good faith judgment of the person furnishing the same, and HRA expresses no opinion with respect to the underlying assumptions; (ii) information supplied and representations made by Flag Ship’s and GRT’s management regarding GRT and the proposed Merger are accurate in all material respects; (iii) the representations and warranties made in the Merger Agreement by each party thereto are accurate in all material respects and that the Merger Agreement represents the legal, valid and binding agreement of the parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms; (iv) the final versions of all documents HRA reviewed in draft form conform in all material respects to the drafts reviewed; (v) there has been no material change in the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, or prospects of Flag Ship or GRT since the date of its most recent financial statements, and that there is no information or facts that would make the information HRA reviewed incomplete or misleading; (vi) all conditions required to implement the proposed Merger will be satisfied and that the proposed Merger will be completed in accordance with the Merger Agreement without any amendments thereto or any waivers of any terms or conditions thereof; and (vii) all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the proposed Merger will be obtained prior to the closing of the proposed Merger without any adverse effect on Flag Ship or GRT.

 

HRA’s opinion was necessarily based upon market, economic, financial and other conditions as they existed and can be evaluated as of October 21, 2024, and HRA disclaimed any undertaking or obligation to advise any person of any change in any fact or matter affecting HRA’s opinion which may come or be brought to HRA’s attention after October 21, 2024.

 

HRA’s opinion did not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of securities should vote or act with respect to the Merger or any other matter. HRA’s opinion did not address the fairness of the Merger or any aspect or implication thereof to, or any other consideration of or relating to, the holders of any class of securities, creditors, or other constituencies of Flag Ship or GRT.

 

HRA did not evaluate Flag Ship’s or GRT’s solvency or conduct an independent appraisal or physical inspection of any specific assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise). HRA was not requested to, and did not, (i) initiate any discussions with, or solicit any indications of interest from, third parties with respect to the Merger, the assets, businesses or operations of Flag Ship or GRT, or any alternatives to the Merger, (ii) negotiate the terms of the Merger, or (iii) advise the Flag Ship Board or any other party with respect to alternatives to the Merger or with respect to any other matter except as specifically set forth in the Fairness Opinion.

 

HRA did not express any opinion as to the market price or value of Flag Ship’s ordinary shares (or anything else) after the announcement or the consummation of the Merger. HRA’s opinion should not be construed as a valuation opinion, credit rating, solvency opinion, analysis of Flag Ship’s or GRT’s credit worthiness, tax advice, or accounting advice. HRA did not make, and assumed no responsibility to make, any representation, or render any opinion, as to any legal matter. HRA also expressed no opinion regarding the amount or nature of any compensation or equity arrangement to be given to Flag Ship officers, directors or employees or other stakeholders in connection with the merger relative to the merger consideration in the merger.

 

173

 

HRA’s opinion was furnished for Flag Ship’s use and benefit in connection with Flag Ship’s consideration of the Merger and was not intended to, and does not, confer any rights or remedies upon any other person, and is not intended to be used, and may not be used, by any other person or for any other purpose, without HRA’s prior written consent. HRA’s opinion (i) did not address the merits of the Flag Ship Board’s business decision to enter into the Merger versus any alternative strategy or transaction; (ii) is not a recommendation as to how the Flag Ship Board or any shareholder should vote or act with respect to any matters relating to the Merger, or whether to proceed with the Merger or any related transaction, (iii) did not address the terms of any arrangements, understandings, agreements or documents related to, or the form or any other portion or aspect of, the Merger or otherwise, except as expressly addressed in the opinion, (iv) did not address the tax or legal consequences of the merger to the Public Shareholders or any other party, and (v) did not indicate that the consideration paid is the best possibly attainable under any circumstances; instead, it merely stated whether the consideration in the Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Public Shareholders, based on the redemption price on October 21, 2024. The decision as to whether to proceed with the Merger or any other transaction may depend on an assessment of factors unrelated to the financial analysis on which HRA’s opinion was based. HRA’s opinion should not be construed as creating any fiduciary duty on HRA’s part to any party.

 

The following is a summary of the material financial analyses presented by HRA to the Flag Ship Board at its meeting held on October 21, 2024, prior to its delivery of the Fairness Opinion.

 

Some of the summaries of financial analyses below include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand HRA’s analyses, the tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the analyses. Considering the data described below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of HRA’s analyses.

 

In rendering its opinion, HRA employed several financial analyses and no one method of analysis should be regarded as critical to the overall conclusion reached in the Fairness Opinion. Each analytical technique has its own inherent strengths and weaknesses, and the nature of the available information may further affect the value of any particular technique. Each of the analyses conducted was carried out to provide a particular perspective on the merger consideration. HRA did not form a conclusion as to whether any individual analysis, when considered in isolation, supported or failed to support its opinion as to the fairness of the merger consideration. HRA did not place any specific reliance or weight on any individual analysis, but instead concluded that its analyses, taken as a whole, supported its opinion.

 

Summary of Financial Analyses

 

Overview

 

In assessing whether the Merger is fair from a financial point of view to the Public Shareholders, HRA compared the value that would be relinquished by Flag Ship’s Public Shareholders with an estimated range of value for the post-Merger equity that would be received by the Public Shareholders. After considering the primary approaches that are traditionally used to appraise a business, as well as commonly used techniques and methods available under each approach, HRA decided to rely on multiple methodologies, based upon all available information about GRT provided by management of Flag Ship and management of GRT and publicly available information regarding the advanced coatings related industries and the companies operating in it, in estimating the value range.

 

HRA identified public and private companies it deemed to be comparable to GRT and analyzed the valuation metrics for those companies based on valuation metrics determined by recent capital raises, mergers and acquisitions and public company valuations. Based on the publicly available information regarding the advanced coatings related industries and the companies operating in it, and information about GRT provided by management of Flag Ship and management of GRT, HRA Capital developed an independent estimate of GRT’s enterprise value in the context of the merger.

 

174

 

Comparable Company Analysis

 

HRA relied upon a comparable company analysis to assess the value that the public markets would likely ascribe to GRT following a Merger with Flag Ship. The relative valuation analysis was based on selected publicly traded companies in similar sectors. The selected companies were chosen because they were determined to be the most relevant (but, for the avoidance of doubt, each of the selected companies is not necessarily a direct competitor of GRT). These companies may share certain characteristics that are similar to those of GRT, but no company was a direct comparable to GRT. HRA notes that this is common practice in the professional valuation industry and is considered a generally accepted valuation methodology, since exactly comparable public companies can rarely be identified.

 

Selected Publicly Traded Companies Analysis.

 

HRA reviewed financial and stock market information of a selected group of publicly traded companies whose operations HRA believed, based on its experience and professional judgement, to be generally comparable to GRT for the purposes of its financial analysis. HRA compared four metrics among these companies: the latest twelve months (“LTM”) of Revenue, EBITDA, Operating Profit and Net Income. HRA selected the following comparable companies: AGC, Avery Dennison, Clariant, Coherent, Covestro AG, Evonik, Huntsman Corporation, Kolon Industries, Materion Corporation, Nitto Denko, Samsung SDI, SKC, Sumitomo Industries, Toray Industries and Ube Corporation. Each of these companies were selected because they either operate exclusively in the advanced coatings industry or have significant segments that do.

 

Estimates below focus on the ratios of Total Enterprise Value to Revenues, EBITDA and Operating Profit for the twelve months ended June 30, 2024 and ratios of Total Equity Market Capitalization to Net Income for the same period.

 

HRA reviewed the Total Enterprise Value of each of the selected companies (calculated as market value of the relevant company’s diluted common equity based on its closing stock price on October 21, 2024, plus, as of the relevant company’s most recently reported quarter end (with pro forma adjustments for any publicly announced corporate actions following the most recent reporting quarter), preferred stock, net debt, including convertible debt, and, where applicable, book value of non-controlling interests) as a multiple of LTM Revenues, LTM Operating Profit and LTM EBITDA and their Total Equity Market Capitalization as a multiple of Net Income for the year ended June 30, 2024. Financial data for the selected companies was based on public filings and other publicly available information as of October 21, 2024.

 

                        3-Year
    Enterprise Value to LTM:   Stock Price to EPS:   Revenue
    Net Sales   Operating Profit   EBITDA   2024   2025   Growth Rate
Asahi Glass   0.8   12.9   5.0   15.4   13.3   5.5%
Avery Dennison Corporation   2.4   19.0   14.8   23.1   21.0   0.9%
Clariant   1.3   22.7   11.5   18.4   12.9   0.1%
Coherent   3.8   146.6   26.4   54.6   26.3   14.8%
Covestro AG   1.0   115.4   14.2   10.2   12.4   -3.3%
Evonik   0.8   15.5   5.8   21.8   16.4   0.6%
Huntsman Corporation   1.0   237.0   18.5   34.4   20.1   -8.7%
Kolon Industries   0.6   25.4   8.0   7.7   5.3   2.4%
Materion Corporation   1.6   18.3   12.8   18.4   14.2   1.8%
Nitto Denko   1.6   9.1   6.6   14.3   13.7   4.2%
Samsung SDI   1.3   20.4   8.8   11.0   12.7   18.8%
SKC   5.2   (28.0)   (51.5)   35.3   28.6   -23.8%
Sumitomo Chemical   0.8   (5.6)   (10.0)   27.9   18.6   -4.0%
Toray Industries   0.8   17.7   8.2   15.3   12.6   3.4%
Ube Industries   0.9   19.3   9.0   8.4   7.2   -11.2%
                         
Mean   1.6   18.0   11.5   21.1   15.7   2.8%
Median   1.0   18.7   9.0   18.4   13.7   1.8%
High   5.2   25.4   26.4   54.6   28.6   18.8%
Low   0.6   9.1   5.0   7.7   5.3   -8.7%

 

175

 

Mean, Median, High and Low ratios of Enterprise Value to LTM Operating Profit exclude Coherent, Covestro, Huntsman, SKC and Sumitomo Chemical. Mean, Median, High and Low ratios of Enterprise Value to LTM EBITDA exclude SKC and Sumitomo Chemical. Mean, Median, High and Low determinations for 3-Year Revenue Growth Rate exclude SKC and Ube Industries.

 

Based on the foregoing and using its professional judgment, HRA selected and applied reference range multiples of (i) 2.0x to 3.0x for GRT’s LTM Revenues, (ii) 11.0x to 15.0x for LTM EBITDA, (iii) 17.5x to 22.5x for LTM Operating Profit and (iv) 17.5x to 22.5x for LTM Net Income. No individual multiple was determinative of the reference range.

 

Selected Precedent Transactions Analysis.

 

HRA also reviewed financial information of certain selected transactions announced within the past five years involving companies in the advanced coatings industry which HRA believed, based on its experience and professional judgement, to be comparable to GRT. In performing this analysis, HRA reviewed implied transaction values of the selected transactions as a multiple, to the extent the information was publicly available, of the relevant target’s LTM Revenues immediately preceding announcement of the relevant transaction. Financial data for the relevant transactions was based on publicly available information at the time of announcement of the relevant transaction.

 

The results of this analysis and the transaction values of the selected precedent transactions are summarized in the following table:

 

Target Company   Acquiring Company   Date   Price to
Revenues
  Acquisition
Price
  Target
Revenues
ArrMaz   Arkema   Jul-19   2.0   USD 570.0   USD 290.0
Ashland’s Performance Adhesives Business   Arkema   Feb-22   4.6   1,650.0   360.0
DSM’s Resins & Functional Materials Business   Covestro   Apr-21   1.6   1,776.0   1,110.0
Ennis-Flint   PPG   Dec-20   1.9   1,150.0   600.0
PeroxyChem   Evonik   Feb-20   2.1   640.0   300.0
Sika’s European Industrial Coatings Business   Sherwin-Williams   Apr-22   1.9   222.0   119.9
Solvay’s Polyamide Business   BASF   Jan-20   1.3   1,443.0   1,110.0
Titan Paints   AksoNobel   Mar-21   1.6   144.3   88.8
                     
Mean           2.1        
Median           1.9        
Maximum           4.6        
Minimum           1.3        

 

Based on the foregoing analysis and using its professional judgment, HRA applied a reference range multiple of 2.0x to 3.0x for GRT’s LTM Revenues.

 

Miscellaneous

 

This summary of the analyses is not a complete description of HRA’s opinion or the analyses underlying, and factors considered in connection with HRA’s opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex analytical process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting portions of the analyses or summary set forth above, without considering the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying HRA Capital’s opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination, HRA considered the results of all of its analyses and did not attribute any particular weight to any factor or analysis. Rather, HRA made its fairness determination on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all of its analyses. 

 

176

 

No company or transaction used in, or reviewed in connection with, the analyses described above is identical to Flag Ship, GRT or the Merger. In addition, such analyses do not purport to be appraisals, nor do they necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold.

 

The consideration was determined through arms’ length negotiations between Flag Ship and GRT and was approved by the Flag Ship Board. HRA did not recommend any specific consideration to Flag Ship or the Flag Ship Board, or that any specific amount or type of consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the Merger.

 

HRA Capital was engaged by Flag Ship to prepare and deliver the Fairness Opinion, pursuant to the engagement letter between HRA and Flag Ship, dated as of August 8, 2024 (the “Engagement Letter”). As compensation for rendering the Fairness Opinion to the Flag Ship Board, HRA will receive a fee. No portion of HRA’s fee is refundable or contingent upon the conclusion reached in the Fairness Opinion and the entire fee is payable regardless of whether or not the Merger is completed. Furthermore, the terms of the fee arrangements with HRA, which the Flag Ship Board believes are customary in transactions of this nature, were negotiated at arm’s length and unanimously approved by the Flag Ship Board.

 

HRA’s affiliates, employees, officers and partners may at any time own securities (long or short) of Flag Ship, or GRT. In the future, HRA may provide investment banking or other services to Flag Ship or its affiliates and may receive compensation for such services. HRA and its affiliates may, in the future, provide investment banking and other services to GRT (other than for the Merger). Notwithstanding the foregoing, HRA and its affiliates, employees, officers and partners do not have any present intention, nor is any arrangement presently contemplated, whereby HRA or any such person would provide investment banking or other services to Flag Ship, GRT or their respective affiliates.

 

Reasons for Flag Ship’s Board of Directors’ Approval of the Merger

 

Flag Ship was formed to complete a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more business entities. As described above, the Flag Ship board of directors sought to do so by using the networks and industry experience of both the Sponsor, the Flag Ship board of directors, and Flag Ship’s management to identify and acquire one or more businesses.

 

In evaluating the transaction with GRT, the Flag Ship board of directors consulted with its legal counsel and accounting and other advisors. In determining that the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are in Flag Ship’s best interests, the Flag Ship board of directors considered and evaluated a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed below. In light of the number and wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, the Flag Ship board of directors did not consider it practicable to, and did not attempt to, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors that the Flag Ship board of directors considered in reaching its determination and supporting its decision. The Flag Ship board of directors viewed its decision as being based on all of the information available and the factors presented to and considered by the Flag Ship board of directors. In addition, individual directors may have given different weight to different factors. The Flag Ship board of directors realized that there can be no assurance about future results, including results considered or expected as disclosed in the following reasons. This explanation of Flag Ship’s reasons for the Merger and all other information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

177

 

The members of the Flag Ship board of directors are well qualified to evaluate the Merger with GRT. The Flag Ship board of directors and management collectively have extensive transactional experience. In particular, in addition to its review of GRT’s equity value and the consideration to be paid in connection with the proposed Merger, the Flag Ship board of directors considered the following reasons or made the following determinations, as applicable:

 

  GRT satisfies a number of acquisition criteria that Flag Ship had established to evaluate prospective business combination targets. The Flag Ship board of directors considered the business, history, prospects, credibility, and valuation of GRT and its affiliates, and determined that GRT satisfies a number of criteria and guidelines set forth during the IPO, including (i) unique competitive advantage in the markets and/or underexploited growth opportunities; (ii) strong management team that can create significant value; and (iii) potential to generate strong free cash flow.
     
  Favorable prospects for future growth. Information from Flag Ship and GRT’s management regarding (i) GRT’s business, prospects, financial condition, operations, technology, services, management, competitive position, and strategic business goals and objectives; (ii) general economic, industry, regulatory, and financial market conditions; and (iii) opportunities and competitive factors within GRT’s industry.
     
  Visionary management team with a proven track record of innovation and execution. GRT is led by a management team with extensive experience in the coating material industry, encompassing research and development, and many of them are pioneers in coating material industry.
     
  Best Available Opportunity. The Flag Ship board of directors determined, after a thorough review of other business combination opportunities reasonably available to Flag Ship, that the proposed Merger represents the best potential business combination for Flag Ship based upon the process utilized to evaluate and assess other potential acquisition targets, and the Flag Ship board of directors’ belief that such processes had not presented a better alternative.
     
  Continued Significant Ownership by GRT. The Flag Ship board of directors considered that GRT’s existing equity holders would not be subject substantial dilution in the proposed Merger. The current GRT Shareholders are expected to own approximately [●]% of the outstanding Ordinary Shares, assuming none of Flag Ship ’s Public Shareholders exercise their redemption rights in connection with the Merger.
     
  Use of Retained Proceeds. As represented by GRT’s management, the proceeds to be delivered to GRT in connection with the Merger (including funds that remain in Flag Ship’s trust account after giving effect to payments for redemptions), are expected to remain on the balance sheet of GRT after Closing in order to fund GRT’s existing operations and support new and existing growth initiatives. The Flag Ship board of directors considered these benefits to be realized as a result of the Merger.
     
  Likelihood of Closing the Merger. The Flag Ship Board believes that an acquisition by Flag Ship has a reasonable likelihood of closing without potential issues under applicable antitrust and competition laws and without potential issues from any regulatory authorities.

 

The Flag Ship board of directors also considered a variety of uncertainties and risks and other potentially negative factors concerning the Merger, including but not limited to the following:

 

  Business risk. The risk that the future financial performance of GRT may not meet the Flag Ship board of directors’ expectations due to factors in GRT’s control or out of GRT’s control, such as GRT’s failure to continuously innovate, to attract and retain customers, to adapt to new businesses, to obtain sufficient capital, to maintain its competitive edge in the gaming business, among others.
     
  Industry risk. The risk that the coating material industry in which GRT operates is highly competitive.

 

178

 

  Closing of the Merger May Not Occur. The risks and costs to Flag Ship if the Merger is not completed, including the risk of diverting management focus and resources to other business combination opportunities, which could result in Flag Ship being unable to effect a business combination within the timeframe set forth under Flag Ship ’s current charter, forcing Flag Ship to liquidate the trust account.
     
  Current Public Shareholders Exercising Redemption Rights. The risk that some of Flag Ship’s current Public Shareholders would decide to exercise their redemption rights, thereby depleting the amount of cash available in the trust account.
     
  Closing Conditions of the Merger. The fact that the Closing is conditioned on satisfying certain closing conditions, many of which are not within Flag Ship’s control.
     
  Flag Ship Shareholders Not Holding a Majority Position in GRT. The fact that Flag Ship Shareholders will not hold a majority position in GRT following the Merger, which will reduce the influence that Flag Ship’s current shareholders have on GRT’s management.
     
  Post-Closing Corporate Governance. The fact that post-Closing, Mr. Yongnan Zhou will own voting power of approximately ___% of total issued and outstanding GRT Ordinary Shares assuming a No Redemption Scenario. Given Mr. Zhou’s voting power over the GRT Ordinary Shares as described in this paragraph, he will effectively be able to nominate, appoint, and remove the entirety of GRT’s board of directors. Mr. Zhou will therefore have significant influence over matters requiring shareholder approval by ordinary resolution and significant influence over matters requiring shareholder approval by special resolution, including significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or sale of GRT or its assets.
     
  Litigation Related to the Merger. The risk of potential litigation challenging the Merger.
     
  No Survival of Remedies for Breach of Representations, Warranties, or Covenants of GRT. The Merger Agreement provides that Flag Ship will not have any surviving remedies against GRT or its equity holders after the Closing to recover for losses as a result of any inaccuracies or breaches of the representations, warranties or covenants of GRT set forth in the Merger Agreement. As a result, Flag Ship Shareholders could be adversely affected by, among other things, a decrease in the financial performance or worsening of financial condition of GRT prior to the Closing, whether determined before or after the Closing, without any ability to recover for the amount of any damages. The Flag Ship Board determined that this structure was appropriate and customary in light of the fact that several similar transactions include similar terms and the current equity holders of GRT will be, collectively, the majority equity holders in GRT and therefore would bear a majority of any such losses.
     
  Transaction Fees and Expenses Incurred by Flag Ship. The substantial transaction fees and expenses to be incurred in connection with the Merger and the negative impact of such expenses on Flag Ship ’s cash reserves and operating results if the Merger is not completed.
     
  Negative Impact Resulting from the Announcement of the Merger. The possible negative effect of the Merger and public announcement of the Merger of Flag Ship’s financial performance, operating results, and share price.
     
  Other Risks. Other factors that the Flag Ship Board deemed relevant, including various other risks associated with the Merger, Flag Ship’s business, and GRT’s business as described under Risk Factors.

 

179

 

Satisfaction of 80% Test

 

It is a requirement under the Flag Ship Articles and Nasdaq rules that any business acquired by Flag Ship have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance of the funds in the Trust Account (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account, which were subsequently waived) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for an initial business combination. The balance of the funds in the Trust Account (excluding deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the execution of the Merger Agreement with GRT was approximately $[       ] and 80% thereof represents approximately $[       ]. In determining whether the 80% requirement was met, rather than relying on any one factor, Flag Ship’s Board of Directors concluded that it was appropriate to base such valuation on all of the qualitative factors described in this section and the discussion in this proxy statement under the caption “Proposal 1” as well as quantitative factors, such as the anticipated implied equity value of the combined company being approximately $800 million with no material debt expected to be outstanding. Based on the qualitative and quantitative information used to approve the Merger described herein, Flag Ship’s Board of Directors determined that the foregoing 80% net asset requirement was met. Flag Ship’s Board of Directors believes that the financial skills and background of its members qualify it to conclude that the acquisition met the 80% net asset requirement.

 

Certain Engagements in Connection with the Merger and Related Transactions

 

Deferred Underwriting Commission

 

The underwriters of Flag Ship’s Initial Public Offering are entitled to a deferred fee of two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the gross proceeds of the Initial Public Offering, or $1,725,000. The deferred fee will be paid in cash upon the closing of the Merger from the amounts held in the Trust Account, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.

 

Interest of Financial Advisors in the Merger

 

Leading Edge was retained by Flag Ship to provide financial advisory services including analyzing the target’s business, operations and financing plans, and preparing investor presentation and roadshow materials. As compensation for its professional services, Leading Edge has agreed to be paid entirely in GRT Ordinary Shares of ADSs, in an amount of 2,400,000 GRT Ordinary Shares or ADSs upon the closing of the Merger.

 

Dao Capital Group Ltd (“Dao Capital”) was retained by GRT to provide financial advisory services including guiding GRT to formulate its strategy in global capital market, advising GRT the options to complete the 2nd listing at NASDAQ and preparing necessary financing documentations, assisting GRT to establish/improve its internal control system to meet the NASDAQ’s listing requirements, searching for and negotiating with the strategic investors, searching for and negotiating with potential target companies and recommending the SPACs suitable for GRT to acquire or merger with if GRT decides to go listing at NASDAQ through merger with a SPAC, preparing investor presentations and roadshow materials; coordinating with all relevant parties and managing/facilitating the whole process of the 2nd listing at NASDAQ. As compensation for its professional services, Dao Capital agrees to receive (i) cash equal to 3% of the total funds raised after GRT being successfully listed at NASDAQ; and (ii) 3.5% of the issued and outstanding number of GRT Ordinary Shares or ADSs, in amount of 2,800,000 GRT Ordinary Shares or ADS upon closing of the Merger.

 

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

 

In considering the recommendation of Flag Ship’s board of directors to vote in favor of the Merger, shareholders should be aware that, aside from their interests as shareholders, the Sponsor and certain of Flag Ship’s directors and officers have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of other shareholders generally. Flag Ship’s directors were aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating the Merger, in recommending to shareholders that they approve the Merger and in agreeing to vote their shares in favor of the Merger. Shareholders should take these interests into account in deciding whether to approve the Merger. These interests include, among other things, the fact that:

 

180

 

  If the Merger with GRT or another business combination is not consummated by June 20, 2026 (i.e., 24 months from the closing of the IPO assuming that all 9 monthly extensions are exercised), Flag Ship will cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, redeeming 100% of the outstanding Public Shares for cash and, subject to the approval of its remaining shareholders and Flag Ship’s board of directors, liquidating and dissolving. In such event, the Founder Shares held by the Sponsor, which were acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 prior to the Flag Ship IPO, are expected to be worthless because the holders are not entitled to participate in any redemption or distribution of proceeds in the Trust Account with respect to such shares. On the other hand, if the Merger is consummated, each outstanding Flag Ship Ordinary Share will be converted into one GRT Ordinary Share in form of ADSs, subject to adjustment described herein.

 

  If Flag Ship is unable to complete a business combination within the required time period, the Sponsor will be liable under certain circumstances described herein to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by Flag Ship for services rendered to or, contracted for or, for products sold to, Flag Ship. If Flag Ship consummates a business combination, on the other hand, Flag Ship will be liable for all such claims.

 

  The Sponsor acquired the Founder Shares, which will be converted into GRT Ordinary Shares in connection with the Merger, for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 prior to the Flag Ship IPO. Based on the closing price of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Global Market of $[●] per share on the Record Date, the value of the Founder Shares outstanding upon the Closing would be $[●].

 

  The Sponsor acquired the Private Units for an aggregate purchase price of $2,380,000, or $10 per unit, in a transaction occurring concurrently with the closing of the Flag Ship IPO. Based on the closing price of the Public Units on the Nasdaq Global Market of $[●] per unit on the Record Date, the value of the Private Units outstanding upon the Closing would be $[●].

 

  As a result of the prices at which the Sponsor acquired the Founder Shares and the Private Units, and their current value, the Sponsor could make a substantial profit after the completion of the Merger even if Flag Ship Public Shareholders lose money on their investments as a result of a decrease in the post-combination value of their Public Shares.

 

  The Sponsor and Flag Ship ’s officers and directors and their affiliates are entitled to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with certain activities on Flag Ship’s behalf, such as identifying and investigating possible business targets and business combinations. However, if Flag Ship fails to consummate a business combination within the required period, they will not have any claim against the Trust Account for reimbursement. Accordingly, Flag Ship may not be able to reimburse these expenses if the Merger or another business combination is not completed by June 20, 2026 (i.e., 24 months from the closing of the IPO assuming that all 9 monthly extensions are exercised). As of the Record Date, the Sponsor and Flag Ship’s officers and directors and their affiliates had incurred [●] unpaid reimbursable expenses.
     
  Flag Ship issued Sponsor the Second Promissory Note in the principal amount of $1,000,000, as amended and restated, which will mature upon the consummation of an initial business combination, including the Merger. The Second Promissory Note does not bear interest and is unsecured.
     
  If Flag Ship is unable to complete a business combination within the required time period, the aggregate dollar amount of non-reimbursable funds would be approximately $[●] reflecting the market value of Founder Shares, the market value of Private Units, the amount outstanding under the Second Promissory Note and out-of-pocket unpaid reimbursable expenses.

 

  Flag Ship has provisions in the Flag Ship Articles waiving the corporate opportunities doctrine on an ongoing basis, which means that Flag Ship’s officers and directors have not been obligated and continue to not be obligated to bring all corporate opportunities to Flag Ship.

 

  The Merger Agreement provides for the continued indemnification of Flag Ship ’s current directors and officers and the continuation of directors and officers liability insurance covering Flag Ship ’s current directors and officers.

 

181

 

  Flag Ship’s Sponsor, affiliates of the Sponsor, officers, and directors may make loans from time to time to Flag Ship to fund certain capital requirements. Loans may be made after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. If the Merger is not consummated, any outstanding loans will not be repaid and will be forgiven except to the extent there are funds available to Flag Ship outside of the Trust Account.

 

  Flag Ship entered into an agreement, commencing June 20, 2024, through the earlier of the consummation of a business combination or its liquidation, to pay the Sponsor a monthly fee of $10,000 for office space, utilities, secretarial and administrative services.

 

Matthew Chen, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Flag Ship and is a shareholder of the Sponsor, will be a member of the board of directors of GRT following the closing of the Merger and, therefore, in the future, for as long as he serves on the GRTs board, he will receive cash fees, share options or share-based awards that the board of directors of GRT determines to pay to its non-executive directors.

 

  Certain of GRT’ directors and executive officers are expected to become directors and/or executive officers of the combined company and will enter into indemnification agreements with the combined company.

 

  GRT and its existing shareholders will have the ability to nominate a majority of the members of the board of directors of the combined company. For more details, see the discussion in this proxy statement/prospectus under the caption, “Comparison of Corporate Governance and Shareholder Rights.”

 

Except for the conflicts of interest noted above, which primarily relate to the interests of officers and directors and the Sponsor, there are no conflicts of interest between the Sponsor, Flag Ship, and its officers and directors and GRT.

 

Redemption Rights

 

Pursuant to the Flag Ship amended and restated articles of association, holders of Public Shares may elect to have their shares redeemed for cash at the applicable redemption price per share equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account as of two business days prior to the consummation of the business combination, including interest (net of taxes payable), by (ii) the total number of then-outstanding Public Shares. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, this amounts to approximately $[●] per share.

 

You will be entitled to receive cash for any Public Shares to be redeemed only if you:

 

  (i) (a) hold Public Shares, or

 

(b) hold Public Shares through Units and you elect to separate your Units into the underlying public shares prior to exercising your redemption rights with respect to the public shares; and

 

  (ii) prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [●], 2025, (a) submit a written request to Vstock that Flag Ship redeem your public shares for cash and (b) deliver your public shares to Vstock, physically or electronically through DTC.

 

Holders of outstanding Flag Ship Units must separate the underlying Flag Ship Ordinary Shares prior to exercising Redemption Rights with respect to the Public Shares. If the Flag Ship Units are registered in a holder’s own name, the holder must deliver the certificate for its Flag Ship Units to Vstock, with written instructions to separate the Flag Ship Units into their individual component parts. This must be completed far enough in advance to permit the mailing of the certificates back to the holder so that the holder may then exercise his, her or its redemption rights upon the separation of the public shares from the Flag Ship Units.

 

If a holder exercises its Redemption Rights, then such holder will be exchanging its Public Shares for cash and will no longer own shares of Flag Ship. Such a holder will be entitled to receive cash for its Public Shares only if it properly demands redemption and delivers its shares (either physically or electronically) to Vstock in accordance with the procedures described herein. Please see the section entitled “The Extraordinary General Meeting—Redemption Rights” for the procedures to be followed if you wish to redeem your public shares for cash.

 

182

 

Regulatory Clearances Required for to the Merger

 

Except the filing of the Cayman Plan of Merger and the amended and restated memorandum articles of association of Flag Ship in the Cayman Islands at or before the Effective Time, and the filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and the required filings with the CSRC and pursuant to the Korean Listing Rules and the CSRC, neither GRT nor Flag Ship is aware of any material federal, state or foreign regulatory requirements or approvals required for the execution of the Merger Agreement or completion of the Merger.

 

Legal Proceedings Relating to Merger

 

As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, there are no legal proceedings pending or, to Flag Ship’s knowledge, threatened in writing against Flag Ship by the SEC with respect to the deregistration of the Flag Ship Shares under the Exchange Act, and there are no legal proceedings pending or, to Flag Ship’s knowledge, threatened in writing against Flag Ship by Nasdaq with respect to the delisting of the Flag Ship Shares on Nasdaq.

 

Dividends

 

Since its incorporation, Flag Ship had not paid any regular dividends or made any other distributions.

 

Delisting and Deregistration of Flag Ship Shares

 

Conditioned on the approval for listing on Nasdaq of the GRT ADSs, in exchange of existing Flag Ship Shares, holders of Flag Ship Shares will receive ordinary shares of GRT, payable in ADSs, commencing on trading on Nasdaq immediately following the Closing, and holders of Flag Ship rights will receive rights of GRT to purchase ordinary shares of GRT, that will commence trading immediately following the Closing. As a result, Flag Ship Shares will be delisted from Nasdaq and deregistered with the SEC.

 

Appraisal Rights

 

With respect to the Merger, the Cayman Companies Act under Section 238 provides for a right of Flag Ship's dissenting shareholders to be paid the fair value of their shares in connection with the Merger Proposal, subject to certain limitations under Section 239. In connection with the Merger Proposal, record holders of Flag Ship Ordinary Shares who comply with the applicable requirements and procedures of Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act are entitled, under certain circumstances, to exercise their statutory rights of appraisal to seek payment of the fair value of their Flag Ship Ordinary Shares upon dissenting from the Merger. If you are contemplating the possibility of objecting to the Merger, you should seek advice from a suitably qualified Cayman lawyer. If you do not follow the procedural requirements of the Cayman Companies Act, you will lose your Appraisal Rights. A detailed description of the appraisal rights and procedures available to Flag Ship Shareholders is included in “The Extraordinary General Meeting of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation Shareholders — Appraisal Rights” beginning on page 185. The full text of Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Accounting Treatment

 

The Merger will be accounted for as a recapitalization through an asset acquisition and not a business combination as Flag Ship does not meet the definition of a business in accordance with GAAP. The Merger will be treated as GRT being the accounting acquirer and it will issue equity in exchange for the net assets of Flag Ship. No goodwill or intangible assets will be recorded in this transaction. Accordingly, Flag Ship’s assets, liabilities, and results of operations will be consolidated with GRT beginning on the Effective Time.

 

183

 

Resolution to be Voted Upon

 

The full text of the resolution to be passed is as follows:

 

“RESOLVED, as an ordinary resolution, that the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 21, 2024 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, Great Rich Technologies Limited, and GRT Merger Star Limited (a copy of which is attached to the proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix A) and the completion of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, be approved in all respects.”

 

Vote Required for Approval

 

The approval of the Business Combination Proposal requires an ordinary resolution under Cayman Islands law, being the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereon and who vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will not count as votes cast at the extraordinary general meeting and will have no effect on the proposal.

 

The Business Combination Proposal is conditioned on the approval of the Merger Proposal. Therefore, if the Merger Proposal is not approved, the Business Combination Proposal will have no effect, even if approved by Flag Ship Shareholders.

 

Other than the SPAC Sponsor, of which Mr. Matthew Chen, Flag Ship’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is the managing member, none of the Flag Ship Initial Insiders own any Flag Ship Shares. The SPAC Sponsor has agreed to vote any Flag Ship Shares owned by them in favor of the Business Combination Proposal and the Flag Ship Merger Proposal. As of the Record Date, the Flag Ship Sponsor beneficially owned 1,963,000 Flag Ship Shares (which underlying shares may be voted) including 1,725,000 Flag Ship Founder Shares and 238,000 Flag Ship Shares underlying 238,000 private units, excluding shares issuable upon the conversion of the rights, representing 22.15% of issued and outstanding Flag Ship Shares as of the Flag Ship Record Date. Under the Voting Agreement, the SPAC Sponsor thereto generally agreed to vote all of its capital shares in Flag Ship in favor of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, each other Flag Ship Proposal and any other proposal included in the Proxy Statement related to the Merger for which the Flag Ship Board has recommended that the Flag Ship Shareholders vote in favor and against any competing transaction. The Voting Agreement prevents transfers of the Flag Ship Shares held by the SPAC Sponsor between the date of the Voting Agreement and the termination of the Voting Agreement, subject to certain limited exceptions.

 

Recommendation of the Flag Ship Board

 

THE FLAG SHIP BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT FLAG SHIP SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE BUSINESS COMBINATION PROPOSAL.

 

184

 

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

 

The following discussion summarizes material provisions of the Merger Agreement entered into by GRT, Merger Sub and Flag Ship, a complete copy of which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement/​prospectus and is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. The rights and obligations of the parties are governed by the express terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and not by this summary or any other information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus. Flag Ship Shareholders are urged to read the Merger Agreement carefully and in its entirety.

 

The Merger Agreement is described in this proxy statement/prospectus only to provide you with information regarding its terms and conditions, and not to provide any other factual information regarding GRT, Flag Ship or their respective businesses. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Merger Agreement: (i) were made only for purposes of the Merger Agreement and as of the specific dates set forth therein; (ii) were solely for the benefit of the parties to the Merger Agreement; (iii) are subject to limitations agreed upon by the parties, including being qualified by confidential disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts; and (iv) may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties that differ from those applicable to investors. Investors should not rely on the representations, warranties and covenants or any description thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of Flag Ship, GRT or Merger Sub, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties and covenants may change after the date of the Merger Agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in public disclosures by Flag Ship and GRT. Accordingly, you should not rely on the representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement as characterizations of the actual state of facts about Flag Ship or GRT, and you should read the information provided elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus for information regarding Flag Ship or GRT and their respective businesses. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

Terms of the Merger; Merger Consideration

 

Each of GRT’s board of directors and the Flag Ship Board has approved the Merger Agreement, which provides for the Merger of Flag Ship with and into Merger Sub, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT. Merger Sub will be the surviving company in the Merger and will remain a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT.

 

As a result of the Merger, each Flag Ship Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the Merger (except for shares held by GRT and Flag Ship and dissenting shares) will be converted into the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration payable in GRT ADSs at a rate equal to the ADS Exchange Rate. GRT will not issue any fractional GRT Shares or GRT ADSs in the Merger.

 

At the Effective Time of the Merger, Merger Sub’s articles of association will be the articles of association of the Surviving Corporation after completion of the merger.

 

Treatment of Flag Ship Rights

 

The Merger Agreement also provides that each right issued by Flag Ship will be assumed by GRT and automatically converted into a right to receive GRT Shares payable in GRT ADSs.

 

The number of GRT ADSs into which such assumed Flag Ship right will be exercisable will be equal to the product (in each case, rounded down to the nearest whole number) obtained by multiplying (i) the Per Share Merger Consideration by (ii) the number of Flag Ship Shares subject to the unexercised portion of such assumed Flag Ship right by (iii) the ADS Exchange Rate.

 

Closing and Effective Time of the Merger

 

The parties are obligated to consummate the Merger only if all of the conditions to the Merger (described below under “The Merger Agreement — Conditions to the Closing of the Merger”) are either satisfied or waived.

 

185

 

The Merger will become effective at such time as the Cayman Plan of Merger is registered by the Cayman registrar or at such other time subsequent thereto, but not exceeding 90 days from the date of registration as mutually agreed between Merger Sub and Flag Ship and specified in the Cayman Plan of Merger. In the Merger Agreement, Flag Ship and GRT have agreed to cause the closing of the Merger to occur on the second business day following the satisfaction or waiver of the last of the conditions specified in the Merger Agreement (other than those conditions which by their nature are to be satisfied on the date the merger is to be consummated), or on another mutually agreed date. It currently is anticipated that the Effective Time of the merger will occur during the [●] quarter of 202[●] but neither GRT nor Flag Ship can guarantee when or if the Merger will be completed.

 

Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Certificates

 

The conversion of each Flag Ship Share into the Merger Consideration, as described above under “The Merger Agreement — Terms of the Merger; Merger Consideration,” will occur automatically at the completion of the Merger. Before the consummation of the Merger, GRT will engage an exchange agent reasonably acceptable to Flag Ship to handle the exchange of Flag Ship Share certificates for the Merger Consideration and to perform other duties as outlined in the Merger Agreement.

 

Letter of Transmittal

 

Promptly after the consummation of the Merger, the exchange agent will send a transmittal letter to each person who held of record Flag Ship Shares at the Effective Time of the Merger. This mailing will contain instructions on how to surrender Flag Ship Share certificates or book-entry shares in exchange for statements indicating book-entry ownership of GRT ADSs. If a holder of a Flag Ship Share certificates or Flag Ship book-entry shares makes a special request, GRT will issue to the requesting holder a physical GRT ADR receipt in lieu of book-entry shares. When Flag Ship Shareholders deliver Flag Ship Share certificates to the exchange agent along with a properly executed letter of transmittal and any other required documents, such Flag Ship Share certificates will be cancelled and such Flag Ship Shareholder will receive statements indicating book-entry ownership of GRT ADSs, or, if requested, a physical GRT ADR representing the number of GRT ADSs to which such Flag Ship Shareholder is entitled under the Merger Agreement. Holds of Flag Ship Shares in “street name” through a bank or broker will have their shares converted through their bank or broker.

 

Flag Ship Shareholders should not submit Flag Ship Share certificates for exchange until such Flag Ship Shareholder receives the transmittal instructions and a form of letter of transmittal from the exchange agent.

 

If a certificate for Flag Ship Shares have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the exchange agent will issue the consideration properly payable under the Merger Agreement upon receipt of an affidavit from the Flag Ship Shareholder attesting to that loss, theft or destruction.

 

Withholding

 

GRT and the exchange agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable to any Flag Ship Shareholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under any provision of tax law. Any amount so deducted or withheld will be treated as having been paid to such person in respect of such deduction and withholding.

 

186

 

Appraisal Rights

 

With respect to the Flag Ship Merger, the Cayman Companies Act under Section 238 provides for a right of Flag Ship's dissenting shareholders to be paid the fair value of their shares in connection with the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, subject to certain limitations under Section 239. In connection with the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, record holders of Flag Ship Shares who comply with the applicable requirements and procedures of Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act are entitled, under certain circumstances, to exercise their statutory rights of appraisal to seek payment of the fair value of their Flag Ship Shares upon dissenting from the Merger. If you are contemplating the possibility of objecting to the Merger, you should seek advice from a suitably qualified Cayman lawyer. If you do not follow the procedural requirements of the Cayman Companies Act, you will lose your Appraisal Rights.

 

If you wish to dissent to the Merger, you are entitled to payment of the fair value of your Flag Ship Shares. You may only dissent in respect of all (not some only) of your Flag Ship Shares. Upon giving a notice of dissent under Section 238(5) of the Cayman Companies Act, you will cease to have any other rights to which you might otherwise be entitled by virtue of holding Flag Ship Shares, including any redemption rights as described herein, other than the right to (i) be paid fair value for your Flag Ship Shares; (ii) participate fully in all proceedings until the determination of fair value is reached; and (iii) institute proceedings to obtain relief on the grounds that the Merger is void or unlawful.

 

To exercise your Appraisal Rights, the following statutory procedures prescribed in the Cayman Companies Act as further explained below must be followed:

 

you must give written notice of objection (“Notice of Objection”) to Flag Ship, before the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting at which the Flag Ship Merger Proposal will be put to a vote. Your Notice of Objection must include a statement that you propose to object to the Merger and demand payment for your Flag Ship Shares if the Merger is approved by a resolution of shareholders at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. For the avoidance of doubt, the giving of a Notice of Objection does not represent a vote at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. Flag Ship's shareholders of record may vote for or against the Business Combination at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting irrespective of whether they wish to exercise their Appraisal Rights and are not required to vote against the Business Combination at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting in order to exercise their Appraisal Rights;

 

within twenty days immediately following the date on which the vote approving the Flag Ship Merger Proposal is made, Flag Ship must give written notice of approval (“Consent Notice”) to all shareholders who have served a Notice of Objection;

 

within twenty days immediately following the date on which the Consent Notice is given (“Dissent Period”), a dissenting shareholder must give a written notice of the decision to dissent to Flag Ship stating the shareholder’s name, address and the number and class of Flag Ship Shares for which the shareholder dissents and demanding payment of the fair value of those shares;

 

within seven days immediately following the later of (i) the date of expiry of the Dissent Period, or (ii) the date on which the Cayman Plan of Merger is filed with the Cayman Registrar, Flag Ship, or the surviving company, must make a written offer (a “Fair Value Offer”) to each dissenting shareholder to purchase their Flag Ship Shares at a specified price determined by Flag Ship's Board to be the fair value of those Flag Ship Shares;

 

187

 

if, within thirty days immediately following the date of the Fair Value Offer, the dissenting shareholder agrees with the Fair Value Offer (or Flag Ship otherwise agrees with the dissenting shareholder upon the price to be paid for the dissenting shares), such amount will be paid forthwith in cash to the dissenting shareholder;

 

If, within thirty days immediately following the date of the Fair Value Offer, the dissenting shareholder does not agree with the Fair Value Offer and Flag Ship or the successor company (as applicable) and the dissenting shareholder fail to agree on the price to be paid for the dissenting shares, then, within twenty days immediately following the date of the expiry of that 30-day period:

 

Flag Ship or the successor company (as applicable) will, and the dissenting shareholder may, file a petition with the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands ("Cayman Court") for a determination of the fair value of the dissenting shares of all dissenting shareholders; and

 

the petition by Flag Ship or the successor company (as applicable) shall be accompanied by a verified list containing the names and addresses of all members who have filed a Notice of Objection and with whom agreements as to the fair value of their shares have not been reached by the company.

 

A copy of any petition filed shall be served on the other party; and where a dissenting member has so filed, Flag Ship or the successor company (as applicable) shall within ten days after such service file the verified list.

 

At the hearing of such petition, the Cayman Court shall determine the fair value of the dissenting shares to be paid to each dissenting shareholder together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid by Flag Ship upon the amount determined to be the fair value.

 

The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the Cayman Court and taxed upon the parties as the Cayman Court deems equitable in the circumstances (i.e. the Cayman Court will determine whether the costs of the proceedings should be borne by the dissenting shareholder(s) and/or Flag Ship or the successor company (as applicable) and the amount to be borne by each party).

 

The Appraisal Rights provided under Section 238 of the Cayman Companies shall be available in respect of the Flag Ship Shares of any class for which an open market exists on a recognized stock exchange or recognized interdealer quotation system at the expiry of the Dissent Period. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 239 shall not apply if the record holder of the Flag Ship Shares are required by the terms of a Plan of Merger to accept for such shares for anything except (i) shares of a surviving or consolidated company, or depository receipts in respect thereof; (ii) shares of any other company, or depository receipts in respect thereof, which shares or depository receipts at the effective date of the Merger, are either listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national market system security on a recognized interdealer quotation system or held of record by more than two thousand holders; (iii) cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depository receipts described in (i) and (ii); or (iv) any combination of the shares, depository receipts and cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depository receipts described in (i), (ii) and (iii).

 

Appraisal Rights may only be exercised by persons who are holders of record and registered as the holder of Flag Ship Shares in Flag Ship’s register of members. If you hold your Flag Ship Shares in “street name,” the registered holder (whether your broker, custodian or otherwise) must take all of the actions mentioned above within the prescribed time periods on your behalf.

 

188

 

Representations and Warranties of GRT and Flag Ship to Each Other

 

The Merger Agreement contains representations and warranties made by GRT and Flag Ship to, and solely for the benefit of, each other. The assertions embodied in the representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement are qualified by information in the confidential disclosure letter provided by GRT to Flag Ship in connection with the signing of the Merger Agreement. While GRT does not believe that the disclosure letter contains information that the securities laws require the parties to publicly disclose, other than information that has already been so disclosed, they do contain information that modifies, qualifies and creates exceptions to the representations and warranties of the parties set forth in the Merger Agreement. You should not rely on the representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement as characterizations of the actual state of facts about GRT or Flag Ship, since they were only made as of the date of the Merger Agreement and are modified in important part by the underlying disclosure letter. Moreover, certain representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement were used for the purpose of allocating risk between GRT and Flag Ship rather than establishing matters as facts. Finally, information concerning the subject matter of the representations and warranties may have changed since the date of the Merger Agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in the companies’ public disclosures.

 

The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties made by GRT and Flag Ship relating to their respective businesses regarding, among other things:

 

corporate matters, including organization and power to conduct its business, foreign qualifications, corporate authorizations, enforceability, organizational documents and subsidiaries;

 

authority relative to execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement;

 

required governmental authorizations;

 

capitalization;

 

options, stock-based awards and warrants;

 

the timely filing of reports with governmental entities;

 

financial statements, internal controls and accounting;

 

liabilities;

 

the absence of material adverse changes;

 

legal proceedings;

 

business contracts;

 

employee benefit plans and labor relations;

 

taxes and tax treatment of the merger;

 

environmental matters;

 

intellectual property and real and personal property;

 

required permits and compliance with applicable laws;

 

unlawful payments;

 

insurance;

 

189

 

broker, finder and investment banker fees payable in connection with the merger;

 

compliance with its respective obligations under the Merger Agreement; and

 

information supplied for inclusion in this proxy statement/prospectus and other similar documents.

 

The representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement do not survive the Effective Time of the Merger.

 

GRT’s representations and warranties are qualified by the information included in (i) GRT’s confidential disclosure letter delivered to Flag Ship at the date of the Merger Agreement and (ii) GRT’s public reports filed with a regulatory information service, excluding any risk factor or forward-looking statement disclosure in such reports. In addition, GRT made no representation or warranties to Flag Ship or its shareholders regarding the tax consequences to Flag Ship or any holder of Flag Ship Shares of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

 

Each of GRT’s and Flag Ship’s representations and warranties are qualified by the information included in public reports filed with a regulatory information service, in the case of GRT, and the SEC, in the case of Flag Ship, excluding in both cases any risk factor or forward-looking statement disclosure in such reports.

 

Restrictions on GRT’s Business Pending the Merger

 

Under the Merger Agreement, GRT will conduct its business and the business of its subsidiaries in the ordinary course and will use commercially reasonable efforts to retain the services of its and their current officers and employees and maintain all insurance policies in effect as of the date of the Merger Agreement.

 

In particular, GRT has agreed on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries to certain restrictions in its and their ability to:

 

sell or issue equity securities, whether convertible or otherwise;

 

make adjustments to its share capital;

 

amend its governing documents or the governing documents of its subsidiaries except as necessary to effect the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement;

 

make any distributions, including dividends, of any cash or property with respect to its common shares;

 

sell, assign or transfer, or impose any lien upon assets, excepted for permitted liens or in the ordinary course;

 

terminate or materially amend material contracts or real property leases other than in the ordinary course of business;

 

make capital investments in or loans to unaffiliated persons except in the ordinary course of business;

 

enter into transactions with any of its directors, officers or employees outside the ordinary course of business;

 

sell, license or transfer assets except in the ordinary course of business;

 

cancel any material third-party indebtedness owed to GRT or its subsidiaries;

 

make or change any material election in respect of taxes or material method of accounting or accounting policies of GRT or its subsidiaries, in each case unless required by Law or IFRS or GAAP;

 

190

 

file tax returns materially inconsistent with past practice or, on any such tax return, take any position, make any election, or adopt any method that is materially inconsistent with positions taken, elections made or methods used in preparing or filing similar tax returns in prior periods;

 

settle or otherwise compromise any material claim relating to taxes, enter into any closing agreement or similar agreement relating to taxes, otherwise settle any material dispute relating to taxes, or request any ruling or similar guidance with respect to taxes, in each case unless required by applicable law, IFRS or GAAP;

 

make any acquisition of a business or a division thereof, or consummate any merger or similar business combination or enter into any binding agreement for such an acquisition, merger or similar business combination with any Person;

 

incur any indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or rights to acquire any debt securities of GRT or any of its subsidiaries or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any person; or

 

agree to do any of the foregoing, or agree to any action or omission that would result in any of the foregoing.

 

These restrictions, which are subject to various exceptions and qualifications agreed by GRT and Flag Ship, are described in more detail in the Merger Agreement. Among the exceptions to the restrictions described above include an agreement that GRT may issue (i) replacement certificates in certain instances, (ii) GRT Shares to holders of existing GRT equity securities and (iii) GRT ADSs. In addition, some of the restrictions on GRT’s business are qualified by confidential disclosures made by GRT to Flag Ship.

 

Restrictions on Flag Ship’s Business Pending the Merger

 

Under the Merger Agreement, Flag Ship has agreed that it will conduct its business in the ordinary course, comply with applicable laws and use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization and to preserve the services of its current officers and employees.

 

In particular, Flag Ship has agreed to certain restrictions in its and their ability to, among other things:

 

amend the Flag Ship Charter;

 

violate the Flag Ship Charter, applicable law or any applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq;

 

split, combine or reclassify its existing equity securities;

 

issue or sell any of its equity securities, or other security interests;

 

redeem or purchase its equity interests;

 

declare or pay any dividends on any of its equity securities;

 

effect any recapitalization, reclassification, equity split or like change in its capitalization;

 

amend or modify the trust agreement;

 

make any reduction or increase in the amount outstanding in the Trust Account;

 

incur any indebtedness, expenses or any other financial obligations that will become the obligations of the Successor at or following the consummation of the Merger;

 

191

 

contact any customer, supplier, distributor, joint-venture partner, lessor, lender or other material business relation regarding GRT or its subsidiaries, their respective businesses or the Merger;

 

establish any subsidiary or acquire any interest in any asset;

 

prepare or file any tax return materially inconsistent with past practice or, on any such tax return, take any position that is materially inconsistent with positions taken, elections made or methods used in preparing or filing similar tax returns in prior periods;

 

settle or otherwise compromise any material claim relating to taxes, enter into any closing agreement or similar agreement relating to taxes, otherwise settle any material dispute relating to taxes, or request any ruling or similar guidance with respect to taxes;

 

amend, waive or terminate, in whole or in part, any other material agreement to which Flag Ship is a party;

 

adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;

 

adopt any benefit plan; or

 

enter into any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing, or any action or omission that would result in any of the foregoing.

 

These restrictions, which are subject to various exceptions and qualifications agreed by GRT and Flag Ship, are described in more detail in the Merger Agreement.

 

GRT Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers

 

GRT has agreed that it will not:

 

knowingly initiate, solicit or engage with, or provide information to, any person concerning offers or proposals relating to an “alternative takeover proposal” for GRT, as described below;

 

withdraw or modify the recommendation of GRT’s board of directors in favor of the merger in any manner adverse to Flag Ship;

 

fail to re-affirm the recommendation by GRT’s board of directors in favor of the merger up on written request by Flag Ship; or

 

resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing.

 

GRT has agreed to cease any existing discussions, communication or negations, including electronic data room access, with any person other than Flag Ship, and any potential PIPE investors, with respect to an “alternative transaction” for GRT, as described below. In the event that any unsolicited inquiry is made by a potential party to an “alternative transaction,” GRT will notify Flag Ship that such contact has occurred.

 

The Merger Agreement provides that the term “alternative transaction” means an initial public offering, recapitalization or refinancing of GRT or its subsidiaries (other than as contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the other transaction documents, including any potential PIPE investments), any purchase of a majority of the outstanding GRT Shares or any merger, sale of a majority of the assets of GRT or its subsidiaries or similar transactions (other than assets sold in the ordinary course of business and licenses (whether exclusive or non-exclusive) of the intellectual property rights of a third person).

 

In addition, GRT has the ability to terminate the Merger Agreement in certain circumstances, as described below under “The Merger Agreement — Termination Events.”

 

192

 

Flag Ship’s Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers

 

Flag Ship has agreed that it will not:

 

knowingly initiate, solicit or engage with, or provide information to, any person concerning offers or proposals relating to a “Company acquisition transaction,” as described below;

 

withdraw or modify the recommendation of Flag Ship’s board of directors in favor of the merger in any manner adverse to GRT;

 

fail to recommend against any “Company acquisition transaction”;

 

fail to re-affirm the recommendation by Flag Ship’s board of directors in favor of the merger up on written request by GRT; or

 

resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing.

 

Flag Ship has agreed to cease any existing discussions, communication or negations with any person other than GRT, with respect to a “Company acquisition transaction” with Flag Ship, as described below. In the event that any unsolicited inquiry is made by a potential party to a “Company acquisition transaction,” Flag Ship will notify GRT that such contact has occurred and provide the name of such potential party and proposed terms.

 

The Merger Agreement provides that the term “Company acquisition transaction” means any alternative business combination transaction involving Flag Ship, including any purchase or sale of equity or assets of Flag Ship by any other person, any purchase or sale of equity or assets of any other person by Flag Ship, any merger, combination or recapitalization of Flag Ship or its subsidiaries or any merger, combination or recapitalization of any other person in a transaction to which Flag Ship or its subsidiary is a party.

 

In addition, Flag Ship has the ability to terminate the Merger Agreement in certain circumstances, as described below under “The Merger Agreement — Termination Events.”

 

GRT Shareholder Meeting

 

In accordance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and GRT’s articles of association, in order to consummate the Merger certain resolutions must be passed by GRT Shareholders. GRT shareholders will be asked to give the GRT Board authority to: (i) allot the Share Merger Consideration (including pursuant to the exercise of Flag Ship right (see above, “The Merger Agreement — Treatment of Flag Ship Rights”)) in accordance with section 551 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance; (ii) waive pre-emption rights in accordance with section 561 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance; and (iii) amend GRT’s articles of association to provide for, inter alia,the creation of the GRT ADSs. The resolution to authorize the allotment of the Share Merger Consideration will be an ordinary resolution requiring a simple majority of votes in favor from GRT shareholders present at the meeting in person or by proxy. The resolutions to waive pre-emption rights and to amend the GRT articles of association will be special resolutions requiring 75% of votes in favor from GRT shareholders present at the meeting in person or by proxy.

 

GRT has agreed to hold a meeting of its shareholders in order to obtain this approval. In accordance with GRT’s articles of association, the meeting of GRT shareholders must be held on not less than 45 calendar days’ notice to GRT shareholders. A circular containing a notice convening the GRT shareholder meeting will be sent to GRT shareholders. GRT and Flag Ship have agreed to cooperate with each other in setting a mutually acceptable date so that both GRT’s shareholder meeting and Flag Ship’s shareholder meeting are held on the same date.

 

193

 

Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting

 

In order to consummate the merger in accordance with the Flag Ship Charter, the Cayman Companies Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq, Flag Ship must obtain a special resolution under Cayman Islands law, being a resolution of the company passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy who vote at the Shareholder Meeting. The Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution.

 

Flag Ship has agreed to hold the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting in order to obtain this approval. Under the Merger Agreement, the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting must be held promptly after the date that this registration statement on Form F-4 is declared effective by the SEC. GRT and Flag Ship have agreed to cooperate with each other in setting a mutually acceptable date so that both GRT’s shareholder meeting and the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting are held on the same date.

 

Reasonable Efforts

 

Each of GRT and Flag Ship have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to cause the conditions to the Merger to be satisfied and to consummate the Merger as promptly as practicable.

 

Establishment of ADR Facility; Stock Exchange Listing

 

The Merger Agreement provides that GRT will cause a sponsored American depositary receipt facility to be established with a depositary bank for the purpose of issuing the GRT ADSs to be issued to Flag Ship Shareholders pursuant to the Merger, and that GRT will enter into a customary deposit agreement with the depositary, which agreement will provide, among other things, that each GRT ADS will represent and be exchangeable for eight GRT Shares.

 

The Merger Agreement also provides that GRT will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the GRT ADSs to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing on the Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance.

 

Other Agreements

 

The Merger Agreement also contains covenants relating to the preparation of this proxy statement/​prospectus, the GRT shareholder circular, access to information of the other company, release of claims again the Trust Account of Flag Ship, confidentiality, public announcements with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the maintenance and prosecution of each party’s intellectual property rights and tax matters.

 

Conditions to the Closing of the Merger

 

Each party’s obligation to effect the Merger is subject to satisfaction or mutual waiver of the following conditions:

 

each of (i) the registration statement on Form F-4 relating to the registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the issuance of GRT Shares represented by GRT ADSs in the merger, (ii) the registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the registration under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of the GRT ADSs and the underlying GRT Shares is effective and (iii) the Form F-6 relating to the registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the issuances of the GRT ADSs is effective, and the SEC has not issued any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any such registration statement or initiated or threatened any stop order proceedings that are not concluded or withdrawn;

 

all regulatory approvals to complete required the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are received and related mandatory waiting periods are expired;

 

194

 

the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are approved by GRT shareholders;

 

the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are approved by Flag Ship Shareholders;

 

no order, judgement, decree, or law is in effect that prevents or makes illegal the performance of the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Merger;

 

the establishment of a sponsored American depositary receipt facility with a depositary bank on the terms provided for in the Merger Agreement;

 

Korea Stock Exchange grants clearance with respect to the establishment of the ADR facility, the issue of GRT Shares to the depositary bank, the admission of GRT ADRs to trading on the Nasdaq, the trading of GRT Shares on KOSDAQ following admission of GRT ADRs to trading on Nasdaq or the transfer or issue of any GRT Shares in the ADR facility;

 

the filing with China Securities Regulatory Commission, shall have been obtained and any mandatory waiting periods related thereto (including any extension thereof) shall have expired;

 

the GRT ADSs to be issued as merger consideration are approved for listing on the Nasdaq; and

 

  there shall be at least $10,000,000 in available liquidity upon the Closing of the Merger, representing the sum of: (i) funds in the Trust Account following the exercise of all redemption rights by the shareholders of Flag Ship, plus (ii) cash available from any other sources, including, without limitation, a PIPE Investment or other equity or debt financing arrangement mutually acceptable to Flag Ship and GRT.

 

GRT’s and Merger Sub’s obligation to consummate the Merger is further subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions:

 

the representations and warranties of Flag Ship must be true and correct except, without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company material adverse effect,” as where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on Flag Ship;

 

Flag Ship must have performed in all material respects all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement;

 

Flag Ship must deliver to GRT a certificate signed by an authorized officer of Flag Ship stating that the above two conditions have been met;

 

Flag Ship must deliver written resignations of all officers and directors of Flag Ship;

 

the absence of any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or development since the date of the Merger Agreement that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company material adverse effect on Flag Ship;

 

GRT must receive a fully-executed lock-up Agreement from the SPAC Sponsor; and

 

there is no pending legal proceeding by a governmental entity seeking to enjoin, restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Merger pursuant to any applicable antitrust laws or seeking to impose regulatory restrains via mandatory divestitures or licensing of any assets of GRT or any of its affiliates and Flag Ship.

 

Flag Ship’s obligation to consummate the merger is further subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions:

 

the representations and warranties of GRT must be true and correct except, without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “material adverse effect,” as where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on GRT;

 

195

 

GRT must have performed in all material respects all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement;

 

GRT must deliver to Flag Ship a certificate signed by an authorized officer of GRT stating that the above two conditions have been met;

 

GRT must deliver to Flag Ship duly-executed counter-part signature pages for the parties other than the SPAC Sponsor that will be entering into lock-up agreements;

 

the absence of any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or developments since the date of the Merger Agreement that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on GRT; and

 

GRT must deliver a duly-executed counter-part signature page of the registration rights agreement.

 

The Merger Agreement provides that a “material adverse effect” means any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or development that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would be reasonably likely to have, a materially adverse effect on the business, assets, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of GRT or its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the ability of GRT or its subsidiaries to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. When determining whether a change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or development, individually or in the aggregate, is materially adverse to the business, assets, properties, liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of GRT or its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, none of the following, either alone or in combination, may be taken into account in determining whether a material adverse effect has occurred:

 

changes in the general economic conditions, including changes in the credit, debt or financial, capital markets, in each case anywhere in the world and to the extent that they do not disproportionately affect GRT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, compared to other companies operating in the principal industries in which GRT and its respective subsidiaries operate;

 

changes in the operating, business, regulatory or other conditions in the industry in which GRT and its subsidiaries operate to the extent that they do not disproportionately affect GRT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, compared to other companies operating in the principal industries in which GRT and its respective subsidiaries operate;

 

conditions in the securities markets, capital markets, credit markets, currency markets or other financial markets in any country or region in the world and any suspension of trading in securities (whether equity, debt, derivative or hybrid securities) generally on any securities exchange or over-the-counter market operating in any country or region in the world to the extent that they do not disproportionately affect GRT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, compared to other companies operating in the principal industries in which GRT and its respective subsidiaries operate;

 

any stoppage or shutdown of any governmental entity applicable to GRT and its subsidiaries (including any default by any such governmental entity or delays in payments by any such governmental entity or delays or failures to act by any such governmental entity) to the extent that they do not disproportionately affect GRT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, compared to other companies operating in the principal industries in which GRT and its respective subsidiaries operate;

 

the announcement or pendency or consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (including the identity of GRT or any of its affiliates) or compliance with the terms of, taking any action permitted by, or refraining from taking any action prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, including the impact thereof on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with, or actual or potential loss or impairment of, and any other negative development (or potential negative development) of GRT or its subsidiaries with, any clients, customers, suppliers, distributors, partners, financing sources, directors, officers or other employees or consultants or on revenue, profitability and cash flows;

 

196

 

changes in GAAP or other accounting requirements or principles or any changes in applicable laws or the interpretation thereof or other legal or regulatory conditions to the extent that they do not disproportionately affect GRT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, compared to other companies operating in the principal industries in which GRT and its respective subsidiaries operate;

 

actions required to be taken under applicable laws or contracts;

 

the failure of GRT or its subsidiaries to meet or achieve the results set forth in any budget, plan, projection or forecast;

 

global, national or regional political, financial, economic or business conditions, including hostilities, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions or any escalation, worsening or diminution of any such hostilities, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions existing or underway to the extent that they do not disproportionately affect GRT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, compared to other companies operating in the principal industries in which GRT and its respective subsidiaries operate; or

 

epidemics, pandemics or disease outbreaks and hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, tornadoes, mudslides, wild fires or other natural disasters and other force majeure events in the United States or any other country or region in the world to the extent that they do not disproportionately affect GRT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, compared to other companies operating in the principal industries in which GRT and its respective subsidiaries operate.

 

The Merger Agreement provides that a “Company material adverse effect” means any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or development that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would be reasonably likely to have, a materially adverse effect on the business, assets, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of Flag Ship, taken as a whole, or the ability of Flag Ship to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

 

The Merger Agreement provides that neither party may rely on the failure of a condition to the merger if the failure was caused by that party’s failure to fulfill any of its obligations under the Merger Agreement. Any or all of the conditions described above may be waived, in whole or in part, by GRT or Flag Ship, to the extent legally allowed.

 

It currently is anticipated that the Effective Time of the Merger will occur during the first quarter of 2025, but neither GRT nor Flag Ship can guarantee when or if the Merger will be completed.

 

Termination Events

 

The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the consummation of the Merger by mutual written consent of GRT and Flag Ship, and either party may terminate the Merger Agreement in the following circumstances:

 

if the Merger has not been consummated by February 28, 2025, or such other date as the Flag Ship Shareholders have extended the date by which Flag Ship must enter into a business combination, except that a party may not terminate the Merger Agreement on this basis if its failure to fulfill any of its obligations was a principal cause of the failure to consummate the Merger by such date; or

 

if any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction issues a final, non-appealable order, issued a law or takes any other action restraining or enjoining the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, except that a party may not terminate the Merger Agreement on this basis if such party’s actions or failure to act has contributed to such order, law or other action by a governmental entity resulting in such restraint or injunction.

 

197

 

Flag Ship may terminate the Merger Agreement prior to the completion of the merger:

 

if the independent directors of GRT cause its board to withdraw or amend its recommendation in favor of the Merger in a manner adverse to Flag Ship;

 

if the necessary approval of the shareholders of GRT shall not have been obtained; or

 

if GRT breaches any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement, which breach (i) would result in a material adverse effect on GRT (in the case of representations and warranties) or GRT’s failure to perform in all material respects all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement (in the case of covenants and agreements) and (ii) has not been cured by GRT within 30 days after its receipt of written notice of such breach from Flag Ship.

 

GRT may terminate the Merger Agreement prior to the consummation of the merger:

 

if the independent directors of Flag Ship cause the Flag Ship Board to withdraw or amend its recommendation in favor of the Merger in a manner adverse to GRT;

 

if the necessary approval of the Flag Ship Shareholders shall not have been obtained; or

 

if Flag Ship breaches any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement, which breach (i) would result in a material adverse effect on Flag Ship (in the case of representations and warranties) or Flag Ship’s failure to perform in all material respects all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement (in the case of covenants and agreements) and (ii) has not been cured by Flag Ship within 30 days after its receipt of written notice of such breach from GRT.

 

Expenses

 

Whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger, the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will be paid by the party incurring those costs and expenses, except that expenses incurred in connection with the printing, filing and mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus will be shared equally by GRT and Flag Ship.

 

Amendment

 

The Merger Agreement and the disclosures schedules appended thereto may be amended only in a writing signed by GRT and Flag Ship at any time prior to the closing of the Merger.

 

Governing Law

 

The Merger Agreement is governed by and will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

198

 

THE ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS

 

The following discussion summarizes material provisions of the ancillary agreements entered into or to be entered into pursuant to the Merger Agreement but does not purport to describe all of the terms thereof. The following discussion summarizes the material provisions of certain additional agreements. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of each of the Related Agreements, copies of each of which are attached hereto set forth in Appendix C to this proxy Statement/prospectus and are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Flag Ship Shareholders are urged to read the ancillary agreements carefully and in their entirety.

 

Parent Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreement

 

The Merger Agreement contemplates that, at the Effective Time, GRT will enter into a lock-up and support agreement with Flag Ship and certain shareholders of GRT (“Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement”), with respect to Parent Shares held by the GRT shareholders party to such agreement. In such Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement, each holder will agree that, subject to certain exceptions, during the defined “Lock-Up Period”, it will not (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, or agree to transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the Parent Shares covered by such agreement (the “Restricted Securities”), (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Restricted Securities, or (iii) publicly disclose the intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii). In addition, each Parent shareholder signatory to the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement will agree to vote all of its capital shares in Parent in favor of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and any other proposal included in the Proxy Statement related to the Merger for which the Parent’s board of directors has recommended that the Parent shareholders vote in favor and against any competing transaction.

 

As defined by the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement, the “Lock-Up Period” means, (i) with respect to 50% of the Restricted Securities, the period of time commencing on the closing of the Merger and expiring on the earlier of (A) the date that is six (6) months following the closing or (B) the date on which the closing trading price per Parent Share equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, rights issuances, subdivisions, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any thirty (30)-trading day period commencing after the closing, and (ii) with respect to the remaining 50% of the Restricted Securities, the period of time commencing on the closing of the Merger and expiring on the date this six (6) months following such closing date; or earlier in either case, if subsequent to the closing date, GRT completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of its shareholders having the right to exchange their Parent Shares for cash, securities or other property.

 

The agreed form of the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement is filed with this Report as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement.

 

Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement

 

The Merger Agreement also contemplates that, the Company and GRT will enter into a lock-up agreement with Whale Management Corporation (the “Sponsor”) (the “Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement”), with respect to the Parent ADSs to be issued to it in consideration of its ordinary shares of the Company. In such Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement, Sponsor will agree that, subject to certain exceptions, not to transfer the securities defined as “Locked-Up Private Placement Securities” in the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement for a period of 30 days following the closing of the Merger. In addition, Sponsor will agree, subject to certain exceptions, not to transfer the securities defined as “Locked-Up Private Placement Securities” in the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement for the same “Lock-Up Period” as applicable with respect to the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement. The term “transfer”, as used in the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement, has the same meanings as ascribed to such term under the Parent Lock-Up and Support Agreement

 

The agreed form of the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement is filed with this Report as Exhibit 10.2 and is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement.

 

199

 

Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement

 

Concurrently with execution of the Merger Agreement, the Sponsor entered into a voting and support agreement with the Company and GRT (the “Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement”). Under the Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement, the Sponsor thereto generally agreed to vote all of its capital shares in the Company in favor of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, each other Company Proposal and any other proposal included in the Proxy Statement related to the Merger for which the Company’s board of directors has recommended that the Company Shareholders vote in favor and against any competing transaction. The Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement prevents transfers of the Company shares held by the Sponsor between the date of the Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement and the termination of the Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement, subject to certain limited exceptions.

 

The Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement will terminate upon the earliest of (a) the termination of the Merger Agreement and (b) the Effective Time.

 

A copy of the Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement is filed with this Report as Exhibit 10.3 and is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement.

 

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, GRT, the Company and certain Investors (as defined in the Amended and Restated Rights Registration Agreement), as applicable, will enter into an Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), to be effective as of the Closing, pursuant to which GRT agrees to file a registration statement as soon as practicable upon receipt of a written request from certain shareholders to register the resale of certain registrable securities under the Securities Act, subject to required notice provisions to other parties thereto. GRT has also agreed to provide customary “piggyback” registration rights with respect to such registrable securities and, subject to certain circumstances, to file a resale shelf registration statement to register the resale under the Securities Act of such registrable securities.

 

The Registration Rights Agreement also provides that Parent will pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the securityholders against certain liabilities. The rights granted under the Registration Rights Agreement supersede any prior registration, qualification, or similar rights of the parties with respect to their Company securities or Parent securities.

 

200

 

PROPOSAL 2: THE FLAG SHIP MERGER PROPOSAL

 

Overview

 

Flag Ship is asking holders of Flag Ship Shares to approve the entry into the Cayman Plan of Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. As part of the Merger, Flag Ship will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the Surviving Company. Because Flag Ship is holding a shareholder vote on the Merger and a special resolution is required under Cayman Islands law to authorise the Cayman Plan of merger, the Flag Ship Charter provides that Flag Ship may consummate the Merger only if it is approved by a special resolution, being a resolution of the company passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting, assuming that a quorum is present. The Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution.

 

Resolution to be Voted Upon

 

The full text of the resolution to be passed is as follows:

 

“RESOLVED, as special resolutions, that subject to the approval of the Business Combination Proposal, Flag Ship be authorized to merge with GRT Merger Star Limited (“Merger Sub”) so that Merger Sub will be the surviving company ("Surviving Company") and all the undertaking, property, rights, privileges, agreements, powers and franchises, liabilities and duties of Flag Ship and Merger Sub vest in the Surviving Company by virtue of such merger, pursuant to the Companies Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the Cayman Plan of Merger (as defined below); the plan of merger substantially in the form appended to the proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix D (the “Cayman Plan of Merger”) as the same may be amended from time to time, and the consummation of the Merger and remaining transactions contemplated thereby, be authorized, approved and confirmed in all respects, and Flag Ship be authorized to enter into the Merger and the Cayman Plan of Merger.”

 

Vote Required for Approval

 

Approval of the Cayman Plan of Merger requires a special resolution under Cayman Islands law, being a resolution of the company passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy who vote at the Shareholder Meeting. The Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution. Broker “non-votes” and abstentions will have no effect with respect to the approval of this proposal.

 

Recommendation of the Board

 

THE FLAG SHIP BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT FLAG SHIP SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER PROPOSAL.

 

201

 

PROPOSAL 3: THE FLAG SHIP ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL

 

The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal, if presented, will direct the chairman of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to use his powers under the Flag Ship Charter to adjourn the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates to permit further solicitation of proxies. The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal will only be presented to Flag Ship Shareholders in the event, based on the tabulated votes, that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to approve the Business Combination Proposal or the Flag Ship Merger Proposal. The Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal does not require the approval of any other proposal to be effective.

 

Consequences if the Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal is Not Approved

 

If based on the tabulated votes, there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to approve the Business Combination Proposal or the Flag Ship Merger Proposal, the Chairman of the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting will have no obligation to exercise his discretion to adjourn the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date (albeit that the Chairman may still exercise that discretion if he wishes). It is important for you to note that in the event that either the Business Combination Proposal or the Flag Ship Merger Proposal does not receive the requisite vote for approval, then Flag Ship will not consummate the Merger. If Flag Ship does not consummate the Merger and fails to complete an initial business combination by June 20, 2026, Flag Ship will be required to dissolve and liquidate the Trust Account by returning the then remaining funds in the Trust Account to the Flag Ship Public Shareholders.

 

Resolution to be Voted Upon

 

The full text of the resolution to be passed is as follows:

 

“RESOLVED, as an ordinary resolution, that there are insufficient proxies received at the time of the Shareholder Meeting to authorize and approve the Business Combination Proposal or the Flag Ship Merger Proposal at the Shareholder Meeting, the chairman of the Shareholder Meeting be instructed to adjourn the Shareholder Meeting in order to allow Flag Ship to solicit additional proxies in favor of the approval of either the Business Combination Proposal or the Flag Ship Merger Proposals.”

 

Vote Required for Approval

 

Approval and adoption of Flag Ship Adjournment Proposal, if presented, requires the affirmative vote of the holders of more than 50% of Flag Ship Shares entitled to vote which are present (in person or by proxy) and are voted at the Flag Ship Extraordinary General Meeting. Broker “non-votes” and abstentions will have no effect with respect to the approval of this proposal.

 

Recommendation of the Flag Ship Board

 

THE FLAG SHIP BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT FLAG SHIP SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE FLAG SHIP ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL, IF PRESENTED.

 

202

 

MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES

 

The following summary of certain taxation consequences of acquiring securities in GRT, who is incorporated in Hong Kong but operation is mainly through its operating subsidiaries in mainland China, and whose stocks are listed in Korea, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not address all possible tax consequences relating to an investment GRT ordinary shares or GRT ADSs, such as tax consequences under state, local, and other tax laws. You should consult your own tax advisers with respect to your particular circumstances.

 

Mainland China Enterprise Taxation

 

Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”)

 

Pursuant to the EIT Law, which was promulgated on March 16, 2007 and last amended on December 29, 2018, and the Regulation on the Implementation of the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the PRC which was promulgated on December 6, 2007 and further amended on April 23, 2019, the income tax for both domestic and foreign-invested enterprises is at the same rate of 25%. Furthermore, resident enterprises, which refer to enterprises that are set up in accordance with mainland China laws, or that are set up in accordance with the law of the foreign country (region) but with its actual administration institution in mainland China, shall pay enterprise income tax originating both within and outside mainland China. While non-resident enterprises that have set up institutions or premises in mainland China shall pay enterprise income tax in relation to the income originating from mainland China and obtained by their institutions or establishments, and the income incurred outside mainland China but there is an actual relationship with the institutions or establishments set up by such enterprises. Where non-resident enterprises that have not set up institutions or establishments in mainland China, or where institutions or establishments are set up but there is no actual relationship with the income obtained by the institutions or establishments set up by such enterprises, they shall pay enterprise income tax in relation to the income originating from mainland China at the rate of 20%.

 

Value-Added Tax (“VAT”)

 

Pursuant to the Provisional Regulations on Value-added Tax of the PRC promulgated on December 13, 1993 and last amended on November 19, 2017 and its implementation rules, all entities or individuals in mainland China engaging in the sale of goods, the provision of processing services, repairs and replacement services, and the importation of goods are required to pay value-added tax. Pursuant to the Circular on Comprehensively Promoting the Pilot Program of the Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax promulgated on March 23, 2016 and as amended on July 11, 2017, December 25, 2017 and March 20, 2019 respectively, upon approval of the State Council, the pilot program of the collection of value-added tax in lieu of business tax shall be promoted nationwide in a comprehensive manner as of May 1, 2016, and all taxpayers of business tax engaged in the building industry, the real estate industry, the financial industry and the life service industry shall be included in the scope of the pilot program with regard to payment of value-added tax instead of business tax.

 

Pursuant to the Circular of the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation on Adjusting Value-added Tax Rates promulgated on April 4, 2018 and come to effect on May 1, 2018, by Ministry of Finance and State Administration of Taxation, where a taxpayer engages in a taxable sales activity for the value-added tax purpose or imports goods, the previous applicable 17% and 11% tax rates are adjusted to be 16% and 10% respectively.

 

Withholding Income Tax

 

Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and Hong Kong for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, which was last amended on 6 December 2019, a company incorporated in Hong Kong will be subject to withholding income tax at a rate of 5% on dividends it receives from its PRC subsidiary if it holds 25% or more equity interest in such PRC subsidiary at the time of the distribution, or at a rate of 10% on dividends it receives from its PRC subsidiary if it holds less than 25% equity interest in such PRC subsidiary at the time of the distribution.

 

203

 

Hong Kong Taxation

 

Profits Tax

 

In the opinion of Dentons Hong Kong, GRT’s Hong Kong counsel, the following discussion correctly describes the mechanism of profit tax in Hong Kong. Such summary is subject to changes in Hong Kong law.

 

Hong Kong adopts a territorial basis for taxing profits derived from a trade, profession, or business carried on in Hong Kong. Profits tax is only charged on profits which arise in or are derived from Hong Kong. In simple terms, this means that a person who carries on a business in Hong Kong but derives profits from another place is not required to pay tax in Hong Kong on those profits.

 

No tax is imposed in Hong Kong in respect of capital gains from the sale of property, such as the Ordinary Shares underlying the ADSs. Generally, gains arising from disposal of the ADSs or the underlying Ordinary Shares which are held more than two years are considered capital in nature. However, trading gains from the sale of property by persons carrying on a trade, profession or business in Hong Kong where such gains are derived from or arise in Hong Kong from such trade, profession or business will be chargeable to Hong Kong profit tax. Liability for Hong Kong profits tax would therefore arise in respect of trading gains from the sale of ADSs or the underlying Ordinary Shares realized by persons in the course of carrying on a business of trading or dealing in securities in Hong Kong where the purchase or sale contracts are effected (being negotiated, concluded and/or executed) in Hong Kong.

 

In addition, Hong Kong does not impose withholding tax on gains derived from the sale of stock in Hong Kong companies and does not impose withholding tax on dividends paid outside of Hong Kong by Hong Kong companies. Accordingly, investors will not be subject to Hong Kong withholding tax with respect to a disposition of their ADSs or with respect to the receipt of dividends on their ADSs, if any. No income tax treaty relevant to the acquiring, withholding or dealing in the ADSs or the Ordinary Shares underlying the ADSs exists between Hong Kong and the United States.

 

Since the year of tax assessment 2008/09, entities incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to profits tax in Hong Kong at the rate of 16.5%. A two-tiered profits tax rates regime was introduced for the year of assessment 2018/19 onwards. Under such regime, the profits tax rate for the first HK$2 million of assessable profits for entities will be lowered to 8.25%, being half of the rate specified in Schedule 8 to the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Chapter 112 of the Laws of Hong Kong), and the assessable profits above HK$2 million will continue to be subject to the rate of 16.5%. All entities with profits chargeable to profits tax in Hong Kong would qualify for the two-tiered profits tax rates, except those with a connected entity which is nominated to be chargeable at the two-tiered rates. If, at the end of the basis period of the entity for the relevant year of assessment, the entity has one or more connected entities, the two-tiered profits tax rates would only apply to the one which is nominated to be chargeable at the two-tiered rates. The others would not qualify for the two-tiered profits tax rates.

 

An entity is a connected entity of another entity if (i) one of them has control over the other, or (ii) both of them are under the control of the same entity. Generally, an entity has control over another entity if the first-mentioned entity, whether directly or indirectly through one or more than one other entity, (a) owns or controls more than 50% in aggregate of the issued share capital of the latter entity; (b) is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of more than 50% in aggregate of the voting rights in the latter entity; or (c) is entitled to more than 50% in aggregate of the capital or profits of the latter entity.

 

As the ultimate holding company, GRT benefits from the two-tiered profits tax rates.

 

Stamp Duty

 

Hong Kong stamp duty is generally payable on the transfer of “Hong Kong stocks.” The term “stocks” refers to shares in companies incorporated in Hong Kong, as widely defined under the Stamp Duty Ordinance (Cap. 117 of the laws of Hong Kong), or SDO, and includes the Ordinary Shares underlying the ADSs but not the ADSs. Even if the ADSs are caught under the definition of “stocks,” they would not be considered “Hong Kong stocks” under the SDO since the transfer of the ADSs are not required to be registered in Hong Kong given that the books for the transfer of ADSs are located in the United States. The transfer of ADSs is therefore not subject to stamp duty in Hong Kong. If Hong Kong stamp duty applies, both the purchaser and the seller are liable for the stamp duty charged on each of the sold note and bought note at the ad valorem rate of 0.13% on the higher of the consideration stated on the contract notes or the fair market value of the shares transferred. In addition, a fixed duty, currently of HK$5.00, is payable on an instrument of transfer.

 

204

 

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The following is a summary of the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger to U.S. Holders (as defined below) of Flag Ship Shares or rights who acquire GRT Shares or rights pursuant to the Merger and, solely to the extent specifically set forth below under “—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Existing Holders of GRT Shares,” existing holders of GRT Shares prior to the Merger. This discussion is included for general informational purposes only, does not purport to consider all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that might be relevant to a U.S. Holder, and does not constitute, and is not, a tax opinion for or tax advice to any particular U.S. Holder of Flag Ship Shares or rights. The summary does not address any U.S. tax matters other than those specifically discussed. The summary is based on the provisions of the Code, existing, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations issued thereunder, judicial decisions and administrative rulings and pronouncements and other legal authorities, all as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change could alter the tax consequences described herein. The following discussion, except as described below, to the extent that it addresses matters of United States federal income tax law or legal conclusions with respect thereto currently applicable to the holders described herein as of the date hereof, while not purporting to discuss all possible United States federal income tax consequences of the Merger or the investment in, sale of or other disposition of the GRT Shares or rights, constitutes (subject to the qualifications, assumptions, limitations and exceptions set forth therein) the opinion of Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. However, Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. can express no opinion regarding the qualification of the Merger as a Reorganization or the treatment of either GRT or Flag Ship as a PFIC.

 

The discussion below applies only to U.S Holders that hold Flag Ship Shares or rights or GRT Shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment), and does not address the tax consequences that may be relevant to U.S. Holders who, in light of their particular circumstances, may be subject to special tax rules, including without limitation:

 

insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, brokers or dealers in securities or foreign currencies, banks and other financial institutions, mutual funds, retirement plans, traders in securities that elect to mark to market, certain former U.S. citizens or long-term residents;

 

U.S. Holders that are classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as partnerships and other pass-through entities and investors therein;

 

U.S. Holders who hold Flag Ship Shares or rights or GRT Shares as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion, or other integrated or risk-reduction transaction, as “qualified small business stock,” within the meaning of Section 1202 of the Code or as Section 1244 stock for purposes of the Code;

 

U.S. Holders who hold Flag Ship Shares or rights or GRT Shares through individual retirement or other tax-deferred accounts;

 

U.S. Holders that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;

 

U.S. Holders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code or the tax on net investment income imposed by Section 1411 of the Code;

 

U.S. Holders who own a direct or indirect interest in GRT Shares other than those shares acquired in the Merger;

 

U.S. Holders who acquired Flag Ship Shares or rights pursuant to the exercise of employee incentive stock options or otherwise as compensation or in a transaction subject to the gain rollover provisions of Section 1045 of the Code;

 

U.S. Holders who hold or held, directly or indirectly, or are treated as holding or having held under applicable constructive attribution rules, 10% or more of the stock of Flag Ship or GRT, measured by voting power or value.

 

205

 

Any such U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the treatment of the Merger to them. Further, with respect to U.S. Holders of Flag Ship Shares or rights whose shares were subject to vesting restrictions at the time such shares were acquired, the discussion assumes that a valid Code Section 83(b) election was made with respect to such shares. Finally, the following discussion does not address the tax consequences under U.S. federal non-income tax laws, state, local or non-U.S. tax laws, or the tax consequences of transactions occurring prior to, concurrently with or after the Merger (whether or not such transactions are in connection with the Merger) including, without limitation, the exercise of options, warrants or other rights to purchase Flag Ship Shares in anticipation of the Merger or the exercise by U.S. Holders of Redemption Rights.

 

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” means a holder of Flag Ship Shares or rights or, as context requires, GRT Shares that is or is treated as, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia or any entity treated as such for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust (A) the administration over which a U.S. court exercises primary supervision and all of the substantial decisions of which one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control, or (B) that has a valid election in effect under the applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person under the Code.

 

If a partnership or other pass-through entity (including any entity or arrangement treated as such for purposes of U.S. federal income tax law) holds Flag Ship Shares or rights or GRT Shares, the tax treatment of a partner of such partnership or member of such entity will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships and other pass-through entities holding Flag Ship Shares or rights or GRT Shares, and any person who is a partner or member of such entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Merger.

 

Neither GRT nor Flag Ship has requested or will request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) in connection with the Merger or related transactions. Accordingly, the discussion below neither binds the IRS or the courts, and no assurance can be given that contrary positions will not be successfully asserted by the IRS or adopted by a court. In addition, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, GRT makes no representations or warranties to any shareholder regarding the tax consequences of the Merger.

 

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Existing Holders of GRT Shares

 

Holders of GRT Shares (whether or not U.S. Holders, and, in each case, as described below, whether or not GRT or Flag Ship are treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes or the Merger qualifies as a Reorganization) will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the Merger.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations

 

General

 

A non-United States corporation, such as GRT or Flag Ship, will be classified as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes, if, in the case of any particular taxable year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such taxable year consists of certain types of “passive” income or (ii) 50% or more of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such taxable year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash is categorized as a passive asset and the company’s unbooked intangibles associated with active business activities may generally be classified as active assets. Passive income generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. For this purpose, a foreign corporation will be treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets and earning its proportionate share of the income of any other non-U.S. corporation in which it owns, directly or indirectly, more than 25% (by value) of the stock.

 

206

 

PFIC Classification of GRT

 

Based upon its current income and assets (taking into account the proceeds from this offering) and projections as to the value of the ADSs and ordinary shares following the offering, it is not presently expected that GRT will be classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the Merger occurs or the foreseeable future.

 

The determination of whether GRT will be or become a PFIC will depend upon the composition of its income (which may differ from GRT’s historical results and current projections) and assets and the value of its assets from time to time, including, in particular the value of its goodwill and other unbooked intangibles (which may depend upon the market value of the GRT ADSs or ordinary shares from time to time and may be volatile). The estimated value of GRT’s goodwill and other unbooked intangibles, for this purpose, takes into account GRT’s anticipated market capitalization following the close of the Merger. Among other matters, if GRT’s market capitalization is less than anticipated or subsequently declines, GRT may be classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the Merger occurs or future taxable years. It is also possible that the IRS may challenge the classification or valuation of GRT’s assets, including its goodwill and other unbooked intangibles, or the classification of certain amounts received by GRT, which may result in GRT being, or becoming classified as, a PFIC for the taxable year in which the Merger occurs or future taxable years.

 

The determination of whether GRT will be or become a PFIC may also depend, in part, on how, and how quickly, it uses liquid assets and the cash acquired from Flag Ship in the Merger or otherwise. If GRT were to retain significant amounts of liquid assets, including cash, the risk of GRT being classified as a PFIC may substantially increase. Because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules and PFIC status is a factual determination made annually after the close of each taxable year, there can be no assurance that GRT will not be a PFIC for the taxable year in which the Merger occurs or any future taxable year, and no opinion of counsel has or will be provided regarding the classification of GRT as a PFIC. If GRT were classified as a PFIC for any year during which a holder held GRT ADSs or ordinary shares, it generally would continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such holder held the ADSs or ordinary shares.

 

The discussion below under “—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of Holding GRT ADSs or Ordinary Shares—Dividends Paid on ADSs or Ordinary Shares” and “—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of Holding GRT ADSs or Ordinary Shares—Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares” is written on the basis that GRT will not be classified as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes. The United States federal income tax rules that apply if GRT is classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the Merger occurs or any subsequent taxable year are discussed below under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of Holding GRT ADSs or Ordinary Shares—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”

 

PFIC Classification of Flag Ship

 

Because, prior to the Merger, Flag Ship is a blank check company, with no current active business, it is likely that Flag Ship will meet the PFIC asset or income test for its current taxable year and prior taxable years. However, the classification of Flag Ship as a PFIC will depend on the composition of its assets and income, and no opinion of counsel has or will be provided regarded Flag Ship’s classification as a PFIC. The remainder of this summary generally assumes Flag Ship will classified as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes, unless specifically stated otherwise.

 

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

 

Qualification of the Merger as a Reorganization

 

The Merger is intended to qualify as a Reorganization. In order for the Merger to qualify as a Reorganization, among other requirements, it is necessary that GRT either (i) continue Flag Ship’s historic business or (ii) use a significant portion of Flag Ship’s historic business assets in a business. There is no authority applying this test to the acquisition of a blank check company in a transaction comparable to the Merger. Consequently, it is unclear under applicable law whether Flag Ship’s operations and assets acquired in the Merger will qualify as a historic business or historic business assets for this purpose. If they do not so qualify, then the Merger will not qualify as a Reorganization. Additionally, in order for the Merger to qualify as a Reorganization, it is necessary that a substantial part of the value of the proprietary interests in Flag Ship be preserved in the Merger. It is unclear whether Redemption Rights will be exercised by Flag Ship Public Shareholders to a degree that will prevent a substantial part of the value of the propriety interests in Flag Ship from being preserved for this purpose. If it is not so preserved, then the Merger will not qualify as a Reorganization.

 

207

 

The qualification of the Merger as a Reorganization may be subject to challenge by the IRS or another taxing authority. If the IRS were to successfully challenge the Reorganization status of the Merger, the Merger will be a fully taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Neither GRT nor Flag Ship nor any other party to the Merger Agreement makes any representations or provides any assurances regarding the tax treatment of the Merger, including whether the Merger qualifies as Reorganization, or any related transactions. Furthermore, because of the legal and factual uncertainties described above, it is unclear whether the Merger will qualify as a Reorganization, and, as a result, no opinion of counsel has or will be provided regarding the qualification of the Merger as a reorganization. Except as specifically discussed below, the remainder of the discussion is generally drafted on the basis that the Merger will qualify for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a Reorganization.

 

IN LIGHT OF THE FOREGOING AND BECAUSE THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS INTENDED AS A GENERAL SUMMARY ONLY, EACH HOLDER OF FLAG SHIP SHARES OR RIGHTS IS URGED TO CONSULT SUCH HOLDER’S OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER AND OF HOLDING GRT ADSS, INCLUDING STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES, AND ANY TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF THE MERGER AND ANY RELATED TRANSACTIONS IN LIGHT OF SUCH HOLDER’S OWN TAX SITUATION.

 

Consequences if the Merger Qualifies as a Reorganization

 

Assuming that the Merger qualified as a Reorganization, and subject to the additional requirements described below under “—Application of the PFIC Rules to the Merger,” the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger are generally as follows:

 

A U.S. Holder of Flag Ship Shares who receives GRT ADSs in exchange for his or her Flag Ship Shares will not recognize gain or loss in respect of such exchange.

 

The aggregate tax basis of the GRT ADSs that are received in the Merger by each U.S. Holder will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the Flag Ship Shares surrendered in exchange for such GRT ADSs.

 

The holding period the GRT ADSs received in the Merger will include the period during which the Flag Ship Shares surrendered in exchange for such GRT ADSs were held, provided that such GRT ADSs were held as capital assets at the time of the Merger.

 

The U.S. federal tax treatment of the Flag Ship rights in the Merger is not entirely clear. If the Flag Ship rights are treated as “securities” for purposes of Section 354 of the Code (because they are economically similar to warrants with a zero strike price, and warrants are “securities” for such purpose), then generally a U.S. Holder of Flag Ship rights who receives GRT ADSs in exchange for his or her Flag Ship rights will not recognize gain or loss in respect of such exchange. However, if the Flag Ship rights are not treated as “securities” for this purpose, U.S. Holders of Flag Ship rights would generally be subject to tax as described below under “—Consequences if the Merger Fails to Qualify as a Reorganization.”

 

Application of the PFIC Rules to the Merger

 

If the Merger qualifies as a Reorganization, and if Flag Ship is treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during a U.S. Holder’s holding period, under proposed Treasury regulations, such U.S. Holder will generally be required to recognize any gain (but not loss) realized in the Merger, unless either:

 

GRT is treated as a PFIC for its taxable year that includes the Merger; or

 

Solely with respect to gain realized in respect of Flag Ship Shares (but not Flag Ship rights), Flag Ship is treated as a “pedigreed QEF” with respect to a U.S. Holder.

 

As described above under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations—PFIC Classification of GRT,” it is not expected that GRT will be a PFIC for the year in which the Merger occurs.

 

208

 

Generally, Flag Ship will be a pedigreed QEF with respect to a U.S. Holder of Flag Ship Shares if the U.S. Holder timely made a QEF election with respect to Flag Ship for the first year of the U.S. Holder’s holding period in its Flag Ship Shares during which Flag Ship was treated as a PFIC and the U.S. Holder has properly maintained such election for the U.S. Holder’s remaining holding period (or timely made a QEF election with respect to a later year, maintained such election for the U.S. Holder’s remaining holding period, and made a purging election to recognize income with respect to any prior years before the effectiveness of such QEF election during which Flag Ship was treated as a PFIC).

 

The exception in the second bullet above, although not entirely clear, likely would not apply to Flag Ship rights, even if a QEF election was timely made and maintained by a U.S. Holder.

 

Generally, if a U.S. Holder of Flag Ship Shares or rights is required to recognize gain under the PFIC rules:

 

The gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Flag Ship Shares or rights;

 

The amount of gain allocated to the taxable year of the Merger and any taxable years in the U.S. Holder’s holding period prior to the first taxable year in which Flag Ship is classified as a PFIC, or a “pre-PFIC year,” will be taxable as ordinary income; and

 

The amount of gain allocated to each taxable year other than the taxable year of the Merger or a pre-PFIC year, will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect applicable to the individuals or corporations, and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a U.S. Holder of Flag Ship Shares has made an effective “mark-to-market” election with respect to its Flag Ship Shares, any gain recognized in the Merger will be treated as ordinary income and the interest charge described above will not be imposed.

 

Each U.S. Holder of Flag Ship Shares or rights is urged to consult its tax advisor concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of the Merger if Flag Ship is a PFIC, including the possibility of making a QEF election, purging election, or mark-to-market election.

 

Reporting Requirements

 

Whether or not the additional requirements of the PFIC rules apply, if the Merger qualifies as a Reorganization, as provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-3(d), each U.S. Holder of Flag Ship stock or securities who receives GRT ADS in the Merger is required to retain permanent records pertaining to the Merger, and make such records available to any authorized IRS officers and employees. Such records should specifically include information regarding the amount, basis, and fair market value of all transferred property, and relevant facts regarding any liabilities assumed or extinguished as part of such Reorganization. Additionally, each Flag Ship shareholder who owns immediately before the Merger one percent (1%) or more, by vote or value, of the stock of Flag Ship, and each holder with a basis in its Flag Ship securities of $1.0 million or more generally will be required to file a statement with its U.S. federal income tax return for the year of the Merger. As provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-3(b), the statement must set forth the U.S. Holder’s basis in, and the fair market value of, the Flag Ship Shares cancelled and extinguished in the Merger, the date of the Merger, and certain information related to the parties to the Merger.

 

Consequences if the Merger Fails to Qualify as a Reorganization

 

If the Merger fails to qualify as a Reorganization, U.S. Holders of Flag Ship Shares or rights would be treated as if they sold their Flag Ship Shares or rights in a fully taxable transaction. In such event, each U.S. Holder would recognize gain or loss with respect to the disposition of each of his or her Flag Ship Shares or rights equal to the difference between (i) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in each such shares or rights and (ii) the fair market value of the GRT ADSs received in the Merger.

 

209

 

If Flag Ship was not characterized as a PFIC during a U.S. Holder’s holding period in its Flag Ship Shares or rights, such gain or loss with respect to Flag Ship Shares and rights would be capital gain or loss. If Flag Ship is a PFIC and a “pedigreed QEF” with respect to a U.S. Holder, as described above under “—Application of the PFIC Rules to the Merger,” such gain or loss with respect to Flag Ship Shares (but not Flag Ship rights) would be treated as capital gain or capital loss. Capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Flag Ship Shares or rights were held for more than one year. Long-term capital gains of noncorporate taxpayers are taxed at a preferential rate. Capital gain that is not long term capital gain is taxed at ordinary income tax rates.

 

If Flag Ship is treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder and the exceptions in the second sentence of the preceding paragraph does not apply, any gain recognized by a U.S. Holder with respect to the disposition of Flag Ship Shares or rights would be taxed as described above under “—Application of the PFIC Rules to the Merger.” Recognized loss would be treated as capital loss.

 

For corporate U.S. Holders, capital losses can be deducted only to the extent of capital gains, and, for individual U.S. Holders, capital losses are similarly deductible up to the extent of capital gains, but may be further deductible up to a maximum of $3.0 thousand in any one taxable year.

 

The amount and character of gain or loss would be computed separately for each block of Flag Ship Shares or rights that was purchased by the holder in the same transaction. For purposes of the foregoing, a block of Flag Ship Shares or rights generally consists of those shares of a particular class of securities of the Flag Ship that were acquired at the same time and at the same price. A U.S. Holder’s aggregate tax basis in the GRT ADSs so received would equal their fair market value, and a U.S. Holder’s holding period for such GRT ADS would begin the day after the Merger.

 

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of Holding GRT ADSs or Ordinary Shares

 

Dividends Paid on ADSs or Ordinary Shares

 

Subject to the PFIC rules described below, any cash distributions (including constructive distributions) paid on the ADSs or ordinary shares out of GRT’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles, will generally be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as dividend income on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. Holder, in the case of ordinary shares, or by the depositary bank, in the case of ADSs. Because GRT does not intend to determine its earnings and profits on the basis of United States federal income tax principles, any distribution will generally be treated as a “dividend” for United States federal income tax purposes. Under current law, a non-corporate recipient of a dividend from a “qualified foreign corporation” will generally be subject to tax on the dividend income at the lower applicable net capital gains rate rather than the marginal tax rates generally applicable to ordinary income provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met.

 

A non-United States corporation (other than a corporation that is classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year) will generally be considered to be a qualified foreign corporation (i) if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States which the Secretary of Treasury of the United States determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and which includes an exchange of information program, or (ii) with respect to any dividend it pays on stock (or ADSs in respect of such stock) which is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. GRT believes it is eligible for the benefits of the United States-China income tax treaty (which the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States has determined is satisfactory for this purpose and includes an exchange of information program), in which case it would be treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on the ordinary shares or ADSs. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on dividends in their particular circumstances. Dividends received on the ADSs or ordinary shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations.

 

210

 

Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares

 

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder of GRT ADSs or ordinary shares will generally recognize capital gain or loss, if any, upon the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ADSs or ordinary shares. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the ADSs or ordinary shares have been held for more than one year and will generally be United States source capital gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit purposes. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate taxpayers are currently eligible for reduced rates of taxation.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

 

If GRT is classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds the GRT ADSs, ordinary shares or warrants, unless the holder makes a mark-to-market election (as described below), the holder will, except as discussed below, be subject to special tax rules that have a penalizing effect, regardless of whether GRT remains a PFIC, on (i) any excess distribution that GRT make to the holder (which generally means any distribution paid during a taxable year to a holder that is greater than 125% of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the holder’s holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition, including, under certain circumstances, a pledge, of GRT ADSs, ordinary shares or warrants. Under the PFIC rules:

 

The excess distribution and/or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares;

 

The amount of the excess distribution or gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution or disposition and any taxable years in the U.S. Holder’s holding period prior to the first taxable year in which GRT is classified as a PFIC, or a pre-PFIC year, will be taxable as ordinary income; and

 

The amount of the excess distribution or gain allocated to each taxable year other than the taxable year of the distribution or disposition or a pre-PFIC year, will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect applicable to the individuals or corporations, and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year.

 

If GRT is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds the GRT ADSs, ordinary shares and any of its non-United States subsidiaries is also a PFIC, such holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for purposes of the application of these rules. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to any of GRT’s subsidiaries.

 

As an alternative to the foregoing rules, a U.S. Holder of “marketable stock” in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election with respect to the ADSs, provided that the ADSs are “regularly traded” ​(as specially defined under the Code) on The Nasdaq Capital Market. No assurances may be given regarding whether the ADSs will qualify, or will continue to be qualified, as being regularly traded in this regard. If a mark-to-market election is made, the U.S. Holder will generally (i) include as ordinary income for each taxable year that GRT is a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of ADSs held at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such ADSs and (ii) deduct as an ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the ADSs over the fair market value of such ADSs held at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ADSs would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-market election. If a U.S. Holder makes an effective mark-to-market election, in each year that GRT is a PFIC any gain recognized upon the sale or other disposition of the ADSs will be treated as ordinary income and loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. U.S. Holders of GRT’s ordinary shares should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of a mark-to-market election with respect to such ordinary shares.

 

211

 

If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election in respect of a corporation classified as a PFIC and such corporation ceases to be classified as a PFIC, the holder will not be required to take into account the mark-to-market gain or loss described above during any period that such corporation is not classified as a PFIC.

 

Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that a PFIC may own, a U.S. Holder who makes a mark-to-market election with respect to the ADSs may continue to be subject to the general PFIC rules with respect to such holder’s indirect interest in any of GRT’s non-United States subsidiaries that is classified as a PFIC.

 

GRT does not intend to provide information necessary for U.S. Holder’s to make qualified electing fund elections, which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from the general tax treatment for PFICs described above. However, as described above under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations—PFIC Classification of GRT,” it is not presently expected that GRT will be classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the Merger occurs or the foreseeable future.

 

As discussed above under “Dividends Paid on ADSs or Ordinary Shares”, dividends that GRT pays on the ADSs or ordinary shares will not be eligible for the reduced tax rate that applies to qualified dividend income if GRT is classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns the ADSs or ordinary shares during any taxable year that GRT is a PFIC, the holder must file an annual information return with the IRS. Each holder is urged to consult its tax advisor concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of purchasing, holding, and disposing ADSs or ordinary shares if GRT is or become a PFIC, including the possibility of making a mark-to-market election and the unavailability of the qualified electing fund election.

 

Information reporting and backup withholding

 

Certain holders are required to report information to the IRS relating to an interest in “specified foreign financial assets,” including shares issued by a non-United States corporation, for any year in which the aggregate value of all specified foreign financial assets exceeds $50.0 thousand (or a higher U.S. dollar amount prescribed by the IRS), subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for shares held in custodial accounts maintained with a United States financial institution). These rules also impose penalties if a holder is required to submit such information to the IRS and fails to do so.

 

In addition, holders may be subject to information reporting to the IRS and backup withholding with respect to dividends on and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the GRT’s ADSs, ordinary shares. Information reporting will apply to payments of dividends on, and to proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, GRT’s ADSs, ordinary shares by a paying agent within the United States to a holder, other than holders that are exempt from information reporting and properly certify their exemption. A paying agent within the United States will be required to withhold at the applicable statutory rate, currently 24%, in respect of any payments of dividends on, and the proceeds from the disposition of, GRT’s ADSs, ordinary shares within the United States to a holder (other than holders that are exempt from backup withholding and properly certify their exemption) if the holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with applicable backup withholding requirements. holders who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide a properly completed IRS Form W-9.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. A holder generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS in a timely manner and furnishing any required information. Each holder is advised to consult with its tax advisor regarding the application of the United States information reporting rules to their particular circumstances.

 

212

 

Korean Taxation

 

The following summary of Korean tax considerations applies to you so long as you are not:

 

a resident of Korea;

 

a corporation with its head office, principal place of business or place of effective management in Korea; or

 

engaged in a trade or business in Korea through a permanent establishment or a fixed base to which the relevant income is attributable or with which the relevant income is effectively connected.

 

Taxation of Dividends on GRT Shares or ADSs

 

We will not deduct Korean withholding tax from dividends paid to you (whether payable in cash or in shares) at a rate of 22.0% (inclusive of local income surtax) since the dividends paid by foreign corporation would not be deemed Korean sourced income.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains from Transfer of GRT Shares or ADSs

 

As a general rule, capital gains earned by non-residents upon transfer of the GRT Shares issued by foreign corporation but listed in Korea Exchange are subject to Korean withholding tax at the lower of (1) 11.0% (inclusive of local income surtax) of the gross proceeds realized or (2) subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of acquisition costs and certain direct transaction costs of the GRT Shares, 22.0% (inclusive of local income surtax) of the net realized gain, unless exempt from Korean income taxation under the applicable Korean tax treaty with the non-resident’s country of tax residence. See “Material Income Tax Consideration — Korean Taxation — Tax Treaties” below for a discussion on treaty benefits. Even if you do not qualify for an exemption under a tax treaty, you will not be subject to the foregoing withholding tax on capital gains if you qualify under the relevant Korean domestic tax law exemptions discussed in the following paragraphs.

 

In regards to the transfer of the GRT Shares through the Korea Exchange, you will not be subject to the withholding tax on capital gains (as described in the preceding paragraph) if you (1) have no permanent establishment in Korea and (2) did not own or have not owned (together with any shares owned by any person with which you have a certain special relationship) 25% or more of the total issued and outstanding shares, which may include the GRT Shares represented by the ADSs, at any time during the calendar year in which the sale occurs and during the five consecutive calendar years prior to the calendar year in which the sale occurs.

 

Under Korean tax law, it is unclear whether ADSs are viewed as Ordinary Shares for capital gains tax purposes and if ADSs are treated as our GRT Shares capital gains from the sale or disposition of ADSs are taxed (if such sale or disposition constitutes a taxable event) as if such gains are from the sale or disposition of the underlying ordinary shares.

 

Tax Treaties

 

Korea has entered into a number of income tax treaties with other countries (including the United States), which would reduce or exempt Korean withholding tax on dividends on, and capital gains on transfer of, the GRT Shares or ADSs. For example, under the Korea-United States income tax treaty, reduced rates of Korean withholding tax of 16.5% or 11.0% (depending on your shareholding ratio and inclusive of local income surtax) on dividends and an exemption from Korean withholding tax on capital gains are available to residents of the United States that are beneficial owners of the relevant dividend income or capital gains, subject to certain exceptions. However, under Article 17 (Investment or Holding Companies) of the Korea-United States income tax treaty, such reduced rates and exemption do not apply if (i) you are a United States corporation, (ii) by reason of any special measures, the tax imposed on you by the United States with respect to such dividend income or capital gains is substantially less than the tax generally imposed by the United States on corporate profits and (iii) 25% or more of your capital is held of record or is otherwise determined, after consultation between competent authorities of the United States and Korea, to be owned directly or indirectly by one or more persons who are not individual residents of the United States. Also, under Article 16 (Capital Gains) of the Korea-United States income tax treaty, the exemption on capital gains does not apply if (a) you have a permanent establishment in Korea and any ordinary shares in which you hold an interest and which gives rise to capital gains are effectively connected with such permanent establishment, (b) you are an individual and you maintain a fixed base in Korea for an aggregate of 183 days or more during a given taxable year and your ADSs or the GRT Shares giving rise to capital gains are effectively connected with such fixed base or (c) you are an individual and you are present in Korea for an aggregate of 183 days or more during a given taxable year.

 

213

 

You should inquire for yourself whether you are entitled to the benefit of a tax treaty between Korea and the country where you are a resident. It is the responsibility of the party claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty in respect of dividend payments or capital gains to submit to us, the purchaser or the financial investment company, as applicable, a certificate as to his tax residence. In the absence of sufficient proof, we, the purchaser or the financial investment company, as applicable, must withhold tax at the normal rates. Furthermore, in order for you to claim the benefit of a tax rate reduction or tax exemption on certain Korean source income (such as dividends or capital gains) under an applicable tax treaty, Korean tax law requires you (or your agent) to submit an application (for reduced withholding tax rate, “application for entitlement to reduced tax rate,” and in the case of exemptions from withholding tax, “application for tax exemption,” along with a certificate of your tax residency issued by a competent authority of your country of tax residence, subject to certain exceptions) as the beneficial owner of such Korean source income (“BO application”). For example, a U.S. resident would be required to provide Form 6166 as a certificate of tax residency together with the application for entitlement to reduced tax rate or the application for tax exemption. Such application should be submitted to the withholding agent prior to the payment date of the relevant income. Subject to certain exceptions, where the relevant income is paid to an overseas investment vehicle (which is not the beneficial owner of such income) (“OIV”), a beneficial owner claiming the benefit of an applicable tax treaty with respect to such income must submit its BO application to such OIV, which must submit an OIV report and a schedule of beneficial owners (and the BO applications collected from each beneficial owner, if such beneficial owner is applying for tax exemption) to the withholding agent prior to the payment date of such income. Effective from January 1, 2022, an OIV is deemed to be a beneficial owner of the Korean source income if (i) under the applicable tax treaty, the OIV bears tax liabilities in the country in which it is established and (ii) the Korean source income is eligible for benefits under the tax treaty. The benefits under a tax treaty between Korea and the country of such OIV’s residence will apply with respect to the relevant income paid to such OIV, subject to certain application requirements as prescribed by the Corporate Income Tax or Individual Income Tax Law. In the case of a tax exemption application, the withholding agent is required to submit such applications (together with the applicable OIV report in the case of income paid to an OIV) to the relevant district tax office by the ninth day of the month following the date of the payment of such income.

 

Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

 

If you die while holding an ADS or donate an ADS, it is unclear whether, for Korean inheritance tax and gift tax purposes, you will be treated as the owner of the GRT Shares underlying the ADSs. If the tax authority interprets depositary receipts as the underlying share certificates, you may be treated as the owner of the GRT Shares and your heir or the donee (or in certain circumstances, you as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance tax or gift tax presently at the rate of 10% to 50%, provided that the value of the ADSs or the GRT Shares is greater than a specified amount.

 

If you die while holding an GRT Share or donate an GRT Share, your heir or donee (or in certain circumstances, you as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance tax or gift tax at the same rate as indicated above.

 

However, if ADS or the GRT Shares underlying share the ADSs are not located within Korea, Korean inheritance tax or gift tax will not be applied.

 

At present, Korea has not entered into any tax treaty relating to inheritance tax or gift tax.

 

Securities Transaction Tax

 

If you transfer the GRT Shares on the Korea Exchange in 2024, you will be subject to securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.18% (with such rate to be reduced to 0.15% on transfers starting January 1, 2025) of the sale price of the GRT Shares. If your transfer of the GRT Shares is not made on the Korea Exchange, subject to certain exceptions, you will be subject to securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.35% and will not be subject to an agriculture and fishery special surtax.

 

Under the Securities Transaction Tax Law, depositary receipts (such as American depositary receipts) constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax. However, the transfer of depositary receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Capital Market, or other qualified foreign exchanges is exempt from the securities transaction tax.

 

214

 

Reporting Requirements for Holders of Substantial Interests in Korea

 

Report on substantial shareholding (5% report)

 

Under the FSCMA, any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of a listed company’s shares with voting rights, equity-related debt securities including convertible bonds, bonds with warrants, exchangeable bonds, certificates representing the rights to subscribe for shares, derivatives-linked securities and depository receipts for the aforementioned securities, which we refer to collectively as equity securities, together with the equity securities directly or beneficially owned by certain related persons or by any person acting in concert with the person, accounts for 5% or more of the total outstanding equity securities of such listed company is required to report the status and purpose (in terms of whether the purpose of the shareholding is to participate in the management of the issuer) of the holdings and the material contents of the agreements relating to the equity securities and other matters prescribed by the Presidential Decree under the FSCMA to the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange within five business days after reaching the 5% ownership interest.

 

In addition, (A) any change in the number of the owned equity securities that equals or exceeds 1% of the total outstanding equity securities or (B) any change in (i) the purpose of the shareholding or in the ownership of the equity securities, (ii) the major terms and conditions of the agreements relating to the equity securities owned (such as trust agreements and collateral agreements) to the extent the number of relevant equity securities is 1% or more of the total outstanding equity securities or (iii) the type of the ownership (direct ownership or holdings) to the extent the number of relevant equity securities is equal to or exceeds 1% of the total outstanding equity securities, subsequent to the report, must be reported to the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange within five business days from the date of such change (or by the tenth day of the month following the month in which the change described in (A) above occurs, in the case of a person (other than certain professional investors designated by the Financial Services Commission) with no intent to seek management control). Notwithstanding the foregoing, certain professional investors designated by the Financial Services Commission may report the 5% ownership status and the changes described in (A) above to the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange by the tenth day of the month immediately following the end of the quarter in which such 5% ownership interest is reached or the change occurs.

 

When filing a report to the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange in accordance with the reporting requirements described above, a copy of such report must also be sent to the relevant listed company.

 

Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to sanctions such as prohibition on the exercise of voting rights with respect to the equity securities for which the reporting requirement was violated, or fines and/or imprisonment. Furthermore, the Financial Services Commission may order the disposal of the equity securities for which the reporting requirement was violated.

 

A person reporting to the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange that his/her purpose of holding the equity securities is to participate in the management of the listed company is prohibited from acquiring additional equity securities of the listed company and exercising voting rights during the period commencing from the date on which the event triggering the reporting requirement occurs and ending on the fifth day from the date on which the report is made.

 

Report by the major shareholder on its shareholding status (10% report)

 

In addition to the reporting requirements described above, any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of our voting stock and/or depository receipts for our voting stock accounts for 10% or more of the total issued and outstanding voting stock, whom we refer to as a major shareholder, must file a report to the Securities and Futures Commission of Korea and to the Korea Exchange within five business days after the date on which the person reached such shareholding limit. In addition, such person must file a report to the Securities and Futures Commission of Korea and to the Korea Exchange regarding any subsequent change in his/her shareholding. Such report on a subsequent change in shareholding must be filed within five business days of the occurrence of any such change. Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions such as fines and/or imprisonment.

 

215

 

Report by the Major Shareholder of its Plan to Transaction Specific Securities

 

The FSCMA, amended on January 23, 2024 and to be implemented from July 24, 2024, stipulates that if any major shareholder wishes to sell, buy, or carry out other transactions prescribed by the enforcement decree of the FSCMA involving, specific securities, it shall file a report on its plan for such transactions including the details on the purpose, transaction volume, transaction period and other matters prescribed by the enforcement decree of the FSCMA, to the SFC and the Korea Exchange during the period prescribed by the enforcement decree of the FSCMA within 30 days to 90 days prior to the commencement of such transactions.

 

The enforcement decree of the FSCMA which provides the details of the foregoing reporting requirements has not yet been passed.

 

According to the pre-announcement of legislation of the FSCMA, the following entities and any foreign entities equivalent thereto are expected to be excluded from the scope of a major shareholder under the enforcement decree of the FSCMA for the purpose of the above reporting obligation: (i) Korean Government, (ii) The Bank of Korea, (iii) a bank under the Banking Act, (iv) The Korea Development Bank, (v) The Industrial Bank of Korea, (vi) The Export-Import Bank of Korea, (vii) National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, (viii) National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, (ix) an insurance company under the Insurance Business Act, (x) a financial investment firm under the FSCMA, (xi) Korea Securities Finance Corporation, (xii) a merchant bank under the FSCMA, (xiii) a money brokerage corporation under the FSCMA, (xiv) a financial holding company under the Financial Holding Companies Act, (xv) a specialized credit financial corporation under the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act, (xvi) Korea Federation of Savings Bank and a mutual savings bank under the Mutual Savings Bank Act, (xvii) National Forest Cooperatives Federation, (xviii) Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives, (xix) National Credit Union Federation, (xx) Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation and a financial resolution institution under the Depositor Protection Act, (xxi) Korea Asset Management Corporation, (xxii) Korea Housing Finance Corporation, (xxiii) Korea Investment Corporation, (xxiv) Korea Financial Investment Association, (xxv) Korea Securities Depositary, (xxvi) an electronic registration institution under the Act on Electronic Registration of Stocks, Bonds, Etc., (xxvii) Korea Exchange, (xxviii) FSS, (xxix) a collective investment vehicle (fund) established under the FSCMA, (xxx) a credit guarantee fund established under the Credit Guarantee Fund Act, (xxxi) a technology credit guarantee fund established under the Technology Credit Guarantee Fund Act, (xxxii) a fund or pension fund established pursuant to Korean law (excluding the credit guarantee fund and the technology credit guarantee fund above) or a corporation manages such fund or pension fund, (xxxiii) a corporation that operates the mutual aid business pursuant to Korean law, (xxxiv) Korean local government, (xxxv) a special purpose vehicle of the private equity fund under the FSCMA (xxxvi) Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, and (xxxvii) a privately placed collective investment scheme excluded from the definition of collective investment under Article 6, Paragraph 5(1) of the FSCMA (except for an individual investment association under the Venture Investment Promotion Act).

 

Furthermore, the Enforcement Decree of the FSCMA is also expected to exclude some types of the transactions from the transactions subject to the above reporting obligation, and the excluded transactions are expected to include a transaction to acquire or dispose of the securities as a result of issuance of, or exercise the exchange rights under, the exchangeable bonds among the specific securities.

 

216

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES

 

Great Rich Technologies Limited

Room 01, 21/Floor

Prosper Commercial Building

9 Yin Chong Street, Kowloon

Hong Kong

 

GRT is a manufacturer of function coating materials, precision coating bonding materials, precision coating protective materials and polymer film materials for 5G, consumer electronics, flexible display, automotive, semiconductors, IC, new energy, furniture, and construction industries. Its products include nanoporous materials, biaxially oriented optical grade BOPET, CPI film, explosion-proof film, electromagnetic shielding film, optical adhesive full lamination, PO acid-resistant film, TAC hardening, MLCC release film, photovoltaic backsheet film, laser TV screen, optical protective film, functional tap, lithium battery (aluminum plastic film, ear tap, tape), high-frequency and high-speed ultra-thin flexible copper clad laminates. GRT’s business address is No. 26 Tonggang Road, Changying Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province GRT’s website address is: www.en.tonglioptech.com

 

Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation

260 Madison Avenue

8th Floor

New York, NY, 10016

Phone: 646 216-2000

 

Flag Ship is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands as a business company with limited liability (meaning that its shareholders have no liability, as members of Flag Ship, for the liabilities of Flag Ship over and above the amount already paid for their shares) and formed for the purpose of acquiring, engaging in a share exchange, share reconstruction and amalgamation with, purchasing all or substantially all of the assets of, entering into contractual arrangements with, or engaging in any other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities, which is referred to throughout this proxy statement/prospectus as an initial business combination.

 

Flag Ship units trade on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “FSHPU.” Commencing on June 20, 2024, the securities comprising the units began separate trading. The units, ordinary shares, and rights are trading on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “FSHPU,” “FSHP,” and “FSHPR,” respectively.

 

GRT Merger Sub Limited

 

GRT Merger Star Limited was formed on behalf and at the direction of GRT. It was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on September 5, 2024 solely to participate in the Merger and has never conducted any other business.

 

217

 

OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO FLAG SHIP

 

General

 

Flag Ship is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands on May 14, 2018. Flag Ship was formed for the purpose of acquiring, engaging in a share exchange, share reconstruction and amalgamation, purchasing all or substantially all of the assets of, entering into contractual arrangements, or engaging in any other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.

 

On June 17, 2024, Flag Ship consummated the IPO of 6,000,000 units. Each unit consists of one ordinary shares of US$0.001 par value per share, and one right to receive one-tenth of one ordinary share upon the consummation of its initial business combination, pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-261028). The units were sold in the IPO at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $60.0 million (before underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses). Flag Ship had also granted the underwriters in the IPO a 45-day option to purchase up to 900,000 additional units to cover over-allotments, if any and on June 18, 2024, the underwriters elected to exercise the over-allotment option in full, resulting in the sale of 900,000 additional units for additional gross proceeds of $9,000,000.

 

Simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO, Flag Ship completed a private placement of 238,000 units, issued to the SPAC Sponsor, generating gross proceeds of $2.38 million. Accordingly, as of June 20, 2024, a total of $69,000,000 (which amount includes $1,725,000 of the underwriters’ deferred discount), comprised of proceeds from the IPO and the sale of the private placement units, was placed in a U.S.-based trust account at Wilmington Trust, N.A., as trustee for the benefit of Flag Ship Public Shareholders.

 

Flag Ship’s units began trading on June 20, 2024 on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “FSHPU.” Commencing on June 20, 2024, the securities comprising the units began separate trading. The units, ordinary shares and rights are trading on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “FSHPU,” “FSHP,” and “FSHPR,” respectively.

 

Flag Ship has until September 17, 2025 to consummate a business combination. However, our Sponsor may extend the time frame for us to complete a business combination by up to an additional 9 months (for a total period of up to 24 months from our initial public offering) provided that it (or its designee) deposits the required amount of funds into the trust account for each monthly extension. Holders of our securities will not have to right to approve or disapprove any such monthly extension. Further, holders of our securities will not have the right to seek or obtain redemption in connection with any such extension.

 

Pursuant to the terms of our memorandum and articles of association and the trust agreement we have entered into between us, Wilmington Trust National Association and Vstock Transfer LLC, in order for the time available for us to consummate our initial business combination to be extended, our sponsor or its affiliates or designees, must deposit into the trust account $230,000 (approximately $0.033 per public share), or up to an aggregate of $2,070,000, or $0.30 per public share (for an aggregate of 9 months), on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, for each extension.

 

As of the date hereof, approximately $____ t of cash was held outside of the Trust Account and was available for working capital purposes.

 

On August 30, 2024, Flag Ship issued an unsecured promissory note (the “Note”) in the principal amount of up to $1,000,000 to the Sponsor and requested a draw of funds of $294,688 from the note for working capital purposes. The Note bears no interest and Flag Ship shall repay the principal balance outstanding on the Note on the earlier of: (i) December 31, 2025 or (ii) the date on which it consummates its initial business combination. The Note is subject to customary events of default, the occurrence of certain of which entitles the Sponsor to declare the unpaid principal balance of the Note and all other sums payable with regard to the Note becoming immediately due and payable.

 

218

 

Business Strategy

 

Our efforts in identifying prospective target businesses will not be limited to a particular geographic region. We believe that we will add value to these businesses primarily by providing them with access to the U.S. capital markets. We have not identified any particular geographical area or country in which we may seek a business combination.

 

We will seek to capitalize on the strength of our management team. Our team consists of experienced professionals and senior operating executives. Collectively, our officers and directors have decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions, and operating companies. We believe we will benefit from their accomplishments, and specifically their current and recent activities with companies in identifying attractive acquisition opportunities.

 

We believe that the members of our management team and board of directors have valuable and applicable experience for sourcing and analyzing potential acquisition candidates across various industries and on an international basis based upon their professional experience. Our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chen, who previously served as CEO and subsequently CFO of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, has reached out to dozens of target companies in different industries and successfully executed a merger transaction for Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation. Mr. Chen also led XiaoMingTaiJi Anime Limited Co. to make successful acquisitions in the past. Our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Lou Zhong, previously served as consultant for Greenland Acquisition Corporation and Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, where he assisted management teams of SPAC to conduct research, analysis and execute the business acquisition. Previously, he worked with the quality control division of Haitong Securities Co., Ltd. to review investment portfolios for the firm. Our independent directors also have previous experiences of serving as directors of other SPAC companies.

 

Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Merger Agreement

 

On October 21, 2024, Flag Ship entered into the Merger Agreement with GRT and Merger Sub, pursuant to which, among other things, Flag Ship will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT. The Merger will become effective at such time as the Cayman Plan of Merger is registered by the Cayman Registrar or at such other time subsequent thereto, but not exceeding 90 days from the date of registration as mutually agreed between Merger Sub and Flag Ship and specified in the Cayman Plan of Merger.

 

At the Effective Time, each Flag Ship Share issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time (excluding shares held by GRT and Flag Ship and dissenting shares, if any) will be automatically converted into the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration, and each right to receive Flag Ship Shares that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be assumed by GRT and automatically converted into a right to receive ordinary shares of GRT, payable in GRT ADSs.

 

Shareholders are urged to read additional information and details of Merger Agreement in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement” on page 185 and the Merger Agreement in its entirety, cop of which is attached hereto as exhibit.

 

Ancillary Agreements

 

In conjunction with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the parties entered into certain related agreements pursuant to the Merger Agreement. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of each of the Ancillary Agreements, copies of each of which are attached hereto as exhibits. Shareholders are urged to read additional information and details of such Ancillary Agreement in the section entitled “The Ancillary Agreements” on page 199 and such Ancillary Agreements in their entirety.

 

219

 

Voting and Support Agreement

 

SPAC Sponsor entered into the Voting Agreement with GRT. Under the Voting Agreement, the SPAC Sponsor generally agreed to vote all of its capital shares in Flag Ship in favor of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, each other Flag Ship Proposal and any other proposal included in this proxy statement/prospectus related to the Merger for which the Flag Ship Board has recommended that the Flag Ship Shareholders vote in favor and against any competing transaction. The Voting Agreement prevents transfers of the Flag Ship shares held by the SPAC Sponsor between the date of the Voting Agreement and the termination of the Voting Agreement, subject to certain limited exceptions.

 

Lock-Up Agreement

 

The Merger Agreement contemplates that, at the Effective Time, GRT will enter into a Lock-Up Agreement with the SPAC Sponsor and certain shareholders of GRT immediately prior to the Effective Time, with respect to the Restricted Securities. In such Lock-Up Agreement, each holder will agree that, subject to certain exceptions, during the period ending twelve months after the Effective Time, it will not (i) lend, offer, pledge, hypothecate, encumber, donate, assign, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Securities, (ii) enter into any swap, short sale, hedge or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Restricted Securities, or (iii) publicly disclose the intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii), or (iii) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any Flag Ship Shares.

 

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, GRT, the Company and certain Investors (as defined in the Amended and Restated Rights Registration Agreement), as applicable, will enter into an Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), to be effective as of the Closing, pursuant to which GRT agrees to file a registration statement as soon as practicable upon receipt of a written request from certain shareholders to register the resale of certain registrable securities under the Securities Act, subject to required notice provisions to other parties thereto. GRT has also agreed to provide customary “piggyback” registration rights with respect to such registrable securities and, subject to certain circumstances, to file a resale shelf registration statement to register the resale under the Securities Act of such registrable securities.

 

The Registration Rights Agreement also provides that GRT will pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the securityholders against certain liabilities. The rights granted under the Registration Rights Agreement supersede any prior registration, qualification, or similar rights of the parties with respect to their Company securities or Parent securities.

 

Redemption Rights for Holders of Public Shares

 

Flag Ship is providing Flag Ship Public Shareholders with the opportunity to redeem Flag Ship Public Shares for cash equal to a pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest but net of taxes payable and amounts released to Flag Ship for working capital purposes, divided by the number of then outstanding Flag Ship Public Shares, upon the Closing, subject to the limitations described herein. The amount in the trust account is initially anticipated to be approximately $10.00 per public share (subject to increase of up to an additional $0.30 per public share in the event that our sponsor elects to extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus). The per-share amount we will distribute to investors who properly redeem their shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions we will pay to the underwriters.

 

Holders of outstanding units must separate the underlying Flag Ship Public Shares and public rights prior to exercising Redemption Rights with respect to the Flag Ship Public Shares.

 

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides that in no event will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 upon consummation of our initial business combination, that we are otherwise exempt from the provisions of Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act (so that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules). Further, the Merger Agreement includes a closing condition that there be at least $10,000,000 in available liquidity upon the Closing of the Merger, representing the sum of: (i) funds in the Trust Account following the exercise of all redemption rights by the shareholders of Flag Ship, plus (ii) cash available from any other sources, including, without limitation, a PIPE Investment or other equity or debt financing arrangement mutually acceptable to Flag Ship and GRT. In the event the aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all Flag Ship Ordinary Shares that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement exceed the foregoing requirement, we will not complete the Merger or redeem any shares, and all Flag Ship Ordinary Shares submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof.

 

220

 

Submission of the Flag Ship Merger Proposal to a Shareholder Vote

 

Flag Ship is providing Flag Ship Public Shareholders with Redemption Rights upon the Closing. Flag Ship Public Shareholders electing to exercise their Redemption Rights will be entitled to receive the cash amount specified above, provided that such shareholders properly and timely demand Redemption and delivers their Flag Ship Shares (either physically or electronically) to Flag Ship’s transfer agent in accordance with the procedures described herein. Flag Ship Public Shareholders are not required to affirmatively vote for or against the Merger in order to exercise their Redemption Rights. If the Merger is not completed, then Flag Ship Public Shareholders electing to exercise their Redemption Rights will not be entitled to receive such payments.

 

The SPAC Sponsor has agreed to vote any Flag Ship Shares owned by it in favor of the Merger. In addition, Flag Ship Initial Insiders have agreed to waive their Redemption Rights with respect to the Flag Ship Founder Shares and any Flag Ship Public Shares they may hold in connection with the Closing. However, if Flag Ship Initial Insiders acquired Flag Ship Public Shares in or after the IPO, they will be entitled to Redemption Rights with respect to such Flag Ship Public Shares if Flag Ship fails to complete the Closing by the Outside Date. In the event of such Redemption, it is possible that the per share value of the assets remaining available for Redemption (including Trust Account assets) will be less than $10 per share.

 

Limitation on Redemption Rights

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Flag Ship Charter provides that a Flag Ship Public Shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is acting in concert or as a “group” ​(as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking Redemptions with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the Flag Ship Shares sold in the IPO without Flag Ship’s prior written consent.

 

Liquidation if No Initial Business Combination

 

Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed that we will have until the Deadline Date to complete our initial business combination. The “Deadline Date” means the date by which Flag Ship is required to consummate an initial business combination as described in the Flag Ship Charter. Under the Flag Ship Charter, since Flag Ship entered into the Merger Agreement within 12 months from the closing of its IPO, it has until 15 months from the closing of the IPO, or September 20, 2025, to consummate a business combination, subject however to its ability, if the Flag Ship Board elects, to extend the period of time to consummate a business combination up to nine times, each by an additional one month (for a total of up to 24 months from the closing of the IPO, or June 20, 2026) to complete a business combination), subject to the Sponsor depositing additional funds into the Trust Account in accordance with terms as set out in the trust agreement governing the Trust Account. 

 

If we are unable to complete our initial business combination by the Deadline Date, we will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, on the date that is two Business Days prior to the consummation of the business combination, including interest earned but net of taxes payable, divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our Board of Directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to our rights, which will expire worthless if we fail to complete our initial business combination by the Deadline Date.

 

Our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have waived their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to their founder shares and private placement shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination by the Deadline Date. However, if our sponsor acquires public shares after the IPO, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to such public shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination by the Deadline Date.

 

221

 

We expect that all costs and expenses associated with implementing our liquidation, as well as payments to any creditors, will be funded from amounts held outside the trust account, although we cannot assure you that there will be sufficient funds for such purpose. However, if those funds are not sufficient to cover the costs and expenses associated with implementing our liquidation, to the extent that there is any interest accrued in the trust account not required to pay taxes, we may request the trustee to release to us an additional amount of up to $50,000 of such accrued interest to pay those costs and expenses. The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to the claims of our creditors which would have higher priority than the claims of our public shareholders. We cannot assure you that the actual per-share redemption amount received by shareholders will not be substantially less than $10.00. While we intend to pay such amounts, if any, we cannot assure you that we will have funds sufficient to pay or provide for all creditors’ claims.

 

In the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below (i) $10.00 per public share or (ii) such lesser amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account, due to reductions in value of the trust assets, in each case net of the amount of interest which may be withdrawn to pay taxes, and our Sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations or that it has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine whether to take legal action against our Sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations. While we currently expect that our independent directors would take legal action on our behalf against our Sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations to us, it is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not to do so in any particular instance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that due to claims of creditors the actual value of the per-share redemption price will not be substantially less than $10.00 per share.

 

We will seek to reduce the possibility that our Sponsor will have to indemnify the trust account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring to have all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses or other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the trust account. However, there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements or even if they execute such agreements that they would be prevented from bringing claims against the trust account, including but not limited to, fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or other similar claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in order to gain an advantage with a claim against our assets, including the funds held in the trust account. If any third party refused to execute an agreement waiving such claims, we would perform an analysis of the alternatives available to us if we chose not to engage such third party and evaluate if such engagement would be in the best interest of our shareholders if such third party refused to waive such claims. Examples of possible instances where we may engage a third party that refused to execute a waiver include the engagement of a third party consultant whose particular expertise or skills are believed by management to be significantly superior to those of other consultants that would agree to execute a waiver or in cases where management is unable to find a provider of required services willing to provide the waiver. In any event, our management would perform an analysis of the alternatives available to it and would only enter into an agreement with a third party that did not execute a waiver if management believed that such third party’s engagement would be significantly more beneficial to us than any alternative.

 

If we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our shareholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, we cannot assure you we will be able to return $10.00 per share to our public shareholders. Additionally, if we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our shareholders. Furthermore, our board may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, and thereby exposing itself and our company to claims of punitive damages, by paying public shareholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons.

 

Flag Ship’s public shareholders will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only upon the earlier of (i) the completion of our initial business combination, (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly tendered in connection with a shareholder vote to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to (A) modify the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination by the Deadline Date or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (iii) the redemption of all of our public shares if we are unable to complete our initial business combination by the Deadline Date, subject to applicable law. In no other circumstances will a shareholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.

 

Employees

 

As of the date hereof, Flag Ship currently has two (2) executive officers. These individuals are not obligated to devote any specific number of hours to Flag Ship’s matters and intend to devote only as much time as they deem necessary to Flag Ship’s affairs. The amount of time they will devote in any time period varies based on the stage of the business combination process Flag Ship is in. Flag Ship presently expects its executive officers to devote such amount of time as they reasonably believe is necessary to Flag Ship’s business. Flag Ship does not intend to have any other employees prior to the consummation of a business combination.

 

222

 

Permitted Purchases of Our Securities

 

In the event we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of our initial business combination. There is no limit on the number of shares such persons may purchase. However, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. In the event our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates determine to make any such purchases at the time of a shareholder vote relating to our initial business combination, such purchases could have the effect of influencing the vote necessary to approve such transaction. None of the funds in the trust account will be used to purchase shares in such transactions. They will not make any such purchases when they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or if such purchases are prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Such a purchase may include a contractual acknowledgement that such shareholder, although still the record holder of our shares is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights.

 

In the event that our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. We do not currently anticipate that such purchases, if any, would constitute a tender offer subject to the tender offer rules under the Exchange Act or a going-private transaction subject to the going-private rules under the Exchange Act; however, if the purchasers determine at the time of any such purchases that the purchases are subject to such rules, the purchasers will comply with such rules.

 

The purpose of such purchases would be to (i) vote such shares in favor of the business combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining shareholder approval of the business combination or (ii) to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. This may result in the completion of our initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible. In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our ordinary shares may be reduced and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, which may make it difficult to maintain or obtain the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.

 

Our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors and/or their affiliates anticipate that they may identify the shareholders with whom our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors or their affiliates may pursue privately negotiated purchases by either the shareholders contacting us directly or by our receipt of redemption requests submitted by shareholders following our mailing of proxy materials in connection with our initial business combination. To the extent that our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates enter into a private purchase, they would identify and contact only potential selling shareholders who have expressed their election to redeem their shares for a pro rata share of the trust account or vote against the business combination. Such persons would select the shareholders from whom to acquire shares based on the number of shares available, the negotiated price per share and such other factors as any such person may deem relevant at the time of purchase. The price per share paid in any such transaction may be different than the amount per share a public shareholder would receive if it elected to redeem its shares in connection with our initial business combination. Our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors or their affiliates will only purchase shares if such purchases comply with Regulation M under the Exchange Act and the other federal securities laws. Any purchases by our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors and/or their affiliates who are affiliated purchasers under Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act will only be made to the extent such purchases are able to be made in compliance with Rule 10b-18, which is a safe harbor from liability for manipulation under Section 9(a)(2) and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. Rule 10b-18 has certain technical requirements that must be complied with in order for the safe harbor to be available to the purchaser. Our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors and/or their affiliates will not make purchases of ordinary shares if the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act.

 

Property

 

Flag Ship does not own any real estate or other physical properties materially important to its operation. Flag Ship currently maintain its principal executive offices at 26 Broadway, Suite 934, New York, NY, 10014. The cost for this space is included in the $10,000 per-month aggregate fee an affiliate of the SPAC Sponsor charges Flag Ship for general and administrative services. Flag Ship believes, based on rents and fees for similar services in the New York area that the fee charged by the affiliate of the SPAC Sponsor is at least as favorable as Flag Ship could have obtained from an unaffiliated person. Effective ____, 2024, the affiliate of the SPAC Sponsor has agreed to stop charging Flag Ship the monthly administrative fee. Flag Ship considers its current office space, combined with the other office space otherwise available to its executive officers, adequate for its current operations.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

223

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF FLAG SHIP

 

The following discussion and analysis of Flag Ship’s financial condition and results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This proxy statement includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Exchange Act that are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this proxy statement including, without limitation, statements in this “Flag Ship’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” regarding Flag Ship’s financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of Flag Ship’s management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “seek” and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, but reflect Flag Ship’s management’s current beliefs, based on information currently available. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance or results to differ materially from the events, performance and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors section of the Flag Ship’s final Prospectus on Form 424B4 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 20, 2024. Flag Ship’s securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, Flag Ship disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Overview

 

Flag Ship is a blank check company incorporated on May 14, 2018 in the Cayman Islands with limited liability (meaning its shareholders have no liability, as members of Flag Ship, for the liabilities of Flag Ship over and above the amount already paid for their Flag Ship Shares) formed for the purpose of acquiring, engaging in a share exchange, share reconstruction and amalgamation with, purchasing all or substantially all of the assets of, or engaging in any other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. Flag Ship currently has until June 16, 2025 to consummate a business combination.

 

On October 21, 2024, Flag Ship entered into the Merger Agreement with GRT and Merger Sub. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, among other things, Flag Ship will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT. The Merger will become effective at such time as the Cayman Plan of Merger is registered by the Cayman Registrar or at such other time subsequent thereto, but not exceeding 90 days from the date of registration as mutually agreed between Merger Sub and Flag Ship and specified in the Cayman Plan of Merger.

 

Results of Operations

 

Our entire activity since inception up to September 30, 2024 related to our formation, the preparation for the initial public offering, and since the closing of the initial public offering, the search for a prospective initial business combination. We will not be generating any operating revenues until the closing and completion of our initial business combination, at the earliest. We will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income from the amount held in the Trust Account.

 

224

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we had a net income of $432,463, which consisted of dividend income earned in investments held in Trust Account of $989,243, partially set-off by formation and operating costs of $556,780.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we had a net loss of $62,399, which consisted of formation, general and administrative expenses of 62,399.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, we had a net loss of $107,192, which consisted of formation, general and administrative expenses of $107,192.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

On June 20, 2024, we consummated the Initial Public Offering of 6,900,000 units (the “Public Units”), which includes 900,000 Public Units upon the full exercise by the underwriter of its over-allotment option, at $10.00 per Public Unit, generating gross proceeds of $69,000,000. Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we consummated the sale of 238,000 units (the “Private Placement Units”) at a price of $10.00 per Private Placement Unit in a private placement to Whale Management Corporation (the “Sponsor”), generating gross proceeds of $2,380,000. Transaction costs amounted to $3,448,233, consisting of $1,380,000 of underwriting commissions, $1,725,000 of deferred underwriting commissions and $343,233 of other offering costs.

 

As of September 30, 2024, we had cash outside our trust account of $215, working capital deficit of $207,219 and marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $69,989,243.

 

As of December 31, 2023, we had cash outside our trust account of $116,210, working capital deficit of $313,006 and no marketable securities held in the Trust Account.

 

As of December 31, 2022, we had cash outside our trust account of $182,408, working capital deficit of $250,607 and no marketable securities held in the Trust Account.

 

We intend to use substantially all of the net proceeds of the initial public offering, including the funds held in the Trust Account, to acquire a target business or businesses and to pay our expenses relating thereto. To the extent that our capital stock is used in whole or in part as consideration to effect our business combination, the remaining proceeds held in the Trust Account, as well as any other net proceeds not expended, will be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business. Such working capital funds could be used in a variety of ways including continuing or expanding the target business’ operations, for strategic acquisitions and for marketing, research and development of existing or new products. Such funds could also be used to repay any operating expenses or finders’ fees which we had incurred prior to the completion of our business combination if the funds available to us outside of the Trust Account were insufficient to cover such expenses.

 

We intend to use the funds held outside the Trust Account primarily to identify and evaluate target businesses, perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses or their representatives or owners, review corporate documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses, and structure, negotiate and complete a business combination.

 

In connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with FASB’s Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” the Company will until 12 months (or 15 months if the Company enters into a business combination agreement prior to the expiration of the initial 12-month period) from the closing of the Initial Public Offering to consummate a Business Combination. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination, the Company will trigger an automatic winding up, dissolution and liquidation pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. There is a possibility that business combination might not happen within the prescribed period of time.

 

225

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Registration Rights

 

Pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into on June 17, 2024, the holders of the insider shares, private placement units (including securities contained therein), and units (including securities contained therein) that may be issued on conversion of working capital loans or extension loans (and) are entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement signed on the effective date of our initial public offering requiring us to register such securities for resale. The holders of these securities are entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form demands, that we register such securities. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our completion of initial business combination and rights to require us to register for resale such securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

Underwriting Agreement

 

The underwriters are to a cash underwriting discount of 2.0% of the gross proceeds of the initial public offering, or $1,380,000, upon the closing of the initial business combination. In addition, the underwriters are entitled to a deferred underwriting fee of 2.5% of the gross proceeds of the IPO, or $1,725,000, which will be paid upon the closing of a Business Combination from the amounts held in the Trust Account, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.

 

Administrative Services Agreement

 

We entered into an agreement with our sponsor, pursuant to which we agreed to pay our sponsor a total of $10,000 per month for secretarial and administrative support services provided to us through the earlier of consummation of the initial business combination and our liquidation.

 

In addition, our sponsor, officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. There is no cap or ceiling on the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such persons in connection with activities on our behalf.

 

Promissory Note

 

On August 30, 2024, Flag Ship issued an unsecured promissory note (the “Note”) in the principal amount of up to $1,000,000 to the Sponsor and requested a draw of funds of $294,688 from the Note for working capital purposes. The Note bears no interest. Flag Ship shall repay the principal balance on the earlier of: (i) December 31, 2025 or (ii) the date on which it consummates its initial business combination. The principal balance may be prepaid at any time. Once an amount is drawn down under the Note, it shall not be available for future drawdown requests even if prepaid. The Note is subject to customary events of default, the occurrence of certain of which entitles Whale to declare, by written notice to Company, the unpaid principal balance of the Note and all other sums payable with regard to the Note becoming immediately due and payable.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. A critical accounting estimate to our unaudited financial statements includes the valuation of ordinary shares subject to possible redemption. We have not identified any critical accounting estimates.

 

226

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Our management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s unaudited financial statements.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of September 30, 2024, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K

 

JOBS Act

 

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act and are allowed to comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements based on the effective date for private (not publicly traded) companies. We elected to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we may not comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.

 

As an “emerging growth company”, we are not required to, among other things, (1) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, (2) provide all of the compensation disclosure that may be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (3) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the PCAOB regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis), and (4) disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the CEO’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply for a period of five years following the completion of our initial public offering or until we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” whichever is earlier.

 

227

 

BUSINESS OF GREAT RICH TECHNOLGOIES LIMITED

 

I. GRT’s Corporate History

 

Great Rich Technologies Limited (“GRT”) is a limited company incorporated in Hong Kong on September 11, 2012. GRT is an investment holding company, and our business is operated through our subsidiaries in China. As of date of this prospectus, our subsidiaries in China are as follows:

 

Subsidiary Company’s Name   Formation Date   Jurisdiction   Direct and Indirect
Ownership Percentage
Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Material Group Co., Ltd (“Jiangsu Tongli”)   July 5, 2013   PRC  

100%

Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd (“Jiangyin Tongli”)  

January 18, 2002

  PRC  

99.8%

Jiangsu Huizhi New Material Technology Co., Ltd (“Huizhi”)  

November 9, 2018

  PRC  

55.75%

Shanghai Jianishi New Material Co., Ltd (“Jianishi”)  

October 9, 1997

  PRC  

94.81%

Jiangyin Zhitong New Material Co., Ltd (“Zhitong”)  

December 25, 2020

  PRC  

98.815%

Zhejiang Hongyu New Materials Co., Ltd. (Zhejiang Hongyu)   May 14, 2024   PRC   100%
Qingtian Hongyu New Materials Co., Ltd. (Qingtian Hongyu)   May 15, 2024   PRC   73.3299% by Zhejiang Hongyu

 

GRT and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as “Group”, or “the company”. When the terminologies such as “we” “us” are used, they should refer to “GRT” and its subsidiaries collectively unless it is specifically referred to a particular company.

 

Ownership Structure

 

 

228

 

Business Description

 

Overview

 

GRT is one of the few companies in China’s functional coating composite materials industry covering the entire supply chain. The company has transitioned from a single manufacturer of functional coating composite materials to solution designers and providers, offering multidimensional solutions including color, decoration, substrates, processes, and coating materials.

 

Through the operating subsidiaries in China, we manufacture and distribute functional coating composite materials in China. According to the industry report produced by Frost & Sullivan, whom we commissioned in April 2024, in fiscal year 2023, based on the revenue of functional coating materials in China, we ranked as the largest domestic participant in China’s functional coating composite materials market, holding a market share of approximately 0.5% and we are ranted as the 6th largest player in China’s functional coating composite materials market in 2023 in terms of revenue, holding a market share of 0.4%. Though the functional coating composite materials market in China is becoming increasingly concentrated, the current market is largely fragmented, with the largest player having a market share of only 1.2%, and the top ten competitors in China only having a market share of 4.9%. As of the date of this prospectus, our products are primarily marketed and sold to the companies in the same industry and some trading companies in mainland China.

 

Through our operating subsidiaries, we adhere to innovation leadership and continuously accelerate the pace of transformation and upgrading. We have become an integrated solution provider with leading advantages in precision coating bonding materials, precision coating protective materials, functional coating materials, and polymer film materials, offering customers with “One-stop” product and technical services. Our R&D personnel account for 12% of the total workforce, with annual R&D expenditures amounting to 6% of operating income. Meanwhile, the company holds over 300 active authorized patents, including 100 invention patents.

 

We also pride ourselves in upholding high standards for product safety and product quality and sustainability. Our operating subsidiaries have stringent quality control systems in place at every stage of our value chain, from processing to sales and distribution. Our operating subsidiaries have obtained internationally recognized quality assurance certifications, including ISO90001, ISO14001, ISO45001, IATF16949, and Integration of Informationization and Industrialization Management System Certification.

 

We generate revenue primarily from sales of our products. For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we had total revenue of approximately US$633,127,741 and US$581,229,763, respectively, representing an increase by approximately 8.9%.

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

We believe the following competitive strengths are essential for our success and differentiate us from our competitors:

 

We are one of the largest players in China’s functional coating composite materials market.

 

Based on the revenue of functional coating composite materials in 2023, the Group ranked as the largest domestic participant and the fifth largest participant in China’s functional coating composite materials market.

 

The company’s revenue grew rapidly, exceeding the industry’s average growth rate, and its market share is gradually increasing.

 

229

 

We are one of the few in China’s functional coasting composite materials industry covering the entire supply chain.

 

The company is one of the few companies in China’s functional coating composite materials industry covering the entire supply chain. The Company has transitioned from a single manufacturer of functional coating composite materials to solution designers and providers, offering multidimensional solutions including color, decoration, substrates, processes, and coating materials. Our industry coverage is the more comprehensive than market competitors.

 

Strong Manufacturing Capability and Self-Made Products.

 

We have expanded our manufacturing facilities in the past ten years. As of the date of this prospectus, through the operating subsidiaries, we operate three major manufacturing facilities in Jinagsu Province and we are building another manufacturing facility in Zhejiang. See “Business — Manufacturing Facilities.” These facilities enable us to meet customers located in 40 countries.

 

We have obtained ISO90001, ISO14001, ISO45001, IATF16949, and Integration of Informationization and Industrialization Management System Certification.

 

We produce 70% of our coatings, and according to Frost & Sullivan, this is relatively rare among domestic enterprises. We believe that self-production of coatings can better meet customer needs.

 

Strong Product Development Capabilities and a Diverse Range of Innovative Products.

 

Our R&D personnel account for 12% of the total workforce, with annual R&D expenditures amounting to 6% of operating income. Meanwhile, we hold over 250 authorized patents, including 54 invention patents. Our technical department professionals make improvements on our technologies base on the real experience and the real problems that should be solved in order to achieve a better performance of the products.

 

Strong quality control program.

 

Our laboratory conducts over 100 testing items, ranging from raw material particle feeding detection, blow molding stretching, and precise film coating to slitting/die-cutting. We can conduct molecular weight distribution analysis of polymers, quantitative analysis of specific compounds, and analysis of volatile components in complex matrices.

 

An Experienced and Capable Management Team

 

We have an experienced and capable management team with a wealth of market knowledge and experience in the Chinese functional coating industry. Our Executive Directors, Mr. Yongnan Zhou and Mr. Jiangze Xiang, each possesses over 20 years of experience in business management and the functional coating industry, enabling us to better understand market trends, develop new products, and identify and capture new business opportunities. Our senior management team also brings extensive operational and management experience in the production of film products in China, product development, marketing, and human resources management. We believe that their active involvement in the operating subsidiaries’ day-to-day operations allows them to make timely decisions when needed.

 

Our Growth Strategies

 

We intend to develop our business and strengthen brand loyalty by implementing the following strategies:

 

230

 

Establishing Comprehensive Functional Coating Materials Supply Chain Providing

 

We are one of the few companies in China’s functional coating composite materials industry covering the entire supply chain. We have transitioned from being a single manufacturer of functional coating composite materials to solution designers and providers, offering multidimensional solutions including color, decoration, substrates, processes, and coating materials. We continue expand our supply chain, which enable us to enter the construction, automotive, consumer electronic industries. We believe that our extensive manufacturing capability will set us apart in the market, distinguishing us from our competitors. We expect this strategy to position us as a provider of high-quality, potentially opening up opportunities for expansion and market penetration, matching or excelling the first-class providers in the coating industry.

 

Increasing Investment in Developing Innovative Products

 

Through our operating subsidiaries, we are committed to increasing investment in innovative products in our future development, particularly focusing on the research and development of products such as nano-ceramic insulation materials and 5G high-frequency sensor carrier film.

 

We have developed many self-made products, and we have been granted more than 100 invention patents and are confident that our technology will differentiate us in the market. Through continuous innovation, high-quality products, and market expansion, we aim to achieve greater success in the competitive market. We ensure market responsiveness through high value-added products, replacing imported products with more advanced self-made domestic products.

 

Integrating the layout, mastering the key production of base film and adhesive coating synthesis

 

We ensure the stability and quality of our raw material supply, reduce production costs and enhance the competitiveness and risk resistance of the enterprise.

 

Future M&A

 

Through horizontal mergers and acquisitions, we seek to expand market share and enhance brand influence, and become a leading enterprise in the domestic industry in China. We strive to narrow the technology gap with overseas companies through mergers and acquisitions in upstream and downstream industries

 

Actively exploring overseas markets

 

In the future, we plan to expand our overseas sales in Southeast Asia, India, and Mexico to enhance our global competitiveness.

 

Our Products

 

The products are widely used in 5G, consumer electronics, flexible display, automobile Semiconductors, integrated circuits, new energy, home appliances, furniture, architecture, and other fields.

 

 

231

 

 

 

232

 

 

 

233

 

 

 

234

 

 

 

235

 

 

The main products include nano hole materials, biaxially stretched optical grade BOPET, CPI film, explosion-proof film, electromagnetic shielding film, full bonding optical adhesive, PO acid resistant film, TAC hardening, MLCC release film, photovoltaic backplane film, Laser TV screen, optical protective film, functional tape, lithium battery (aluminum plastic film, ear glue, tape), high-frequency high-speed ultra-thin flexible copper clad plate, etc. The detailed product list is as follows:

 

 

236

 

Manufacturing Facilities

 

In China, we currently have three modern manufacturing factories located at the intersection of land and sea logistics in Jiangsu Province. Two of the factories are owned by Jiangyin Tongli and are located in Jiangyin, Jiangsu province; the other one is owned by Huizhi and is located in Lianyuangang, Jiangsu province. The first factory is located at No. 8 Changxing Road, Changjing Town, Jiangyin City, with a building area of 8,237 (excluding the property on the 5,589.99leased land); the second factory is located 26 Tonggang Road, Changjing Town, Jiangyin City, with a building area of 87,472.10. In addition, Huizhi is building a new factory in Lianyungang with an approved building area of 413,081.45, and most of the buildings have been completed and registered with the local authority, with a building area 332,315.35 (80.45%). Approximately 17% of the construction project has been completed and is currently applying for registration. Thus, a completely new material manufacturing industry chain has been formed. This facility performs the following functions: modifying various polymer materials, the production and manufacturing of thin film materials, the synthesis of various functional coating materials, and the precise coating of functional film materials.

 

Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd*1

 

  Plant 1 Plant 2
Location Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China

Factory Scale

Building area 60,000 m2 (Covering 65 acres)

Building area 87,472.1 m2 (Covering 65 acres)

Production Capacity

566 million m2 /year 3,957 million m2 /year
Width of film produced 500mm~6200mm highest level in the industry”  

Number of equipment

21 25

 

Production Management

 

1. Clean Management System

Introduce Japanese clean management system to build a dust-free System Workshop

Constant temperature and humidity control in workshop to ensure the optimization of production environment

2. Integrated management system

Pass ISO three systems, automotive management system and two-chemical integration management system

Perfect manufacturing, testing and information management system

 

Internal view of Plant 1 and Plant 2

 

 

 

Aerial view of Plant 1 and Plant 2

 

237

 

 

Panoramic view of Plant 1 and Plant 2

 

 

238

 

Jiangsu Huizhi New Materials Technology Co.,Ltd*2

 

  Plant 3
Address Lianyungang, China

Factory Scale

Building area 408,000 m2 (Covering 400 acres)

Production Capacity

1,511 million m2 /year

Number of employees

514
Width of film produced 500mm~6200mm highest level in the industry”

Number of equipment

39

 

Characteristics of Plant 3

 

Facilities Construction

 

Introduction of German DORNIER production line

 

6 workshops, R&D building, 4 dormitory buildings, canteen, office building (completed on 21.12.30)

 

Product Manufacturing

 

Production of high value-added products→ MLCC release film, lithium battery related materials, OLED optical materials, FCCL film, PETG film, TPU film, BOPET film, etc.

 

Production Capacity

 

Approximately three times the size of Plant 1 and Plant 2 combined

 

The construction of Plant 3 has resulted in a 33% increase in production capacity, and the capacity of Plant 3 will be increased at a later date.

 

239

 

Aerial view of Plant 3

 

 

Panoramic view of Plant 3

 

 

240

 

BOPET

 

The BOPET double-drawing line introduces the latest high-specification hardware configuration from Germany. This double-drawing line has material blending and modification technology, thin film molding technology and on-line coating technology, which is the highest technical level of cutting-edge optical film in China. The main products are composite base material, anti-color hardening base film, base film of polarizer release film, super smooth MLCC base film, anti-static base film, base film of window film, low precipitation and low shrinkage base film. The company successfully mass-produced optical grade BOPET in 2023.

 

 

In recent years, we have continuously increased investment in updating production equipment and technological transformation, forming large-scale production and expanding the scale of the factory.

 

INDUSTRY

 

All the information and data presented in this section have been derived from the Frost & Sullivan (Beijing) Inc., Shanghai Branch Co. (Frost & Sullivan) industry report commissioned by us in June 2024 (the “Frost & Sullivan Report”) unless otherwise noted. Frost & Sullivan has advised us that the statistical and graphical information contained herein is drawn from its database and other sources. The following discussion contains projections for future growth, which may not occur at the rates that are projected or at all.

 

241

 

OVERVIEW OF FUNCATIONAL COATING COMPOSITE MATERAIAL INDUSTRY IN MAINLAND CHINA

 

Definition and Classification of Functional Coating Materials

 

Functional coating composite material is a material that is transformed and compounded from one or more materials through precision coating, printing, vacuum sputtering and sintering. It is one of the new material industry segments with various new features such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, insulation, flame retardant, light blocking, acid and alkali resistance, anti-blue light, anti-fingerprint, anti-glare, anti-scratch, anti-static, anti-oil and so on, which are widely used in a variety of industrial systems, including aerospace and civil fields.

 

According to product types and downstream application scenarios, functional coating composite materials can be mainly divided into MLCC release film, automotive film, photovoltaic reflective film, building window film, aluminium battery film and so on.

 

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan

 

Industrial Chain of Functional Coating Composite Material Industry in Mainland China

 

From the industrial chain point of view, functional coating composite materials are located in the middle of the industrial chain. Upstream raw materials mainly include polyester film, polypropylene film, acrylic glue, silica gel, copper foil, etc. The midstream mainly includes terminal suppliers, die cutting plants and assembly plants. Downstream terminals are manufacturers of consumer electronics, automotive electronics, lithium battery for new energy vehicles, such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Panasonic, ZTE, OPPO, LG, etc., and end customers use basic materials such as functional coating composite materials to achieve specific functions of functional devices related to consumer electronics products.

 

242

 

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan

 

Functional coating composite materials industry belongs to membrane industry in general, and has entered into a new development stage since the 21st century. The development history of membrane material industry in China and its future development trend is summarized by Sullivan as follows:

 

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan

 

243

 

Market Size of Functional Coating Composite Materials Industry Worldwide

 

According to Frost & Sullivan, the market size of global functional coating composite materials industry increased from RMB1,011.6 billion in 2018 to RMB1,378.2 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of approximately 6.4% from 2018 to 2023. The global functional coating composite materials market is expected to further increase in the next few years, reaching RMB1,876.5 billion in 2028, with a CAGR of approximately 6.3% from 2023 to 2028.

 

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan

 

Market Size of Functional Coating Composite Materials Industry in Mainland China

 

According to Frost & Sullivan, China’s functional coating composite materials industry may be significantly affected by technological breakthroughs and national policies in the PRC. The market size achieved growth in the past several years, from RMB550.5 billion in 2018 to RMB818.9 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of approximately 8.3% from 2018 to 2023. Since consumer electronics contains, for example, cell phones, tablets, PCs, etc., which use the same or similar functional coating composite materials with home appliances, functional composite coating materials for consumer electronics and home appliances are placed in one classification to be analyzed. Home appliances account for about 20% of the functional composite coating materials for consumer electronics.

 

China’s functional coating composite materials market is expected to further recover over the next few years, reaching RMB1,203.1 billion in 2028, with a CAGR of approximately 8.0% from 2023 to 2028, primarily driven by factors such as the development of downstream markets, such as the continued growth of the new energy industry, and technological refinements in this market. China’s functional coating composite materials industry is affected by macroeconomic factors, including changes in international, national, regional and local economic conditions, employment levels and consumer spending patterns:

 

244

 

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan

 

Currently, the most occupying material types of functional coating composite materials market are MLCC release film, automotive film and optical film. The market size of automotive films including application in fuel and new energy vehicles. It has increased from RMB210.2 billion in 2018 to RMB350.2 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of approximately 10.7%. The market size of MLCC release film has increased from RMB65.1 billion in 2018 to RMB86.6 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of approximately 5.9%. The market size of optical film has increased from RMB68.3 billion in 2018 to RMB121.7 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of approximately 12.2%. The market size of building window film has increased from RMB22.8 billion in 2018 to RMB56.2 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of approximately 19.8%. In the foreseeable future, along with favorable policies, technical development and increasing demand of downstream applications, the market size is expected to increase.

 

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan

 

245

 

With respect to size of the market for functional composite coating materials that are produced by the local domestic companies in China and size of the market for functional composite coating materials that are imported from overs, according to Frost & Sullivan, the market size of China’s functional coating composite materials industry increased from RMB550.5 billion in 2018 to RMB818.9 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of approximately 8.3% from 2018 to 2023. China’s functional coating composite materials market is expected to further recover over the next few years, reaching RMB1,203.1 billion in 2028, with a CAGR of approximately 8.0% from 2023 to 2028. China’s functional coating composite materials industry is affected by macroeconomic factors, including changes in international, national, regional and local economic conditions, employment levels and consumer spending patterns.

 

The proportion of domestic production is increasing year on year, from 66.2% in 2018 to 69.5% in 2023, and is expected to continue to increase in the future as well.

 

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan

 

Market Drivers and Future Trends of Functional Coating Composite Materials Industry in Mainland China

 

According to Frost & Sullivan, the development of functional coating composite materials industry in China is primarily driven by the following factors:

 

Favorable Policies: China’s functional coating composite materials industry is gradually entering a stage of high-quality development. Leading enterprises are proactively positioning themselves in the high-end product market, adjusting their product structures, and steering functional coating composite materials towards a trajectory of higher-end products. In recent years, the national government has introduced a series of policies to encourage the development of the functional coating composite materials industry. For instance, the National Development and Reform Commission issued the Catalog for Guiding Industry Restructuring (Draft for Soliciting Opinions in 2023) (《产业结构调整指导目录(2023年本,征求意见稿) 》) in July 2023, explicitly designating functional films as encouraged new materials. By strengthening the leading role of key enterprises and fostering a skilled professional workforce, China aims to promote the long-term and stable development of the industry. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, with the successive release of national industry plans, various provinces, cities, and regions have also issued favorable policies related to functional coating composite materials, creating a favorable policy environment and vigorously promoting industrial development.

 

246

 

Diversified Market Demands: As downstream industries experience rapid growth, functional coating composite materials are encountering diverse and complex product application environments. A single customer may demand different types of functional coating composite materials for various application scenarios. Therefore, customers tend to prefer comprehensive manufacturing companies that offer a complete range of products and extensive coverage. Such enterprises are perceived to possess higher supply security and cost-effectiveness. Driven by the impetus of diversified market demands, integrated manufacturing firms, with their comprehensive and flexible product lines, are increasingly favored by customers. These companies also boast robust research and development as well as production capabilities, enabling them to swiftly respond to market changes and flexibly adjust product structures to meet personalized customer requirements.

 

Development Towards High-End and Precision: The functional coating composite materials industry operates in a market-oriented and highly competitive landscape, representing a strategic emerging sector within the nation’s key supported and developed industries, particularly in the field of new materials. As a downstream industry of functional coating composite materials, consumer electronics shipments will increase from 788.5 million units in 2023 to 1,033.6 million units in 2028, indicating a CAGR of 5.6%. Apart from applications in consumer electronics, optoelectronic displays, electronic appliances, and adhesive film products, there is significant demand for functional coating composite materials from high-tech industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, and integrated circuits. The advancement in technological capabilities has led to the rapid development of end-use industries, increasing the demand for functional coating composite materials. Factors such as the addition of functional components or modules, the utilization of new materials, and the upgrading of manufacturing processes will impose higher requirements on the performance of functional coating composite materials. This, in turn, will drive manufacturers to enhance their research and development capabilities and technological innovation. The functional coating composite materials industry is poised to further evolve towards high-end and precision development.

 

Increasing R&D Investment and Innovation: The downstream terminal industries undergo rapid updates and iterations, with consumer preferences swiftly shifting. Taking smartphones as an example, brand manufacturers release several new models annually, driving an increase in functional components or module additions and replacements, the application of new materials, and process upgrades. These changes also impact the application of functional coating composite materials. Companies anticipate intensifying their R&D investment for technological innovation to meet the diverse demands of end customers. Industry participants are expected to adopt innovative R&D models, continuously engage in new product development aligned with the terminal market, prioritize front-end research, and promptly integrate customer needs, market developments, and product design to enhance the success rate and market adaptability of new product developments.

 

Downstream Demand and Driving Industry Growth: The extensive application areas and robust market demand in downstream sectors contribute to the healthy and rapid development of the Chinese consumer electronics industry. With the continuous improvement in the consumption level of Chinese residents, the demand for consumer electronic products has been steadily increasing. In 2023, the consumer electronics shipments were RMB788.5 million units, indicating a substantial market size. As the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in China improves and market demand rebounds, the consumer electronics shipments are expected to reach RMB828.4 million units in 2024, representing a 5.1% YoY growth. The growth demand in the Chinese consumer electronics industry market also brings positive growth expectations for upstream functional coating composite materials industries, such as optical protective films and optical bonding films. Moreover, the market for liquid crystal televisions and the production of liquid crystal panels are also downstream application areas for optical films. As imaging technologies in television, such as naked-eye 3D and 4K ultra-high-definition, continue to advance, there will be higher requirements for films used in television panel production. The substantial demand in the Chinese liquid crystal television market also fosters positive growth expectations for the upstream functional coating composite materials industry.

 

247

 

Import Substitution: In recent years, leading domestic manufacturers have narrowed the gap with foreign importers through continuous innovation, enhancing the competitiveness of their products. Simultaneously, some large downstream customers, such as smartphone manufacturers, regularly update their products, providing new opportunities for domestic producers to enter the supply chain. Domestic-produced functional coating composite materials have gradually emerged in the domestic market, showing a trend of import substitution. Additionally, the tense situation in international trade is driving domestic downstream customers to seek supply chain stability, further providing development opportunities for domestic enterprises. Domestic manufacturers have gradually gained the trust and support of customers by providing stable and reliable services. Finally, the market share of domestic products is relatively low at present, indicating significant room for development. Facing technological challenges from the international market, domestic companies need to improve product quality and enhance technological capabilities to achieve more robust and sustainable development.

 

Emergence of Solution Designers and Providers: To address the long-standing issue of excessive reliance on material procurement and insufficient emphasis on material originality in China, multiple policies have been introduced to support enterprises in independently designing solutions and solving problems. According to the Strategic Research on Building a Strong Nation in New Materials by 2035(《面向2035的新材料强国战略研究》) released by the Chinese Academy of Engineering, China needs to establish an enterprise-oriented independent innovation system to address the long-standing neglect of material originality and fundamentality. The “Guide to the Development of the New Material Industry”(《新材料产业发展指南》) mentions that future key tasks of the industry include promoting structural reform on the supply side of the raw materials industry, increasing the proportion of research and development of key strategic materials focusing on key areas such as high-end equipment manufacturing and energy conservation and environmental protection. Encouraging upstream and downstream enterprises to jointly implement key projects and accelerate the transformation of innovative achievements in new materials. The Guiding Opinions of Promoting High-Quality Development of the Petrochemical Industry during the ’14th Five-Year Plan’ Period(《关于“十四五”推动石化化工行业高质量发展的指导意见》) also proposes optimizing and integrating industry-related R&D platforms and establishing innovation centers in fields such as high-performance film materials. It aims to advance common technological innovations such as catalytic materials, process intensification, polymer material structure characterization, processing application technology, and equipment. Guided by national policies, manufacturers of functional coating composite materials are transitioning from single material suppliers to solution designers and providers, offering multidimensional solutions including color, decoration, substrates, processes, and coating materials.

 

In addition, to meet the increasing demand from end customers for product customization, manufacturers of functional coating composite materials are continuously seeking to strengthen their connections with customers to better meet their requirements. With the optimization of their manufacturing technology, leading companies in the industry are forming closer partnerships with customers, transitioning from imitators at the outset to solution designers and providers. Customers provide the latest requirements for materials to the company, and the company designs and develops innovative materials according to these requirements.

 

Rising Industry Concentration: From the perspective of industry development trends, the functional coating composite materials industry is gradually showing a trend of rising industry concentration. Compared to leading global companies, the CR5 of domestic functional coating composite materials manufacturers is still relatively low, but there is enormous potential for industry consolidation in the future. Additionally, downstream customer industries, such as consumer electronics and new energy vehicles, are experiencing rapid growth. These leading companies in downstream industries tend to collaborate with leading companies in the functional composite materials industry to obtain more competitive products and services, thereby enhancing their own competitiveness. Therefore, the integration of downstream customer industries will further drive the increase in industry concentration in the functional coating composite materials industry.

 

248

 

Entry Barriers of the Functional Coating Composite Materials Industry in Mainland China

 

Technical Barrier: The functional coating composite materials industry is characterized by its intensive reliance on technology. The product development process involves multiple stages, including product conceptualization, research and development, process design, customization and debugging of production lines, and product testing. The processing of products encompasses various technical aspects such as the preparation of functional coating materials, film pretreatment, and precision coating, requiring the comprehensive application of knowledge in multiple domains, including chemistry, optics, physics, mechanics, functional materials, and automation control. Given this complexity, there is a significant demand for specialized technical expertise among new entrants, resulting in high technological barriers within the functional coating composite materials industry.

 

Economies of Scale Barrier: The functional coating composite materials industry, characterized by its rapid market development and continuous introduction of new products, sets high entry requirements for manufacturers. Enterprises in the functional film materials sector that possess a rich product portfolio, strong technological expertise, capabilities in new product development, and leading process design enjoy a significant competitive advantage due to their evident economies of scale. These companies not only respond swiftly to changes in the downstream market but also demonstrate the ability to integrate effectively with high-quality upstream raw material suppliers, meeting the growing demands of the rapidly evolving consumer electronics market. This presents a notable economies of scale barrier for new entrants.

 

Capital Barrier: The functional coating composite materials industry is a capital-intensive sector. New entrants in the industry must invest in acquiring factories, high-precision production equipment, a clean production environment with a relatively high level of cleanliness, and product monitoring devices. The procurement of the entire production line requires a substantial capital investment. Additionally, the production of materials demands strict environmental conditions, typically conducted in a cleanroom with static cleanliness requirements of Class 1,000 or higher, while maintaining constant temperature and humidity. As a result, manufacturers in the functional coating composite materials sector need to allocate a considerable amount of capital, which, to a certain extent, constitutes a capital barrier to entry into the industry.

 

Customer Procurement Certification Barrier: The main downstream customers for functional coating composite materials products are in the consumer electronics industry. Well-known brands in the consumer electronics sector have high requirements for their suppliers in terms of technology and capital. The certification process for suppliers is often lengthy, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months, and in some cases, certification for core functional materials may exceed one year. Consequently, the functional coating composite materials industry faces a significant barrier in terms of customer procurement certification.

 

Competitive Landscape of our Industry in Mainland China

 

In 2023, the total revenue generated from domestic enterprises of functional coating composite materials in China reached RMB568.8 billion, with the top five market participants accounting for approximately 1.3%. Based on the revenue of functional coating composite materials in 2023, our Group ranked as the largest domestic participant in China’s functional coating composite materials market, holding a market share of approximately 0.7%.

 

249

 

Top Five Domestic Enterprises in mainland China’s Functional Coating Composite Materials Market by Revenue, 2023

 

 

 

Top Five Enterprises in China’s Functional Coating Composite Materials Market by Revenue, 2023

 

250

 

 

 

251

 

 

Note:

 

1. Our Group’s data is based on our unaudited financial information for fiscal year of 2023.
2. Company A isestablished in 2007.This company is a listed company headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. The company is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The company produces optical diffusion films, optical brightening films, quantum dot films, solar back sheet films, window films, and more, which are widely used in the display, photovoltaic, automotive, and battery industries.
3. Company B established in 2006. This company is a listed company headquartered in Taicang, Jiangsu, China. The company is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The company's main products fall into four categories: functional film materials, electronic-grade adhesive materials, thermal management composite materials, and film packaging materials.
4. Company C is established in 1997. This company is a listed company headquartered in Suqian, Jiangsu, China. The company is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The company owns five major production bases, mainly producing polyester functional film materials, optical materials, new energy materials, information materials, energy-saving window film materials, and heat-shrink materials.
5. Company D is established in 2010. This company is a listed company headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. The company is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The company primarily engages in the research, production, and sale of various special functional films such as reflective films, optical base films, and back sheet base films. These products are widely used in fields such as displays, electronics, power batteries, and solar energy.
6. Company E is established in 1902. This company is a listed company headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company operates as a diversified technology enterprise, it’s businesses across sectors such as Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Health Care, and Consumer Goods.
7. Company F is established in 1918. This company is listed company headquartered in Osaka, Japan. The company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company focus on creating value for customers through cutting-edge technology. It produces products from adhesive materials to electronic components, automotive and transportation equipment, and consumer and lifestyle-related materials.
8. Company G is established in 2005. This company is a listed company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company provides goods and services to various industries such as petrochemicals, industrial pharmaceuticals, automotive, construction, coatings and adhesives, and electrical and electronics industries, and provides social and environmental solutions to contribute to the realization of an affluent society.
9. Company H is established in 1977. This company is a listed company headquartered in Delaware, USA. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company’s portfolio encompasses the production of pressure-sensitive materials alongside a variety of bills, labels, and other conversion products.

 

252

 

Our Competitive Edges

 

According to Frost & Sullivan, based on the revenue of functional coating composite materials in 2023, we ranked as the largest domestic participant and the third-largest participant in China’s functional coating composite materials market.

 

We are one of the few companies in China’s functional coating composite materials industry covering the entire supply chain. We have transitioned from a single manufacturer of functional coating composite materials to solution designers and providers, offering multidimensional solutions including color, decoration, substrates, processes, and coating materials.

 

At Jiangyin Tongli, R&D personnel account for 12% of the total workforce, with annual R&D expenditures amounting to 6% of operating income. Meanwhile, the company holds over 250 authorized patents, including 54 invention patents.

 

The company has obtained ISO90001, ISO14001, ISO45001, IATF16949, and Integration of Informationization and Industrialization Management System Certification.

 

The company’s laboratory conducts over 100 testing items, ranging from raw material particle feeding detection, blow molding stretching, and precise film coating to slitting/die-cutting. The company can conduct molecular weight distribution analysis of polymers, quantitative analysis of specific compounds, and analysis of volatile components in complex matrices.

 

The company’s revenue grew rapidly, exceeding the industry’s average growth rate, and its market share is gradually increasing.

 

The company’s industry coverage is more comprehensive than market competitors.

 

70% of the company’s coatings are self-produced, which is relatively rare among domestic enterprises. Self-production of coatings can better meet customer needs.

 

Customers

 

From the industrial chain point of view, functional coating composite materials are located in the middle of the industrial chain. The end customers are manufacturers of consumer electronics, automotive electronics, lithium battery for new energy vehicles and end customers use basic materials such as functional coating composite materials to achieve specific functions of functional devices related to consumer electronics products. The chart below shows the situation of the entire industry chain. In recent years, as a leading domestic manufacturer within the industry, GRT has narrowed the gap with foreign importers through continuous innovation, enhancing the competitiveness of their products. Simultaneously, some large downstream customers, such as smartphone manufacturers, regularly update their products, providing new opportunities for domestic producers to enter the supply chain. Additionally, the tense situation in international trade is driving domestic downstream customers to seek supply chain stability, GRT has gradually gained the trust and support of customers by providing stable and reliable services. GRT is well-known in the manufacture industry and their products are sold well within and outside China.

 

253

 

 

We enjoy a high reputation and visibility within the industry, we provide solutions, developing materials and ultimately designing and producing targeted products based on the requirements of end customers. GRT directly engages with end customers and participates in product development by collaborating with designated commissioning parties. After the development results of GRT are confirmed by end customers, they will be produced in large quantities and delivered to the application suppliers of end customers, such as film cutting factories. In serving the end customers, GRT has developed four business models, and the flowchart of each business model is illustrated as follows:

 

First Business Model: GRT only produces whole rolls of products. The end customers need to die cut rolls of products into specific specifications and sizes when they use them. This means die-cutting is an essential step for manufacturers, we serve the die-cutting manufacturers in consumer electronics, automobiles, home appliances and other industries.

 

 

254

 

Second Business Model: GRT mainly sells products to dealers in various regions, dealers sell to retailer stores which sell to end customers.

 

 

Third Business Model: GRT customizes product for the end customers, the end customers designate the die-cutting factory and the assembly plant. After the products are assembled by the assembly plant, the products are provided to the end customers. Such manufacturing process is described as follows:

 

End Customers propose product requirements and performance requirements to GRT, GRT manufactures the products meeting end customers’ requirement, but the die-cutting and assembly are carried by the die-cutting factory and assembly plants designated by end customers;

 

End Customers designate a die-cutting factory to GRT, and GRT supplies corresponding products to the die-cutting factory, End customers pay the die-cutting services fees to die-cutting factory;

 

After the die-cutting is completed, and the die-cutting factory supplies to the assembly plants for assembling, end customers directly pay to assembly plants the service fees for assembling;

 

After the assembly is completed, the finished product is delivered by assembly plants to End Customers.

 

 

Fourth Business Model: GRT sells the products to End Customers directly. We use this business model to serve our customers in automotive industry. Such business model is summarizes the business model:

 

End Customers propose product requirements and performance requirements to GRT, and GRT completes all stages of manufacturing procedure and supply them to the end customers.

 

End Customers purchase the products directly from GRT; and request GRT to deliver the products to their 4S Stores for use.

 

255

 

 

GRT serves many well-known enterprises and involves multiple industries, including Automotive, Electronic, Building Material, Food and Pharmaceutical, etc. Many global companies are its end customer, such as well-known smartphone manufacturer in the USA, famous electronic manufacturer in the Korea and global automotive manufacturers. Meanwhile GRT has more than 20 domestic customers, the income from top 10 account for 58% of annual revenue. Since 2020, GRT’s end customers are famous companies, including GAC Honda, GAC Toyota, GAC Tranquility, etc.; in 2021, GRT established co-operation with a global leading company, Jinrenbao Group; from 2022, GRT supplied product to Zhuhai Guanyu, a new energy lithium battery customer and supplied MLCC-related products to major Korean companies. So far, GRT achieved stable sales growth through supply cooperation with multiple multinational corporations. The following is the selected GRT’s current customers in various fields. In addition to these selected customers, GRT serves several industry-leading enterprises that cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality agreements.

 

 

256

 

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, two customers contributed approximately 20.75% and 17.60% of total purchases made by the company, respectively. 

 

Below is a list of the top three customers and the percentages each of them individually accounted for our annual total revenue, during the year ended June 30, 2024. The revenue is reflected in US Dollars based on the exchange ratio of US$1=RMB7.2248 announced by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, average from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2024
Customer Name   Revenue     % of
Total
Revenue
 
Shenzhen Ruifeida Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd.   $ 16,617,641.12       2.62 %
Shenzhen Alto Technology Co., Ltd.   $ 16,423,391.99       2.59 %
Dongguan SuYue New Material Technology Co., Ltd.   $ 13,768,952.17       2.17 %

 

Sales Agreement

 

GRT generally signs framework sales contracts with the customers, and framework contracts generally do not stipulate information such as specific products, model and price, the final sales quantity and amount are confirmed by customers place firm purchase orders.

 

GRT adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) on April 1, 2019. Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to GRT’s customers in an amount of consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for contracts with customers, GRT performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, including variable consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant future reversal will not occur, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the respective performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) GRT satisfies the performance obligation. VAT that GRT collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities is excluded from revenue.

 

GRT follows the requirements of Topic 606-10-55-36 through -40, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Principal Agent Considerations, in determining the gross versus net revenue recognition for performance obligation(s) in the contract with a customer. Revenue recorded with GRT acting in the capacity of a principal is reported on a gross basis equal to the full amount of consideration to which we expect in exchange for the goods or services transferred. Revenue recorded with GRT acting in the capacity of an agent is reported on a net basis, exclusive of any consideration provided to the principal party in the transaction.

 

GRT recognizes revenue for its products sold when it has satisfied a performance obligation by transferring significant risks and rewards of ownership of promised products to the customer. Furthermore, the customer obtains the legal title of and accepts the promised products at a specific time. For each performance obligation satisfied at a point in time, the Company recognizes revenue at a point in time by measuring whether the performance obligation has been met.

 

Suppliers

 

As far as the industry is concerned, upstream raw materials mainly include polyester film, polypropylene film, acrylic glue, silica gel, copper foil, etc. However, regarding GRT’s situation, 70% of its coatings are self-produced, which is relatively rare among Chinese domestic enterprises. Self-production of coatings can better meet customer needs.

 

We primarily rely on suppliers to provide raw materials, including Chemical, Particle, PET film, Glue, Proto membrane, TPV film, 201KI, 201 XV and 2832E1 and PO film, etc. GRT has more than 20 suppliers, most of the raw materials are sourced from suppliers in China, but we also import raw materials. GRT maintains a list of qualified suppliers for each procurement category and has also implemented an internal quality assessment system for suppliers.

 

257

 

We typically sign agreements without a certain period with suppliers including framework agreement and non-framework agreement. For framework agreement, the relevant procurement is subject to actual purchase orders; for non-framework agreement, we include the specific quantity and amount of purchase and other relevant information. Since we maintain a variety of suppliers on the qualified list for different categories of supplies and can easily procure commodities from alternative suppliers at similar prices in the market, we are not reliant on any single source for procuring goods. In the event that our relationship with any supplier terminates, we believe that we will be able to source necessary supplies from alternative suppliers at similar prices. So far, we have not experienced any disruptions to our operations due to raw material shortages, nor had we encountered any difficulties in procuring raw materials.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2024, two suppliers contributed approximately 9.44% and 8.81% of total purchases made by the Company, respectively.

 

Below is a list of the top three suppliers and the percentages each of them individually accounted for our annual total purchase, during the year ended June 30, 2024. The revenue is reflected in US Dollars based on the exchange ratio of US$1=RMB7.2248 announced by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, average from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2024
Customer Name   Revenue     % of
Total
Revenue
 
Huaran (Ningbo) Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd.   $ 38,638,197.86       9.44 %
Jiangyin Port Shengtong Blockchain Technology Co., Ltd.   $ 36,062,609.59       8.81 %
Beijing TDD E-Commerce Co., Ltd.   $ 21,735,656.63       5.31 %

 

Quality Control

 

Quality control management is crucial to our reputation and business. We take quality as the life of the enterprise, and with the spirit of striving for excellence as a craftsman, GRT achieves excellent quality and continuously create value for the customers. GRT has successively passed GB/T 19001-2016/IS09001:2015, GB/T24001-2016/ISO14001:2015, GB/T45001-2020/ISO45001:2018, GB/T 23001-2007, IATF16949, GB/T 23331-2020/ISO50001:2018, and QC080000 system certifications, forming a standardized management mode and a rigorous quality control system. At present, GRT has formed a full lifecycle control system for research and development, design, manufacturing, and service implementation, thereby building a quality management model with a full industry chain, full process, and full staff participation. The “Tongli” series of thin film products have passed SGS, CTI and other tests, and all environmental indicators have met international standards. Our concept of quality is “quality first, customer first, meeting the needs of customers with high-quality products”. “Excellence, the pursuit of excellence, precision manufacturing, first-class products; sincere service, customer satisfaction” is the quality policy of GRT.

 

We require our employees to strictly adhere to the product quality control measures and procedures, such as maintaining quality management records and promptly reporting to senior management. The general manager of the company represents the company to determine its quality policy and objectives, and is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining the company’s quality system. Our quality control team reports to the general manager and vice general manager and is responsible for, among other things:

 

1. establishing and implementing quality standards for quality assurance, and compliance and effectiveness of the quality system operation;

 

2. organizing, coordinating, and supervising the implementation of the quality system, and stop and correct behaviors that do not comply with regulations;

 

3. verifying the authenticity and reliability of quality records and reports;

 

4. supervising whether each department has completed the tasks;

 

258

 

5. promoting the formation of customer demand awareness throughout the company;

 

6. performance of the quality management system, including the need for improvement;

 

7. representing the company in matters related to certification, consulting, and other matters with the outside world;

 

8. taking all necessary measures, including training, education, and internal communication, to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards; and

 

9. regularly analyzing, evaluating, preventing, and managing potential product safety risks.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, the operating subsidiaries have not encountered any significant complaints related to product quality.

 

As a leading company in the industry, we have worked with multiple authoritative institutions and organizations and participated in the development of quality control standards, which including but not limit to:

 

1. “Release Film for Casting of Multi-layer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC)”, “Polyurethane Film for Paint Protection”, “Halogen-free Flame-retardant Polycarbonate Car Wrap Film” and “Intelligent Dimming Film for Automotive Sunroof” organized by Shanghai Society of Plastic Engineering Technology;

 

2. “Termination Tape for Lithium Batteries” organized by the Shanghai Society of Plastic Engineering Technology;

 

3. “Car Paint Protection Film” authorized by China Construction Inspection and Certification Group Co., Ltd and National Safety Glass and Quartz Glass Quality Supervision and Inspection Center;

 

4. “Color Wrapping Film for vehicle Modification” authorized by China Auto Information Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. and China Testing & Certification International Group Co., Ltd.; and

 

5. “Biodegradable Pressure-sensitive Adhesive and Tape” authorized by Shanghai Society of Plastic Engineering Technology.

 

Quality Control Management

 

We have established and continuously implemented a quality control management system that covers all stages of the operations. Since our formations, we have been continuously improving our quality control system. Currently, our quality control management system involves various departments, such as quality center, research and development center, process department, supply chain center, manufacturing center, marketing center, human resources department and customer service department. Various departments are responsible for developing, supervising, and implementing the quality control management system.

 

Quality Center

 

1. Being responsible for product inspection and verification, and correctly performing the inspection of identification, reporting, and control;

 

2. Being responsible for the centralized management of monitoring and measuring equipment;

 

3. organizing a review of non-conforming products, and promptly reporting major product quality issues and hidden dangers to Vice General Manager;

 

4. the management of product quality information in the responsible company should promptly report product quality dynamics to the deputy general manager; and

 

5. In case of quality abnormalities or accidents, information should be transmitted in a timely manner and quality analysis meetings should be held.

 

259

 

Research and Development Center and Process Department

 

1. Being responsible for planning the product implementation process;

 

2. Being responsible for product design, managing technological documents;

 

3. Being responsible for certification product declaration and the change of work, organizing process discipline inspections;

 

4. Providing technical support and related assistance to production, procurement, inspection, and service departments; and

 

5. Being responsible for determining key processes, special processes, and control methods, and promptly resolving on-site technical issues.

 

Supply Chain Center

 

1. Being responsible for the procurement, ensuring quality, quantity, and timely organization of procurement implementation;

 

2. Being responsible for selecting, evaluating, reviewing, and managing suppliers on a daily basis, and providing timely feedback on supplier product quality information; and

 

3. Being responsible for the acceptance, storage, protection, and safekeeping of warehouse materials.

 

Manufacturing Center

 

1. Being responsible for controlling the production process and on-site safety, achieving safe and civilized production;

 

2. Being responsible for equipment management, handling production equipment and tooling maintenance;

 

3. Being responsible for product protection management during the production process; and

 

4. Assisting in completing after-sales service work.

 

Marketing Center

 

1. market demand forecasting, product promotion and sales management;

 

2. contract review, supervising contract execution, and contract management;

 

3. qualifying customers, handling pre-sales, and coordinate with the Customer Service Department with respect to after-sales service;

 

4. providing feedback on market information, managing product delivery; and

 

5. conducting customer satisfaction surveys.

 

260

 

Human Resources Department

 

1. providing training for various personnel and assessing the responsibility system;

 

2. managing the company’s infrastructure, environment, and greenery;

 

3. organizing to prepare and manage documents retentions; and

 

4. organizing to conduct internal quality audits and managing mandatory certification marks.

 

Customer Service Department

 

1. proving after-sales service;

 

2. providing telephone consultation or organizing on-site after-sale services; and

 

3. promptly providing feedback to relevant departments on any issues discovered during the service process and ensure improvement actions to be made.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

In accordance with Industry Report issued by Frost & Sullivan, from the perspective of industry development trends, the functional coating composite materials industry is gradually showing a trend of rising industry concentration. Additionally, downstream customer industries, such as consumer electronics and new energy vehicles, are experiencing rapid growth. These leading companies in downstream industries tend to collaborate with leading companies in the functional composite materials industry to obtain more competitive products and services, thereby enhancing their own competitiveness. The global functional coating composite materials market is expected to further increase in the next few years, reaching RMB1,876.5 billion in 2028, with a CAGR of approximately 6.3% from 2023 to 2028. This means the macro market environment for us to grow our business is generally good in coming years. GRT’s sales and marketing department is responsible for overseeing and managing the sales and marketing activities, as well as formulating marketing strategies to enhance product visibility, marketability, and brand recognition.

 

GRT adopts a unique “embedded” research and development model. We provide customized services to customers and various new functional materials developed by us are widely used in consumer electronics, flexible displays, automobiles, smart appliances, robotics, medical health, energy-saving, environmental protection, and other areas. As industries experience rapid growth, functional coating composite materials are encountering diverse and complex product application environments. A single customer may demand different types of functional coating composite materials for various application scenarios. Therefore, customers tend to prefer comprehensive manufacturing companies that offer a complete range of products and extensive coverage. GRT is one of the few in China’s functional coating composite materials industry covering the entire supply chain. GRT has transitioned from single manufacturers of functional coating composite materials to solution designers and providers, offering multidimensional solutions including color, decoration, substrates, processes, and coating materials. GRT’s future market goal is not only to continuously maintain and develop downstream customers, but also to expand business scope to upstream markets through self-production of base film, as 70% of the company’s coatings are self-produced. For these reasons, GRT anticipates that market demand for its products is bigger and more comprehensive in coming years.

 

When GRT entered into the coating materials industry in early years, GRT promoted the sales of its products through exhibitions and social media. After many years of growth, GRT has won market recognition and continues enjoy a good reputation in the industry and occupies an irreplaceable market position in the production of basic raw materials and application products. The accumulated upstream and downstream resources help GRT win sustainable and growing business; and GRT does not need to engage in mass market promotion activities. GRT is committed to and has been known for its capability of providing one-stop customized services, focusing on the research and development of basic raw materials.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We attach great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights, using the R&D innovation center as a platform to encourage technical personnel to innovate and create and apply more innovative results that solve difficult problems and achieve quick results to production and business practices.

 

261

 

1. Patents

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we have registered 257 patents in mainland China, including 220 Patents for Utility Model and 37 Patent for Invention. In China patents are granted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), which was renamed in English on August 28, 2018 from State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO). There are three types of patents: invention patents, utility model patents, and design patents. Invention patents are substantively examined, while utility model patents are subject only to a formal examination. Invention patents, utility models and design patents have life terms of 20 years, 10 years and 10 years, respectively. Maintenance of issued patents in China requires payment of annual fees. The following table summarizes these patent registrations:

 

I. Patent for Utility Model    
Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd    
No. Name Patent Number Authorization
Announcement Date
Inventor’s Name
1 A healthy food packaging film 201120117931.1 November 23, 2011 Zhou Yongnan and Zhang Ke
2 A display protective film 201120206652.2 February 1, 2012 Zhou Yongnan and Zhang Ke
3 An optical protective film 201120230881.8 April 11, 2012 Zhou Yongnan
4 Optical protective film with nanoscale grooves 201120230865.9 April 11, 2012 Zhou Yongnan
5 An optical protective film with nanoscale grooves 201120230864.4 April 11, 2012 Zhou Yongnan
6 An anti-static packaging film containing a polyethylene core layer 201220100668.X December 12, 2012 Zhou Yongnan
7 A toughened five layer cast polypropylene film 201220100667.5 December 12, 2012 Zhou Yongnan
8 A 3D optical stereoscopic film 201220586224.1 April 24, 2013 Yu Junsheng and Zhou Yongnan
9 A 3D optical stereoscopic film 201220584771.6 April 24, 2013 Yu Junsheng and Zhou Yongnan
10 A 3D optical stereoscopic film 201220586102.2 April 24, 2013 Yu Junsheng and Zhou Yongnan
11 An optical diffusion film 201220517390.6 April 24, 2013 Zhou Yongnan
12 A composite packaging film with a high barrier aluminum plating layer 201120117921.8 November 23, 2011 Zhou Yongnan and Zhang Ke
13 A New 3D Optical Stereoscopic Membrane 201220584595.6 April 24, 2013 Yu Junsheng and Zhou Yongnan
14 A New 3D Optical Stereoscopic Membrane 201220586148.4 April 24, 2013 Yu Junsheng and Zhou Yongnan

 

262

 

15 A composite plastic film with a nano antibacterial layer 201120117913.3 December 21, 2011 Zhou Yongnan and Zhang Ke
16 A plastic film with thermal shrinkage properties 201120117903.X December 21, 2011 Zhou Yongnan and Zhang Ke
17 A plastic composite packaging film structure 201120117900.6 November 23, 2011 Zhou Yongnan and Zhang Ke
18 A desiccant packaging film 201120117864.3 November 23, 2011 Zhou Yongnan and Zhang Ke
19 A plastic packaging film with antibacterial effect 201120115767 November 30, 2011 Zhou Yongnan and Zhang Ke
20 A non elastic plastic packaging film 201120109851.1 November 23, 2011 Zhou Yongnan and Zhang Ke
21 A composite structure nano protective film 201120206641.4 February 1, 2012 Zhou Yongnan and Zhang Ke
22 A composite structure anti peeping film 201220516484.1 June 5, 2013 Zhou Yongnan
23 An anti glare electronic optical adhesive 201220516552.4 July 24, 2013 Zhou Yongnan
24 A type of imitation metal wire drawing film 201220517246.2 June 5, 2013 Zhou Yongnan
25 A type of anti glare film 201220517389.3 June 5, 2013 Zhou Yongnan
26 An optical prism sheet 201220517786 June 5, 2013 Zhou Yongnan
27 A 3D optical stereoscopic film 201220517787.5 June 5, 2013 Zhou Yongnan
28 A plastic film imitating copper wire drawing 201220518747.2 June 5, 2013 Zhou Yongnan
29 A surface hardening film structure 201220518768.4 June 5, 2013 Zhou Yongnan
30 An optical thin film brightening structure 201220516483.7 August 7, 2013 Zhou Yongnan
31 A cylindrical lens type 3D optical film 201420192941.5 November 26, 2014 Zhou Yongnan
32 A scraper for film production 201520089837.8 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
33 A PET thermal insulation protective film 201520089499.8 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
34 A type of adhesive tank for film production 201520089863.0 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
35 A thin film slitting machine with multiple blade shafts 201520089776.5 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
36 A rotating thin film slitting device 201520089459.3 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
37 A composite waterproof and dustproof film for electronic products 201520089673.9 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue

 

263

 

38 An optical composite brightening film 201520089175.4 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
39 A composite polarized anti peeping film 201520089142.X August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
40 A waterproof and dustproof component 201520085910.4 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
41 A single-sided flexible circuit board component 201520085909.1 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
42 A flexible circuit board component 201520085893.4 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
43 A waterproof and dustproof film 201520085930.1 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
44 A semi flexible circuit board 201520085926.5 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
45 A high transparency anti fingerprint protective film 201520088999.X August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
46 A sandwich type imination furnace 201520089302.0 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
47 A flexible circuit board 201520085920.8 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
48 A single-sided flexible circuit board 201520085929.9 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
49 A flexible circuit board component 201520085908.7 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
50 A semi flexible circuit board component 201520085919.5 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
51 A coating and cutting device 201520084534.7 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
52 A roll changing mechanism 201520087110.6 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
53 A flexible circuit board 201520085916.1 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
54 A coating roller correction device 201520084707.5 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
55 An optical film release roller 201520084588.3 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
56 A coating release roller 201520084922.5 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
57 A transmission roller correction device 201520084793.X August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
58 An optical film output roller 201520084848.7 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
59 A coating output roller 201520084159.6 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue

 

264

 

60 An optical substrate film release roller 201520084589.8 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
61 A coating roller changing mechanism 201520085885.X August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
62 A type of adhesive component 201520081233.9 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
63 An optical film synchronous gluing component 201520081427.9 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
64 A double scraper optical film gluing component 201520081451.2 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
65 A type of optical film adhesive component 201520081524.8 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
66 An optical film coating component 201520081444.2 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
67 An optical film gluing component with a pre scraper 201520081578.4 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
68 A synchronous gluing component 201520081312.X August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
69 An optical film gluing component with a scraper 201520081420.7 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
70 An adjustable adhesive component 201520081515.9 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
71 An optical film coating component with a pre scraper 201520081577.X August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
72 A far-infrared heating imination furnace 201520091377.2 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
73 A type of brightening prism lens 201520091329.3 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
74 A combination scraper 201520091097.1 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
75 An acid resistant and corrosion-resistant composite film 201520091146.1 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
76 A screen brightening protective film 201520091095.2 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
77 An online production film drying oven 201520091091.4 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
78 A type of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene dustproof composite film 201520091096.7 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
79 An aerogel waterproof membrane 201520091099.0 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
80 An aerogel waterproof component 201520091094.8 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue

 

265

 

81 An online thin film slitting device 201520091093.3 August 12, 2015 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
82 An optical imaging anti-counterfeiting component and anti-counterfeiting packaging sheet 201620370969.2 December 28, 2016 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Yu
83 A photodegradable formaldehyde film 201621360868.3 December 12, 2017 Zhou Yongnan and Liu Bo
84 A Thermochromic Night Light Warning Tape 201721139142.1 May 8, 2018 Zhou Yongnan and Li Qingliu
85 A flame-retardant non-woven tape 201721139144.0 May 8, 2018 Zhou Yongnan and Li Qingliu
86 A multifunctional Mylar tape 201721139193.4 May 8, 2018 Zhou Yongnan, Li Qingliu, Lin Longhui
87 A specialized cutting machine for ITO dimming film 201721139196.8 May 8, 2018 Zhou Yongnan and Liu Bo
88 An explosion-proof film storage box 201721139198.7 May 8, 2018 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Mingyue, Lin Longhui
89 A preparation equipment for graphene heat dissipation materials 201721139211.9 May 8, 2018 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
90 A retention force testing machine for OCA optical adhesive 201721139212.3 May 8, 2018 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
91 A cutting machine for heating and reducing adhesive materials 201721139225.0 May 8, 2018 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
92 A high transparency nano silver wire conductive thin film 201820246863.0 October 9, 2018 Zhou Yongnan and Liu Bo
93 A super flexible protective tape for 3D glass 201820109321.9 January 23, 2019 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
94 A release film for OCA bonding 201721470453.6 November 16, 2018 Zhou Yongnan and Ye Yanhong
95 A defect detection device for micro lens array microstructure optical films 201820874561.8 March 15, 2019 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu
96 An S-shaped anti light screen 201821709190.4 July 5, 2019 Zhou Yongnan
97 Simulate optical films with 3D curved surfaces and electronic product shells and screens containing them 201821862612.1 August 9, 2019 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
98 A hair pattern anti light screen 201920240346.7 October 29, 2019 Zhou Yongnan
99 A high exhaust CPP silicone protective film 201920343897.6 November 29, 2019 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
100 A type of micro lens anti-counterfeiting film 201920500712.8 December 13, 2019 Feng Yu and Yuan Shunnian

 

266

 

101 Transfer frame for microstructure film printing roller 201921330100.5 April 17, 2020 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
102 Vacuum lamination exposure device for micro image and text transfer printing 201921378237.8 April 17, 2020 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
103 Positioning fixtures for micro image and text transfer printing 201921385564.6 April 17, 2020 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
104 Tension control system for feed film used in optical lens coating system 201921340670.2 April 17, 2020 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
105 Vacuum lamination device for micro image and text transfer printing 201921385154.1 April 17, 2020 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
106 UV curing system after coating optical lens film 201921366633.9 May 5, 2020 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
107 Lamination device for micro image and text transfer printing 201921385375.9 May 8, 2020 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
108 Dust removal system before coating optical lens film 201921329617.2 April 21, 2020 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
109 Substrate film splicing system for optical lens film production 201921321788.0 June 26, 2020 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
110 High temperature resistant encapsulated dynamic stereoscopic display anti-counterfeiting film 201921261385.1 May 8, 2020 Feng Yu, Zhou Yongnan, Yuan Shunnian
111 An optical protective film 202020980690.2 March 5, 2021 Zhou Yongnan and Qi Rongjun
112 A waterproof and dustproof foam tape 202020889050.0 March 5, 2021 Zhou Yongnan and Li Qingliu
113 Thin packaging anti-counterfeiting lens film 202021667624.6 March 26, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
114 Double anti-counterfeiting film 202021735885.7 March 26, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
115 Microlens anti-counterfeiting label 202021851887.2 March 19, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
116 Packaging anti-counterfeiting lens film with high refractive coating 202021705667.9 March 19, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian

 

267

 

117 Localized microlens film and its label anti-counterfeiting film 202021848859.5 March 19, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
118 Localized coating roller for microlens array 202021848941.8 March 19, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
119 Pattern color adjustment film and its dimming device 202022317799.0 April 13, 2021 Zhou Yongnan and Wang Wenpeng
120 A PET printed texture decorative film for glass and glass 202021359357.6 April 16, 2021 Zhou Yongnan and Xu Yanfeng
121 A type of anti-counterfeiting indicator tape 202021144181.2 April 20, 2021 Zhou Yongnan and Li Qingliu
122 An OLED absorbing patch for mobile phones 202021908215.0 April 20, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Li Qingliu, Guo Ya
123 A protective film for isolating ultraviolet metal parts 202021359356.1 April 20, 2021 Zhou Yongnan and Xu Yanfeng
124 An outdoor weather resistant decorative film 202021537883.7 April 23, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Xu Yanfeng, Tang Xiaofeng
125 Raster stereoscopic painting with air encapsulation layer 202022393871.8 April 30, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
126 A polarizing plate 202021197111.3 July 13, 2021 Zhou Yongnan and Wu Jiaming
127 A car interior decorative film 202021537882.2 July 13, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Xu Yanfeng, Tang Xiaofeng
128 A self-adhesive decorative film 202021539578.1 July 13, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Xu Yanfeng, Tang Xiaofeng
129 A nano carbon heat dissipation tape 202021908220.1 July 13, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Li Qingliu, Guo Ya
130 A double-layer PU closed cell foam waterproof tape 202021908222.0 July 13, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Li Qingliu, Guo Ya
131 A photoelectric correction machine adjustment frame for inner explosion-proof film 202022243020.5 July 13, 2021 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
132 A low shrinkage and high thickness carrier film tension adjustment device 202022243027.7 July 13, 2021 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
133 A tensile testing machine for UV adhesive tape 202022243028.1 July 13, 2021 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
134 Dynamic film with laser effect 202022982681.X July 6, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
135 Lens overlay dynamic film 202023019953.2 July 27, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian

 

268

 

136 Dynamic grid graphic text micro lens film 202023042154.7 September 14, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
137 Microlens dynamic film with suspended graphics and text in a sphere 202022969109.X September 14, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
138 Dynamic film with laser pattern 202022979397.7 September 14, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
139 Dynamic touch that can change color 202022959654.0 September 14, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
140 Double sided imageable dynamic film 202022980462.8 September 14, 2021 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
141 A Color Microlens Dynamic Film 202022969126.3 March 1, 2022 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
142 A 3D curved surface peeling flexible inner explosion-proof film 202121202206.4 March 4, 2022 Zhou Yongnan
143 A type of anti light curtain 202220801706.8 August 26, 2022 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
144 A composite anti light curtain 202221018944.8 September 16, 2022 Zhou Yongnan, Feng Yu, Yuan Shunnian
145 A dust removal equipment for optical thin film slitting 202221337745.3 October 21, 2022 Zhou Yongnan and Wu Jiaming
146 A color changing film with puncture and tear resistance for vehicles 202221340526.0 October 21, 2022 Zhou Yongnan and Xu Yanfeng
147 A high-temperature resistant blue light protective film for curved screens 202221477539.2 October 21, 2022 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
148 A type of adhesive with heat reducing and easy to pull properties 202221582276.1 October 21, 2022 Zhou Yongnan and Li Qingliu
149 A slitting mechanism with dust removal device for a slitting machine 202221628792.3 October 21, 2022 Zhou Yongnan and Wu Jiaming
150 An explosion-proof film for the back cover of mobile phones 202221773669.0 October 21, 2022 Zhou Yongnan and Li Tao
151 An explosion-proof protective film for the back cover of mobile phones 202221954925.6 October 25, 2022 Zhou Yongnan and Li Tao
152 A testing device for the mechanical properties of easy to pull adhesive 202221663995.6 November 8, 2022 Zhou Yongnan and Li Qingliu
153 An online defect detection device for optical thin films 202221986335.1 December 23, 2022 Zhou Yongnan and Wu Jiaming
154 A transparent double-sided conductive film for folding screens 202222220541.8 December 23, 2022 Zhou Yongnan

 

269

 

155 A wear-resistant and high transparency lens protective film and lens protection structure 202222319410.5 December 23, 2022 Zhou Yongnan and Kong Xiangyong
156 A type of anti peeping film 202222386729.X December 23, 2022 Zhou Yongnan
157 A curing machine for UV cured photosensitive adhesive 202222544167.7 December 23, 2022 Zhou Yongnan
158 A high-strength foam double-sided adhesive 202222726664.9 December 23, 2022 Zhou Yongnan
159 An extrusion coating device 202222526911.0 February 17, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
160 An optical pressure-sensitive adhesive can 202222541497.0 February 17, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
161 A Low Shrinkage and High Temperature Resistant Carrier Film and High Frequency Sensor Carrier Structure 202222767455.9 February 17, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
162 A multi-channel slitting machine for protective film processing 202222843398.8 February 17, 2023 Zhou Yongnan and Huang Juan
163 A composite film with a tear off layer and double-sided foam tape 202222877858.9 February 17, 2023 Zhou Yongnan and Wang Wenpeng
164 A reusable foam double-sided adhesive film and foam double-sided tape 202222877969.X February 17, 2023 Zhou Yongnan and Wang Wenpeng
165 A type of explosion-proof film and lens composite laminated structure for lenses 202223027936.2 February 17, 2023 Zhou Yongnan and Li Tao
166 A printing roller transfer frame 202223043960.5 February 17, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
167 A double-sided tape casting and stretching device 202222859033.4 March 21, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
168 A unwinding machine for tape production 202222935320.9 March 21, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
169 A double-layer thin film correction device 202223258700.X March 21, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
170 A glue supply mechanism for coating machines 202223249532.8 March 21, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
171 A Narrow Slot Extrusion Coating Structure for Explosion proof Film in Curved Glass 202223319807.0 March 21, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
172 A membrane winding anti offset component 202223258173.2 March 21, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
173 A light resistant screen packaging component 202223395373.2 March 21, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
174 A breathable protective film with dust removal function 202223473875.2 March 21, 2023 Zhou Yongnan and Huang Junhua

 

270

 

175 A bending resistant double-sided tape for folding screens 202223488371.8 March 21, 2023 Zhou Yongnan and Li Qingliu
176 A double-sided tape conveying device 202222935319.6 March 24, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
177 A bubble free folding and winding device 202223007095.9 March 24, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
178 An anti stick coating roller for coating machines 202223007116.7 March 24, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
179 Low shrinkage and high thickness carrier film high-temperature resistant treatment components 202223189199.6 March 24, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
180 A colored double-sided adhesive 202223206155.X March 24, 2023 Zhou Yongnan and Huang Junhua
181 A PU double-sided tape coated high uniformity extrusion component 202223327302.9 March 24, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
182 A coating and cutting device for plastic film 202223320283.7 March 28, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
183 A scratch resistant and anti-static protective film 202223424824.0 March 28, 2023 Zhou Yongnan and Feng Mingyue
184 A thin film electrostatic removal device 202223126154.4 May 5, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
185 A tape peeling force detection device 202223270254.4 May 5, 2023 Zhou Yongnan
186 An anti-static ionization membrane release treatment device for OLED 202223345586.4 May 5, 2023 Zhou Yongnan

 

Jiangsu Huizhi New Materials Technology Co., Ltd    
No. Name Patent Number Authorization
Announcement Date
Inventor’s Name
1 A variable spacing anti light screen 201822061218.4 August 9, 2019 Zhou Yongnan
2 A type of anti-light curtain 201822061262.5 August 9, 2019 Zhou Yongnan
3 An easy to make anti light screen 201822061265.9 August 9, 2019 Zhou Yongnan
4 A scratch resistant microstructure for projection screens and its projection screens 202020510088.2 September 11, 2020 Zhou Yongnan
5 A high contrast projection screen 202020510127.9 September 11, 2020 Zhou Yongnan

 

271

 

6 A dust removal and separation equipment for polyester chips used in optical film manufacturing 202121977382.5 February 1, 2022 Zhou Yongnan, Pang Zetao, Sheng Zeng, Li Yibang, Pan Enchao
7 A Vacuum System for Twin Screw Extruder 202122391596.0 February 18, 2022 Zhou Yongnan, Pang Zetao, Sheng Zeng, Li Yibang, Jie Yuzhu
8 An energy-saving drying and dust removal equipment for polyester chips 202121977369.X February 18, 2022 Zhou Yongnan, Pang Zetao, Sheng Zeng, Li Yibang, Pan Enchao
9 A discharge device for a coil slitting machine 202123410603.3 May 6, 2022 Zhou Yongnan; Zong Chenlin; Huang Juan
10 A device for energy-saving heating and emission reduction of hot air in coating machines 202123373505.7 May 13, 2022 Zhou Yongnan; Zong Chenlin; Zhou Xia
11 A thin film cutting device 202220545407.2 July 22, 2022 Pang Zetao, Sheng Zeng, Pan Enchao, Han Xiangchen, Shen Sixiang, Jie Zhengzhu, Lv Chaoyu
12 A highly transparent and anti-aging colored window film 202222191780.5 November 22, 2022 Zhou Yongnan, Sheng Zeng, Pan Enchao, Han Xiangchen
13 A device for detecting film orientation angle and quality defects 202221773670.3 November 22, 2022 Zhou Yongnan, Sheng Zeng, Pan Enchao, Lv Chaoyu
14 A rolling machine with anti-static function 202222205821.1 November 22, 2022 Lv Chaoyu, Zhou Yongnan, Sheng Zeng, Pan Enchao, Wang Shuo
15 A discharge device for roll film 202222574968.8 December 27, 2022 Sheng Zeng, Pan Enchao, Han Xiangchen
16 A device for crushing and recovering scraps of optical films 202222574969.2 December 27, 2022 Zhou Yongnan, Pang Zetao, Sheng Zeng, Li Yibang, Pan Enchao, Yin Hongfei
17 A heating device for substrate film production 202222353638.6 February 3, 2023 Zhou Yongnan, Pang Zetao, Sheng Zeng, Pan Enchao
18 A longitudinal stretching preheating device for optical films 202320112088.0 August 18, 2023 Sheng Zeng; Pan Enchao; Han Xiangchen
19 A guide film device for longitudinal stretching of optical films 202320112175.6 August 18, 2023 Pang Zetao; Sheng Zeng; Pan Enchao
20 A thermal insulation device and a transverse stretching device for optical films 202320118496.7 August 18, 2023 Sheng Zeng; Pan Enchao; Lv Chaoyu; Wang Shuo; Sun Min

 

272

 

21 A displacement adjustment device for suction accessories used in optical films 202320221096.9 August 18, 2023 Sheng Zeng; Pan Enchao; Lv Chaoyu; Wang Shuo; Sun Min
22 A material cleaning device for a screen changer 202320221097.3 August 18, 2023 Sheng Zeng; Li Yibang; Yin Hongfei
23 A dust removal device for a wide membrane surface 202320804112.7 August 18, 2023 Zhou Yongnan; Wang Junxiang
24 A placement mechanism for membrane rollers 202320884142.3 August 18, 2023 Zhou Yongnan; Sheng Zeng; Wei Yongbo; Zhang Huixing; Zhang Zheming
25 A membrane transfer application transportation device 202320671577.X September 5, 2023 Pan Enchao; Lv Chaoyu; Wang Shuo; Sun Min; Sun Xinxin; Yin Tiantian; Wang Yanni
26 A raw material liquid mixing device and a combination mechanism of a material barrel and a mixing device 202321013895.3 October 24, 2023 Zhou Yongnan; Yu Hongjian
27 An anti offset fixture for coil winding 202321698866.5 December 8, 2023 Zhou Yongnan, Yu Hongjian
28 A thin film defect detection device 202321362872.3 December 12, 2023 Shen Sixiang; Sheng Zeng; Chu Yunxiao; Zhou Yongnan
29 A roller surface cleaning device 202321593881.3 December 12, 2023 Zhou Yongnan; Wang Junxiang

 

Shanghai Jianishi New Materials Technology Co., Ltd    
No. Name Patent Number Authorization
Announcement Date
Inventor’s Name
1 Insulation film detector 201720033207.8 September 15, 2017 You Jianhua
2 Specially designed high-efficiency scratch resistant and water scraping board 201120446948.1 July 11, 2012 You Jianhua
3 A positioning device for 3D film application 201520868333.6 April 20th, 2016 You Jianhua

 

Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co., Ltd    
No. Name Patent Number Authorization
Announcement Date
Inventor’s Name
1 A lateral stretching needle plate component and stretching machine for polyimide film 201720033207.8 September 15, 2017 Zhou Yongnan
2 A mixing device for dry film adhesive blocking liquid 201120446948.1 July 11, 2012 Zhou Yongnan

 

273

 

II. Patent for Invention    
Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd    
No. Name Patent Number Patent Grant Date
1 A flexible organic optoelectronic device substrate and its preparation method 200810147776.0 June 2, 2010
2 A photo-controlled 3D optical stereo film and its preparation method 201310018427.X December 18, 2013
3 A 3D optical stereoscopic film and its preparation method 201310018450.9 December 18, 2013
4 A novel 3D optical stereo film and its preparation method 201210442263.9 September 24, 2014
5 A novel 3D optical stereoscopic film and its preparation method 201210443727.8 August 12, 2015
6 A low ghosting cylindrical lens type 3D optical stereo film and its preparation method 201410159479.3 March 2, 2016
7 A preparation method for antibacterial protective film and antibacterial protective film 201510872848.8 June 1, 2018
8 A photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde film 201611149202.8 August 21, 2018
9 A photodegradable formaldehyde film 201611137404.0 October 16, 2018
10 An anti fog toughening and antibacterial cast polypropylene food packaging film and its preparation method 201810582785.6 March 5, 2021
11 An antibacterial polyethylene food packaging film and its preparation method 201810582802.6 April 20, 2021
12 Preparation method of transparent conductive thin film with high transparency of silver nanowires 201810141656.3 July 13, 2021
13 Preparation method of packaging anti-counterfeiting lens film with high refractive index coating 202010817214.3 December 28, 2021
14 A Kind of Folding Screen Transparent Base Film Hardening Coating Protective Film and Production Process 202011486775.6 June 7, 2022
15 The production method of pattern color film 202011108888.2 August 7, 2022
16 A Release Layer Coating Liquid and Preparation Method of MLCC Release Membrane 202011292828.0 October 21, 2022
17 A polymer nanofilm for blocking water vapor and its preparation method 201610139436.8 July 23, 2021
18 A low curvature solar cell backplate substrate and its preparation method 201910406988.4 April 20, 2018
19 Adaptive production system and method for recyclable and reusable protective film 202211191976.2 March 28, 2023
20 A tear resistant color changing film and its preparation method 202210717804.8 April 7, 2023
21 A scratch resistant optical film and high contrast screen for projection screens 202110555699.8 May 9, 2023

 

274

 

22 A method to improve the resistance anisotropy of nano silver wire conductive films 201911272026.0 February 9, 2021
23 An anti-glare and anti-reflective film and its preparation method 202010032020 1 August 4, 2023
24 A rework double-sided foam tape, rework method, and preparation method 202211346276.6 August 4th, 2023
25 An anti-static overweight release force coating liquid, release film and preparation method 202211580912.1 November 14, 2023
26 A transparent polyimide film 201911197412.8 February 13, 2024
27 A corrosion-resistant electrolyte hardening coating, adhesive tape for fixing battery cells, and preparation method 202211621299.3 February 13, 2024

 

Jiangsu Huizhi New Materials Technology Co., Ltd    
No. Name Patent Number Patent Grant Date
1 Preparation Method and Application of Hydrophobic Materials Based on Nanoparticles 201911070964.2 June 29, 2021
2 A high contrast scratch resistant projection screen for laser projection and its production method 202010274071.6 April 9, 2021
3 A polyimide resin and its prepared single-sided conductive composite film 202011056672.6 August 9, 2022
4 A transparent polyamide imide resin and its preparation method and application 202011000656.5 November 8, 2022
5 Production process and substrate of a release membrane for MLCC 202110601160.1 May 5, 2023
6 A polyamide imide resin and its prepared transparent acid and alkali resistant electromagnetic shielding composite film 202011606106.8 November 10, 2023
7 A low haze polyester film and its preparation method 202210389816.2 November 14, 2023
8 A preparation method for biaxially stretched polyester film and polyester film 202111160945.6 December 22, 2023
9 A preparation method and polyester film with high flatness and heat resistance 202210390925.6 December 22, 2023
10 A transparent polyamide imide resin and its preparation method and application 202111031204.8 December 22, 2023

 

275

 

2. Trademarks

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we have registered 81 trademarks in Mainland China, including 26 trademarks owned by Jiangyin Tongli, 42 trademarks owned by Jianishi and 13 trademarks owned by Zhitong. The following tables summarize these registered trademark registrations:

 

Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd  
No. Trademark Name Registration No. Applicable Categories Registration Date Expiry Date
1 GRT&GMT 43167781 9 2020-10-21 2030-10-20
2 3D 魔立 67980686 9 2023-06-07 2033-06-06
3 TONGLI 4013717 16 2007-12-28 2027-12-27
4 飞膜 15604201 16 2015-12-14 2025-12-13
5 视立方 15604300 16 2015-12-14 2025-12-13
6 通利光电 19512089 16 2017-07-28 2027-07-27
7 3D 魔立 29626196 16 2019-01-28 2029-01-27
8 GRTGMT 43144107 16 2020-10-21 2030-10-20
9 通利光电 13627628 17 2016-03-21 2026-03-20
10 3D魔立 13702267 17 2015-02-07 2025-02-06
11 3D魔丽 13702268 17 2015-02-07 2025-02-06
12 视立方 13723321 17 2015-03-14 2025-03-13
13 飞膜 13767764 17 2015-02-28 2025-02-27
14 15604475 17 2015-12-21 2025-12-20
15 28199530 17 2018-11-21 2028-11-20
16 28222347 17 2018-11-21 2028-11-20
17 33998888 17 2019-06-14 2029-06-13
18 34002581 17 2019-06-14 2029-06-13
19 GRT&GMT 34485202 17 2019-07-21 2029-07-20
20 通利光电 19510970 35 2017-07-28 2027-07-27
21 TONGLI 19513444 35 2017-07-28 2027-07-27
22 飞膜 29626185 35 2019-01-21 2029-01-20
23 GRT & GMT 43169740 35 2020-10-21 2030-10-20
24 通利光电 19513297 42 2017-07-28 2027-07-27
25 GRT&GMT 43152379 42 2020-10-21 2030-10-20
26 飞膜 67975575 42 2023-06-07 2033-06-06

 

276

 

Shanghai Jianishi New Materials Technology Co., Ltd  
No. Trademark Name Registration No. Applicable Categories Registration Date Expiry Date
01 984057 17 2017.04.21 2027.04.20
02 圣宝龙 3141054 17 2003.07.07 2033.07.06
03 神奇盾 3154279 17 2003.07.07 2033.07.06
04 矽卡 3160322 17 2003.07.14 2033.07.13
05 3459702 35 2004.10.21 2034.10.20
06 崴力狮 3626103 17 2005.04.21 2025.04.20
07 3630281 17 2005.04.21 2025.04.20
08 欧迪 3734326 17 2005.07.14 2025.07.13
09 住菱 3760913 17 2005.07.21 2025.07.20
10 3949108 17 2016.12.14 2026.12.13
11 4693186 17 2018.10.07 2028.10.06
12 4754296 37 2019.02.28 2029.02.27
13 4754297 12 2018.04.21 2028.04.20
14 6596565 17 2010.03.28 2020.03.27
15 6731649 17 2010.04.21 2020.04.20
16 6731650 37 2010.04.21 2020.04.20

 

277

 

17 6731668 37 2010.04.21 2020.04.20
18 6731669 17 2011.05.28 2021.05.27
19 6731670 17 2011.01.14 2021.01.13
20 U.MA 6939224 17 2011.02.21 2021.02.20
21 7169167 17 2010.11.28 2020.11.27
22 7169168 17 2010.12.28 2020.12.27
23 7320663 35 2010.10.14 2020.10.13
24 神奇盾 7320664 35 2010.10.14 2020.10.13
25 佳尼士 7329935 35 2010.10.14 2020.10.13
26 8750055 17 2014.04.07 2034.04.06
27 百變龍 9998429 17 2012.12.28 2032.12.27
28 10321592 17 2013.12.07 2033.12.06
29 精镀 11611518 3 2014.03.21 2034.03.20
30 CFCSUNAWE 13546746 17 2015.02.21 2025.02.20
31 优玛特效 16855753 17 2016.06.28 2026.06.27
32 SUNAWE 11876274 17 2014.07.07 2034.05.27
33 12062101 17 2014.07.07 2034.07.06

 

278

 

34 光致 49317010 17 2021.04.07 2031.04.06
35 15258107 17 2015.10.14 2025.10.13
36 U.MA 6596564 17 2014.07.21 2034.07.20
37 SUN SHEDE 13314520 17 2015.01.21 2025.01.20
38 圣炫 13314505 17 2015.01.21 2025.01.20
39 SUN SHADE 13314486 17 2015.01.20 2025.01.20
40 13314530 17 2015.01.20 2025.01.20
41 21139475 35 2017.10.28 2027.10.27
42 44624183 17 2020.12.28 2030.12.27

 

Jiangsu Huizhi New Materials Technology Co., Ltd

 
No. Trademark Name Registration No. Applicable Categories Registration Date Expiry Date
01 泰比熊 41548063 9 2020-06-28 2030-06-27
02 雷途 41555515 9 2020-09-21 2030-09-20
03 北极鸟 41541989 9 2020-09-21 2030-09-20
04 北极鸟 20395973 16 2017-10-21 2027-10-20
05 泰比熊 29053313 16 2019-03-07 2029-03-06
06 雷途 41549473 16 2020-06-28 2030-06-27
07 雷途 13666592 17 2015-03-14 2025-03-13
08 北极鸟 41568030 17 2020-06-28 2030-06-27
09 泰比熊 41559063 17 2020-06-28 2030-06-27
10 雷途 41510368 35 2020-06-21 2030-06-20
11 泰比熊 41527124 35 2020-06-21 2030-06-20
12 WIO 53606166 17 2021-09-14 2031-09-13
13 WIO 53597840 9 2021-11-28 2031-11-27
14 WIOTECH 53597850 9 2021-11-28 2031-11-27

 

279

 

3. Software Copyrights

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we registered 3 software copyrights in mainland China. The following table summarizes these software copyrights registrations:

 

Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd    
No. Name   Registration Number
1 Tongli 3D Player Software (referred to as Tongli 3D) V1.O   2013SRO63380
2 Tongli 3D playback software [abbreviated as Tongli 3D] V1.O   2013SR150604
3 Tongli 3D Video Conversion System (referred to as Tongli 3D) V1.O   2013SR140840

 

Awards, Licenses and Certificates

 

As an endorsement of R&D and quality control, we have obtained the following awards as of the date of this prospectus:

 

Award   Organization   Date/Term of Conferment
Jiangsu Province Certified Enterprise Technology Center)   Jiangsu Commission of Economy and Information Technology, Jiangsu Development and Reform Commission, Jiangsu Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Department of Finance, Jiangsu Taxation Bureau, Nanjing Customs of PRC   No date
Jiangsu Province Exemplar Intelligent Workshop   Jiangsu Commission of Economy and Information Technology and Jiangsu Department of Finance   February 2018
Jiangsu Little Giant Enterprise (Manufacturing Category)   Jiangsu Department of Industry and Information Technology   2020-2022
High Tech Enterprise   Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Department of Finance, and Taxation Bureau   Nov 30, 2018- Oct 31, 2024
National “Specialized, Refined, Unique, and New” Little Giant Enterprise   Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China   July 1, 2022- June 30, 2025
National Intellectual Property Exemplar Enterprise   State Intellectual Property Office   Nov 2023- Oct 2026

 

To lawfully operate our business in China, our operating subsidiaries have acquired the following permits and licenses as of the date of this prospectus:

 

Subsidiary   License/Permit   Valid Through
Jiangyin Tongli   Fixed Pollution Source Discharge Registration Receipt    November 21, 2027
Jiangyin Tongli   Radiation safety permit   January 22, 2028

Jiangyin Tongli

Food Business License

 

January 9, 2028

Jiangyin Tongli   National Industrial Product Production License   November 21, 2022
Jiangyin Tongli   Occupational Health Safety Management System Certification Certificate   January 25, 2021
Jiangyin Tongli   Environmental Management System Certification Certificate   January 25, 2015

Jiangyin Tongli

 

Quality Management System Certification Certificate

 

January 25, 2027

Jiangyin Tongli   ISO50001   December 9, 2024
Jiangyin Tongli   Intellectual Property Management System Certification   April 24, 2026
Huizhi   Quality Certificate of Conformance   December 6, 2025

Huizhi

 

Quality Management System Certification Certificate

 

April 3, 2024

Huizhi   Integration of Information and Industrialization Management System Certificate   March 23, 2026

 

280

 

Domain Names

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we have registered 9 domain names in mainland China. Our core domain name is tonglioptech.com, while other domain names are registered with the intent of proactively blocking third parties from registering those domain names that may either be confusingly similar to our domain names or passing off as our company to engage in unlawful or unfair competitions.

 

Employees

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we have 938 employees, including 20 employees in Jiangsu Tongli, 649 employees in Jiangyin Tongli, 403 employees in Huizhi, 23 employees in Jianishi, and 9 employees in Zhitong, as well as 1 staff working at Korean branch of Jiangyin Tongli.

 

We enter into employment contracts and non-disclosure agreements with our full-time employees.

 

We contribute social security and housing provident fund for employees as required by local government, however, though our practice is consistent with the local practices, we have not strictly complied with the Labor Contract Law of China.

 

We provide safety training and professional skills training for employees and offer free work meals and affordable accommodations to our employees. There is a clear reward and punishment mechanism, and confidentiality work and protection for vulnerable groups are emphasized.

 

Facilities

 

Jiangyin Tongli has two manufacturing plants and additional buildings for management and production use. Jiangyin Tongli Korean Branch leases an office for its office use. Huizhi has one plant and the construction project is close to be completed. Jianishi leases an office in Shanghai. Zhitong has a plant that is currently under construction and has obtained the construction project planning permit from the Jiangyin Administrative Approval Bureau in April 2024.

 

According to the Constitution Law of the People’s Republic of China and its land laws, Chinese individuals cannot privately own land and natural resources. The Constitution of the People’s Republic of China provides that land in urban areas must be owned by the state, whereas land in rural and suburban areas must be owned by the state or by local collectives. Individuals can, however, obtain the right to use land from the state. The land-use right is a right that allows the right-holder to legally possess, use, and benefit from property owned by another. In urban areas, the state grants (churang, sometimes also translated as “assigns”) or allocates (huabo) land-use rights to land users. For granted land-use rights, land users pay the state granting fees for a certain number of years. The State Council is authorized by law to formulate the maximum periods for which land-use rights may be granted. For industrial use land, the term of the land use right granted to the 1st grantee is generally 50 years. However, if the 1st grantee further transfers the land use right to another person as a transferee, the term of the land use right that the subsequent transferee receives will be deducted by the term of the land use right that had been lapsed from the precedent grantee. The land use right that a grantee receives or the subsequent transferee receives is evidenced by so called Land Use Certificate issued by the relevant government agency.

 

281

 

The following table summarizes these owned and leased plants and buildings:

 

Land Use Certificates

 

Property Certificate
Number
Land Use
Rights Holder
Location Purpose Area (㎡)

Registered Date

yyyy/mm/dd

Use Right
Expiration Date
yyyy/mm/dd

Cheng Land National Use (2012) No. 13064 Jiangyin Tongli No. 8 Changxing Road, Changjing Town, Jiangyin City Industry 8,237.00 2012/9/15 2053/12/30
Cheng Land National Use (2012) No. 13075 Jiangyin Tongli No. 8 Changxing Road, Changjing Town, Jiangyin City Industry 9,444.00 2012/9/15 2054/2/16
Cheng Land National Use (2012) No. 14543 Jiangyin Tongli No. 8 Changxing Road, Changjing Town, Jiangyin City Industry 10,087.00 2012/10/25 2061/8/23
Cheng Land National Use (2013) No. 13027 Jiangyin Tongli Huayuan Village and Liuqiao Village in Changjing Town, Jiangyin City Industry 53,336.00 2013/5/25 2063/5/20
Su (2019) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0021921 Huizhi North Huanghai Avenue and East Yunqiao Road in the Development Zone, Lianyungang City Industry 266,483.00 2019/3/27 2069/1/30
Su (2023) Jiangyin Real Estate Ownership No. 0021675 Zhitong No. 70 Xingyuan Road, Changjing Town, Jiangyin City Industry 29,822.40 2023/5/11 2053/10/14
Total       377,409.40    

 

After land use right certificate is obtained and the building/construction is completed, subject the inspection by relevant government agencies, the Real Property Ownership Certificate will be issued to the owner.

 

282

 

Real Property Ownership Certificates owned by Jiangyin Tongli and Huizhi are listed below:

 

Property Certificate
Number
Property Owner Location Purpose Area (㎡) Registration
Date

Layers
in Total

Chengfang Certificate Jiangyin Zi No. foj10101623 Jiangyin Tongli 26 Tonggang Road, Changjing Town,
Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China
Non-residential 87,472.10 12-Aug-15 5.00
Chengfang Certificate Jiangyin Zi No. foj10020664-1 Jiangyin Tongli

No. 8 Changxing Road, Changjing Town

Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China

Non-residential 41.21 4-Sep-12 1.00
Chengfang Certificate Jiangyin Zi No. foj10020664-1 Jiangyin Tongli Non-residential 828.31 4-Sep-12 3.00
Chengfang Certificate Jiangyin Zi No. foj10020664-1 Jiangyin Tongli Non-residential 120.31 4-Sep-12 1.00
Chengfang Certificate Jiangyin Zi No. foj10020664-2 Jiangyin Tongli Non-residential 804.65 4-Sep-12 2.00
Chengfang Certificate Jiangyin Zi No. foj10020664-2 Jiangyin Tongli Non-residential 2,525.06 4-Sep-12 1.00
Chengfang Certificate Jiangyin Zi No. foj10020664-2 Jiangyin Tongli Non-residential 887.23 4-Sep-12 1.00
Chengfang Certificate Jiangyin Zi No. foj10020664-3 Jiangyin Tongli Non-residential 896.66 4-Sep-12 1.00
Chengfang Certificate Jiangyin Zi No. foj10020664-3 Jiangyin Tongli Non-residential 864.81 4-Sep-12 1.00
Chengfang Certificate Jiangyin Zi No. foj10020664-3 Jiangyin Tongli Non-residential 441.65 4-Sep-12 1.00

 

283

 

Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0016528 Huizhi

218 Huanghai Avenue, Lianyungang Economic and Technological Development Zone,
Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China

1 # Dormitory, 2 # Canteen 17,525.23 26-Mar-24 6.00
Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0016529 Huizhi 1 # Production workshop 54,308.32 26-Mar-24 3.00
Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0016530 Huizhi 1 # R&D workshop 20,137.70 26-Mar-24 3.00
Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0016531 Huizhi 2 # Production workshop 54,296.67 26-Mar-24 3.00
Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0016532 Huizhi Dormitory 3 # 7,690.58 26-Mar-24 6.00
Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0016533 Huizhi 3 # Production workshop 54,266.12 26-Mar-24 3.00
Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0016534 Huizhi Dormitory 4 # 7,690.34 26-Mar-24 6.00
Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0016535 Huizhi 4 # Production workshop 25,129.52 26-Mar-24 3.00
Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0026866 Huizhi 5 # Production workshop 49,398.74 30-Apr-24 4.00
Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0028499 Huizhi 110 substation 2,187.02 10-May-24 3.00
Su (2024) Lianyungang Real Estate Ownership No. 0016536 Huizhi 6 # Production workshop 39,685.11 26-Mar-24 3.00
The certificates are processing Huizhi 2 # R&D workshop 37,566.07 3.00
Huizhi Office Building 33,724.89 10.00

 

284

 

In addition to the real estate properties owned by Jiangyin Tongli and Huizhi as listed above, GRT, Jianishi and Jiangyin Tongli also lease the following leased premises:

 

Tenants Landlord Location

Location of

Leased Property

Lease
Period
Purpose

Area (㎡)

Rent
(month)

Property Fee
(month)
Jianishi Shanghai Jingzhou Real Estate Development Co., Ltd Shanghai Room 601, Building 5, No. 2377 Shenkun Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China 2021.9.4~2023.9.19 Office  225.00 ¥25,700.00 ¥6,300.00
Shanghai Junchitong New Materials Technology Co., Ltd Room 704, Building 11, No. 2177 Shenkun Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 2023.6.1~2026.1.14 Office  240.00 ¥34,800.00 ¥-
GRT Central Committee of Small and Medium sized Enterprises Seoul Special City, South Korea 1002, 10th Floor, Bank Road, Yeongdeungpo, Seoul City, Korea 2021.2.1~2022.1.31 Office  190.68 ₩2768640.00 ₩\1961120.00
2022.2.1~2023.1.31 Office  190.68 ₩2768640.00 ₩\1961120.00
2023.2.1~2024.1.31 Office  190.68 ₩2820552.00 ₩\2018800.00
2024.2.1~2025.1.31 Office  190.68 ₩2872464.00 ₩2076480.00
Jiangyin Tongli Jiangyin Changjing Town Garden Stock Economic Cooperative Jiangyin Land use right at No. 8 Changxing Road, Huayuan Village, Jiangyin City, China 2022.1.1~2022.12.31 Production  5,589.99 ¥167,280.75 ¥-

 

Insurance

 

To mitigate risks across different aspects of our operations and to ensure comprehensive coverage, we maintain various insurance policies and we believe the insurance coverage we maintain is in line with industry norms. As of the date of this prospectus, we maintain property insurance, key R&D equipment insurance, and employer’s liability insurance.

 

1. High tech enterprise property insurance (all risks):

 

For ordinary machinery and equipment: the deductible for each accident is RMB 1,000 or 10% of the loss amount, whichever is higher.

 

For buildings: There is no deductible amount.

 

285

 

2. Insurance for Key R&D Equipment of High-Tech Enterprises

 

For key R&D equipment and supporting facilities: the deductible for each accident is RMB 2,000 or 10% of the loss amount, whichever is higher.

 

3. Employer’s Liability Insurance for 20 Key Employees:

 

For machine operators, the annual compensation limit is RMB 934,000 per person, the death compensation limit is RMB 800,000 per person, the disability compensation limit is RMB 800,000 per person, the worked related injury expense compensation limit is RMB 54,000 per person, and the medical expense compensation limit is RMB 80,000 per person.

 

Environmental Matters

 

Our production generates wastewater, solid waste, and other industrial waste at various stages of the processing process. All of our processing facilities have gone through necessary environmental impact assessments during the initial construction phase, and relevant environmental protection equipment had been installed into the facilities. Each plant has passed final inspections by government agencies before we commenced the production activities.

 

We have been in compliance with laws and regulations relating to the environment as of the date of this prospectus and have not experienced any material adverse effects upon our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position with respect to environmental compliance and we do not anticipate any material adverse effects in the future based on the nature of our future operations. As of the date of this prospectus, none of the operating subsidiaries have received any notifications of noncompliance of any environmental regulations from relevant governmental authorities in mainland China.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we may become a party to various legal or administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including actions with respect to intellectual property infringement, breach of contract, and labor and employment claims. The existing disputes in the past few years have been resolved. We are currently not a party to, and we are not aware of any threat of, any legal or administrative proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, are likely to have any material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flow, or results of operations.

 

286

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF GRT

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to GRT and its subsidiaries prior to the Closing.

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion and other parts of the prospectus contain forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of selected events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. Please also see “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

Key Components of Results of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

 

 

    For the
years ended
June 30,
    Change  
    2024     2023     Amount     %  
Net revenues   $ 633,127,741     $ 581,229,763     $ 51,897,978       8.93  
Cost of revenues     (471,366,490 )     (490,896,017 )     19,529,527       (3.98 )
Gross profit     161,761,251       90,333,746       71,427,505       79.07  
Operating expenses:                                
Selling expenses     (11,763,388 )     (8,823,429 )     (2,939,959 )     33.32  
General and administrative expenses     (11,561,140 )     (9,361,301 )     (2,199,839 )     23.50  
Research and development expenses     (27,765,405 )     (11,375,955 )     (16,389,450 )     144.07  
Total operating expenses     (51,089,933 )     (29,560,685 )     (21,529,248 )     72.83  
Income from operations     110,671,318       60,773,061       49,898,257       82.11  
Other income (expenses):                                
Interest income     1,060,118       2,044,033       (983,915 )     (48.14 )
Interest expense     (14,908,846 )     (6,759,013 )     (8,149,833 )     120.58  
Other income, net     3,850,883       473,895       3,376,988       712.60  
Other expense, net     (1,886,291 )     (1,146,197 )     (740,094 )     64.57  
Exchange loss     97,236       (300,593 )     397,829       (132.35 )
Total other expense     (11,786,900 )     (5,687,875 )     (6,099,025 )     107.23  
Income before income tax     98,884,418       55,085,186       43,799,232       79.51  
Income tax expense     (16,015,045 )     (9,383,419 )     (6,631,626 )     70.67  
Net income   $ 82,869,373     $ 45,701,767     $ 37,167,606       81.33  

 

Net Revenues

 

Our revenue is reported net of all value added taxes (“VAT”). We derived revenue primarily from sales of films goods used in semiconductors, secondary batteries, vehicles, MLCC and other fields.

 

287

 

The following table sets forth the breakdown of our revenues by category for the periods indicated.

 

 

    For the years ended
June 30,
             
    2024     2023     Changes  
    Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %  
Revenues:                                    
Revenue from sales of film-Semiconductor   $ 98,944,104       15.63     $ 37,640,660       6.48     $ 61,303,444       162.86  
Revenue from sales of film-Chemical     51,687,313       8.16       38,981,553       6.71       12,705,760       32.59  
Revenue from sales of film-Home product     43,971,418       6.95       63,172,223       10.87       (19,200,805 )     (30.39 )
Revenue from sales of film-Secondary battery     153,179,056       24.19       110,997,747       19.10       42,181,309       38.00  
Revenue from sales of film-Vehicle     144,372,531       22.80       232,237,306       39.95       (87,864,775 )     (37.83 )
Revenue from sales of film-Display     58,118,580       9.18       96,903,947       16.67       (38,785,367 )     (40.02 )
Revenue from sales of film-MLCC     68,834,633       10.87       -       -       68,834,633       100  
Revenue from sales of film-Nano material     13,296,974       2.10       -       -       13,296,974       100  
Others     723,132       0.12       1,296,327       0.22       (573,195 )     (44.22 )
Total revenues   $ 633,127,741       100.00     $ 581,229,763       100.00     $ 51,897,978       8.93  

 

Compared with net revenue for the year ended June 30, 2023, our net revenue increased by $51.90 million, or 8.93%, for the year ended June 30, 2024, which was primarily attributable to a $61.30 million increase in sales of semiconductor films, a $12.71 million increase in sales of film-Chemical, a $42.18 million increase in sales of secondary battery films, a $68.84 million increase in sales of MLCC films and a $13.30 million increase of film-Nano material, partially offset by a $19.20 million decrease in sales of film-Home product, a $87.86 million decrease in sales of film-Vehicle and a $38.79 million decrease in sales of film-Display.

 

Revenue from sales of semiconductor films increased by $61.30 million, to $98.94 million for the year ended June 30, 2024 from $37.64 million for the year ended June 30, 2023. The increase in revenue was primarily due to (i) the increase of the Company's production capacity, and (ii) an increase of more than $35 million was due to the Copmpany’s ability to develop new customers.

 

Revenue from sales of secondary battery films increased by $42.18 million, to $153.18 million for the year ended June 30, 2024 from $111.00 million for the year ended June 30, 2023. The increase in revenue was primarily due to (i) the increase of the Company's production capacity, and (ii) an increase of more than $30 million from the Company’s ability to develop more than 100 new customers of secondary battery films.

 

Revenue from sales of MLCC films and nano material films was $82.13 million for the year ended June 30, 2024. These two types of products are new products that began to be sold in the second half year of 2023.

 

Revenue from sales of vehicle films decreased by $87.86 million, to $144.37 million for the year ended June 30, 2024 from $232.24 million for the year ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to the Company began to adjust the product structure and reduce the production of low gross profit products such as vehicle films.

 

Cost of Revenues

 

Our cost of revenue consists primarily of (i) cost of materials purchased from suppliers, (ii) sales taxes and additional taxes, (iii) depreciation expenses of the equipment, and (iv) salaries of production personnel and manufacturing expenses related to production.

 

Our cost of revenue decreased by $19.53 million, or 3.98% from $490.90 million for the year ended June 30, 2023 to $471.37 million for the year ended June 30, 2024, which was primarily attributable to the improvement of new production line, which improves the company's production efficiency and reduces the cost of sales and employee skill training in the early stage.

 

288

 

Gross profit and gross profit margin

 

Gross profit represents our revenue less cost of revenues. Our gross profit margin represents our gross profit as a percentage of our revenue. For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, our gross profit was $161.76 million and $90.33 million, respectively, and our gross profit margin was 25.55% and 15.54%, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth our gross profit and gross profit margin by sales category for the periods indicated.

 

 

    For the years ended
June 30,
             
    2024     2023     Changes  
    Gross profit     Gross profit
margin
    Gross profit     Gross profit
margin
    Gross profit  
    Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %  
Sales of film - Semiconductor   $ 27,377,494       27.67     $ 6,640,046       17.64     $ 20,737,448       312.31  
Sales of film - Chemical     7,921,689       15.33       5,475,207       14.05       2,446,482       44.68  
Sales of film - Home product     6,502,165       14.79       9,216,094       14.59       (2,713,929 )     (29.45 )
Sales of film - Secondary battery     46,150,527       30.13       22,736,609       20.48       23,413,918       102.98  
Sales of film - Vehicle     37,375,861       25.89       31,933,239       13.75       5,442,622       17.04  
Sales of film - Display     15,915,531       27.38       14,139,098       14.60       1,776,433       12.56  
Revenue from sales of film-MLCC     16,984,973       24.68       -       -       16,984,973       100.00  
Revenue from sales of film-Nano material     3,421,586       25.73       -       -       3,421,586       100.00  
Others     111,425       15.41       193,453       14.92       (82,028 )     (42.40 )
Total   $ 161,761,251       25.55     $ 90,333,746       15.54     $ 71,427,505       79.07  

 

Compared with gross profit for the year ended June 30, 2023, our gross profit increased by $71.43 million, or 79.07%, for the year ended June 30, 2024, and the gross profit margin increased from 15.54% to 25.55%, mainly due to the decrease in costs of sales as discussed above.

 

Operating expenses

 

The following table sets forth the breakdown of our operating expenses for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

 

    For the years ended
June 30,
       
    2024     2023     Changes  
    Amount     %
of revenues
    Amount     %
of revenues
    Amount     %  
Selling expenses   $ 11,763,388       1.86     $ 8,823,429       1.52     $ 2,939,959       33.32  
General and administrative expenses     11,561,140       1.83       9,361,301       1.61       2,199,839       23.50  
Research and development expenses     27,765,405       4.38       11,375,955       1.96       16,389,450       144.07  
Total operating expenses   $ 51,089,933       8.07     $ 29,560,685       5.09     $ 21,529,248       72.83  

 

289

 

Selling expenses

 

Selling expenses mainly include (i) transportation and delivery fees of products, (ii) salaries and commissions of sales and marketing personnel, (iii) marketing expenses, (iv) technical service fees and (v) business entertainment expenses.

 

Our selling expenses increased by 33.32% from $8.82 million for the year ended June 30, 2023 to $11.76 million for the year ended June 30, 2024, mainly attributable to the increase in transportation expense as a result of the increase in sales.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses mainly consist of (i) salaries, welfare and insurance expenses for administrative personnel, (ii) depreciations and amortizations, (iii) office expenses, (iv) entertainment expenses used for business operation, and (v) others, which primarily include traveling, water and electricity fees, and other miscellaneous expenses for administrative purposes.

 

Our general and administrative expenses increased by 23.50% from $9.36 million for the year ended June 30, 2023 to $11.56 million for the year ended June 30, 2024, which was mainly due to the depreciations increased.

 

Research and development expenses

 

Our research and development expenses primarily comprise costs of materials used for experiments, employee salary and welfare expenses, and depreciation expenses related to research and development activities.

 

Our research and develop expenses increased by144.07%, from $11.38 million for the year ended June 30, 2023 to $27.77 million for the year ended June 30, 2024, which was primarily attributable to an increase of material consumption, as we still focused on expanding product research and development to produce products.

 

Other income (expenses)

 

Other income (expenses) primarily consists of (i) government subsidies provided as incentives from mainland China local government to encourage the expansion of local business; (ii) interest income on bank deposits, interest expense on borrowings, interest expense on lease liabilities, which is non-cash and calculated as the difference between lease payments and the net present value of the lease payment over the entire term of the lease; (iii) foreign exchange gains or losses; and (iv) loss on written off fixed assets.

 

Our total other expense increased from $5.69 million for the year ended June 30, 2023 to $11.79 million for the year ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to the interest expense increased.

 

Income tax expenses

 

Hong Kong

 

In accordance with the relevant tax laws and regulations of Hong Kong, a company registered in Hong Kong is subject to income taxes within Hong Kong at the applicable tax rate on taxable income. From year of assessment of 2018/2019 onwards, Hong Kong profit tax rates are 8.25% on assessable profits up to HK$2,000,000, and 16.5% on any part of assessable profits over HK$2,000,000.

 

290

 

Mainland China

 

Generally, our subsidiaries that are considered mainland China resident enterprises under mainland China tax laws are subject to enterprise income tax on their worldwide taxable income as determined under mainland China tax laws and accounting standards at a rate of 25%.

 

In accordance with the implementation rules of the EIT Law, a qualified “High and New Technology Enterprise” (“HNTE”) is eligible for a preferential tax rate of 15%. The HNTE certificate is effective for a period of three years. An entity may re-apply for the HNTE certificate when the prior certificate expires. Our affiliates, Tongli and Huizhi, qualified as a HNTE in November 2021 and October 2022 respectively. Therefore, Tongli and Huizhi were eligible to enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% for the fiscal years 2022 and 2023, to the extent it had taxable income under the EIT Law. The income tax rate of other affiliated companies in the Group is 25%. Our income tax expense increased from $9.38 million for the year ended June 30, 2023 to $16.02 million for the year ended June 30, 2024.

 

Net income

 

As a result of the foregoing, our net income increased by 81.33%, from net income of $45.70 million for the year ended June 30, 2023 to $82.87 million for the year ended June 30, 2024.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of June 30, 2024, we had $77.29 million in cash, compared to $49.58 million as of June 30, 2023. Our cash primarily consists of cash in bank. Our principal source of cash came from our operations and bank loans. Most of our cash resources were used to pay for the procurement of raw materials, purchase of equipment and property, payroll and operating expenses. Currently, we are working to improve our liquidity and capital sources primarily through cash flows from operations, debt financing, and financial support from the principal shareholder or external investors. To the extent that current and anticipated future sources of liquidity are insufficient to fund our future business activities and requirements, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing. The sale of additional equity would result in additional dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of debt financing would result in debt service obligations and the instruments governing such debt could provide for operating and financing covenants that could restrict our operations. There can be no assurances that we will be able to raise additional capital. If we are unable to raise additional capital when required, or if we cannot expand our operations or otherwise capitalize on our business opportunities because we lack sufficient capital, our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows would be adversely affected.

 

Indebtedness. As of June 30, 2024, we have loans of $381.50 million. Beside these loans, we did not have any debts, finance leases or purchase commitments, guarantees or other material contingent liabilities.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. Moreover, we do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that we provide financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to or engages in hedging or research and development services with us.

 

Capital Resources. The primary drivers and material factors impacting our liquidity and capital resources include our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from our operations and renew commercial bank loans, as well as proceeds from equity and debt financing, to ensure our future growth and expansion plans.

 

Working Capital. Total working capital as of June 30, 2024 amounted to $209.41 million, compared to $89.37 million as of June 30, 2023.

 

Capital Needs. Our capital needs include our daily working capital needs and capital needs to finance the expansion of our business. Our management believes that income generated from our current operations can satisfy our daily working capital needs over the next 12 months. We may also raise additional capital through public offerings or private placements to finance our business development and to consummate any merger or acquisition, if necessary.

 

291

 

Cash Flows

 

For the Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

 

The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:

 

 

    For the
years ended
June 30,
 
    2024     2023  
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 42,209,401     $ 49,835,774  
Net cash used in investing activities     (9,019,359 )     (237,872,988 )
Net cash provided by financing activities     46,130,952       5,479,918  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash held in foreign currencies     (51,603,316 )     (30,277,538 )
Net increase/(decrease) in cash     27,717,678       (212,834,834 )
Cash at beginning of the year     49,575,286       262,410,120  
Cash at end of the year   $ 77,292,964     $ 49,575,286  

 

Operating activities

 

For the year ended June 30, 2024, our net cash provided by operating activities was $42.21 million, which was primarily attributable to (i) depreciation of property, plant and equipment of $48.40 million; (ii) an increase in accounts receivable of $78.21 million, which was mainly due to the sales increased a lot; (iii) a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $17.07 million, which was mainly because the input tax has decreased; and (iv) a decrease in accounts payable of $34.66 million, which was mainly due to the shortening the payment period to large suppliers.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2023, our net cash provided by operating activities was $49.84 million, which was primarily attributable to (i) depreciation of property, plant and equipment of $7.41 million; (ii) an increase in accounts receivable of $51.81 million, which was mainly due to the addition of new customers and expansion of sales; (iii) an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $22.60 million, which was mainly because the input tax has increased due to the increase of purchase; (iv) an increase in accounts payable of $36.47 million, which was mainly due to the increase in procurement; and (v) an increase in accrued expenses and other payables of $30.82 million, which was mainly due to the increase in the accrued of workshop electricity and freight expenses.

 

Investing activities

 

For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, our net cash used in investing activities was $9.02 million and $237.87 million, which was attributable to the purchase of property, plant and equipment.

 

Financing activities

 

For the year ended June 30, 2024, our net cash provided by financing activities was $46.13 million, which was attributable to the proceeds received from short-term loans which amount to $30.45 million and establishment of subsidiary which amount to $69.76 million, as offset by repayment of short-term loans in the amount of $31.88 million and repayment of long-term loans of $21.95 million.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2023, our net cash provided by financing activities was $5.48 million, which was attributable to the proceeds received from short-term loans which amount to $27.97 million, as offset by repayment of short-term loans in the amount of $23.66 million.

 

292

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Flag Ship

 

As of the period ended June 30, 2024 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, Flag Ship was not subject to any market or interest rate risk. Following the consummation of the Flag Ship IPO, the net proceeds of the Flag Ship IPO, including amounts in the Trust Account, have been invested in U.S. government treasury bills, notes or bonds with a maturity of 180 days or less or in certain money market funds that invest solely in US treasuries. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, Flag Ship believes there will be no associated material exposure to interest rate risk.

 

Industry and Market Data

 

The industry and market data relating to Flag Ship’s business included in this proxy statement/​prospectus is based on Flag Ship’s internal estimates and research, as well as publications, research, surveys and studies conducted by independent third parties not affiliated to Flag Ship. Industry publications, studies and surveys generally state that they were prepared based on sources believed to be reliable, although there is no guarantee of accuracy. While Flag Ship believes that each of these studies and publications is reliable, Flag Ship has not independently verified the market and industry data provided by third-party sources. In addition, while Flag Ship believes its internal research is reliable, such research has not been verified by any independent source. Flag Ship notes that assumptions underlying industry and market data are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under “Cautionary Statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

GRT

 

We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Market risk arises from our exposure to fluctuation in interest rates and currency exchange rates. These risks are managed by maintaining an appropriate mix of cash deposits in the main currencies we operate in, placed with a variety of financial institutions for varying periods according to expected liquidity requirements.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

As of December 31, 2023, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term deposits of $65,234,352. Our current investment policy is to invest available cash in bank deposits with major Chinese state-owned banks. During the year ended June 30, 2023, we have not entered into investments for trading or speculative purposes. Accordingly, available longer-term cash and cash equivalents balances are held in deposits that bear interest. Given the current low rates of interest we receive, we will not be adversely affected if such rates are reduced.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 

Our market risk exposure is primarily a result of foreign currency exchange rates, which is discussed in detail in the following paragraph.

 

Our results of operations and cash flow are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. As discussed above, our liquid assets are mainly held in RMB. As financial reports included herein are prepared in USD, our earnings and profitability are subject to USD-RMB currency exchange exposure. In the past six months, the highest US Dollar to Chinese Yuan Renminbi rate was on July 10, 2024 when 1 USD was worth 7.2755 CNY, and the lowest US Dollar to Chinese Yuan Renminbi rate was on May 6, 2024 when 1 USD was worth 7.0764 CNY. The average Chinese Yuan Renminbi to US Dollar exchange rate for the last six months was 1 CNY = 0.1386 USD. Further, the historical currency differences may not be indicative of future exposure given the nature of the foreign exchange.

 

We do not hedge our foreign currency exchange risk. In the future, we may enter into formal currency hedging transactions to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rates of our principal operating currencies. These measures, however, may not adequately protect us from the material adverse effects of such fluctuations.

 

293

 

Credit and Liquidity Risk

 

Our cash, cash equivalents and short-term deposits are on deposit with financial institutions with major Chinese state-owned banks. We invest our liquid resources based on the expected timing of expenditures to be made in the ordinary course of our activities. All financial liabilities are payable in the short term, meaning no more than three months, and we maintain adequate bank balances in either instant access or short-term deposits to meet those liabilities as they fall due.

 

Industry and Market Data

 

The industry and market data relating to GRT’s business included in this proxy statement/​prospectus is based on GRT’s internal estimates and research, as well as publications, research, surveys and studies conducted by independent third parties not affiliated to GRT. Industry publications, studies and surveys generally state that they were prepared based on sources believed to be reliable, although there is no guarantee of accuracy. While GRT believes that each of these studies and publications is reliable, GRT has not independently verified the market and industry data provided by third-party sources. In addition, while GRT believes its internal research is reliable, such research has not been verified by any independent source. GRT notes that assumptions underlying industry and market data are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under “Cautionary Statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

294

 

MANAGEMENT AND COMPENSATION OF GRT

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to GRT and its subsidiaries prior to the Closing.

 

Executive Officers and Directors

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors, including their ages, as of June 30, 2024.

 

Name

  Age   Position(s)
Executive Officers:        
Yongnan Zhou   58   Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd; Chairman of GRT; and Chairman of Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co. Ltd.
Jiangzhe Xiang   43   Vice General Manager of Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co.,Ltd; Director of GRT; and Vice Chairman of Jiangsu Tongli Optical Metamaterials Group Co. Ltd

Siyi Yu

 

49

 

Chief Finance Officer of Jiangsu Tongli Optical Metamaterials Group Co. Ltd.

Xiao Deng   52   General Manager of Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co. Ltd; and General Manager of Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co.,

 

Executive Officers

 

Yongnan Zhou founded GRT and has served as our Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of our board of directors since February 2001. Mr. Zhou serves as the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd; Mr. Zhou also serves as the Chairman of Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co. Ltd. Mr. Zhou holds an associate bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Open University of China. We believe Mr. Zhou is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of the perspective and experience he provides as our Chief Executive Officer and founder, as well as his extensive experience as an entrepreneur in the photoelectric industry.

 

Jiangzhe Xiang has served as a director of GRT Board of Directors since September 2011. Mr. Xiang also serves as the Vice Chairman of Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co. Ltd and Vice President-Sales of Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd. Mr. Xiang graduated from Jiangnan University with associate degree. We believe Mr. Xiang is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of the perspective and experience he provides as our Vice Chairman and his rich experience and knowledge in photoelectric industry.

 

Shiyi Yu has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co. Ltd since May, 2021. Prior to joining us, Mr. Yu served as Chief Financial Officer for Hengtong Group since September, 2015. Mr. Yu has a bachelor degree in Economics, and graduated from Shenyang University in China in July, 1997.

 

Xiao Deng has served as the General Manager of Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co. Ltd since December, 2020 and the General Manager of Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd. Prior to joining us, Mr. Deng has served as the General Manager of Shanghai Boda Network Science and Technology Co., Ltd since August 2017. Mr. Deng received an associate degree in mechatronics in July, 1997 from Sichuan University of Science & Engineering.

 

Non-Executive Directors

 

Tao Xu has served as a director of GRT since March 21, 2015. Mr. Xu graduated from Central Radio and Television University in 2015 with a vocational degree. He worked at Changjing Color Printing Factory in Jiangyin from 1993 to 1995, engaged in sales and technical work; From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Xu served as sales director of wool market at Changjing Color Printing Factory in Jiangyin; From 1999 to 2013, Mr. Xu worked at Jiangyin Olate Packaging Co., Ltd. as the Deputy General Manager, in charge of sales; From 2014 to 2020, Mr. Xu served as the Deputy General Manager of Jiangyin Tongli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd.; Mr. Xu has been serving as the Vice Chairman of Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co., Ltd. since 2021.

 

Aimin Fan has served as a director of GRT since October 28, 2024. Mr. Fan currently serves as the Vice General Manager of Beijing Xinggao Chemical Technology Co., Ltd, he has been working with this company since November 2016. Mr. Fan more than 30 years rich experience in leading internationally reputable companies in petrochemical industry and chemical engineering industry. Mr. Fan graduated with Master's degree from Tianjin University.

 

295

 

Foreign Private Issuer Exemption

 

We are a “foreign private issuer,” as defined by the SEC. As a result, in accordance with Nasdaq rules, we will comply with home country governance requirements and certain exemptions thereunder rather than complying with Nasdaq corporate governance standards. While we expect to voluntarily follow most Nasdaq corporate governance rules, we may choose to take advantage of the following limited exemptions:

 

Exemption from filing quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specified information or current reports on Form 8-K upon the occurrence of specified significant events;

 

Exemption from Section 16 under the Exchange Act, which requires insiders to file public reports of their securities ownership and trading activities and provides for liability for insiders who profit from trades in a short period of time;

 

Exemption from the Nasdaq rules applicable to domestic issuers requiring disclosure within four business days of any determination to grant a waiver of the code of business conduct and ethics to directors and officers;

 

Exemption from the requirement to obtain shareholder approval for certain issuances of securities, including shareholder approval of share option plans;

 

Exemption from the requirement that our audit committee have review and oversight responsibilities over all “related party transactions,” as defined in Item 7.B of Form 20-F;

 

Exemption from the requirement that our board have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and

 

Exemption from the requirements that director nominees are selected, or recommended for selection by our board, either by (i) independent directors constituting a majority of our board’s independent directors in a vote in which only independent directors participate, or (ii) a committee comprised solely of independent directors, and that a formal written charter or board resolution, as applicable, addressing the nominations process is adopted.

 

Furthermore, Nasdaq Rule 5615(a)(3) provides that a foreign private issuer, such as us, may rely on home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain of the rules in the Nasdaq Rule 5600 Series and Rule 5250(d), provided that we nevertheless comply with Nasdaq’s Notification of Noncompliance requirement (Rule 5625), the Voting Rights requirement (Rule 5640) and that we have an audit committee that satisfies Rule 5605(c)(3), consisting of committee members that meet the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2)(A)(ii). We intend to comply with the Nasdaq corporate governance rules applicable to foreign private issuers, which means that we are permitted to follow certain corporate governance rules that conform to South Korea requirements in lieu of many of the Nasdaq corporate governance rules. Accordingly, our shareholders will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq. We may utilize these exemptions for as long as we continue to qualify as a foreign private issuer.

 

Composition of our Board of Directors

 

Our board of directors is currently composed of 4 members, consisting of Mr. Yongnan Zhou, Mr. Jiangze Xiang, Tao Xu, and Aimin Fan (Independent Director). As a foreign private issuer, under the listing requirements and rules of Nasdaq, we are not required to have independent directors on our board of directors, except that our audit committee is required to consist fully of independent directors, subject to certain phase-in schedules. We expect that our board of directors will determine that none of our directors, other than Mr. Yongnan Zhou and Jiangzhe Xiang, who are executive officers of our company, has a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of director and that each of these four directors is “independent” as that term is defined under Nasdaq rules.

 

296

 

However, there are family relationships among our executive officers or directors of GRT Group Companies. The related persons are summarized as follows:

 

Core Management
Team Members
GRT Jiangsu Tongli Jiangyin Tongli Huizhi Jianishi Zhitong
Yongnan Zhou Chairman, Shareholder holding 50.6% of the shares Chairman, General Manager Chairman, General Manager     Executive Director, General Manager, Shareholder holding 0.9936% of the shares
Jiangzhe Xiang Director       Supervisor, Shareholder holding 5% of the shares  
Tao Xu Director Director Director      

Hsin-Hui Huang

Director          
Shiyi Yu   CFO        
Lei Zhang   Director Director Director    
Zhong Wang   Supervisor Supervisor      
Chaofeng Zhou     Shareholder holding 0.20% of the shares Director    
Dan Zhou       Chairman, General Manager Executive Director  
Xiaoqun Chen       Director    
Zhailin Yin       Director    
Mengshu Wu       Supervisor    
Kejie Xu           Supervisor
Jian Gao         Financial Manager  

 

Other Relationships

 

Name   Relationship
Pang Meixin   The wife of Mr. Zhou Yongnan
Zhou Yonggao   The brother of Mr. Zhou Yongnan
Zhou Ting   The Daughter of Mr. Zhou Yongnan
Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co., Ltd   Controlled by Mr. Zhou Yonggao
Jiangyin Suda Huicheng Composite Material Co., Ltd   Controlled by Mr. Zhou Yonggao
Jiangsu Gaichi New Material Co., Ltd   Controlled by Mr. Zhou Yonggao
Vision Technology Investment Limited   Controlled by Mr. Zhou Yonggao

 

In accordance with our articles of association, any director who served as a director at each of the preceding three annual general meetings of shareholders and who was not appointed or re-appointed by the shareholders at a general meeting at, or since, either such meeting shall retire from office at the next annual general meeting of shareholders. Retiring directors are eligible for re-election. See “Description of GRT Securities and Articles of Association—Articles of Association—Directors.”

 

297

 

Committees of our Board of Directors

 

As of date of this prospectus, our board of directors does not have either an audit and risk committee or a compensation committee.

 

Supervisor/Statutory Auditor

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we are not required to have an auditor committee either under the Hong Kong law or under the KOSDAQ rules applicable to us. Under the Korea law, the statutory auditor is a separate corporate organ that acts an independent “watchdog” over the board of directors and management team. The statutory auditor is an individual and is different from the company’s external auditor. However, since GRT is a Hong Company, it is not required to have a statutory auditor.

 

However, GRT’s Articles of Association creates a “Supervisor” position, according to the GRT’s articles of association, GRT must have at least one Supervisor. The Supervisor shall be elected by way of ordinary resolution in a general meeting of shareholders. The resolution for appointing the Supervisor shall be adopted by the affirmative votes of the majority of the members who do vote (whether present by himself, proxy or authorized representative) represents at least one quarter of the total voting rights of all the members having a right to vote at such general meeting.

 

GRT may by special resolution adopted in a general meeting of shareholders remove the Supervisor before the expiration of his/her term of office with or without cause. The term of office of the Supervisor shall be from the election and to the end of the annual general meeting held for the closing of the last Financial Year which shall have expired before the lapse of three years from the date of his or her election. If there is a vacancy of a Supervisor, a Supervisor shall be elected at a general meeting of Shareholders to fill such a vacancy.

 

The remuneration payable to Supervisor (aggregated with the remuneration or compensation (whatever nature) paid by the Company and/or subsidiaries and including any severance payment, if any) in performing his/her office shall be fixed by the Company in general meeting.

 

The Supervisor of GRT is entitled to (i) request convening of a general meeting of GRT; (ii) attend any general meeting and to receive all notices of or any other communications relating to any general meeting which any member is entitled to receive and to be heard at any general meeting on any part of the business of the meeting which concerns him/her as a Supervisor. The remuneration payable to Supervisor (aggregated with the remuneration or compensation (whatever nature) paid by GRT and/or subsidiaries and including any severance payment, if any) in performing his/her office shall be fixed by the GRT in general meeting; (iii) entitled to access at all times to the books and accounts and vouchers of the Company and any subsidiary (subject to the applicable law and articles of association of such subsidiary) and to inspect the assets and property of the Company and any subsidiary (subject to the applicable law and articles of association of such subsidiary), and is entitled to require from the Directors such information and explanations as the Supervisor thinks necessary; where the Company has a subsidiary (subject always to the applicable law and articles of association of such subsidiary), (iv) if the subsidiary of GRT is not a body corporate incorporated in Hong Kong, the Supervisor is entitled to require the Directors to take all such steps as are reasonably provide assess to such information and explanation or reports in relation to the operations of the subsidiary as the Supervisor considers necessary to perform their duties, if the subsidiary fails to immediately provide the documents and explanation as requested by the Supervisor pursuant to the articles of association of GRT, the Supervisor shall have the right to inspect that subsidiary’s operations and status of assets.

 

Further, and our operating subsidiaries in China are required to have a “supervisor” under the current effective Company Law of the People’s Republic of China, a company organized under the Company Law of the PRC must have a supervisor or a board of supervisors. The supervisor’s job is to ensure that directors and officers of the company carry out their duties according to the laws and regulations in China. The supervisor has authority to oversee a company’s finances, monitor the company’s performance, and keep an eye on the compliance. The supervisor has the statutory authority to bring a claim against the directors and officers if such directors or officers infringe the interest of the company or it can bring a claim against the directors and officers on behalf of the shareholders of the company. In this regard, the role of a supervisor of a company organized under the Company Law of the PRC is similar to those of the auditor committee under the applicable US law.

 

We do not currently have a “financial expert” within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the SEC, but we are in advanced discussions with respect to the appointment of a director who qualifies as a “financial expert” prior to Closing and listing on Nasdaq. We expect that our board of directors will determine that all of the members of the audit and risk committee satisfy the “independence” requirements set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We expect to adopt a charter governing the audit and risk committee that complies with the rules of Nasdaq.

 

298

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

In connection with our listing on Nasdaq, we expect to adopt a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that covers a broad range of matters including the handling of conflicts of interest, compliance issues and other corporate policies such as equal opportunity and non-discrimination standards.

 

Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors

 

For the year ended June 30, 2024, the aggregate compensation accrued or paid to the members of our board of directors and our executive officers for services in all capacities was $206,934.87.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2024, our executive officers had amounts paid to provide pension and healthcare benefits.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2024, no options to purchase ordinary shares were awarded to our current executive officers and directors.

 

Non-Executive Director Compensation

 

Our non-executive directors receive a fixed fee and do not receive any pension payments or other benefits, nor do they participate in bonus or incentive schemes. Our non-executive directors receive reimbursement of travel costs and documented expenses for attendance at meetings of our board of directors. All non-executive directors have specific terms of engagement which may be terminated on not less than three months’ notice by either party. The remuneration of our non-executive directors is determined by our board of directors as a whole, based on a review of current practices in other companies.

 

We do not have a remuneration committee, the Board of Directors determines the compensation package of executive management in accordance with the provisions of our remuneration policy. The base salary is reviewed annually. In setting the base salary for an executive director, the Board of Directors takes into account several factors, including our current position and development, our company’s profitability as a whole and individual contributions made by each executive officer and market salaries for comparable organizations.

 

The following table sets forth the remuneration paid to our directors for service on our board of directors during the year ended June 30, 2024:

 

Name    Base
Salary
   Taxable
Benefits(1)
   Pension(2)     Total  
     ($ in thousands)  
Executive Officers:                          
Yongnan Zhou(3)    $25.41    69.21    2.09       96.71  
Jiangzhe Xiang(4)     25.87    82.27    2.09       110.23  
Non-Executive Directors: A                        
Tao Xu(5)                          
Aimin Fan(6)                          

 

 
(1) For Non-Executive Directors, there were no recognized taxable benefits in the year ended June 30, 2024.
(2) There were no bonus or pension schemes for the Directors during the year ended June 30, 2024.
(3) Mr. Zhou was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GRT on December 18, 2012. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Manager of Jiangsu Tongli and Jiangyin Tongli; he also serves as the Executive Director and the General Manager of Zhitong.
(4) Mr. Xiang was appointed as the Supervisor of Jiashini on October 25, 2019 and Director of the Board of GRT on March 21, 2015.
(5) Mr. Tao Xu was appointed as a member of the board of directors of GRT, Jiangsu Tongli and Jiangyin Tongli on March 21st 2015, August 9th 2016, and August 9th 2016, respectively.
(6) Mr. Aimin Fan was appointed as member of our board of directors of GRT on October 28, 2024.

 

Further, Dan Zhou, Mr. Yongnan Zhou’s niece, serves as the Chairman and General Manager of Huizhi and serves as the Executive Director of Jianishi since October 19th, 2018.

 

299

 

Executive Letter Agreements

 

As a part of the Merger, GRT will not enter into new executive employee agreements. Details of the current agreements are outlined below.

 

Service Agreements of Mr. Yongnan Zhou

 

Yongnan Zhou is currently engaged as our Chief Executive Officer under an employment contract entered into on December 31, 2016. He is entitled to a base salary of $30,211.49 per annum. In addition to the base salary, he is entitled to participate in a bonus scheme, which may be paid on or before the Chinese New Year.

 

The agreement can only be terminated for cause immediately by us, in the event of default, which includes, but is not limited to circumstances in which, Mr. Zhou is disqualified from acting as a director, convicted of a criminal offence, declared bankrupt, found guilty of fraud or conducting gross misconduct. The agreement includes certain restrictive covenants, and, upon termination, Mr. Zhou is restricted from becoming involved, directly or indirectly, with any business which is similar to or competitive with us, for a period of 24 months.

 

Service Agreement of Jiangzhe Xiang

 

Jiangzhe Xiang is currently engaged as our Chief Scientific Officer under a service agreement entered into on October 1, 2011. He is entitled to a base salary of $24,914.18 per annum. In addition to the base salary, he is entitled to participate in a bonus scheme, which may be paid on or before the Chinese New Year.

 

The agreement may be terminated by either party on one year’s written notice or, immediately by us, in the event of default, which includes, but is not limited to circumstances in which, Mr. Xiang is disqualified from acting as a director, convicted of a criminal offence, declared bankrupt, found guilty of fraud or conducting gross misconduct. In the event of early termination not caused by an event of default, we may exercise our discretion to make a payment in lieu of notice to Mr. Xiang. The agreement includes certain restrictive covenants, and, upon termination, Mr. Xiang is restricted from becoming involved, directly or indirectly, with any business which is similar to or competitive with us, for a period of 24 months.

 

Service Agreement of Shiyi Yu

 

Mr. Shiyi Yu is currently engaged as Group Finance Director under a service agreement entered into on May 17, 2021. He is entitled to a base salary of $89,967.89 per annum and is entitled to participate in our group personal pension scheme. In addition to the base salary, Mr. Yu is entitled to a participate in our bonus scheme.

 

The agreement may be terminated by either party on three months’ written notice or immediately by us in the event of default, which includes, but is not limited to circumstances in which Mr. Shi is negligent, convicted of any criminal offence, declared bankrupt, found guilty of fraud, or conducted gross misconduct. In the event of early termination not caused by an event of default, we may exercise our discretion to make a payment in lieu of notice to Mr. Yu. The agreement includes certain restrictive covenants and, upon termination, Mr. Avison is restricted from becoming involved, directly or indirectly, with any business which is similar to or competitive with us, for a period of 24 months.

 

Non-executive Director Letters of Appointment

 

We have entered into letters of appointment with our non-executive director which provides such director with cash compensation of nil per annum for service on our board of directors. The appointment of our non-executive directors can be terminated by either us or the director upon three calendar months’ written notice, or by us in our absolute discretion at any time with immediate effect on payment of money in lieu of notice.

 

300

 

Under the non-executive director appointment letters, we may also terminate each appointment with immediate effect if the non-executive director: (i) commits a material breach of his or her obligations under the letter of appointment; (ii) commits a serious or repeated breach or non-observance of his or her obligations to us; (iii) has been guilty of any fraud or dishonesty or acts in any manner which, in our opinion, brings or is likely to bring us into disrepute or is materially adverse to our interests; (iv) is incompetent or guilty of gross misconduct and/or any serious or persistent negligence or misconduct in respect of his or her obligations under the letter of appointment; (v) is convicted of an arrestable criminal offence other than a road traffic offence for which a fine or non-custodial penalty is imposed; (vi) is declared bankrupt or makes an arrangement with or for the benefit of his creditors, or suffers comparable proceedings in another jurisdiction; (vii) is disqualified from acting as a director in any jurisdiction; (viii) accepts a position with another company, without our prior agreement, which in the reasonable opinion of our board of directors may give rise to a conflict of interest between his position as a director of our company and his interest in such other company; or (ix) commits any offence under The Prevention of Bribery Ordinance of Hong Kong.

 

Insurance and Indemnification

 

To the extent permitted by the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, we are empowered to indemnify our directors against any liability they incur by reason of their directorship. We maintain directors’ and officers’ insurance to insure such persons against certain liabilities. Insofar as indemnification of liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our board, executive officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

301

 

MANAGEMENT AND COMPENSATION OF FLAG SHIP

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Flag Ship prior to the Closing.

 

Directors and Officers

 

Flag Ship’s directors and executive officers are currently as follows:

 

Name   Age   Position
Matthew Chen   52   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Luhuan Zhong   35   Chief Financial Officer
Shan Cui   51   Director
Pai Liu   38   Director
Wen He   58   Director

 

Matthew Chen. Mr. Chen age 52, has served as a director and our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman since February 2021. Mr. Chen has served as the Managing Director of Darong Hechuang (Guangdong) International Investment Corp. since May 2022. Mr. Chen previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, which was a SPAC, from June 2018 to October 2020 and subsequently as Chief Financial Officer of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation from October 2020 to March 2021. From January 2018 to July 2021, Mr. Chen served as Vice President of XiaoMingTaiJi Anime Limited Co., where Mr. Chen is mainly responsible for equity investment, acquisitions and corporate financing. From 2011 to January 2018, Mr. Chen served as the global head of the credit derivative market making platform at JP Morgan’s London branch. From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Chen served as the Asia credit derivative risk analysis manager at JP Morgan’s Hong Kong branch. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Chen served as Managing Director at Bear Stearns, responsible for the firm’s equity derivative strategic product development. From 2003 to 2005, Mr. Chen served as Vice President at Realty Data Corp. an independent mortgage data provider. From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Chen served as Senior Manager at Imagine Software, a quantitative financial model provider. Mr. Chen holds a BS from Florida State University and MS Degree of Computer Science from New York University. We believe Mr. Chen is qualified to serve as a director because of his extensive financial and operations experience and the extensive network he has established throughout his career, as well as his familiarity with blank check companies.

 

Luhuan (Lou) Zhong. Mr. Zhong, age 35, has served as our Chief Financial Officer/Principal Accounting Officer since February 2021. He served as a consultant to Venus Acquisition Corporation from February 2021 to December 2022, and Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation from October 2019 to February 2021, and he previously served as a consultant for Greenland Acquisition Corporation from October 2018 to October 2019. From September 2015 to October 2018, Mr. Zhong served as the project manager of Haitong Securities Co. Ltd. From September 2012 to September 2015, Mr. Zhong served as senior auditor in Shanghai office of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPA LLP. Mr. Zhong obtained his bachelor’s degree of finance from Macquarie University in 2010 and his master’s degree in finance from University of Technology, Sydney in 2012.

 

Shan Cui. Ms. Cui, age 51 joined our board in February 2021. She is serving as the independent director of Venus Acquisition Corporation since February 2021, and Chief Financial Officer of Global Star Acquisition, Inc., a special purpose acquisition company that closed its initial public offering September 2022. Previously, Ms. Cui served as an independent director of WiMi Hologram Cloud Inc. from June 2020 to May 2021, and Addentax Group Corp. from April 2020 to April 2021. Previously, Ms. Cui served as independent director for Greenland Acquisition Corporation from May 2021 to October 2019. She has been the Executive Director of First Capital International Limited since 2010 and provided consulting services for private equity companies and venture capital companies. From February 2011 to February 2013, she served as the Chief Financial Officer of Lizhan Environmental Corporation, a Nasdaq-listed company engaged in the business of green leather material.

 

302

 

Pai Liu. Mr. Pai Liu age 38, has served as a director since February 2021. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation from December 2019 until the completion of its business combination in March 2021. Mr. Liu has served as chief executive officer of Wuhan Dacheng Equity Investment Fund Management Company since July 2016. From December 2014 to April 2016, Mr. Liu was a senior associate of Deloitte in China. From September 2013 to October 2014, Mr. Liu served as a senior associate of Mazars Group in China. From October 2011 to September 2013, Mr. Liu served as an associate of PricewaterhouseCoopers in its Shanghai office and was involved in the auditing of large and medium-sized foreign enterprises. Mr. Liu earned his master’s degree in accounting & finance from Leeds University in the United Kingdom and received a bachelor’s degree in finance from the South Central University for Nationalities in China. We believe Mr. Liu is qualified to serve as a director because of his extensive management and auditing experience, and his familiarity with blank check companies.

 

Wen He. Mr. Wen He, age 58, has served as a director since February 2024. Mr. He is an experienced professional who has 26 years of experience in Internet, Internet-of-Things, IT and software industry. Mr. He also has over 10 years of experience in investment and M&A, with a focus on fund raising, investment management, equity and bond financing and Fin-tech (e.g. Internet, Internet-of-Things, Blockchain). Mr. He oversaw and participated in multiple investments, listings and asset restructurings in a number of industries including: renewable energy, new material, sustainability, healthcare and high-tech. Mr. He currently serves as an independent director of Alphatime Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company listed on Nasdaq. Mr. He also serves as the Vice Manager of Dr. Peng Cloud Computing Ltd. and the President of Haijuhuiren Holding Group. Mr. He served as the Operation Director of Xunye Group, one of the earliest Internet companies in China. Mr. He served as the Vice President of Shenzhen Longmai Information Co., Ltd., and President and Technology Director of Naoku Technology Holding Group. In 2001, Mr. He co-founded OP.CN, the predecessor company of Qvod Player, with Xin Wang and served as its Chairman. Mr. He served as the Executive Director of Guangdong Gaohe Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. and the independent director of China Oil Gangran Energy Group Holdings Limited (08132.HK). Mr. He holds an MBA from Columbia Southern University and a Bachelor Degree from Hunan Normal University. Mr. He holds a PMP and ICAA.

 

Number, Terms of Office and Election of Officers and Directors

 

Our Board of Directors consists of four (4) members. Each of our directors will hold office for a two-year term. Subject to any other special rights applicable to the shareholders, any vacancies on our Board of Directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present and voting at the meeting of our board or by a majority of the holders of our founder shares.

 

Our officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors, rather than for specific terms of office. Our Board of Directors is authorized to appoint persons to the offices set forth in our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association as it deems appropriate. Our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provides that our officers may consist of a Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretaries, Treasurer and such other offices as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Director Independence

 

The NASDAQ listing standards require that a majority of our Board of Directors be independent. An “independent director” is defined generally as a person who has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company). We have three “independent directors” as defined in the NASDAQ listing standards and applicable SEC rules. Our board has determined that each of Messrs. Liu and He and Ms. Cui are independent directors under applicable SEC and NASDAQ rules. Our independent directors will have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.

 

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

Our Board of Directors has three standing committees: an audit committee, a compensation committee, and a nominating committee. Each committee operates under a charter that has been approved by our board and has the composition and responsibilities described below. Subject to phase-in rules and a limited exception, NASDAQ rules and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act require that the audit committee of a listed company be comprised solely of independent directors, and NASDAQ rules require that the compensation committee of a listed company be comprised solely of independent directors.

 

303

 

Audit Committee

 

We have established an audit committee of the Board of Directors. The members of our audit committee are Ms. Cui who serves as Chairperson and Mr. Liu and Mr. He. Each member of the audit committee is financially literate and our Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Cui qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules. We have adopted an audit committee charter, which will detail the principal functions of the audit committee, including:

 

the appointment, compensation, retention, replacement, and oversight of the work of the independent auditors and any other independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us;

 

pre-approving all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors or any other registered public accounting firm engaged by us, and establishing pre-approval policies and procedures;

 

reviewing and discussing with the independent auditors all relationships the auditors have with us in order to evaluate their continued independence;

 

setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors;

 

setting clear policies for audit partner rotation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

 

obtaining and reviewing a report, at least annually, from the independent auditors describing (i) the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures and (ii) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the audit firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within, the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm and any steps taken to deal with such issues;

 

reviewing and approving any related party transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC prior to us entering into such transaction; and

 

reviewing with management, the independent auditors, and our legal advisors, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters, including any correspondence with regulators or government agencies and any employee complaints or published reports that raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies and any significant changes in accounting standards or rules promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.

 

Compensation Committee

 

We have established a compensation committee of the Board of Directors. The members of our Compensation Committee are Ms. Cui, and Mr. Liu and Mr. He. Mr. He serves as chairman of the compensation committee. We have adopted a compensation committee charter, which details the principal functions of the compensation committee, including:

 

reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of our Chief Executive Officer’s based on such evaluation;

 

reviewing and approving the compensation of all of our other officers;

 

reviewing our executive compensation policies and plans;

 

implementing and administering our incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans;

 

assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements;

 

304

 

approving all special perquisites, special cash payments and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for our officers and employees;

 

producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and

 

reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.

 

The charter also provides that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser and be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by the NASDAQ and the SEC.

 

Nominating Committee

 

We have established a nominating committee. The committee is comprised of Ms. Cui, Mr. Liu and Mr. He. Mr. Liu serves as Chairman of the committee. In accordance with Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ rules, all such directors are independent. We have adopted a nominating committee charter which details the principal functions of the nominating committee, including:

 

recruiting, reviewing and nominating candidates for election to the Board or to fill vacancies on the Board;

 

developing the criteria and qualifications for membership on the Board;

 

reviewing candidates proposed by shareholders, and conducting appropriate inquiries into the background and qualifications of any such candidates; and

 

monitoring and making recommendations regarding committee functions, contributions, and composition.

 

The guidelines for selecting nominees, which is specified in our nominating committee charter, generally provides that persons to be nominated:

 

should have demonstrated notable or significant achievements in business, education, or public service;

 

should possess the requisite intelligence, education and experience to make a significant contribution to the board of directors and bring a range of skills, diverse perspectives and backgrounds to its deliberations; and

 

should have the highest ethical standards, a strong sense of professionalism and intense dedication to serving the interests of the shareholders.

 

The nominating committee will consider a number of qualifications relating to management and leadership experience, background and integrity and professionalism in evaluating a person’s candidacy for membership on the board of directors. The nominating committee may require certain skills or attributes, such as financial or accounting experience, to meet specific board needs that arise from time to time and will also consider the overall experience and makeup of its members to obtain a broad and diverse mix of board members. The nominating committee does not distinguish among nominees recommended by shareholders and other persons.

 

305

 

Officer and Director Compensation

 

None of our officers or directors have received any cash or non-cash compensation for services rendered to us. Commencing on the date that our securities were first listed on the NASDAQ through the earlier of consummation of our initial business combination and our liquidation, we will pay an affiliate of our sponsor a total of $10,000 per month for office space, administrative and support services. Our sponsor, officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Our audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our sponsor, officers, directors or our or their affiliates.

 

After the completion of our initial business combination, directors or members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company. All of these fees will be fully disclosed to shareholders, to the extent then known, in the tender offer materials or proxy solicitation materials furnished to our shareholders in connection with a proposed business combination. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time such materials are distributed, because the directors of the post-combination business will be responsible for determining officer and director compensation. Any compensation to be paid to our officers will be determined by a compensation committee constituted solely by independent directors.

 

We do not intend to take any action to ensure that members of our management team maintain their positions with us after the consummation of our initial business combination, although it is possible that some or all of our officers and directors may negotiate employment or consulting arrangements to remain with us after the initial business combination. The existence or terms of any such employment or consulting arrangements to retain their positions with us may influence our management’s motivation in identifying or selecting a target business but we do not believe that the ability of our management to remain with us after the consummation of our initial business combination will be a determining factor in our decision to proceed with any potential business combination. We are not party to any agreements with our officers and directors that provide for benefits upon termination of employment.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to our directors, officers and employees. We filed copies of our Code of Ethics and our audit committee, compensation committee and nominating committee charters as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part prior to its effectiveness. You will be able to review these documents by accessing our public filings at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided without charge upon request from us. We intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers of certain provisions of our Code of Ethics in a Current Report on Form 8-K. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

Under Cayman Islands law, directors and officers owe the following fiduciary duties:

 

duty to act in good faith in what the director or officer believes to be in the best interests of the company as a whole;

 

duty to exercise powers for the purposes for which those powers were conferred and not for a collateral purpose;

 

  directors should not improperly fetter the exercise of future discretion;
     
  duty to exercise authority for the purpose for which it is conferred and a duty to exercise powers fairly as between different sections of shareholders;

 

duty not to put themselves in a position in which there is a conflict between their duty to the company and their personal interests; and

 

duty to exercise independent judgment.

 

306

 

In addition to the above, directors also owe a duty of care which is not fiduciary in nature. This duty has been defined as a requirement to act as a reasonably diligent person having both the general knowledge, skill and experience that may reasonably be expected of a person carrying out the same functions as are carried out by that director in relation to the company and the general knowledge skill and experience which that director has.

 

As set out above, directors have a duty not to put themselves in a position of conflict and this includes a duty not to engage in self-dealing, or to otherwise benefit as a result of their position. However, in some instances what would otherwise be a breach of this duty can be forgiven and/or authorized in advance by the shareholders provided that there is full disclosure by the directors. This can be done by way of permission granted in the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association or alternatively by shareholder approval at general meetings.

 

Each of our directors and officers presently has, and in the future any of our directors and our officers may have additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations to other entities pursuant to which such officer or director is or will be required to present acquisition opportunities to such entity. Accordingly, subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law, if any of our officers or directors becomes aware of an acquisition opportunity which is suitable for an entity to which he or she has then current fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she will need to honor his or her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such acquisition opportunity to such entity, and only present it to us if such entity rejects the opportunity. Our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provides that, subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law, we renounce our interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any officer or director unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of our company and such opportunity is one we are legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for us to pursue. We do not believe, however, that any fiduciary duties or contractual obligations of our directors or officers would materially undermine our ability to complete our business combination.

 

Potential investors should also be aware of the following other potential conflicts of interest:

 

None of our officers or directors is required to commit his or her full time to our affairs and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating his or her time among various business activities.

 

In the course of their other business activities, our officers and directors may become aware of investment and business opportunities which may be appropriate for presentation to us as well as the other entities with which they are affiliated. Our management may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.

 

Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to our founder shares, private placement shares and public shares in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination. Additionally, our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and private placement shares if we fail to consummate our initial business combination before the Deadline Date. If we do not complete our initial business combination within such applicable time period, the proceeds of the sale of the private placement units held in the trust account will be used to fund the redemption of our public shares, and the private placement units and underlying securities will be worthless. With certain limited exceptions, 50% of the founder shares will not be transferable, assignable or salable by our sponsor until the earlier of (i) six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or (ii) the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share surrenders, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and the remaining 50% of the founder shares may not be transferred, assigned or sold until six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a subsequent liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property. With certain limited exceptions, the private placement units and underlying securities will not be transferable, assignable or salable by our sponsor until 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination. Since our sponsor and officers and directors may directly or indirectly own ordinary shares and rights, our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate our initial business combination.

 

Our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a particular business combination if the retention or resignation of any such officers and directors was included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our initial business combination.

 

307

 

The conflicts described above may not be resolved in our favor.

 

Accordingly, as a result of multiple business affiliations, our officers and directors may have similar legal obligations relating to presenting business opportunities meeting the above-listed criteria to multiple entities. Below is a table summarizing the entities to which our officers and directors currently have fiduciary duties or contractual obligations:

 

Individual(1)   Entity   Entity’s Business   Affiliation
Matthew Chen   Darong Hechuang (Guangdong) Investment Corp.   Investment   Managing Director
             
Luhuan Zhong   N/A   N/A   N/A
             
Shan Cui   Capital First International   Financial Service   CEO
             
Pai Liu   Wuhan Dacheng Equity Investment Fund Management Company   Private Equity   CEO
             
Wen He  

Alphatime Acquisition Corp.

 

Dr. Peng Cloud Computing Ltd.

 

Haijuhuiren Holding Group

 

Special Purpose Acquisition Company

 

Internet technology

 

Investment

 

Independent Director

 

Vice Manager

 

President

 

 
(1) Each of the entities listed in this table has priority and preference relative to our company with respect to the performance by each individual listed in this table of his obligations and the presentation by each such individual of business opportunities.

 

Accordingly, if any of the above officers or directors become aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable for any of the above entities to which he or she has then-current fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she will honor his or her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such business combination opportunity to such entity, and only present it to us if such entity rejects the opportunity, subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law. We do not believe, however, that any of the foregoing fiduciary duties or contractual obligations will materially affect our ability to complete our initial business combination, because the specific focuses of a majority of these entities differ from our focus and the type or size of the transaction that such companies would most likely consider are of a size and nature substantially different than what we are targeting.

 

We are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with a company that is affiliated with our sponsor, officers or directors. In the event we seek to complete our initial business combination with such a company, we, or a committee of independent directors, would obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent firm that commonly renders valuation opinions for the type of company we are seeking to acquire or an independent accounting firm, that such an initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view.

 

In the event that we submit our initial business combination to our public shareholders for a vote, our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to the terms of a letter agreement entered into with us, to vote any founder shares and private placement shares held by them (and their permitted transferees will agree) and any public shares purchased during or after the IPO in favor of our initial business combination.

 

308

 

Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

 

Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against willful default, fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provides for indemnification of our officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted by law, including for any liability incurred in their capacities as such, except through their own actual fraud, willful default or willful neglect. We may purchase a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our officers and directors against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances and insures us against our obligations to indemnify our officers and directors.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of our officers currently serves, and in the past year has not served, (i) as a member of the compensation committee or Board of Directors of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our compensation committee, or (ii) as a member of the compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Board of Directors.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers, directors and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and ten percent shareholders are required by regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on review of the copies of such forms furnished to us, or written representations that no Forms 5 were required, we believe that, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our officers and directors were complied with.

 

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY AFTER THE MERGER

 

Upon the consummation of the Merger, the business and affairs of GRT will be managed by or under the direction of the new Board of GRT (“New GRT Board”). The New GRT Board will initially consist of five members, which will include current four directors of GRT and Matthew Chen, the Chairman and CEO of Flag Ship, each of which shall automatically retire from office (unless he has sooner vacated office) at the next or a subsequent annual general meeting of GRT or upon any specified event or after any specified period in a written agreement between of GRT and the director, if any. All the existing executive officers GRT will continue serve GRT in their current capacity that are disclosed above in Management and Compensation of GRT starting page 295.

 

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.

 

On July 16, 2024, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Flag Ship approved the engagement of MaloneBailey, LLP (“MaloneBailey”) as Flag Ship’s new independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024, effective on July 16, 2024. In connection with the selection of MaloneBailey, the audit committee dismissed Marcum Asia CPAs LLP (“Marcum Asia”) as Flag Ship’s independent registered public accounting firm on July 16, 2024.

 

309

 

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the subsequent period through July 16, 2024, there were no disagreements (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and related instructions) with Marcum Asia on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Marcum Asia, would have caused Marcum Asia to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in their reports. During the fiscal years ending December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and the subsequent period through the date of dismissal, there were no “reportable events” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K), except the following. MaloneBailey, LLP communicated with Flag Ship’s management and concurred, that the following material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting existed (which have been disclosed in our Registration Statement):

 

  1. Inadequate segregation of duties within account processes due to limited personnel.
     
  2.

Insufficient written policies and procedures for accounting, IT and financial reporting and record keeping, resulting in prior year restatement. 

 

The report of Marcum Asia on Flag Ship’s balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholder’s deficit and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that such report contained an explanatory paragraph which noted that there was substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern because of Flag Ship’s liquidity condition, and an explanatory paragraph about restatement of previously issued financial statements.

 

Flag Ship provided Marcum Asia with a copy of this disclosure and requested that Marcum Asia provide it with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether it agrees with the above statements. A copy of Marcum Asia’s letter is furnished as Exhibit 16.1 to Flag Ship’s Form 8-K filed on September 5, 2024.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the subsequent period through July 16, 2024, neither Flag Ship nor anyone on its behalf has consulted MaloneBailey with respect to either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on Flag Ship’s consolidated financial statements or the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, where either a written report or oral advice was provided to Flag Ship that MaloneBailey concluded was an important factor considered by Flag Ship in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and related instructions) or a reportable event (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

 

310

 

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to GRT and its subsidiaries prior to the Closing.

 

Major Shareholders

 

Flag Ship

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Flag Ship Shares as of [    ], 2024 by:

 

each person known by Flag Ship to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of outstanding Flag Ship Shares;

 

each of Flag Ship’s current officers and directors; and

 

all current officers and directors as a group.

 

As of [    ], 2024, there were a total of 8,863,000 Flag Ship Shares issued and outstanding (including 6,900,000 Flag Ship Public Shares). Unless otherwise indicated, all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all Flag Ship Shares beneficially owned by them.

 

For each individual, this percentage includes Flag Ship Shares of which such individual has the right to acquire beneficial ownership currently as of ___, 2024, including, but not limited to, upon the exercise of a stock option; however, such Flag Ship Shares will not be deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage owned by any other individual.

 

  Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
 
Name of Beneficial Owner(1)   Number of
Shares
    Percentage
Owned (%)
 
Whale Management Corporation(2)(3)     1,963,000       22.15 %
Matthew Chen(2)(3)     1,963,000       22.15 %
Luhuan Zhong(4)     -       -  
Pai Liu(4)     -       -  
Wen He(4)     -       -  
Shan Cui(4)     -       -  
All directors and executive officers as a group (5 persons)     1,963,000       22.15 %
                 
5% Shareholders                
Karpus Investment Management(5)     902,150       10.18 %
Cowen and Company, LLC(6)     543,055       6.1 %
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.(7)     603,887       6.81 %
First Trust Capital Management L.P.(8)     642,263       7.25 %

 

 
(1) Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following entities or individuals is c/o Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, 26 Broadway, Suite 934, New York, NY, 10014.
(2) Interests shown consist of Flag Ship Founder Shares and Flag Ship Shares underlying the private placement units.
(3) Represents shares held by our sponsor. Whale Management Corporation is the record holder of such Flag Ship Shares. Each of our officers and directors is a shareholder of our sponsor; however, only our Chairman have voting securities in our sponsor and are the sole directors of our sponsor and have the power to vote or dispose of the securities. The address for our sponsor is Room 156, 4F, Gate B, Shimao Tower, 92A Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
(4) Such individual does not beneficially own any of our ordinary shares. However, such individual has a pecuniary interest in our ordinary shares through his ownership of shares of our sponsor.
(5) Information based on Schedule 13G filed by the named shareholder on November 7, 2024. The holder’s address is 183 Sully’s Trail, Pittsford, New York 14534.
(6) Information based on Schedule 13G filed by the named shareholder on November 12, 2024. The holder’s address is 260 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10016.
(7) Information based on Schedule 13G filed by the named shareholder on November 14, 2024. The holder’s address is 1–5–5, Otemachi, Chiyoda–ku, Tokyo 100–8176, Japan.
(8) Based on a Schedule 13G filed on November 15, 2024, by First Trust Merger Arbitrage Fund (“VARBX”), a series of Investment Managers Series Trust II, an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940; First Trust Capital Management L.P. (“FTCM”), an investment adviser registered with the SEC that provides investment advisory services to, among others, (i) series of Investment Managers Services Trust II, an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, specifically First Trust Multi-Strategy Fund and VARBX, (ii) First Trust Alternative Opportunities Fund, an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and (iii) Highland Capital Management Institutional Fund II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (collectively, the “Client Accounts”); First Trust Capital Solutions L.P. (“FTCS”), a Delaware limited partnership and control person of FTCM, and FTCS Sub GP LLC (“Sub GP”), a Delaware limited liability company and control person of FTCM. The principal business address of FTCM, FTCS and Sub GP is 225 W. Wacker Drive, 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60606. The principal business address of VARBX is 235 West Galena Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212.

 

311

 

GRT

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of GRT’s ordinary shares as of June 30, 2024 by:

 

each person known by GRT to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of GRT’s outstanding ordinary shares;

 

each of GRT’s current officers and directors; and

 

all current officers and directors as a group.

 

The percentage of beneficial ownership in the table below is based upon a total of 67,375,000 ordinary shares. Unless otherwise indicated, all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares beneficially owned by them.

 

  Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
 
Name of Beneficial Owner   Number of
Shares
    Percentage
Owned (%)
 
Yongnan Zhou     25,991,093       38.58 %
Xinruixiang Holding Limited     8,098,613       12.02 %
CDIB Capital Asia Partners L.P.     8,197,500       12.17 %
All directors and executive officers as a group     25,991,093       38.58 %

 

Related Party Transactions

 

Flag Ship

 

Employment Agreements

 

Flag Ship has not entered into any employment agreements with its executive officers and has not made any agreements to provide benefits upon termination of employment.

 

Executive Officers and Director Compensation

 

After the completion of the Merger, members of Flag Ship’s management team who remain with the Combined Company, may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the Combined Company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to Flag Ship Shareholders, to the extent then known, in the proxy solicitation materials furnished to Flag Ship’s Shareholders in connection with a proposed business combination. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to determine executive and director compensation. Any compensation to be paid to Flag Ship’s officers will be determined, or recommenced, to the Flag Ship’s Board for determination, either by a committee constituted solely by independent directors or by a majority of the independent directors on the Flag Ship’s Board.

 

Flag Ship does not intend to take any action to ensure that members of its management team maintain their positions with the Combined Company after the consummation of the Merger, although it is possible that some or all of its officers and directors may negotiate employment or consulting arrangements to remain with the Combined Company after the Merger. The existence or terms of any such employment or consulting arrangements to retain their positions with the Combined Company may influence the management’s motivation in identifying or selecting a target business but Flag Ship does not believe that the ability of the management to remain with the Combined Company after the consummation of the Merger will be a determining factor in its decision to proceed with GRT. Flag Ship is not a party to any agreements with its officers and directors that provide for benefits upon termination of employment.

 

312

 

Founder Shares

 

On February 20, 2021, Flag Ship issued an aggregate of 1,150,000 Flag Ship Founder Shares to the SPAC Sponsor for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. On September 23, 2021, Flag Ship purchased back all the 1,150,000 founder shares for $25,000 and reissued 2,875,000 shares to SPAC Sponsor for $25,000. On November 29, 2022, SPAC Sponsor surrendered 1,150,000 shares for no consideration. The SPAC Sponsor owns 22.15% of Flag Ship’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares after the IPO (assuming the Flag Ship Initial Insiders did not purchase any Flag Ship Public Shares in the IPO and excluding the private units and underlying securities). The underwriters’ election to exercise their over-allotment option expired unexercised on June 20, 2024 and, as a result, 225,000 Flag Ship Founder Shares were forfeited, resulting in 1,963,000 Flag Ship Founder Shares outstanding as of June 20, 2024.

 

The Flag Ship Initial Insiders have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell 50% of the Flag Ship Founder Shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until the earlier of (i) six (6) month after the date of the consummation of a business combination, or (ii) the date on which the closing price of Flag Ship Shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after a business combination, or earlier if, subsequent to a business combination, Flag Ship consummates a subsequent liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of Flag Ship Shareholders having the right to exchange their Flag Ship Shares for cash, securities or other property.

 

Administrative Services Arrangement

 

An affiliate of a member of the SPAC Sponsor entered into an agreement commencing from the first date that any securities of the SPAC registered on the Company’s registration statement for its IPO are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (June 20, 2024) through the earlier of Flag Ship’s consummation of a business combination and its liquidation, to make available to Flag Ship certain general and administrative services, including office space, utilities and administrative services, as Flag Ship may require from time to time. Flag Ship has agreed to pay such entity $10,000 per month for these services. Each of our officers and directors is a shareholder of Whale Management Corporation. Upon completion of our initial business combination or our liquidation, we will cease paying these monthly fees. Accordingly, in the event the consummation of our initial business combination takes the maximum 21 or 24 months, an affiliate of our sponsor will be paid a total of $210,000 or $240,000 ($10,000 per month) for office space, administrative and support services and will be entitled to be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses.

 

On January 28, 2021, Flag Ship issued an unsecured promissory note to the Sponsor, pursuant to which it may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $300,000. The Promissory Note was non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2021 or (ii) the consummation of the IPO. On February 4, 2022, the Company and the Sponsor mutually agreed to extend the repayment date on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2022 or (ii) the consummation of the IPO. On December 2, 2022, the Company and the Sponsor mutually agreed to increase the principal amount up to $500,000 and extend the repayment date on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2023 or (ii) the consummation of the IPO. On December 29, 2023, the Company and the Sponsor mutually agreed to extend the repayment date on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2024 or (ii) the consummation of the IPO. This promissory note was repaid upon the closing of the IPO.

 

On August 30, 2024, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note to the Sponsor, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000 (the “Promissory Note”). The Promissory Note is non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2025 or (ii) the consummation of the initial business combination. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the principal amount due and owing under the Promissory Notes was $317,566 and $433,554, respectively.

 

Working Capital Loans

 

In order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor or certain of the Company’s directors and officers may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). If the Company completes a Business Combination, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. Otherwise, the Working Capital Loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the event that a Business Combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans, but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such Working Capital Loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into units of the post-Business Combination entity at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units would be identical to the Private Units. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no borrowings under the working capital loans.

 

GRT

 

Agreements with Our Executive Officers and Directors

 

As directors in GRT, Mr. Yongnan Zhou, Mr. Tao Xu, are also directors of Jiangsu Tongli.

 

313

 

Related party transactions and balances

 

1) Nature of relationships with related parties

 

Name   Relationship with the Company
Zhou Yongnan   Chairman and CEO of GRT, Chairman and General Manager of Jiangsu Tongli and Jiangyin Tongli, Executive Director and General Manager of Zhitong
Pang Meixin   The wife of Mr. Zhou Yongnan
Zhou Yonggao   Mr. Yongnan Zhou’s brother
Zhou Dan   The daughter of Mr. Yonggao Zhou, the brother of Mr. Yongnan Zhou. Ms. Dan Zhou serves as the Chairman and General Manager of Huizhi; she also serves as the Executive Director of Jianishi
Zhou Ting   Mr. Yongnan Zhou’s daughter
Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co.,Ltd   Controlled by Mr. Yonggao Zhou, Mr. Yongnan Zhou’s brother
Jiangyin Suda Huicheng Composite Material Co., Ltd   Controlled by Mr. Yonggao Zhou, Mr. Yongnan Zhou’s brother
Jiangsu Gaochi New material Co.,Ltd   Controlled by Mr. Yonggao Zhou, Mr. Yongnan Zhou’s brother
Vision Technology Investment Limited   Controlled by Mr. Yonggao Zhou, Mr. Yongnan Zhou’s brother

 

2) Balances with related parties

 

- Due from related parties

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co.,Ltd   $ -     $ 459,915  
Total   $ -     $ 459,915  

 

- Due to related parties

 

  

As of

June 30,

2024

   As of
June 30,
2023
 
Zhou Yongnan  $615,285   $533,795 
Vision Technology Investment Limited   4,064,857    3,552,309 
Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co., Ltd.   721,895    1,528,519 
Zhou Ting   12,842    20,168 
Total  $5,414,879   $5,634,791 

 

We have entered into service contracts with our executive officers and appointment letters with our non-executive directors. These agreements contain customary provisions and representations, including confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and inventions assignment undertakings by the executive officers. However, the enforceability of the non-competition provisions may be limited under applicable law.

 

Related Party Transactions Policy

 

In connection with our listing on Nasdaq, we will adopt a related party transaction policy requiring that all related party transactions required to be disclosed by a foreign private issuer pursuant to the Exchange Act be approved by the audit and risk committee or another independent body of our board of directors.

 

The related party transaction policy will also cover related party transactions under the KOSDAQ Rules for Companies published by the Korea Stock Exchange.

 

314

 

DESCRIPTION OF GRT SECURITIES AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to GRT and its subsidiaries prior to the Closing.

 

Introduction

 

Set forth below is a summary of certain information concerning our share capital as well as a description of certain provisions of our articles of association, or the Articles, and relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. The summary below contains only material information concerning our share capital and corporate status and does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Articles, which are filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this proxy statement/​prospectus forms a part. Further, please note that holders of our ADSs will not be treated as one of our shareholders and will not have any shareholder rights.

 

General Description of GRT Shares

 

GRT Shares ordinary shares underlying GRT ADSs to be issued in connection with the Merger will comprise a single class of ordinary shares with no par value.

 

The following information is a summary of GRT Shares:

 

GRT Shares carry the right to receive dividends and distributions paid by GRT, if any.

 

The holders of GRT Shares have the right to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all our general meetings.

 

Subject to the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, any equity securities issued by us for cash must first be offered to GRT shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings of GRT Shares.

 

Hong Kong law generally protects the right of shareholders of a Hong Kong incorporated company to subscribe for shares pro-rata to their existing shareholding in the company. However, pursuant to sections 140 and 141 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and Article 89 of the Articles of Association of GRT, a yearly waiver of the aforesaid right may be made by an ordinary resolution passed by a simple majority of the members at the general meeting of the Company. This waiver, subject to annual renewal, will be valid from the passing of the said ordinary resolution and expire when the next annual general meeting of the Company is concluded.

 

GRT Shares are not redeemable; however, we may purchase or contract to purchase any of our ordinary shares, subject to the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and our articles of association and applicable KOSDAQ rules.

 

If we are wound up (whether the liquidation is voluntary, under supervision of the Court or by the Court), the liquidator is under a duty to collect in and realize our assets and to distribute them to our creditors and, if there is a surplus, to GRT shareholders according to their entitlements. This applies whether the assets consist of property of one kind or of different kinds.

 

Share Register

 

We are required by the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and Korea Securities Depositary established under the Capital Market and Financial Investment Services Act of the Republic of Korea to keep a register of our shareholders. Under the laws of Hong Kong and rules of KOSDAQ, the ordinary shares are deemed to be issued when the name of the shareholder is entered in our share register. The share register therefore is prima facie evidence of the identity of our shareholders, and the shares that they hold. The share register generally provides limited, or no, information regarding the ultimate beneficial owners of our ordinary shares. Our share register is maintained by our register, Korea Securities Depository.

 

315

 

Holders of our ADSs will not be treated as one of our shareholders and their names will therefore not be entered in our share register. The depositary, the custodian or their nominees will be the holder of the ordinary shares underlying our ADSs. Holders of our ADSs have a right to receive the ordinary shares underlying their ADSs. For discussion on our ADSs and ADS holder rights see “Description of American Depositary Shares” in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and Article 85 of the Articles of Association, except for we must register any allotment of shares or update any transfer of shares in our Company in our share register as soon as practicable and in any event within 2 months from the date of the allotment.

 

According to Article 85 of the Articles of Association of the Company, if the Directors of our Company refuse registration of any share transfer request, the transmittee may request a statement of the reasons for the refusal. However, for so long as the Shares are listed at Korean Stock Exchange, we shall not, except where permitted by the relevant laws and regulations and/or the general practice of Korean Stock Exchange or Korean Securities Depository, object to the registration of or refuse to register any transmission of the Shares, provided that: (i) the said transmission is effected in accordance with the relevant customary practices of the Korean Stock Exchange and the Articles of Association of the Company; and (ii) the said transmission is registered through standard procedures adopted by the Designated Stock Exchange. If a request is made, the Directors of our Company must, within 28 days after receiving the request—

 

(a) send the transmittee a statement of the reasons for the refusal; or

 

(b) register the transmittee as the holder of the share.

 

Articles of Association of GRT

 

The following information is a summary of the material terms of the GRT Shares as specified in our articles of association as presently in effect. The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our articles of association.

 

Share rights

 

Subject to the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, the articles and to any rights for the time being attached to any existing share, ordinary shares may be issued with such rights or restrictions as we may from time to time by ordinary resolution determine, or, if we have not so determined, as our board of directors may determine.

 

Subject to the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and Listing Rules of the Korea Stock Exchange, any share may be issued which is to be redeemed or is to be liable to be redeemed at the option of GRT or the holder, on such terms, conditions and in such manner as our board of directors may determine.

 

Voting rights

 

Subject to any rights or restrictions attached to any shares from time to time, the GRT shareholders, their duly appointed proxies shall have voting as provided in the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, except that on a vote on a resolution on a show of hands at a meeting, a proxy has one vote for and one vote against the resolution if the proxy has been duly appointed by more than one member entitled to vote on the resolution and either:

 

the proxy has been instructed by one or more of those members to vote in one way and has been instructed by one or more other of those members to vote in the other way; or

 

the proxy has been instructed by one or more of those members to vote in one way and is given discretion as to how to vote by one or more other of those members and wishes to use that discretion to vote in the other way.

 

316

 

At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands unless a poll is (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, as described in “Comparison of Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders and GRT Shareholders — Voting Rights” in this proxy statement/prospectus, a poll may be demanded by:

 

the chairman of the meeting;

 

not less than two members present in person having the right to vote on the resolution; or

 

a member or members present in person representing in aggregate not less than 5% of the total voting rights of all the members having the right to vote at the meeting.

 

Restrictions on Voting

 

No shareholder shall be entitled to vote, either in person or by proxy, at any general meeting or at any separate class meeting in respect of any share held by such shareholder unless all calls or other sums payable by such shareholder in respect of that share have been paid.

 

Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon the shareholders in respect of any money unpaid on their shares and each shareholder shall (subject to us serving on such shareholder at least 14 days’ notice specifying the time or times and place of payment) pay at the time or times so specified the amount called on such holder’s shares.

 

Variation of Rights

 

The rights attached to any class of shares may be varied or abrogated, in accordance with the provisions of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and with either the written consent of the holders of not less than three-fourths of shares of that class (calculated excluding any shares held as treasury shares), or with the sanction of a special resolution (being a 75% majority of GRT shareholders, present at a general meeting in person or by proxy) passed at a separate meeting of the holders of those shares. At every such separate general meeting (except an adjourned meeting) the quorum must be two or more persons holding or representing by proxy not less than 25% of the total voting rights of all members having a right to vote.

 

The rights conferred upon the holders of any shares are not, unless otherwise expressly provided in the rights attaching to those shares, deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking equally with them.

 

Share transfers

 

Our transfer of shares is premised on the share transactions on the Stock Exchange(s), the transfer between accounts is electronically registered shall be the only effective method for the transfer of shares recognized by the relevant laws applicable, and such transfer between accounts being electronically registered after making an application to electronically register the transfer between accounts may be made by way of transfer of shares between the securities accounts of the transferor and the transferee. The transferor shall remain the holder of the shares concerned until the name of the transferee is entered in the register in respect thereof.

 

Dividends

 

Subject to it having sufficient distributable reserves, we may by ordinary resolution (being a resolution passed by a simple majority of GRT shareholders in person or by proxy) from time to time declare dividends not exceeding the amount recommended by our board of directors. Our board of directors may pay interim dividends once a year that appear to our board of directors to be justified by the profits of the Company.

 

All unclaimed dividends may be made use of by our board of directors for our benefit until claimed.

 

Any dividend unclaimed for a period of 12 years from the date when it was declared or became due for payment shall revert to GRT.

 

Our board of directors by way of scrip dividend instead of cash in respect of any dividend.

 

317

 

Shareholder meetings

 

Our board of directors is required to convene annual general meetings in accordance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. The Hong Kong Companies Ordinance provides that a general meeting (other than an adjourned meeting) must be called by notice of at least 21 days’ in the case of an annual general meeting (unless shareholders approve a notice period of 14 days’ by special resolution (being a resolution passed by a 75% majority of GRT shareholders present at a general meeting in person or by proxy) and at least 14 days’ in any other case). Our board of directors may convene a general meeting which is not an annual general meeting whenever it thinks fit.

 

We are required to give notice of a general meeting to each member (other than a person who, under our articles of association or pursuant to any restrictions imposed on any shares, is not entitled to receive such a notice or to whom we, in accordance with applicable law, have not sent and are not required to send our latest annual report and accounts), to our directors and to our auditors. For these purposes “members” are the persons registered in our register of members as being holders of shares at any particular time on any particular record date fixed by our board of directors that is not more than 21 days before the sending out of the notice convening the meeting. The notice of a general meeting may specify a time by which a person must be entered on our register of members in order to have the right to attend or vote at the meeting.

 

A member who is entitled to attend and vote at a general meeting is entitled to appoint another person, or two or more persons in respect of different shares held by him, as his proxy to exercise all or any of his rights to attend and to speak and to vote at the meeting.

 

Every member who is present at a general meeting in person or by proxy is entitled to one vote on a resolution put to the meeting on a show of hands and to one vote for every share of which he is the holder on a resolution put to the meeting on a poll.

 

Alteration of share capital

 

We may alter its share capital in any way permitted by the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and applicable law and confer any preference or other advantage on one or more of the shares resulting from any division or sub-division of its share capital. We may, by special resolution (being a resolution passed by a 75% majority of GRT shareholders present at a general meeting in person or by proxy), reduce its share capital, share premium account, capital redemption reserve or any other undistributable reserves.

 

Change of Control

 

There is no specific provision in the articles of association that would have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control.

 

Distributions on Winding Up

 

On a winding up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution of shareholders and any other sanctions required by law, divide amongst the shareholders (excluding the company itself to the extent it is a shareholder by virtue only of its holding of shares as treasury shares) in specie or in kind the whole or any part of our assets (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may set such values and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholder. The liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution of the shareholders and any other sanctions required by law, vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the shareholders as the liquidator shall think fit, but no shareholder shall be compelled to accept any shares or other assets upon which there is any liability.

 

KOSDAQ Market Settlement System

 

To be traded on KOSDAQ, securities must be able to be transferred and settled through the KOPSDAQ Market Settlement System. KOSDAQ Market Settlement System is a computerized paperless share transfer and settlement system which allows securities to be transferred by electronic means, without the need for a written instrument of transfer. The articles of association are consistent with KOSDAQ membership and, amongst other things, allow for the holding, evidencing and transferring of shares through KOSDAQ Market Settlement System in uncertificated form.

 

318

 

Directors

 

Number of Directors

 

Unless and until otherwise determined by an ordinary resolution of shareholders, we may not have less than three directors and there are no maximum number of directors on our board of directors.

 

Appointment of Directors

 

Subject to the provisions of the articles of association we may, by ordinary resolution of the shareholders, elect any person who is willing to act to be a director, either to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing board. A retiring director is eligible for reappointment as a director.

 

Without prejudice to the power to appoint any person to be a director by shareholder resolution, the board has power to appoint any person to be a director to fill a vacancy due to the expiration of the term or voluntary resignation by a director. Any director appointed by the board will hold office only until the following annual general meeting. Such a director is eligible for re-appointment at that meeting.

 

Directors’ Interests

 

The directors may authorize, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any matter proposed to them which would otherwise result in a director infringing his or her duty to avoid a situation in which he or she has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with our interests. A director shall not, save as otherwise agreed by him or her, be accountable to us for any benefit which he or she derives from any matter authorized by the directors and any contract, transaction or arrangement relating thereto shall not be liable to be avoided on the grounds of any such benefit.

 

Subject to the requirements under section 536 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, a director who is any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a proposed or existing transaction or arrangement with us shall declare the nature of his interest at a meeting of the directors.

 

A director shall not vote in respect of any contract, arrangement or transaction whatsoever in which he or she has an interest which is to his or her knowledge a material interest otherwise than by virtue of interests in shares or debentures or other securities of or otherwise in or through our company. A director shall not be counted in the quorum at a meeting in relation to any resolution on which he or she is debarred from voting.

 

A director shall be entitled to vote (and be counted in the quorum) in respect of any resolution concerning any of the following matters:

 

an arrangement for giving a director any security or indemnity in respect of money lent by a director or obligations incurred by him for the benefit of the Company, or

 

an arrangement for the Company to give any security to a third party in respect of a debt or obligation of the Company for which the director has assumed responsibility wholly or in part under a guarantee or indemnity or by the deposit of a security;

 

an arrangement under which benefits are made available to employees and directors or former employees and directors of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which do not provide special benefits for directors or former directors; or

 

any arrangement to subscribe for or underwrite shares.

 

319

 

Directors’ Fees and Remuneration

 

Each of the directors shall be paid a fee in such sums as may from time to time be determined by the directors provided that the aggregate of all such fees so paid to a director must be determined by the Company at a general meeting of shareholders.

 

Each director may be paid all traveling, accommodation and other expenses properly incurred by such director in connection with his/her attendance at meetings of the directors or committees of the directors or general meetings of the company or separate meetings of the holders of any class of shares or debentures of the company or otherwise in connection with the exercise of his/her power and the discharge of director’s responsibilities in relation to the company.

 

Any director who is appointed to the office of a managing director or an officer of GRT, the renumeration for such office shall be deemed to be a part of the renumeration for the director.

 

Borrowing Powers

 

Our board of directors may exercise all the powers to borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part of our undertaking, property, assets (present or future) and uncalled capital and to issue debentures, bonds and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of us or of any third party, subject to Article 89 of the Company’s articles of association.

 

Indemnity

 

Every one of our directors or other officers shall be indemnified out of our funds against all costs, charges, expenses, losses and liabilities sustained or incurred by him or her for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust or otherwise in relation to our affairs or the affairs of an associated company.

 

Exclusive jurisdiction

 

We intend to seek shareholder approval to amend our Articles to provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum in the United States, the federal district courts of the United States shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933. Save in respect of any cause of action arising under the Securities Act, by subscribing for or acquiring our shares, a shareholder submits all disputes between him or herself and us or our directors to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Hong Kong courts.

 

Other Hong Kong Law and/or Korea Law Considerations

 

Notification of Voting Rights

 

As our shares are admitted to trading on KOSDAQ, a shareholder in our company is required pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (“FSCMA”) to notify us of the percentage of his, her or its voting rights if the percentage of voting rights which he, she or it holds as a shareholder or through his, her or its direct or indirect holding of financial instruments (or a combination of such holdings) reaches, exceeds or falls below 5%, and each 1% threshold thereafter up to 100% as a result of an acquisition or disposal of shares or financial instruments.

 

Mandatory Purchases and Acquisitions

 

Sell Out

 

Purchase of Own Shares

 

Under the laws of Hong Kong, a limited company may only purchase its own shares out of the distributable profits of the company or the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purpose of financing the purchase, provided that they are not restricted from doing so by their articles of association. A limited company may not purchase its own shares if, as a result of the purchase, there would no longer be any issued shares of the company other than redeemable shares or shares held as treasury shares. Shares must be fully paid in order to be repurchased.

 

320

 

Subject to the above, we may purchase our own shares in the manner prescribed below. We may make an “on-market” purchase of our own fully paid shares pursuant to an ordinary resolution of shareholders. The resolution authorizing an on-market purchase must:

 

specify the maximum number of shares authorized to be acquired;

 

determine the maximum and minimum prices that may be paid for the shares; and

 

specify a date, not being later than five years after the passing of the resolution, on which the authority to purchase is to expire.

 

We may purchase our own fully paid shares in an “off-market” purchase otherwise than on a recognized investment exchange pursuant to a purchase contract authorized by resolution of shareholders before the purchase takes place. Any authority will not be effective if any shareholder from whom we propose to purchase shares votes on the resolution and the resolution would not have been passed if he, she or it had not done so. The resolution authorizing the purchase must specify a date, not being later than five years after the passing of the resolution, on which the authority to purchase is to expire.

 

For these purposes, on-market purchases can only be made on KOSDAQ. Any purchase of our ADSs through Nasdaq would be an off-market purchase.

 

Distributions and Dividends

 

Under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, a dividend may only be paid out of the profits. Before a company can lawfully make a distribution or dividend, it must ensure that it has sufficient distributable reserves (on a non-consolidated basis). The basic rule is that a company’s profits available for the purpose of making a distribution are its accumulated, realized profits, so far as not previously utilized by distribution or capitalization, less its accumulated, realized losses, so far as not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization of capital duly made. The requirement to have sufficient distributable reserves before a distribution or dividend can be paid applies to us and to each of our subsidiaries that has been incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong.

 

It is not sufficient that we, as a public company, have made a distributable profit for the purpose of making a distribution. An additional capital maintenance requirement is imposed on us to ensure that the net worth of the company is at least equal to the amount of its capital. A public company can only make a distribution:

 

if, at the time that the distribution is made, the amount of its net assets (that is, the total excess of assets over liabilities) is not less than the total of its called up share capital and undistributable reserves; and

 

if, and to the extent that, the distribution itself, at the time that it is made, does not reduce the amount of the net assets to less than that total.

 

Regulations on Takeovers and Mergers

 

As a public company listed on KOSDAQ, we are subject to South Korea’s laws and regulations on public company’s takeover and merger. South Korea does not have an anti-takeover code now, however, the occurrence of the following event will trigger the reporting obligations to Financial Service Commission and Korea Stock Exchange.

 

if the shares held by a special affiliate in a listed company is (i) more than 5%; (ii) the change of shareholding percentage thereafter is more than 1% ’s shares; or (iii) the change of purpose of share holding or upon occurrence of the important events, then within 5 days from the occurrence of the above event, the listing company must report the share changes and the purpose of such change to the Financial Service Commission and Securities Exchange.

 

Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting GRT Shareholders

 

It is the responsibility of Flag Ship Shareholders to satisfy themselves as to the full observance of applicable laws and regulatory requirements, including the obtaining of any governmental, exchange control or other consents that may be required in order for them, their nominee, custodian or trustee, as relevant, to receive and hold GRT ADSs.

 

321

 

DESCRIPTION OF GRT AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to GRT and its subsidiaries prior to the Closing.

 

American Depositary Receipts

 

American Depositary Shares

 

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, will register and deliver American Depositary Shares, also referred to as ADSs. Each ADS will represent [      ] shares (or a right to receive [      ] shares) deposited with [      ], as custodian for the depositary in Korea. Each ADS will also represent any other securities, cash or other property that may be held by the depositary. The deposited shares together with any other securities, cash or other property held by the depositary are referred to as the deposited securities. The depositary’s office at which the ADSs will be administered and its principal executive office are located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.

 

You may hold ADSs either (A) directly (i) by having an American Depositary Receipt, also referred to as an ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific number of ADSs, registered in your name, or (ii) by having uncertificated ADSs registered in your name, or (B) indirectly by holding a security entitlement in ADSs through your broker or other financial institution that is a direct or indirect participant in The Depository Trust Company, also called DTC. If you hold ADSs directly, you are a registered ADS holder, also referred to as an ADS holder. This description assumes you are an ADS holder. If you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADS holders described in this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.

 

Registered holders of uncertificated ADSs will receive statements from the depositary confirming their holdings.

 

As an ADS holder, we will not treat you as one of our shareholders and you will not have shareholder rights. Hong Kong law governs shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the shares underlying your ADSs. As a registered holder of ADSs, you will have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary, ADS holders and all other persons indirectly or beneficially holding ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. New York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADSs.

 

The following is a summary of the material provisions of the deposit agreement. For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of ADR. Directions on how to obtain copies of those documents are provided on page __.

 

Dividends and Other Distributions

 

How will I receive dividends and other distributions on the shares underlying my ADSs?

 

The depositary has agreed to pay or distribute to ADS holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities, upon payment or deduction of its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of shares your ADSs represent.

 

Cash. The depositary will convert any cash dividend or other cash distribution we pay on the shares into U.S. dollars, if it can do so on a reasonable basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States. If that is not possible or if any government approval is needed and cannot be obtained, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for any interest.

 

Before making a distribution, any withholding taxes, or other governmental charges that must be paid will be deducted. See [Cross-reference to tax disclosure]. The depositary will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents and will round fractional cents to the nearest whole cent. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, you may lose some of the value of the distribution.

 

322

 

Shares. The depositary may distribute additional ADSs representing any shares we distribute as a dividend or free distribution. The depositary will only distribute whole ADSs. It will sell shares which would require it to deliver a fraction of an ADS (or ADSs representing those shares) and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash. If the depositary does not distribute additional ADSs, the outstanding ADSs will also represent the new shares. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed shares (or ADSs representing those shares) sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution.

 

Rights to purchase additional shares. If we offer holders of our securities any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any other rights, the depositary may (i) exercise those rights on behalf of ADS holders, (ii) distribute those rights to ADS holders or (iii) sell those rights and distribute the net proceeds to ADS holders, in each case after deduction or upon payment of its fees and expenses. To the extent the depositary does not do any of those things, it will allow the rights to lapse. In that case, you will receive no value for them. The depositary will exercise or distribute rights only if we ask it to and provide satisfactory assurances to the depositary that it is legal to do so. If the depositary will exercise rights, it will purchase the securities to which the rights relate and distribute those securities or, in the case of shares, new ADSs representing the new shares, to subscribing ADS holders, but only if ADS holders have paid the exercise price to the depositary. U.S. securities laws may restrict the ability of the depositary to distribute rights or ADSs or other securities issued on exercise of rights to all or certain ADS holders, and the securities distributed may be subject to restrictions on transfer.

 

Other Distributions. The depositary will send to ADS holders anything else we distribute on deposited securities by any means it thinks is legal, fair and practical. If it cannot make the distribution in that way, the depositary has a choice. It may decide to sell what we distributed and distribute the net proceeds, in the same way as it does with cash. Or, it may decide to hold what we distributed, in which case ADSs will also represent the newly distributed property. However, the depositary is not required to distribute any securities (other than ADSs) to ADS holders unless it receives satisfactory evidence from us that it is legal to make that distribution. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed securities or property sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution. U.S. securities laws may restrict the ability of the depositary to distribute securities to all or certain ADS holders, and the securities distributed may be subject to restrictions on transfer.

 

The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADS holders. We have no obligation to register ADSs, shares, rights or other securities under the Securities Act. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, shares, rights or anything else to ADS holders. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you.

 

Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation

 

How are ADSs issued?

 

The depositary will issue ADSs if you or your broker deposit shares or evidence of rights to receive shares with the custodian and pay the fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will register the appropriate number of ADS in the names you requests and will deliver the ADSs to or upon the order of the person or persons that made the deposit.

 

How can ADS holders withdraw the deposited securities?

 

You may surrender your ADSs to the depositary for the purpose of withdrawal. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will deliver the shares and any other deposited securities underlying the ADSs to the ADS holder or a person the ADS holder designates at the office of the custodian. Or, at your request, risk and expense, the depositary will deliver the deposited securities at its office, if feasible. However, the depositary is not required to accept surrender of ADSs to the extent it would require delivery of a fraction of a deposited share or other security. The depositary may charge you a fee and its expenses for instructing the custodian regarding delivery of deposited securities.

 

How do ADS holders interchange between certificated ADSs and uncertificated ADSs?

 

You may surrender your ADR to the depositary for the purpose of exchanging your ADR for uncertificated ADSs. The depositary will cancel that ADR and will send to the ADS holder a statement confirming that the ADS holder is the registered holder of uncertificated ADSs. Upon receipt by the depositary of a proper instruction from a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs requesting the exchange of uncertificated ADSs for certificated ADSs, the depositary will execute and deliver to the ADS holder an ADR evidencing those ADSs.

 

323

 

Voting Rights

 

How do I vote?

 

ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote the number of deposited shares their ADSs represent. If we request the depositary to solicit your voting instructions (and we are not required to do so), the depositary will notify you of a shareholders’ meeting and send or make voting materials available to you. Those materials will describe the matters to be voted on and explain how ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote. For instructions to be valid, they must reach the depositary by a date set by the depositary. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to the laws of Hong Kong and the provisions of our articles of association or similar documents, to vote or to have its agents vote the shares or other deposited securities as instructed by ADS holders. If we do not request the depositary to solicit your voting instructions, you can still send voting instructions, and, in that case, the depositary may try to vote as you instruct, but it is not required to do so.

 

Except by instructing the depositary as described above, you will not be able to exercise voting rights unless you surrender your ADSs and withdraw the shares. However, you may not know about the meeting enough in advance to withdraw the shares. In any event, the depositary will not exercise any discretion in voting deposited securities and it will only vote or attempt to vote as instructed.

 

We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote the shares represented by your ADSs. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise voting rights and there may be nothing you can do if the shares represented by your ADSs are not voted as you requested.

 

In order to give you a reasonable opportunity to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to Deposited Securities, if we request the Depositary to act, we agree to give the depositary notice of any such meeting and details concerning the matters to be voted upon at least [45] days in advance of the meeting date.

 

Fees and Expenses

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares or ADS holders must pay:   For:
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)  

Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property

 

Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates

     
$.05 (or less) per ADS   Any cash distribution to ADS holders
     
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs   Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities (including rights) that are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders
     
$.05 (or less) per ADS per calendar year   Depositary services
     
Registration or transfer fees   Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares
     
Expenses of the depositary  

Cable (including SWIFT) and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)

 

Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars

     
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has to pay on any ADSs or shares underlying ADSs, such as stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes  

As necessary

     
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities   As necessary

 

324

 

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable (or by selling a portion of securities or other property distributable) to ADS holders that are obligated to pay those fees. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse us for costs and expenses generally arising out of establishment and maintenance of the ADS program, waive fees and expenses for services provided to us by the depositary or share revenue from the fees collected from ADS holders. In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers, foreign currency dealers or other service providers that are owned by or affiliated with the depositary and that may earn or share fees, spreads or commissions.

 

The depositary may convert currency itself or through any of its affiliates, or the custodian or we may convert currency and pay U.S. dollars to the depositary. Where the depositary converts currency itself or through any of its affiliates, the depositary acts as principal for its own account and not as agent, advisor, broker or fiduciary on behalf of any other person and earns revenue, including, without limitation, transaction spreads, that it will retain for its own account. The revenue is based on, among other things, the difference between the exchange rate assigned to the currency conversion made under the deposit agreement and the rate that the depositary or its affiliate receives when buying or selling foreign currency for its own account. The depositary makes no representation that the exchange rate used or obtained by it or its affiliate in any currency conversion under the deposit agreement will be the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, subject to the depositary’s obligation to act without negligence or bad faith. The methodology used to determine exchange rates used in currency conversions made by the depositary is available upon request. Where the custodian converts currency, the custodian has no obligation to obtain the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or to ensure that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, and the depositary makes no representation that the rate is the most favorable rate and will not be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate. In certain instances, the depositary may receive dividends or other distributions from us in U.S. dollars that represent the proceeds of a conversion of foreign currency or translation from foreign currency at a rate that was obtained or determined by us and, in such cases, the depositary will not engage in, or be responsible for, any foreign currency transactions and neither it nor we make any representation that the rate obtained or determined by us is the most favorable rate and neither it nor we will be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate.

 

Payment of Taxes

 

You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on your ADSs or on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register any transfer of your ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your ADSs until those taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you or sell deposited securities represented by your ADSs to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to ADS holders any proceeds, or send to ADS holders any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.

 

Tender and Exchange Offers; Redemption, Replacement or Cancellation of Deposited Securities

 

The depositary will not tender deposited securities in any voluntary tender or exchange offer unless instructed to do so by an ADS holder surrendering ADSs and subject to any conditions or procedures the depositary may establish.

 

If deposited securities are redeemed for cash in a transaction that is mandatory for the depositary as a holder of deposited securities, the depositary will call for surrender of a corresponding number of ADSs and distribute the net redemption money to the holders of called ADSs upon surrender of those ADSs.

 

325

 

If there is any change in the deposited securities such as a sub-division, combination or other reclassification, or any merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization affecting the issuer of deposited securities in which the depositary receives new securities in exchange for or in lieu of the old deposited securities, the depositary will hold those replacement securities as deposited securities under the deposit agreement. However, if the depositary decides it would not be lawful and practical to hold the replacement securities because those securities could not be distributed to ADS holders or for any other reason, the depositary may instead sell the replacement securities and distribute the net proceeds upon surrender of the ADSs.

 

If there is a replacement of the deposited securities and the depositary will continue to hold the replacement securities, the depositary may distribute new ADSs representing the new deposited securities or ask you to surrender your outstanding ADSs in exchange for new ADSs identifying the new deposited securities.

 

If there are no deposited securities underlying ADSs, including if the deposited securities are cancelled, or if the deposited securities underlying ADSs have become apparently worthless, the depositary may call for surrender of those ADSs or cancel those ADSs upon notice to the ADS holders.

 

Amendment and Termination

 

How may the deposit agreement be amended?

 

We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADSs without your consent for any reason.

 

If an amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or expenses of the depositary for registration fees, facsimile costs, delivery charges or similar items, or prejudices a substantial right of ADS holders, it will not become effective for outstanding ADSs until 30 days after the depositary notifies ADS holders of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by continuing to hold your ADSs, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the deposit agreement as amended.

 

How may the deposit agreement be terminated?

 

The depositary will initiate termination of the deposit agreement if we instruct it to do so. The depositary may initiate termination of the deposit agreement if

 

60 days have passed since the depositary told us it wants to resign but a successor depositary has not been appointed and accepted its appointment;

 

we delist the ADSs from an exchange in the United States on which they were listed and do not list the ADSs on another exchange in the United States or make arrangements for trading of ADSs on the U.S. over-the-counter market;

 

we delist our shares from an exchange outside the United States on which they were listed and do not list the shares on another exchange outside the United States;

 

the depositary has reason to believe the ADSs have become, or will become, ineligible for registration on Form F-6 under the Securities Act of 1933;

 

we appear to be insolvent or enter insolvency proceedings;

 

326

 

all or substantially all the value of the deposited securities has been distributed either in cash or in the form of securities;

 

there are no deposited securities underlying the ADSs or the underlying deposited securities have become apparently worthless; or

 

there has been a replacement of deposited securities.

 

If the deposit agreement will terminate, the depositary will notify ADS holders at least 90 days before the termination date. At any time after the termination date, the depositary may sell the deposited securities. After that, the depositary will hold the money it received on the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the deposit agreement, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the ADS holders that have not surrendered their ADSs. Normally, the depositary will sell as soon as practicable after the termination date.

 

After the termination date and before the depositary sells, ADS holders can still surrender their ADSs and receive delivery of deposited securities, except that the depositary may refuse to accept a surrender for the purpose of withdrawing deposited securities or reverse previously accepted surrenders of that kind that have not settled if it would interfere with the selling process. The depositary may refuse to accept a surrender for the purpose of withdrawing sale proceeds until all the deposited securities have been sold. The depositary will continue to collect distributions on deposited securities, but, after the termination date, the depositary is not required to register any transfer of ADSs or distribute any dividends or other distributions on deposited securities to ADS holders (until they surrender their ADSs) or give any notices or perform any other duties under the deposit agreement except as described in this paragraph.

 

Limitations on Obligations and Liability to ADR holders

 

Limits on our obligations and the obligations of the depositary; limits on liability to ADR holders and beneficial owners of ADSs

 

The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of the depositary. It also limits our liability and the liability of the depositary. We and the depositary:

 

are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith, and the depositary will not be a fiduciary or have any fiduciary duty to holders of ADSs;

 

are not liable if we are or it is prevented or delayed by law or by events or circumstances beyond our or its ability to prevent or counteract with reasonable care or effort from performing our or its obligations under the deposit agreement;

 

are not liable if we or it exercises discretion permitted under the deposit agreement;

 

are not liable for the inability of any holder of ADSs to benefit from any distribution on deposited securities that is not made available to holders of ADSs under the terms of the deposit agreement, or for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement;

 

have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to the ADSs or the deposit agreement on your behalf or on behalf of any other person;

 

may rely upon any documents we believe or it believes in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person;

 

are not liable for the acts or omissions of any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system; and

 

the depositary has no duty to make any determination or provide any information as to our tax status, or any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by ADS holders as a result of owning or holding ADSs or be liable for the inability or failure of an ADS holder to obtain the benefit of a foreign tax credit, reduced rate of withholding or refund of amounts withheld in respect of tax or any other tax benefit.

 

In the deposit agreement, we and the depositary agree to indemnify each other under certain circumstances.

 

327

 

Requirements for Depositary Actions

 

Before the depositary will deliver or register a transfer of ADSs, make a distribution on ADSs, or permit withdrawal of shares, the depositary may require: 

 

payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third parties for the transfer of any shares or other deposited securities;

 

satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or other information it deems necessary; and

 

compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time, consistent with the deposit agreement, including presentation of transfer documents.

 

The depositary may refuse to deliver ADSs or register transfers of ADSs when the transfer books of the depositary or our transfer books are closed or at any time if the depositary or we think it advisable to do so.

 

Direct Registration System

 

In the deposit agreement, all parties to the deposit agreement acknowledge that the Direct Registration System, also referred to as DRS, and Profile Modification System, also referred to as Profile, will apply to the ADSs. DRS is a system administered by DTC that facilitates interchange between registered holding of uncertificated ADSs and holding of security entitlements in ADSs through DTC and a DTC participant. Profile is a feature of DRS that allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs, to direct the depositary to register a transfer of those ADSs to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those ADSs to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the depositary of prior authorization from the ADS holder to register that transfer.

 

In connection with and in accordance with the arrangements and procedures relating to DRS/Profile, the parties to the deposit agreement understand that the depositary will not determine whether the DTC participant that is claiming to be acting on behalf of an ADS holder in requesting registration of transfer and delivery as described in the paragraph above has the actual authority to act on behalf of the ADS holder (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). In the deposit agreement, the parties agree that the depositary’s reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the depositary through the DRS/Profile system and in accordance with the deposit agreement will not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the depositary.

 

Shareholder Communications; Inspection of Register of Holders of ADSs

 

The depositary will make available for your inspection at its office all communications that it receives from us as a holder of deposited securities that we make generally available to holders of deposited securities. The depositary will send you copies of those communications or otherwise make those communications available to you if we ask it to. You have a right to inspect the register of holders of ADSs, but not for the purpose of contacting those holders about a matter unrelated to our business or the ADSs.

 

Jury Trial Waiver

 

The deposit agreement provides that, to the extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial of any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, including any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws. If we or the depositary opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable in the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with applicable case law.

 

You will not, by agreeing to the terms of the deposit agreement, be deemed to have waived our or the depositary’s compliance with U.S. federal securities laws or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Arbitration Provision

 

The deposit agreement gives the depositary or an ADS holder asserting a claim against us the right to require us to submit that claim to binding arbitration in New York under the Rules of the American Arbitration Association, including any securities law claim. However, a claimant could also elect not to submit its claim to arbitration and instead bring its claim in any court having jurisdiction of it. The deposit agreement does not give us the right to require anyone to submit any claim to arbitration.

 

328

 

COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF FLAG SHIP SHAREHOLDERS AND GRT SHAREHOLDERS

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Flag Ship Shareholders will have the right to receive one (1) of GRT Shares as consideration for each Flag Ship Shares he or she may hold at the Effective Time of the Merger. Each GRT ADS represents one (1) GRT Shares.

 

Flag Ship is incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and GRT is incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong. The following is a summary comparison of the material differences between the rights of a Flag Ship Shareholder and a holder of GRT Shares arising as a result of the differences between the corporate laws of the Cayman Islands and those of Hong Kong, the constitutional documents of each of Flag Ship and GRT, and the securities laws and regulations governing each of them.

 

The rights of a holder of GRT ADSs will also be governed by the terms of a depositary agreement between GRT and BNY Mellon. This summary is not a complete description of the laws of the Cayman Islands or of Hong Kong, the other rules or laws referred to in this summary, Flag Ship’s memorandum and articles of association or GRT’s articles of association.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “shareholder” or “shareholders” means the person(s) whose name(s) appear on a company’s register of members and who are the legal owners of the shares concerned.

 

Current Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders   Current Rights of GRT Shareholders
     
Voting Rights
   
Under the Flag Ship Charter and under Cayman Islands law, subject to any rights or restrictions attached to any shares, at any meeting of shareholders on a poll every shareholder present in person (or, in the case of a shareholder being a corporation, by its duly appointed representative) or by proxy shall have one vote for each share which such shareholder is the holder. Voting at any meeting of the shareholders is by poll.  

Under Hong Kong law, a shareholder who is present in person and entitled to vote at a shareholders’ meeting is entitled to one vote on a show of hands regardless of the number of shares he or she holds. Every proxy present who has been duly appointed by a shareholder entitled to vote on the resolution has one vote.

 

GRT’s articles of association provide that resolutions put to a vote at a shareholder meeting will be decided on a show of hands, unless a poll is demanded (a) in advance of the general meeting where it is to be put to the vote; or (b) at a general meeting, either before or on the declaration of the result of a show of hands on that resolution. A poll on a resolution may be demanded by:

 

(1)

the chairman of the meeting;

 

(2)

not less than two members present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote; or

 

(3)

a member or members present in person or by proxy and representing in aggregate not less than 5% of the total voting rights of all the members having the right to vote.

     
   

Under Hong Kong law an ordinary resolution means a resolution that is passed by a simple majority (i.e. not less than 50%) of those shareholders present at a general meeting in person or by proxy. A resolution passed at a meeting on a show of hands is passed by a simple majority if it is passed by a simple majority of the shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on it. A resolution passed on a poll taken at a meeting is passed by a simple majority if it is passed by members representing a simple majority of the total voting rights of members who (being entitled to do so) vote in person or by proxy on the resolution.

 

329

 

Current Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders   Current Rights of GRT Shareholders
     

Under Cayman Islands law and the Flag Ship Charter, routine corporate matters may be approved by an ordinary resolution (being a resolution passed by a simple majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the members entitled to vote thereon).

 

The Flag Ship Charter provides that prior to the consummation of a business combination in relation to any resolution seeking to amend or vary the rights of the ordinary shares (unless such amendment or variation is for the purposes of approving, or in conjunction with, the consummation of a business combination), may be varied by a special resolution, being a resolution passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the ordinary shares who (being entitled to do so) vote (noting that the Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution).

 

Under Cayman law, a shareholder entitled to attend and vote at a meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all or any of his rights to attend, speak and vote at a meeting of shareholders of the company.

 

Under the Flag Ship Charter, the quorum for a meeting of shareholders is the presence, in person or by proxy or if a corporation or other non-natural person by its duly authorized representative or proxy, of shareholders holding a majority of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares entitled to vote at the Shareholder Meeting.

 

Under Hong Kong law a special resolution means a resolution passed by a majority of not less than 75% of those shareholders present at a general meeting in person or by proxy. A resolution passed at a meeting on a show of hands is passed by a majority of not less than 75% if it is passed by not less than 75% of the votes cast by shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on it. A resolution passed on a poll taken at a meeting is passed by a majority of not less than 75% if it is passed by members representing not less than 75% of the total voting rights of the members who (being entitled to do so) vote in person or by proxy on the resolution. The resolution is not a special resolution unless the notice of the meeting included the text of the resolution and specified the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution, and if the notice of the meeting so specified, the resolution may only be passed as a special resolution.

 

Under Hong Kong law, any shareholder entitled to attend and vote at a meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all or any of his rights to attend, speak and vote at a meeting of shareholders of the company.

 

Generally, under Hong Kong law, two shareholders present in person or by proxy constitute a quorum for the purpose of a general meeting of shareholders, unless the company’s articles of association specify otherwise. GRT’s articles of association specify that two members present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote constitute a quorum for all purposes.

     
Shareholder Proposals and Shareholder Nominations of Directors
     

Under the Flag Ship Charter, the directors of a company are required to convene a shareholder meeting upon written request by shareholders who together hold 10% of the voting rights in respect of the matter for which the meeting is requested.

 

Under Hong Kong law, shareholders may require the directors to call a general meeting of shareholders of the company and may specify the text of a resolution be voted on at that meeting if the request is made by either: (i) shareholders holding at least 1% of the total voting rights at the general meetings for at least 6 consecutive months, or (ii) shareholders holding at least 3% of the total voting rights of all the members having a right to vote at the general meetings.

 

Resolutions to appoint directors to a public company such as GRT must be put to shareholders on the basis of one resolution for each nominated director. A single resolution to appoint two or more directors must not be proposed to be voted upon at a general meeting unless a resolution that it should be so made has first been agreed to by the general meeting without any vote being given against it.

 

330

 

Current Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders   Current Rights of GRT Shareholders
     
Sources and Payment of Dividends
 
   

Generally speaking, and subject to the prior rights of holders of any preferred shares, under Hong Kong law, a company may pay dividends on its ordinary shares only out of its distributable profits (defined as accumulated, realized profits not previously utilized by distribution or capitalization, less accumulated, realized losses so far as not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization) and not out of share capital, which includes share premiums (paid-in surplus).

 

Amounts credited to the share premium account (representing the excess of the consideration for the issue of shares over the aggregate nominal amount of such shares) may not be used to pay out cash dividends but may be used, among other things, to pay up unissued shares that may then be distributed to shareholders in proportion to their holdings as fully paid bonus shares.

 

In addition, under Hong Kong law, GRT will not be permitted to make a distribution if, at the time, the amount of its net assets is less than the aggregate of its issued and paid-up share capital and undistributable reserves.

 

If recommended by the GRT Board, GRT shareholders may, by ordinary resolution, declare final dividends, but no dividend may be declared in excess of the amount recommended by the GRT Board. The GRT Board has the power under GRT’s articles of association to pay interim dividends once a year without the approval of shareholders to the extent the financial position of GRT justifies a dividend in the opinion of the GRT Board.

     
Rights of Purchase and Redemption
     

Under Cayman law, a company may issue redeemable shares if specifically authorized to do so by its articles of association, subject to any conditions stated therein. Furthermore, Cayman law allows a company to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of the company’s shares subject to the provisions of the articles of association and, to the extent not dis-applied in the Cayman Companies Act. The Flag Ship Charter confers the company’s ability to purchase or redeem its own ordinary shares from shareholders and the possibility for shares to be issued with rights of redemption.

 

Under Cayman law a payment out of capital by a company for the redemption or purchase of its own shares is not lawful unless immediately following the date on which the payment out of capital is proposed to be made the company shall be able to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business

 

Flag Ship is permitted by the Flag Ship Charter to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire and hold its own shares subject to any rights for the time being conferred on the members holding a particular class of shares, and, where applicable, the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange and/or any competent regulatory authority. In certain cases, Flag Ship is also positively required under the Flag Ship Charter to redeem certain of its shares at a set price.

 

Under Hong Kong law, a company may issue redeemable shares if specifically authorized to do so by its articles of association, subject to any conditions stated therein. GRT’s articles of association permit the issuance of redeemable shares; however, GRT has not issued any redeemable shares.

 

Under Hong Kong law, a company may purchase its own shares in certain specific instances, including if the purchase has first been approved by a special resolution of its shareholders. GRT’s articles of association authorize GRT to purchase its own shares.

 

Under Hong Kong law, a company may redeem or repurchase shares only if the shares are fully paid and, in the case of public companies, only out of (i) distributable profits, or (ii) the proceeds of a new issue of shares made for the purpose of the repurchase or redemption.

 

Since GRT shares are listed at KOSDAQ, it must comply with relevant rules issues by Korea authorities. The Korea Financial Services Commission Authority requires that purchases of 50%+1 or more of any class of a company’s share capital must be by way of a tender offer to all shareholders of that class and unless a tender offer is made to all holders of the class.

 

331

 

Current Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders   Current Rights of GRT Shareholders
     
Meetings of Shareholders
     

The Flag Ship Charter prescribes that a meeting of shareholders may be requisitioned by one or more members who together hold at least 10% of the rights to vote at such general meeting.

 

The directors convening a meeting of shareholders must give five clear days’ notice of such meeting to those members. A meeting of shareholders held in contravention of the requirement to give notice can be deemed to have been duly convened if it is so agreed in the case of an annual general meeting, by all of the members entitled to attend and vote thereat; and in the case of an extraordinary general meeting, by a majority in number of the members having a right to attend and vote at the meeting, together holding not less than 95% in par value of the dhares giving that right.

 

The inadvertent failure of a director who convenes a meeting to give notice of a meeting to a member or another director, or the fact that a member or another director has not received notice, does not invalidate proceedings at the meeting.

 

Under Hong Kong law, a general meeting of shareholders may be called by the board of directors of a company. Shareholders holding at least 1% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying voting rights at general meetings of the company may require the directors to call a general meeting of the company. The notice requirements for general meetings of the company are as follows: (i) annual general meeting: at least 21 clear days’ notice; (ii) any other general meeting: at least 14 clear days’ notice.

 

General meetings may be called upon shorter notice with the agreement of (i) in the case of an annual general meeting, all the shareholders who are permitted to attend and vote, or (ii) in the case of any other general meeting, a majority of the shareholders holding at least 95% by nominal value of the shares giving the right to attend and vote at the meeting.

 

“Clear days’ notice” means calendar days and excludes (i) the deemed date of receipt of the notice, and (ii) the date of the meeting itself. GRT’s articles of association provide that documents sent by first class post are deemed received 24 hours after mailing and, if not sent by first class post, 48 hours after mailing.

     
Extraordinary General Meetings of Shareholders
     
Under Cayman law, certain matters must be approved by a special resolution, being a resolution of the company passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the Flag Ship Ordinary Shares as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the general meeting at which a quorum is present. The Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution,  

“Special resolutions” generally involve proposals to change the name of the company, alter its capital structure, change or amend the rights of shareholders, permit the company to issue new shares for cash without applying the shareholders’ pre-emptive rights, amend the company’s articles of association, or carry out other matters where either the company’s articles of association or the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance prescribe that a “special resolution” is required.

 

Other proposals relating to the ordinary course of the company’s business, such as the election of directors, would generally be proposed as an ordinary resolution.

 

332

 

Current Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders   Current Rights of GRT Shareholders
     
Pre-emptive Rights
     

Cayman law does not confer mandatory pre-emption rights on shareholders in relation to the issue of new shares unless these are expressly adopted by the memorandum and articles of association of the company.

 

The Flag Ship Charter does not include or adopt pre-emptive rights provisions.

 

Under Cayman law, there is no requirement for a company to hold an annual general meeting (AGM) although an AGM may be required under the company’s memorandum and articles of association.

 

The Flag Ship Charter provides that to the extent required by the Designated Stock Exchange, an annual general meeting of Flag Ship shall be held no later than one year after the first financial year end occurring after the IPO, and shall be held in each year thereafter at such time as determined by the directors and Flag Ship may, but shall not (unless required by the Cayman Companies Act or the rules and regulations of the Designated Stock Exchange) be obliged to, in each year hold any other general meeting.

  Under Hong Kong law, the issuance for cash of (i) equity securities, being those shares in a company which, with respect to dividends or capital, carry a right to participate beyond a specified amount in a distribution, or (ii) rights to subscribe for or convert into equity securities, must be offered first to the existing equity shareholders in proportion to the respective nominal values of their holdings, unless a special resolution to the contrary has been passed by shareholders in a general meeting.
     
Amendment of Governing Provisions
     

Cayman law prescribes that a company may, by special resolution, alter its memorandum and articles of association.

 

The Flag Ship Charter allows amendments to the memorandum and articles to be made by a special resolution of shareholders, except that no amendment may be made to the Charter to amend:

 

(a)

Article 36 prior to the Business Combination unless the holders of the Public Shares are provided with the opportunity to redeem their Public Shares upon the approval of any such amendment in the manner and for the price as set out in Article 36.11; or

 

(b)

Article 34.2 during the Target Business Acquisition Period.

  Under Hong Kong law, shareholders may by special resolution (i.e. the approval of not less than 75% of the votes cast) alter, delete, substitute, amend or add to the company’s articles of association. Under Hong Kong law, the board of directors is not authorized to change the articles of association. Amendments affecting the rights of the holders of any class of shares may, depending on the rights attached to the class and the nature of the amendments, also require approval by special resolution of the classes affected in separate class meetings.
     
Preference Shares
     
The Flag Ship Charter provides that the directors have the authority and the power by resolution of directors to authorise and create additional classes of shares which such rights as they may determine, provided that prior to a business combination, Flag Ship will not issue any securities (other than Public Shares) that would entitle the holder thereof to (i) receive funds from the Trust Account; or (ii) vote on any business combination.   GRT’s articles of association provide that, subject to any rights attached to existing ordinary shares, any share may be issued with or have attached to it such rights and restrictions as the company may by ordinary resolution decide or, if no such resolution has been passed or so far as the resolution does not make specific provision, as the GRT Board may decide. GRT currently has ordinary in issue.

 

333

 

Current Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders   Current Rights of GRT Shareholders
     
Share Class Rights
     

The Flag Ship Charter provides that prior to the consummation of a business combination in relation to any resolution seeking to amend or vary the rights of the ordinary shares (unless such amendment or variation is for the purposes of approving, or in conjunction with, the consummation of a business combination), may be varied by a special resolution, being a resolution passed by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the holders of the ordinary shares who (being entitled to do so) vote (noting that the Flag Ship Charter requires that resolutions put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a poll and in accordance with section 60(4) of the Cayman Companies Act regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled to cast when computing whether the requisite approval threshold has been obtained to pass a special resolution).

 

GRT’s articles of association provide that, subject to the provisions of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance:

 

(1)

all or any rights of any class of shares may only be varied with the consent in writing given by a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of shares in the class sanctioning the variation;

 

(2)

the quorum required for the separate class meetings is at least two persons who hold, or act as proxies for, at least 25% of the total voting rights of the issued shares of that class, except that at any adjourned meeting one shareholder or his proxy constitutes a quorum, regardless of the number of shares that person holds;

 

(3)

every holder of shares of that class present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall be entitled, on a poll, to one vote in respect of each share held; and

 

(4)

a poll may be demanded at a separate class meeting by any person present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote.

 

Unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of their issue, the special rights attached to any class of shares are not deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking equally with them

     
Shareholders’ Votes on Certain Transactions
     

Mergers require a special resolution, and any other authorization as may be specified in the relevant articles of association. Parties holding certain security interests in the constituent companies must also consent.

 

All mergers (other than parent/subsidiary mergers) require shareholder approval—there is no exception for smaller mergers.

 

Where a bidder has acquired 90% or more of the shares in a Cayman Islands company, it can compel the acquisition of the shares of the remaining shareholders and thereby become the sole shareholder.

 

A Cayman Islands company may also be acquired through a “scheme of arrangement” sanctioned by (i) in relation to a compromise or arrangement between a company and its creditors or any class of them, a majority in number of such creditors or class of creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made and who must in addition represent 75% in value of such creditors or class of creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting summoned for that purpose; and (ii) in relation to a compromise or arrangement between a company and its shareholders or any class of them, shareholders who represent 75% in value of the company’s shareholders or class of shareholders, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting summoned for that purpose.

 

The Hong Kong Companies Ordinance only permits mergers in specified limited circumstances. However, the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance provides for schemes of arrangement which are arrangements or compromises between a company and any class of shareholders or creditors. Schemes of arrangement are used in certain types of restructurings, amalgamations, capital reorganizations and takeovers.

 

334

 

Current Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders   Current Rights of GRT Shareholders
     
   

These arrangements require:

 

the approval at a shareholders’ or creditors’ meeting convened by order of the court, of a majority in number of shareholders or creditors representing 75% in value of the capital held by, or debt owed to, the class of shareholders or creditors, or class thereof present and voting, either in person or by proxy; and

 

the approval of the court. Certain other types of extraordinary transactions such as certain capital reorganizations also require approval by shareholders (either by a majority or at least 75% of the votes cast in person or by proxy, depending on the type of transaction), while other types of transactions, including asset sales and tender offers, often do not require shareholder approval.

     
Rights of Inspection
 
Shareholders generally do not have any rights to inspect or obtain copies of the register of shareholders or other corporate records of a company.  

Under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance shareholders have rights of inspection, including the right to:

 

inspect and obtain copies (for a fee) of the minutes of all general meetings of the company and all resolutions of members passed other than at a general meeting;

 

inspect copies of the register of members, register of directors, register of secretaries and other statutory registers maintained by the company;

 

receive copies of the company’s annual report and accounts for each financial year; and

 

receive notices of general meetings of the company. A company’s articles of association must be registered at Companies House and are therefore open to public inspection. GRT’s shareholders do not have any right to inspect board minutes of the company.

 

335

 

Current Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders   Current Rights of GRT Shareholders
     
Standard of Conduct for Directors
 
A director owes fiduciary duties to a company, including a duty to exercise loyalty, honesty and good faith to the company as a whole. In addition to fiduciary duties, directors owe a duty of care, diligence and skill. Such duties are owed to the company but may be owed direct to creditors or shareholders in certain limited circumstances.  

Under Hong Kong law, a director has a broad statutory duty to act in the way he or she considers, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole. In addition, there are specific obligations:

 

(1)

to avoid an actual or potential conflict between his duty to the company and duties to any other person or his or her own personal interests, and to declare any existing interests that may conflict with a proposed transaction or arrangement of the company;

 

(2)

not to accept a benefit from a third party conferred by reason of his being a director, or his doing (or not doing) anything as a director;

 

(3)

to act bona fide in what he or she considers is in the interests of the company as a whole, bearing in mind a number of different matters;

 

(4)

to exercise his or her powers only in accordance with the articles of association of the company;

 

(5)

to exercise independent judgment; and

 

(6)

to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence. This test is both subjective (i.e., was the director’s conduct that of a reasonably diligent person who has the knowledge and experience of the director) and objective (i.e., was the director’s conduct that of a reasonably diligent person having the knowledge and experience that a director holding that position should have).

 

GRT’s articles of association provide that the GRT Board may in specified circumstances authorize any matter that would otherwise involve a director breaching his duty under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance to avoid a conflict of interest. The articles of association also provide that, subject to authorization of such conflict, a director may retain any benefit derived by reason of that interest.

     
Removal of Directors
 

The Flag Ship Charter provides that a director may be removed from office by ordinary resolution.

 

The Flag Ship Charter also provides that a director's office shall be terminated forthwith if:

 

(a)

he is prohibited by the law of the Cayman Islands from acting as a director; or

(b)

he is made bankrupt or makes an arrangement or composition with his creditors generally; or

(c)

in the opinion of a registered medical practitioner by whom he is being treated he becomes physically or mentally incapable of acting as a director; or

(d)

he is made subject to any law relating to mental health or incompetence, whether by court order or otherwise;

(e)

without the consent of the other directors, he is absent from meetings of directors for a continuous period of six months; or

(f)

all of the other directors (being not less than two in number) determine that he should be removed as a director, either by a resolution passed by all of the other directors at a meeting of the directors duly convened and held in accordance with the Articles or by a resolution in writing signed by all of the other directors.

 

Under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, a company may remove a director without cause by ordinary resolution, irrespective of anything in any agreement between the director and the company, provided that 28 clear days’ notice of the proposed resolution to remove the director is given to the company and certain other procedural requirements under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance are followed.

 

GRT’s articles of association provide that in addition to any power of removal conferred by the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, the company may by special resolution (i.e. a resolution approved by 75% of the votes cast in person or by proxy) remove any director before the expiration of his period of office.

 

336

 

Current Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders   Current Rights of GRT Shareholders
     
Vacancies on the Board of Directors
 
Under the Flag Ship Charter, Flag Ship may by a majority of the directors appoint a director to fill in any vacancy. Where the directors appoint a person as director to fill a vacancy, the term shall not exceed the term that remained when the person who ceased to be a director ceased to hold office.  

Under GRT’s articles of association, GRT may by ordinary resolution of its shareholders appoint a person to be a director:

 

(i)

to fill a casual vacancy; or

 

(ii)

to become an additional director, subject to the requirement of the articles of association that there be no less than two and no more than ten directors at any time.

     
Liability of Directors and Officers
     
Liability of directors may be limited, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide exculpation for willful default, willful neglect, civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime.  

Under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, any provision (whether contained in a company’s articles of association or any contract or otherwise) that purports to exempt a director of a company (to any extent) from any liability that would otherwise attach to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company, is void.

 

Any provision by which a company directly or indirectly provides an indemnity (to any extent) for a director of the company or of an associated company against any liability attaching to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company of which he is a director, is also void except as permitted by the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, which provides exceptions for a company to (i) purchase and maintain insurance against such liability; (ii) provide a “qualifying third party indemnity” (being an indemnity against liability incurred by the director to a person other than the company or an associated company as long as he or she is successful in defending the claim or criminal proceedings); and (iii) provide a “qualifying pension scheme indemnity” (being an indemnity against liability incurred in connection with the company’s activities as trustee of an occupational pension plan).

 

The Hong Kong Companies Ordinance permits companies to purchase and maintain insurance for directors against any liability arising from negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company. GRT maintains directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

 

337

 

Current Rights of Flag Ship Shareholders   Current Rights of GRT Shareholders
     

Disclosure of Interests

 
The Flag Ship Charter provides that so long as a director has disclosed his interest in the transaction, he may vote on a matter relation to the transaction.  

The KOSDAQ Market Disclosure Regulations and its Detailed Enforcement Rules provide that anyone who acquires a material interest, or becomes aware that he has acquired a material interest, in __% or more of any class of shares of a public company’s issued share capital carrying rights to vote at general meetings of shareholder must notify that company in writing of his interest within two days. Thereafter, any increase or decrease of a whole percentage point and any decrease that reduces the interest to below __% must be notified in writing to the company. This requirement applies to all GRT shareholders.

 

GRT is required pursuant to the KOSDAQ Rules for Companies to disclose in its annual report and on its website the identity and share interests of its directors and any persons connected with them, as defined in the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, and of any person with an interest of __% or more of GRT’s ordinary shares.

 

Pursuant to the South Korea ______, persons discharging managerial responsibilities (being directors and certain senior executives), and their connected persons, must notify a public company such as GRT in writing of the occurrence of all transactions conducted on their own account in the shares of the company, or derivatives or any other financial instruments relating to those shares within four business days of the day on which the transaction occurred. The notification must contain prescribed information, including the name of the person involved, the type of transaction, the date on which it occurred, and the price and volume of the transaction. The public company must notify a regulatory news service (which will make the information public) of any information notified to it in accordance with these provisions. The notification to a regulatory news service must be made as soon as possible and in any event by no later than the end of the business day following the receipt of the information by the company.

 

338

 

ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 

GRT is a corporation organized under the laws of Hong Kong. A substantial portion of GRT’s assets and most of its directors and executive officers are located and reside, respectively, outside the United States. Because of the location of GRT’s assets and board members, it may not be possible for investors to serve process within the United States upon GRT or such persons with respect to matters arising under the United States federal securities laws or to enforce against GRT or persons located outside the United States judgments of United States courts asserted under the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws.

 

GRT understands that there is doubt as to the enforceability in Hong Kong, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of civil liabilities predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States insofar as they are fines or penalties. In addition, awards of punitive damages in actions brought in the United States or elsewhere may be unenforceable in Hong Kong by reason of being a penalty.

 

GRT has appointed Puglisi & Associates as its agent to receive service of process in any action against it in any state or federal court in the State of New York arising out of the transaction described in this proxy statement/prospectus or any issuance of GRT Shares or GRT ADSs in connection with this transaction.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the GRT Shares underlying the GRT ADSs to be issued in the merger will be passed upon for GRT by Dentons Hong Kong LLP, counsel to GRT as to Hong Kong law.

 

Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. counsel for GRT, represented GRT in connection with the merger and the preparation of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Becker & Poliakoff P.A., New York, represented Flag Ship in connection with the merger and the preparation of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Appleby, Cayman Islands, represented GRT in connection with the merger and the preparation of this proxy statement/prospectus with respect to certain Cayman Islands law matters and will pass on certain Cayman Islands income tax consequences of the merger for GRT.

 

Ogier (Cayman) LLP represented Flag Ship in connection with the preparation of this proxy statement/prospectus with respect to certain Cayman Islands law matters.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Great Rich Technologies Limited as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 and for the years then ended have been audited by Enrome US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report thereon (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern) and included in this proxy statement/ prospectus and Registration Statement in reliance upon such report and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The financial statements of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and for the years then ended included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and an explanatory paragraph relating to restatement of previously issued financial statement) of MaloneBailey, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

339

 

DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

Pursuant to the rules of the SEC, Flag Ship and services that it employs to deliver communications to its shareholders are permitted to deliver to two or more shareholders sharing the same address a single copy of Flag Ship’s proxy statement. Upon written or oral request, Flag Ship will deliver a separate copy of the proxy statement to any shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of each document was delivered and who wishes to receive separate copies of such documents. Shareholders receiving multiple copies of such documents may request that Flag Ship deliver single copies of such documents in the future. Shareholders may notify Flag Ship of their requests by calling or writing Flag Ship at its principal executive offices at Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, 26 Broadway Suite 934, New York, New York 10014. Following the Merger, such requests should be made by calling or writing to GRT at [●], and its telephone number [●].

 

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Management of Flag Ship knows of no other matters which may be brought before the Extraordinary General Meeting. If any matter other than the proposed Merger or related matters should properly come before the Extraordinary General Meeting, however, the persons named in the enclosed proxies will vote proxies in accordance with their judgment on those matters. If the Merger is consummated and GRT holds a 2025 annual general meeting of shareholders, it will provide notice of or otherwise publicly disclose the date on which the 2025 annual general meeting will be held. Following completion of the Merger, GRT is expected to qualify as a “foreign private issuer” under the rules and regulations of the SEC. As a foreign private issuer, GRT will be exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act that would otherwise apply if it were a company incorporated in the United States or did not meet the other conditions to qualify as a foreign private issuer, including the requirement to file proxy solicitation materials on Schedule 14A in connection with annual or extraordinary general meetings of its shareholders.

 

340

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

Flag Ship files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. GRT has filed a registration statement on Form F-4 to register with the SEC the GRT Shares that Flag Ship Shareholders will receive in the merger. This proxy statement/prospectus is a part of the registration statement on Form F-4. This proxy statement/prospectus is a proxy statement/prospectus of GRT as well as a proxy statement of Flag Ship for its extraordinary general meeting.

 

You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information filed by Flag Ship or GRT at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room.

 

You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates, or from commercial document retrieval services.

 

The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information, including those filed by Flag Ship and GRT, at http://www.sec.gov. You may also access the SEC filings and obtain other information about GRT through the website maintained by GRT, which is http://en.tonglioptech.com. GRT publishes annual and half-yearly, copies of which can be viewed on the Korea Stock Exchange’s website, Global KRX, and on GRT’s website. The information contained on these websites is not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Flag Ship and GRT have not authorized anyone to give any information or make any representation about the merger that is different from, or in addition to, that contained in this proxy statement/​prospectus. Therefore, if anyone does give you information of this sort, you should not rely on it. If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or solicitations of offers to exchange or purchase, the securities offered by this proxy statement/prospectus are unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this proxy statement/prospectus does not extend to you. The information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus speaks only as of the date of this document unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies.

 

This proxy statement/prospectus contains a description of the representations and warranties that each of GRT and Flag Ship made to the other in the Merger Agreement. Representations and warranties made by GRT, Flag Ship and other applicable parties are also set forth in contracts and other documents (including the Merger Agreement) that are attached or filed as appendices or exhibits to this proxy statement/prospectus or are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. These representations and warranties were made as of specific dates, may be subject to important qualifications and limitations agreed to between the parties in connection with negotiating the terms of the Merger Agreement, and may have been included in the agreement for the purpose of allocating risk between the parties rather than to establish matters as facts. These materials are included or incorporated by reference only to provide you with information regarding the terms and conditions of the agreements, and not to provide any other factual information regarding Flag Ship, GRT or their respective businesses. Accordingly, the representations and warranties and other provisions of the Merger Agreement should not be read alone, but instead should be read only in conjunction with the other information provided elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

341

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Great Rich Technologies, Limited

 

Contents   Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID:6907)   F-2
     
Consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and 2023   F-3
     
Consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023   F-4
     
Consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023   F-5
     
Consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023   F-6
     
Notes to the consolidated financial statements   F-7

 

Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation

 

INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   Page
Unaudited Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023   F-36
     
Unaudited Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023   F-37
     
Unaudited Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit for the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023   F-38
     
Unaudited Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023   F-39
     
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements   F-40

 

Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm MaloneBailey, LLP (PCAOB ID: 206)   F-54
     
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022   F-55
     
Statements of Operations for Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022   F-56
     
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit for Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022   F-57
     
Statements of Cash Flows for Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022   F-58
     
Notes to Financial Statements   F-59

 

F-1

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Great Rich Technologies Limited

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Great Rich Technologies Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Enrome LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.

 

Singapore

November 27, 2024

 

F-2

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
ASSETS                
CURRENT ASSETS:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 77,292,964     $ 49,575,286  
Accounts receivable, net     235,458,405       158,135,890  
Inventories     16,109,040       16,335,481  
Amount due from related parties     -       459,915  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     14,546,625       31,618,247  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS   $ 343,407,034       256,124,819  
                 
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:                
Property, plant and equipment, net   $ 828,654,042     $ 819,777,693  
Intangible assets, net     190,682       288,019  
Land use rights, net     12,287,643       12,639,805  
Right-of-use assets     61,650       100,807  
Long-term Investment     8,546,672       8,580,761  
Goodwill     4,238,083       5,924,090  
Deferred offering costs     498,402       -  
Deferred tax assets     32,075       323,335  
Other non-current assets     25,227,212       27,801,911  
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS   $ 879,736,461     $ 875,436,421  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 1,223,143,495     $ 1,131,561,240  
                 
LIABILITIES                
ACURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Short term loans   $ 25,456,847     $ 26,933,102  
Long-term loans due within one year     5,504,183       1,792,782  
Accounts payable     50,839,927       85,498,431  
Notes payable     -       1,196,607  
Accrued expenses and other payables     40,611,542       42,701,898  
Taxes payable     4,333,424       2,319,426  
Contract liabilities     61,829       316,452  
Amounts due to related parties     5,414,879       5,634,791  
Other current liabilities     1,650,498       223,284  
Lease liabilities     38,526       43,648  
Deferred revenue     82,563       95,126  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES   $ 133,994,218     $ 166,755,547  
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Long term loans   $ 350,539,066     $ 376,897,935  
Lease liabilities     24,500       60,768  
Deferred revenue     247,688       330,975  
Deferred tax liabilities     93,667       -  
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES   $ 350,904,921     $ 377,289,678  
TOTAL LIABILITIES   $ 484,899,139     $ 544,045,225  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 24)     -       -  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
Ordinary shares (67,375,000 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and 2023)   $ 114,469,857     $ 114,469,857  
Additional paid-in capital     110,316,374       63,533,586  
Statutory reserve     18,411,165       14,777,436  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (50,287,269 )     (48,740,511 )
Retained earnings     447,397,351       383,900,592  
Total Great Rich Technologies Limited Shareholders’ Equity   $ 640,307,478     $ 527,940,960  
                 
Non-controlling interest     97,936,878       59,575,055  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 738,244,356     $ 587,516,015  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 1,223,143,495     $ 1,131,561,240  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

 

    For the
years ended
June 30,
 
    2024     2023  
Revenue   $ 633,127,741     $ 581,229,763  
Cost of revenue     (471,366,490 )     (490,896,017 )
Gross profit     161,761,251       90,333,746  
                 
Operating expenses:                
Selling expenses     (11,763,388 )     (8,823,429 )
General and administrative expenses     (11,561,140 )     (9,361,301 )
Research and development expenses     (27,765,405 )     (11,375,955 )
Total operating expenses     (51,089,933 )     (29,560,685 )
                 
Other income (expenses):                
Interest income     1,060,118       2,044,033  
Interest expenses     (14,908,846 )     (6,759,013 )
Other income, net     3,850,883       473,895  
Other expense, net     (1,886,291 )     (1,146,197 )
Exchange gain (loss)     97,236       (300,593 )
Total other expenses, net     (11,786,900 )     (5,687,875 )
                 
Income before income tax     98,884,418       55,085,186  
Income tax expenses     (16,015,045 )     (9,383,419 )
Net income   $ 82,869,373     $ 45,701,767  
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests     15,738,885       3,503,661  
Net income attributable to Great Rich Technologies Limited’s Shareholders   $ 67,130,488     $ 42,198,106  
                 
Other comprehensive income                
Net income     82,869,373       45,701,767  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax     1,546,758       41,993,300  
Total comprehensive income   $ 84,416,131     $ 87,695,067  
Less: total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest     356,244       4,779,943  
Total comprehensive income attributable to Great Rich Technologies Limited’s Shareholders     84,059,887       82,915,124  
                 
Net income per share                
Basic and diluted   $ 1.23     $ 0.68  
                 
Weighted average number of shares                
Basic and diluted     67,375,000       67,375,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

 

    Ordinary Shares     Additional Paid-in     Statutory     Retained     Accumulated Other Comprehensive     Non- controlling     Total
Shareholders’
 
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Reserve     earnings     Loss     interest     Equity  
          $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Balance as of June 30, 2022     67,375,000       114,469,857       63,533,586       14,038,914       342,441,008       (6,747,211 )     60,674,430       588,410,584  
Net income     -       -       -       -       42,198,106       -       3,503,661       45,701,767  
Appropriated statutory surplus reserves     -       -       -       738,522       (738,522 )     -       -       -  
Foreign currency translation adjustment     -       -       -       -       -       (41,993,300 )     (4,779,943 )     (46,773,243 )
Acquisition of Zhitong     -       -       -       -       -       -       176,907       176,907  
Balance as of June 30, 2023     67,375,000       114,469,857       63,533,586       14,777,436       383,900,592       (48,740,511 )     59,575,055       587,516,015  
Net income     -       -       -       -       67,130,488       -       15,738,885       82,869,373  
Appropriated statutory surplus reserves     -       -       -       3,633,729       (3,633,729 )     -       -       -  
Foreign currency translation adjustment     -       -       -       -       -       (1,546,758 )     (356,244 )     (1,903,002 )
Establishment of Qingtian     -       -       46,782,788       -       -       -       22,979,182       69,761,970  
Balance as of June 30, 2024     67,375,000       114,469,857       110,316,374       18,411,165       447,397,351       (50,287,269 )     97,936,878       738,244,356  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

 

    For the
years ended
June 30,
 
    2024     2023  
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net income   $ 82,869,373     $ 45,701,767  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:                
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment     48,395,656       7,412,670  
Written off property, plant and equipment     761,066       219,964  
Allowance (reversals) for doubtful accounts     884,244       (688,433 )
Amortization of intangible assets     94,264       96,385  
Amortization of land use rights     326,411       297,230  
Amortization of right-of-use assets     39,165       29,668  
Gain (loss) from long-term investment due to equity method     1,546       (446 )
Impairment loss of goodwill     1,682,864       658,479  
Deferred income taxes     384,927       1,082,698  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     (78,206,759 )     (51,814,064 )
Inventories     226,441       2,506,714  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     17,071,622       (22,599,444 )
Right-of-use assets     -       (99,019 )
Other non-current assets     2,574,699       2,296,177  
Accounts payable     (34,658,504 )     36,470,594  
Notes payable     (1,196,607 )     1,196,607  
Deferred revenue     (95,850 )     (178,501 )
Taxes payable     2,013,998       (1,058,043 )
Other current liabilities     1,427,214       (1,928,507 )
Lease liabilities     (41,390 )     71,572  
Contract liabilities     (254,623 )     (662,641 )
Accrued expenses and other payables     (2,090,356 )     30,824,347  
Net cash provided by operating activities     42,209,401       49,835,774  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Purchase of property, plant and equipment     (9,019,359 )     (242,565,298 )
Proceeds from property, plant and equipment     -       90,359  
Purchase of intangible assets     -       (14,505 )
Collection of current financial instruments     -       7,464,803  
Acquisition of subsidiary     -       (2,848,347 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (9,019,359 )     (237,872,988 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Proceeds from short-term loans     30,450,670       27,967,399  
Repayment of short-term loans     (31,876,315 )     (23,664,722 )
Repayment of long-term loans     (21,946,974 )     -  
Deferred offering costs     (498,402 )     -  
Establishment of Qingtian     69,761,970       -  
Amount financed from related parties     240,003       1,177,241  
Net cash provided by financing activities     46,130,952       5,479,918  
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash held in foreign currencies     (51,603,316 )     (30,277,538 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     27,717,678       (212,834,834 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year     49,575,286       262,410,120  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year   $ 77,292,964       49,575,286  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:                
Cash paid for income taxes     14,758,814       9,629,626  
Cash paid for interest expense     14,905,369       11,616,891  
                 
Supplemental non-cash financing activity:                
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets     -       99,019  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 1. Organization and principal activities

 

Nature of operations

 

Great Rich Technologies Limited (“GRT”) is a limited company incorporated in Hong Kong on 11 September 2012. The largest shareholder is Mr. Zhou Yong Nan ("Mr. Zhou"). The Company's head office is located in Hong Kong and the major business of the Company is operated by subsidiaries, Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Material Group Co., Ltd, Jiang Yin Tong Li Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Huizhi New Material Technology Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Jianishi New material Co., Ltd in the People's Republic of China ("PRC").

 

The principal activities of the holding company are investment and controlling. The principal activities of the holding company and its subsidiaries are manufacturing, distribution and sales of Polyethylene base film, Complex film, Chlorinated Polypropylene base film, Polyethylene optical film, Polyethylene terephthalate optical film, Chlorinated Polypropylene optical film, AB glue, Window film, Release film and sales of plastic parts. Its market is mainly in the People's Republics of China ("PRC").

 

As of June 30, 2024, the Company’s subsidiaries were as follows:

 

Subsidiaries  

Date of

incorporation/

acquisition

  Place of
incorporation
   

Percentage of
direct or
indirect
economic

interest

 
Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Material Group Co., Ltd. (“Jiangsu Tongli”)   July 5, 2013   PRC       100 %
Jiangyin Tongli Optical Technology Co., Ltd. (“Tongli”)   January 18, 2002   PRC       100 %
Jiangsu Huizhi New Material Technology Co., Ltd. (“Huizhi”)   November 9, 2018   PRC       69.81 %
Shanghai Jianishi New Material Co., Ltd. (“Jianishi”)   October 9, 1997   PRC       95 %
Jiangyin Zhitong New Material Co., Ltd. (“Zhitong”)   December 25, 2020   PRC       95 %
Zhejiang Hongyu new material Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Hongyu”)   May 14, 2024   PRC       100 %
Qingtian Hongyu new material Co., Ltd. (“Qingtian”)   May 15, 2024   PRC       73.33 %

 

The Company is listed on the Korea Exchange in Republic of Korea (stock code: 900290) and its consolidated financial statements have been issued and available for public use.

 

Reorganization

 

Tongli was incorporated on January 18, 2002 in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province and was owned by Mr. Zhou and Mrs. Pang Meixin (Mr. Zhou's wife). On 15 November 2013, Mr. Zhou and Mrs. Pang Meixin transferred their 100% shares in Tongli to Jiangsu Tongli for a consideration of RMB 45 million. On 26 November 2015, Tongli received additional investment from Jiangsu Tongli for RMB 40million so that share capital amounts to RMB 85million. On 16 March 2017, as a result of capital injection, Tongli’s Paid-in Capital amounts to RMB 185 million.

 

F-7

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 1. Organization and principal activities (cont.)

 

Jiangsu Tongli, formerly named Jiangsu Junhui Optical Technology Co., Ltd, was incorporated on 5 July 2013 in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province and owned by Capital Max Holdings Limited. Capital Max Holdings Limited was incorporated in Hong Kong by Mr. Xu Jingnan. On 10 October 2013, Capital Max Holdings Limited transferred its 100% shares in Jiangsu Tongli to GRT. On 20 April 2016, controlling company additionally invested USD 8.7million in Jiangsu Tongli so that the share capital amounts to RMB 395million. As a result of several capital increase, as of June 30, 2021, the Paid-in Capital amounts to RMB 766 million.

 

GRT was incorporated on 11 September 2012 in Hong Kong and owned by Acota Services Limited (“Acota”). On 18 December 2012, Acota transferred its 100% shares in GRT to Mr. Zhou. On 8 October 2013, Mr. Zhou transferred its 100% shares in GRT to Stonehenge. On 21 December 2015, the Company issued 99,999,900 shares to the shareholders of Stonehenge, the amount paid on each share was HKD 0.3. Hence, the company had 100,000,000shares and paid-in capital was HKD 30,000,070. On 31 January 2016, the Company issued 27,975,429 shares (HKD 11.12/share) to CDIB Capital Asia Partners L.P., New Advantage Holdings Limited, Soaring Elite Limited and JH Prime Success Co., Ltd. Hence, the Company had 127,957,429 shares and paid-in capital was HKD 341,200,907. On 14 April, 2016, Stonehenge transferred its 100 shares (HKD 100) to Mr.Zhou. On 1 July 2016, due to reverse stock split, the shares decreased to 50,000,000. On 25 October 2016, the Company was listed in Korean Stock Market (KOSDAQ) and issued 17,375,000 shares at the price of 5,000 KRW for each share, and as a result, the number of shares increased to 67,375,000.

 

After the completion of the reorganization, since the Company and its subsidiaries resulting from the reorganization are effectively controlled by the same controlling shareholder, Mr. Zhou, they are considered under common control. The consolidation of the Company and its subsidiaries has been accounted for at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the reorganization transactions had become effective as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Results of operations for the periods presented comprise those of the previously separate entities combined from the beginning of the period to the end of the period, eliminating the effects of intra-entity transactions.

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies

 

Basis of presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (the “U.S. GAAP”).

 

Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, which include the Hong Kong-registered entities and PRC-registered entities directly or indirectly owned by the Company. All transactions and balances among the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated upon consolidation. The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of are recorded in the consolidated income statements from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

 

A subsidiary is an entity in which (i) the Company directly or indirectly controls more than 50% of the voting power; or (ii) the Company has the power to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors or to cast a majority of votes at the meetings of the board of directors or to govern the financial and operating policies of the investee pursuant to a statute or under an agreement among the shareholders or equity holders.

 

F-8

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

Non-controlling interests

 

Non-controlling interests are recognized to reflect the portion of the equity that is not attributable, directly, or indirectly, to the Company. Non-controlling interests are presented as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) are attributed to controlling and non-controlling interests. Non-controlling interests primarily relate to the 30.19% equity interest in Huizhi, 5% equity interest in Jianishi and Zhitong as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, and 26.67% equity interest in Qingtian Hongyu as of June 30, 2024.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with the U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the consolidated balance sheet date and revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, inventory reserve provision, useful lives and impairment of long-lived assets, valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, and allowance for doubtful accounts. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and as such, differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Foreign currency translation and transaction

 

The reporting currency of the Company is the United States Dollar (“US$”). The functional currency of GRT is the Hong Kong dollars (“HKD”). The Company’s operating subsidiary in China uses Renminbi (“RMB”) as the functional currency.

 

The financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, other than subsidiaries with functional currency of US$, are translated into US$ using the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and average exchange rate for the year for income and expense items. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at that date. The equity denominated in the functional currency is translated at the historical rate of exchange at the time of capital contribution. Because cash flows are translated based on the average translation rate, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the consolidated balance sheets. Translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income included in consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.

 

For the Company, except for the shareholders’ equity, the balance sheet accounts on June 30, 2024 and 2023 were translated at RMB7.2672 to $1.00 and RMB7.2513 to $1.00, respectively. The shareholders’ equity accounts were translated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to statements of operations for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were RMB7.2248 to $1.00 and RMB6.9536 to $1.00, respectively. Cash flows were also translated at average translation rates for the periods. Therefore, amounts reported on the statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

F-9

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, deposits with banks and other monetary funds. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions primarily in China. The Company considers all highly liquid investment instruments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, cash and cash equivalents balances were $77,292,964 and $49,575,286, respectively. The majority of the Company’s cash is saved in state-owned banks in the PRC, and part of deposits are covered by insurance. In China, a depositor has up to RMB500,000 ($68,802) insured by the People’s Bank of China Financial Stability Bureau. The Company has not experienced any losses in bank accounts and believes it is not exposed to any risks on its cash in bank accounts.

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

Accounts receivable represent the amounts that the Company has an unconditional right to consideration, which are stated at the historical carrying amount net of allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, which reflects its best estimate of amounts that potentially will not be collected. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts taking into consideration various factors, including but not limited to, historical collection experience and credit-worthiness of the debtors, as well as the age of the individual receivables balance. The Company establishes a provision for doubtful receivables when there is objective evidence that the Company may not be able to collect amounts due. The provision is recorded against accounts receivables balances, with a corresponding charge recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories, primarily consisting of raw materials, finished goods, goods shipped in transit and working in process, is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less any costs to complete and sell products. Cost of inventory is determined using the weighted average method. Allowances for obsolescence are also assessed based on expiration dates, as applicable, taking into consideration historical and expected future product sales.

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

Prepaid expense and other current assets primarily consist of prepayments made to vendors or services providers for future services that have not been provided, other current assets, and other receivable from third parties. These advances are unsecured and are reviewed periodically to determine whether their carrying value has become impaired. Management believes that, as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s other current assets were not impaired.

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment, if any. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

Category   Estimated
useful lives
 
Building   20 years  
Machinery Equipment   3 to 10 years  
Motor Vehicles   3 to 10 years  
Electronic and other Equipment   3 to 10 years  

 

The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise retired are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expenses as incurred, while additions, renewals, and betterments, which are expected to extend the useful life of assets, are capitalized.

 

F-10

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

Construction in progress

 

Construction in progress is comprised primarily of the new production line that the company is building. The fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 the construction in progress assets were related to the new production line for the Company. Interest expense on outstanding debt is capitalized during the period of significant capital asset construction. Capitalized interest on construction in progress is included in property and equipment and is amortized over the life of the related assets.

 

Intangible assets, net

 

Intangible assets are software and the trademark right purchased by the Company, which are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method with the estimated 5 to 10-year useful lives:

 

Land use rights, net

 

Under the PRC law, all land in the PRC is owned by the government and cannot be sold to an individual or Company. The government grants individuals and companies the right to use the parcels of land for specified periods of time. These land use rights are sometimes referred to informally as “ownership.” Land use rights are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. The estimated useful life for land use rights is 50 years.

 

Impairment for long-lived assets

 

Long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (such as a significant adverse change to market conditions that will impact the future use of the assets) indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.

 

The Company assesses the recoverability of the assets based on the undiscounted future cash flows the assets are expected to generate, and recognize an impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset, plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. If an impairment is identified, the Company would reduce the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flows approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, impairment of long-lived assets was nil.

 

Long-term investments

 

The Company invests from time to time in equity securities of private companies. If the Company determines that the Company has control over these companies, the Company includes them in the consolidated financial statements. If the Company determines that the Company does not have control over these companies, the Company then determines if the Company has an ability to exercise significant influence via voting interests, board representation or other business relationships.

 

The Company accounts for the investments where the Company exercises significant influence using either an equity method of accounting or at fair value by electing the fair value option under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 825, Financial Instruments. If the fair value option is applied to an investment that would otherwise be accounted for under the equity method, the Company applies it to all its financial interests in the same entity (equity and debt, including guarantees) that are eligible items. All gains and losses from fair value changes, unrealized and realized, are presented as changes in fair values of equity and long-term investments, net on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

 

F-11

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

If the Company concludes that it does not have an ability to exercise significant influence over an investee, the Company may elect to account for the security without a readily determinable fair value using the measurement alternative under ASC Topic 312, Investments — Equity Securities. This measurement alternative allows the Company to measure the equity investment at its cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer.

 

The Company’s long-term investments are equity method investments. Investee companies over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have a controlling interest through investment in common shares or in-substance common shares, are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is generally considered to exist when the Company has an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%, and other factors, such as representation on the investee’s board of directors, voting rights and the impact of commercial arrangements, are also considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate.

 

Under the equity method, the Company initially records its investment at cost and subsequently recognizes the Company’s proportionate share of each equity investee’s net income or loss after the date of investment into net loss and accordingly adjusts the carrying amount of the investment. The Company reviews its equity method investments for impairment whenever an event or circumstance indicates that any other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. The Company considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of its equity method investment.

 

An Impairment charge is recorded when the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company had no impairment for long-term investments.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired at the date of acquisition. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), simplifying the test for goodwill impairment”. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which required a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. The Group tests goodwill at least annually for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is the operating segment, or one level below that operating segment (the component level) if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management. However, components are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. The Group recognizes an impairment charge if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value and the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill. When a portion of a reporting unit is disposed, goodwill is allocated to the gain or loss on disposition based on the relative fair values of the business or businesses disposed and the portion of the reporting unit that will be retained. For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Group has recognized goodwill impairment $1,682,864 and $658,479.

 

Operating leases

 

The Company adopted the Topic 842 on April 1, 2019 using a modified retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard to leases existing at, or entered after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-12

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

The Company, through its subsidiary, leases its offices, which are classified as operating leases in accordance with Topic 842. Operating leases are required to record in the consolidated balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients, which allows the Company not to reassess (1) whether any expired or existing contracts as of the adoption date are or contain a lease, (2) lease classification for any expired or existing leases as of the adoption date, and (3) initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases as of the adoption date. The Company elected the short-term lease exemption for the lease terms that are 12 months or less.

 

At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is or contains a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange of a consideration. To assess whether a contract is or contains a lease, the Company assesses whether the contract involves the use of an identified asset, whether it has the right to obtain substantially all the economic benefits from the use of the asset and whether it has the right to control the use of the asset. The right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date. The Company recognizes operating lease expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term and had no finance leases for any of the periods stated herein.

 

The right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liabilities adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and less any lease incentive received. All right-of-use assets are reviewed for impairment annually. There was no impairment for right-of-use assets as of June 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

Fair value measurement

 

The accounting standard regarding fair value of financial instruments and related fair value measurements defines financial instruments and requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company.

 

The accounting standards define fair value, establish a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement, and enhance disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The three levels are defined as follow:

 

Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.

 

Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions on what assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best available information.

 

ASC 820 describes three main approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach; and (3) cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be required to replace an asset.

 

F-13

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets of cash, accounts receivable, inventory, advances to suppliers, prepaid expenses and other current assets, due from related parties, value added tax (“VAT”) recoverables, short-term bank loans, accounts payable, advances from customers, taxes payable, lease liabilities, amounts due to related parties, accrued expenses and other liabilities, approximate their fair market value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company did not have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

Loans

 

Loans comprise short-term loans and long-term loans. Loans are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Loans are subsequently stated at amortized cost; any difference between the proceeds net of transaction costs and the redemption value is recognized in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

 

Accounts payable

 

Accounts payable represent liabilities for goods provided to the Company prior to the end of the financial year which are unpaid. They are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). Otherwise, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Accounts payable are initially recognized at fair value, and subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

 

Related party transactions

 

A related party is generally defined as (i) any person and or their immediate family hold 10% or more of the Company’s securities (ii) the Company’s management, (iii) someone that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company, or (iv) anyone who can significantly influence the financial and operating decisions of the Company. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties. Related parties may be individuals or corporate entities.

 

Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s-length basis, as the requisite conditions of competitive, free market dealings may not exist. Representations about transactions with related parties, if made, shall not imply that the related party transactions were consummated on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm’s-length transactions unless such representations can be substantiated. It is not, however, practical to determine the fair value of amounts due from/to related parties due to their related party nature.

 

Revenue recognition

 

The Company adopted ASC Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) on April 1, 2019. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 are presented under ASC 606. Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount of consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for contracts with customers, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, including variable consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant future reversal will not occur, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the respective performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation. VAT that the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities is excluded from revenue.

 

F-14

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

The Company follows the requirements of Topic 606-10-55-36 through -40, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Principal Agent Considerations, in determining the gross versus net revenue recognition for performance obligation(s) in the contract with a customer. Revenue recorded with the Company acting in the capacity of a principal is reported on a gross basis equal to the full amount of consideration to which we expect in exchange for the goods or services transferred. Revenue recorded with the Company acting in the capacity of an agent is reported on a net basis, exclusive of any consideration provided to the principal party in the transaction.

 

The Company recognizes revenue for its products sold when it has satisfied a performance obligation by transferring significant risks and rewards of ownership of promised products to the customer. Furthermore, the customer obtains the legal title of and accepts the promised products at a specific time. For each performance obligation satisfied at a point in time, the Company recognizes revenue at a point in time by measuring whether the performance obligation has been met.

 

The principal versus agent evaluation Is matter of judgment that depends on the facts and circumstances of the arrangement and is dependent on whether the Company controls the goods or services before it is transferred to the customer or whether we are acting as an agent of a third party. This evaluation is performed separately for each performance obligation identified. For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, there was no revenue recognized on a net basis where the Company is acting as an agent.

 

Revenue from sales of films goods

 

The Company generates revenue by selling films goods used in semiconductors, chemicals, secondary batteries, vehicles and other fields to customers. The Company enters into contracts with customers as a principal. These contracts contain a single performance obligation with standard quality assurance, that is, to transfer products or accessories to customers in exchange for consideration. The pricing and payment terms stipulated in the contract are fixed. Usually, the Company provides commercial customers with a credit period of 30-120 days.

 

According to ASC 606, for each performance obligation, an entity shall determine at contract inception whether it satisfies the performance obligation over time or satisfies the performance obligation at a point in time. The Company recognizes revenue at a point in time, when the control of the products has been transferred to the customer. When the customer accepts and receives the product, the transfer of control is considered complete. In the normal course of business, the Company’s products are sold with no right of return unless the item is defective.

 

As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, liabilities for return allowance were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue disaggregation

 

Management has concluded that the disaggregation level is the same under both the revenue standard and the segment reporting standard. Revenue under the segment reporting standard is measured on the same basis as under the revenue standard. The Company’s disaggregation of revenue for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:

 

    For the year ended
June 30,
 
    2024     2023  
Revenue from sales of film-Semiconductor   $ 98,944,104     $ 37,640,660  
Revenue from sales of film-Chemical     51,687,313       38,981,553  
Revenue from sales of film-Home product     43,971,418       63,172,223  
Revenue from sales of film-Secondary battery     153,179,056       110,997,747  
Revenue from sales of film-Vehicle     144,372,531       232,237,306  
Revenue from sales of film-Display     58,118,580       96,903,947  
Revenue from sales of film-MLCC     68,834,633       -  
Revenue from sales of film-Nano material     13,296,974       -  
Others     723,132       1,296,327  
Total revenue   $ 633,127,741     $ 581,229,763  

 

F-15

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

Segment reporting

 

An operating segment is a component of the Company that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenue and incur expenses and is identified on the basis of the internal financial reports that are provided to and regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in order to allocate resources and assess performance of the segment.

 

In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the CODM in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company uses the “management approach” in determining reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company’s CODM for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source for determining the Company’s reportable segments. The Company’s CODM has been identified as the chief executive officer (the “CEO”), who reviews consolidated results when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Company. The Company has determined that there is only one reportable operating segment.

 

Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue consists primarily of (i) cost of materials purchased from suppliers, (ii) sales taxes and additional taxes, and (iii) depreciation expenses of the equipment.

 

Selling expenses

 

Selling expenses include (i) transportation expenses incurred in connection with the sale of goods, (ii) traveling costs of sales and marketing staff, (iii) salaries and benefits of sales and marketing staff, (iv) advertising costs, and (v) others, such as business entertainment expenses.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses mainly consist of (i) salaries, welfare and insurance expenses for the Company’s administrative personnel, (ii) depreciations and amortizations, (iii) Professional fee, (iv) entertainment expenses are used for business operation, and (v) others, which primarily include traveling, office expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses for administrative purposes.

 

Research and development expenses

 

The Company undertakes all internal research and development expenses, mainly including the cost of materials used for experiments, employee costs, depreciation and amortization of equipment, and other daily expenses related to research and development activities.

 

Government grants

 

Government grants represent cash subsidies received from the local government in the PRC. Cash subsidies which have no defined rules and regulations to govern the criteria necessary for companies to enjoy the benefits are recognized when received. Such subsidies are generally provided as incentives from the local government to encourage the expansion of local business.

 

F-16

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

Employee benefits

 

Full-time employees of the operating entity in the PRC participate in a government mandated defined contribution plan, pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, employee housing fund, and other welfare benefits are provided to the employees. Chinese labor regulations require that the PRC subsidiaries of the Company make contributions to the government for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government. The Company has made employee benefits contributions under PRC government requirements and has no legal obligation beyond the contributions made. Total amounts of such employee benefit expenses, which were expensed as incurred, were approximately $20,448,718 and $19,055,185 for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Statutory reserves

 

Pursuant to the laws applicable to the PRC, PRC entities must make appropriations from after-tax profit to the non-distributable “statutory surplus reserve fund.” Subject to certain cumulative limits, the “statutory surplus reserve fund” requires annual appropriations of 10% of after-tax profit until the aggregated appropriations reach 50% of the registered capital (as determined under accounting principles generally accepted in the PRC (the “PRC GAAP”) at each year-end). For foreign invested enterprises and joint ventures in the PRC, annual appropriations should be made to the “reserve fund.” For foreign invested enterprises, the annual appropriation for the “reserve fund” cannot be less than 10% of after-tax profits until the aggregated appropriations reach 50% of the registered capital (as determined under the PRC GAAP at each year-end). If the Company has accumulated loss from prior periods, the Company is able to use the current period net income after tax to offset against the accumulate loss.

 

As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the balance of the required statutory reserves was $18,411,165 and $14,777,436, respectively.

 

VAT

 

Revenue represents the invoiced value of goods and services, net of VAT. The VAT is based on gross sales price and VAT rates range up to 13%, depending on the type of products sold or service provided. Entities that are VAT general taxpayers are allowed to offset qualified input VAT paid to suppliers against their output VAT liabilities. Net VAT balance between input VAT and output VAT is recorded in taxes payable. All of the VAT returns filed by the Company’s subsidiaries in PRC remain subject to examination by the tax authorities for five years from the date of filing.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under ASC 740. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period including the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

The provisions of ASC 740-10-25, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” prescribe a more-likely-than-not threshold for consolidated financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken (or expected to be taken) in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on the recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and related disclosures. The Company believes there were no uncertain tax positions on June 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

F-17

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

The Company’s affiliated entities in the PRC are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities. According to the PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the statute of limitations is three years if the underpayment of taxes is due to computational errors made by the taxpayer or the withholding agent. The statute of limitations is extended to five years under special circumstances. As of June 30, 2024, the tax years for the Company’s affiliated entities in the PRC remain open for statutory examination by PRC tax authorities. There were no ongoing examinations by tax authorities as of June 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

Comprehensive income

 

Comprehensive income defined as the increase in equity of the Company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Amongst other disclosures, ASC 220, Comprehensive Income, requires that all items that are required to be recognized under current accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. For each of the periods presented, the Company’s comprehensive income included net income and foreign currency translation adjustments that are presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

Earnings per share

 

The Company computes earnings per share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings per Share” (“ASC 260”). ASC 260 requires companies with complex capital structures to present basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS are computed by dividing income available to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS takes into account the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue ordinary shares were exercised and converted into ordinary shares. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, there was no dilution impact.

 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, including the redeemable shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary and dilutive ordinary equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Potential ordinary shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, there were no dilutive shares.

 

Risks and uncertainties

 

With the development of the ever-changing situation, the governments of different countries, including China, are constantly adjusting their attitudes and policies towards the COVID-19. In late 2022, the Chinese government relaxed COVID-19 control policies, as a result of which, although the number of confirmed cases in China surged in a short time, businesses in China, including the Company, are gradually returning to normal. However, the Company is uncertain as to when the outbreak of COVID-19 will be completely controlled in China and globally, and resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic and any other adverse public health developments may temporarily adversely impact the Company’s operating activities. The continued uncertainties associated with COVID-19 may cause the Company’s revenue and cash flows to underperform in the next 12 months.

 

Concentration of credit risks

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the aggregate amounts of cash of $77,292,964 and $49,575,286, respectively, were deposited at major financial institutions located in the PRC. In the event of bankruptcy of one of these financial institutions, the Company may not be able to claim its cash and demand deposits back in full. Management believes that these financial institutions are of high credit quality and continually monitors the credit worthiness of these financial institutions.

 

Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and derived from revenue earned from customers in the PRC, which are exposed to credit risk. The risk is mitigated by credit evaluations. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, and actual losses have generally been within management’s expectations. Refer to “Note 23. Customer and Supplier Concentrations” for detail.

 

F-18

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (cont.)

 

Currency convertibility risk

 

Substantially all of the Company’s operating activities are settled in RMB, which is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. All foreign exchange transactions take place either through the People’s Bank of China or other banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rates quoted by the People’s Bank of China. Approval of foreign currency payments by the People’s Bank of China or other regulatory institutions requires submitting a payment application form together with supporting documents.

 

Interest rate risk

 

The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated by excess cash, which is mostly held in interest-bearing bank deposits. The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk also arises from its borrowings that have a floating rate of interest. The costs of floating rate borrowings may be affected by the fluctuations in the interest rates. The Company has not been, and does not expect to be, exposed to material interest rate risks, and therefore has not used any derivative financial instruments to manage such interest risk exposure. The Company has not been exposed to material risks due to changes in market interest rates, and has not used any derivative financial instruments to manage the interest risk exposure during the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

The Company considers the applicability and impact of all accounting standards updates (“ASUs”). Management periodically reviews new accounting standards that are issued and has evaluated all other pronouncements.

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, which is an update to Topic 740, Income Taxes. The amendments in this update related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures improve the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. The amendments allow investors to better assess, in their capital allocation decisions, how an entity’s worldwide operations and related tax risks and tax planning and operational opportunities affect its income tax rate and prospects for future cash flows. The other amendments in this Update improve the effectiveness and comparability of disclosures by (1) adding disclosures of pretax income (or loss) and income tax expense (or benefit) to be consistent with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X 210.4-08(h), Rules of General Application—General Notes to Financial Statements: Income Tax Expense, and (2) removing disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial or relevant. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. For entities other than public business entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments in this Update should be applied on a prospective basis. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the update on Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Other accounting standards that have been issued by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, result of operations, or cash flows.

 

F-19

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 3. Accounts receivable, net

 

Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Accounts receivable   $ 236,342,649     $ 158,135,890  
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts     (884,244 )     -  
Accounts receivable, net   $ 235,458,405     $ 158,135,890  

 

The Company accrued $884,244 allowance for doubtful accounts for the year ended June 30, 2024.

 

The Company reversed $688,433 allowance for doubtful accounts for the year ended June 30, 2023.

 

As of the report date, all accounts receivable as of June 30, 2023 have been recovered, and 47% of accounts receivable as of June 30, 2024 have been recovered.

 

Changes of allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Beginning balance   $ -     $ 688,433  
Additions     884,244       -  
Reversals     -       (688,433 )
Ending balance   $ 884,244     $ -  

 

Note 4. Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Raw materials   $ 9,666,462     $ 9,443,332  
Working in processing     -       490,355  
Finished goods     6,442,578       6,401,794  
Total inventory   $ 16,109,040     $ 16,335,481  

 

For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded no impairment provision of inventories for lower of cost or net realizable value, respectively.

 

F-20

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 5. Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Prepayment to suppliers   $ 703,592     $ 1,338,782  
Interest receivable     2,484,569       2,117,475  
VAT receivable     11,152,615       27,682,378  
Notes receivable     -       102,064  
Prepaid expense     6,094       145,613  
Others     199,755       231,935  
Total Prepaid expenses and other current assets   $ 14,546,625     $ 31,618,247  

 

For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded no allowance for Prepaid expenses and other current assets.

 

Note 6. Property, plant and equipment, net

 

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Building   $ 315,131,382     $ 170,367,515  
Machinery Equipment     408,007,699       210,827,044  
Motor Vehicles     1,377,124       1,294,585  
Electronic and Other Equipment     3,220,832       3,260,329  
Construction in Progress     223,400,737       508,561,730  
Subtotal   $ 951,137,774     $ 894,311,203  
Less: accumulated depreciation     (122,483,732 )     (74,533,510 )
Total   $ 828,654,042     $ 819,777,693  

 

Depreciation expenses for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were $48,395,656 and $7,412,670, respectively.

 

As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the building, machinery equipment and construction in progress with carrying value of $827,612,513 and $146,338,555 have been pledged for the purpose of obtaining bank loans.

 

F-21

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 7. Intangible assets, net

 

Intangible assets, net, consisted of the following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Trademark   $ 10,286     $ 10,309  
Software     501,322       506,167  
Subtotal     511,608       516,476  
Less: accumulated amortization     (320,926 )     (228,457 )
Intangible asset, net   $ 190,682     $ 288,019  

 

Amortization expenses for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were $94,264 and $96,385, respectively.

 

Estimated future amortization expenses are as follows:

 

    Amortization
expenses
 
Fiscal year 2025   $ 93,114  
Fiscal year 2026     77,771  
Fiscal year 2027     8,299  
Fiscal year 2028     2,551  
Fiscal year 2029     2,551  
Thereafter     6,396  
Total   $ 190,682  

 

Note 8. Land use rights, net

 

Land use rights, net, consisted of the following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Land use rights   $ 14,550,660     $ 14,582,566  
Less: accumulated amortization     (2,263,017 )     (1,942,761 )
Land use rights, net   $ 12,287,643     $ 12,639,805  

 

Amortization expenses were $326,411 and $297,230 for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

F-22

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 8. Land use rights, net (cont.)

 

As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the land use rights with carrying value of $9,013,586 and $9,250,338 have been pledged for the purpose of obtaining bank loans.

 

Estimated future amortization expenses are as follows:

 

    Amortization
expenses
 
Fiscal year 2025   $ 284,609  
Fiscal year 2026     284,609  
Fiscal year 2027     284,609  
Fiscal year 2028     284,609  
Fiscal year 2029     284,609  
Thereafter     10,864,598  
Total   $ 12,287,643  

 

Note 9. Lease

 

The Company leases offices under non-cancellable operating leases, with terms ranging from one to three years. The Company considers those renewal or termination options that are reasonably certain to be exercised in the determination of the lease term and initial measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Lease expense for lease payment is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.

 

As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the remaining lease term was an average of 1.58 years and 2.58 years, respectively. The Company’s lease agreements do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate nor is it available to the Company from its lessors. Instead, the Company estimates its incremental borrowing rate based on weighted average borrowing rate for bank loans in order to discount lease payments to present value. The weighted average discount rate of the Company’s operating leases was 4.20% per annum as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases from the Company’s operations was as follows:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Right-of-use assets under operating leases   $ 61,650     $ 100,807  
Lease liabilities, current     38,526       43,648  
Lease liabilities, non-current     24,500       60,768  
Total lease liabilities   $ 63,026     $ 104,416  

 

The following table presents operating lease cost reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income related to the company’s leases:

 

    For the year ended
June 30,
2024
    For the year ended
June 30,
2023
 
Operating lease cost   $ 39,165     $ 29,668  
Total   $ 39,165     $ 29,668  

 

F-23

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 9. Lease (cont.)

 

The following table presents maturity of lease liabilities as of June 30, 2024:

 

Twelve months ending June 30,   As of
June 30,
2024
 
2025   $ 41,187  
2026     24,026  
Total future minimum lease payments     65,213  
Less: imputed interest     (2,187 )
Total   $ 63,026  

 

Note 10. Long term investment

 

Suzhou Huiyi New Material Industry Investment Partnership Enterprise (Limited Partnership) ("Suzhou Huiyi New Material") is a corporation established to invest in Huizhi, a subsidiary of the Company. Jiangsu Tongli invested RMB 625,000,000 (approximately $86,002,862) to Suzhou Huiyi New material and had 48.08% of shares in 2019. Meanwhile, the Suzhou Huiyi new material in vested RMB1,170,000,000 (approximately $160,997,358), which is 90% of the capital RMB 1,300,000,000 (approximately $179,278,198), to Huizhi New Material. As for RMB 562,500,000 (approximately $77,572,297), which was re-invested in Huizhi New Material by Zunhui, it was classified as investment in subsidiary, and as for RMB 62,500,000(approximately $8,600,286), which was not re-invested; it was classified as investment in associates. The Company recognized loss on equity method investments of $1,546 and gain on equity method investments of $446 for the years ended June 30,2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Note 11. Significant acquisition

 

Acquisition of Jianishi

 

Jianishi mainly engages in the sales of film and was established on October 9, 1997. On July 1, 2019, the former shareholders transferred 95% of the equity interest in Jianishi to Tongli for a cash consideration of RMB 83.6 million (approximately $12.21 million). Upon the completion of the transactions, the Company held 95% equity interest in Jianishi and it became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.

 

The allocation of the purchase price as of the date of acquisition is summarized as follows:

 

    Amount  
Net assets acquired(i)   $ 213,627  
Goodwill     12,003,750  
Non-controlling interests(ii)     (10,681 )
    $ 12,206,696  

 

 
(i) Net assets acquired primarily included cash in bank of RMB171,570 (approximately $25,051), account receivables and other receivables of RMB 1,291,500 (approximately $188,576) as of the date of acquisition.
(ii) The shares of non-controlling party for Shanghai Jianishi New Material Co., Ltd is 5% and the identifiable fair value of net assets at acquisition date is RMB 73,154 (approximately $10,681).

 

F-24

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 11. Significant acquisition (cont.)

 

Goodwill arising from this acquisition was attributable to synergies expected from the combined operations of Jianishi and the Company such as the expansion of the business area and the acquisition of new customers through the distribution channel resources. The Company did not expect the goodwill recognized to be deductible for income tax purposes.

 

Acquisition of Zhitong

 

Zhitong mainly engages in the sales of automotive film and was established on December 25, 2020. On February 1, 2023, the former shareholders transferred 95% of the equity interest in Zhitong to Tongli for a cash consideration of RMB 23.84 million (approximately $3.75 million). Upon the completion of the transactions, the Company held 95% equity interest in Zhitong and it became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. On May 5, 2023, the Company injected further cash capital of RMB 100 million (approximately $14.47 million) and the Company’s equity interest in Zhitong increased to 99.0064%.

 

The allocation of the purchase price as of the date of acquisition is summarized as follows:

 

    Amount  
Net assets acquired(i)   $ 3,867,728  
Goodwill     73,503  
Non-controlling interests(ii)     (193,386 )
    $ 3,747,845  

 

 
(i) Net assets acquired primarily included cash in bank of RMB2,492,758 (approximately $391,881) and land use rights of RMB 22,109,862 (approximately $3,475,847) as of the date of acquisition.
(ii) The shares of non-controlling party for Zhitong is 5% and the identifiable fair value of net assets at acquisition date is RMB 1,230,131 (approximately $193,386).

 

Goodwill arising from this acquisition was attributable to synergies expected from the combined operations of Jianishi and the Company such as the assembled workforce, its knowledge and experience in the product development. The Company did not expect the goodwill recognized to be deductible for income tax purposes.

 

Note 12. Goodwill

 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

    Amount  
Balance as of June 30, 2022   $ 7,027,156  
Additions     67,239  
Impairment loss     (658,479 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments     (511,826 )
Balance as of June 30, 2023     5,924,090  
Impairment loss     (1,682,864 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments     (3,143 )
Balance as of June 30, 2024   $ 4,238,083  

 

Gross goodwill balances were $4.24 million and $5.92 million as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

In the annual goodwill impairment assessment, the Company concluded that the carrying amounts of certain reporting units exceeded their respective fair values and recorded impairment losses of $1,682,864 and $658,479 during the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

F-25

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 13. Other non-current assets

 

Other non-current assets consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2024
    June 30,
2023
 
Amounts due from third party   $ 25,227,212     $ 27,801,911  
Total other non-current assets   $ 25,227,212     $ 27,801,911  

 

Amounts due from third party relate to deposits security for bank loans according to the China banking requirement and there are six certificates of deposits in total. These amounts earning with interest rate of 3.30% and 3.55% respectively. The principal will be fully received by the Company upon the bank loan expires and the deposits will mature in year August 2026.

 

Note 14. Loans

 

Short-term loans

 

Short term loans consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2024
    June 30,
2023
 
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China   $ 4,816,160     $ 4,868,093  
Citic Bank of China     2,752,092       -  
Agricultural Bank of China     17,888,595       17,927,820  
Construction Bank of China     -       4,137,189  
Total   $ 25,456,847     $ 26,933,102  

 

On June 12, 2024, the Company entered into loan agreements with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China with a maturity date of June 10, 2025. A s of June 30, 2024, the Company has drawn down $4,816,160 under these agreements, which are subjected to a fixed interest rate of 4.785% per annum. The loans were guaranteed by Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co., Ltd., Mr. Zhou Yongnan, Ms. Pang Meixin, Mr. Zhou Chaofeng, and Ms. Zhou Jie and pledged by buildings and land use rights of the Company.

 

On March 8, 2024, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Citic Bank of China with a maturity date of November 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2024, the Company has drawn down $2,752,092 under this agreement, which is subjected to a fixed interest rate of 3.85% per annum. The loan was guaranteed by Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co., Ltd., Jiangsu huizhi new material technology Co., Ltd., Mr. Zhou Yongnan, and Ms. Pang Meixin.

 

On January 4, 2024, January 5, 2024, January 8, 2024, and January 9, 2024, the Company entered into four loan agreements with Agricultural Bank of China with maturity dates of January 3, 2025, January 4, 2025, January 7, 2025, and January 8, 2025. As of June 30, 2024, the Company has drawn down $17,888,595 under these agreements, which are subjected to a fixed interest rate of 4.8% per annum. The loan was pledged by buildings and land use rights of the Company.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the interest expense on short-term loans amounted to $1,202,969 and $1,420,427, respectively.

 

F-26

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 14. Loans (cont.)

 

Long-term loans

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Construction Bank of China   $ 49,501,011     $ 55,162,523  
Bank of Nanjing     24,750,505       27,581,261  
Agricultural Bank of China     12,375,253       13,790,631  
Hua Xia Bank     12,375,253       13,790,631  
Bank of Jiangsu     30,938,130       34,476,577  
Bank of Suzhou     12,375,253       13,790,631  
Bank of China     12,375,253       13,790,631  
Bohai Bank     24,255,496       27,029,634  
Zhuhai Geyun Industrial Co., LTD     68,802,290       68,953,153  
Jinshi Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrading New Materials Fund (Limited Partnership)     68,802,290       68,953,153  
Hainan Huakun Venture Capital Partnership (Limited partnership)     13,760,458       13,790,631  
Zhu Minghui     9,632,321       9,653,442  
Zhang Luwu     6,880,229       6,895,315  
Hangzhou Mingcheng Zhihui Phase I Equity Investment Partnership (Limited partnership)     6,880,229       6,895,315  
Huahao Shangjia No. 5 (Shenzhen) Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)     2,339,278       4,137,189  
Subtotal of long-term loans     356,043,249       378,690,717  
Less: current portion     (5,504,183 )     (1,792,782 )
Long-term loans – non-current portion   $ 350,539,066     $ 376,897,935  

 

The Company’s long-term loans are primarily used for working capital purposes and bear interest rate of 3% ~ 4.65% per annum, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.21% per annum.

 

On June 18, 2021, the Company entered into eight loan agreements with Construction Bank of China, Bank of Nanjing, Agricultural Bank of China, Hua Xia Bank, Bank of Jiangsu, Bank of Suzhou, Bank of China, and Bohai Bank with a maturity date of May 17, 2027. The loans bear a fixed interest rate of 4.65% per annum. The loans were guaranteed by Jiangsu Tongli Optical New Materials Group Co., Ltd., Great Rich Technologies Limited, Jiangsu Junhui New Material Group Co., Ltd., Mr. Zhou Yongnan, Ms. Pang Meixin, and Ms. Zhou Dan and pledged by buildings, machines, land use rights of the company and deposit of the third party.

 

On December 2, 2021, November 2, 2021 and November 4, 2021, December 3, 2021, November 9, 2021, December 1, 2021, December 1, 2021, and December 1, 2021, the Company entered into loan agreements with Zhuhai Geyun Industry Co., Ltd., Jinshi Manufacturing Industry Transformation and Upgrade New Material Fund (Limited Partnership), Hainan Huakun Venture Capital Partnership (Limited Partnership), Zhu Minghui, Zhang Luwu, Hangzhou Mingcheng Zhihui Phase I Equity Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership), and Huahao Shangjia No.5 (Shenzhen) Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) with a maturity date of November 15, 2025. These loans bear a fixed interest rate of 2% per annum for the first year and 3% per annum for the rest years.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the interest expense on long-term loans amounted to $13,702,400 and $10,196,464, respectively.

 

F-27

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 15. Accounts payable

 

Accounts payable consisted of the following:

 

   

As of

June 30,
2024

    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Account payable to the suppliers   $ 50,839,927     $ 85,498,431  
Total accounts payable   $ 50,839,927     $ 85,498,431  
 

Note 16. Notes Payable

 

Notes payable consisted of the following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Notes payable to the suppliers   $ -     $ 1,196,607  
Total notes payable   $ -     $ 1,196,607  

 

The balances of notes payable were nil and $1,196,607 as of June 30,2024 and 2023. The balance of notes payable as of June 30, 2023 was unsecured and interest free. As of the report date, they were fully repaid.

 

Note 17. Accrued expenses and other payables

 

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Payroll and benefit payable   $ 8,004,767     $ 6,714,747  
Equipment payable     19,535,266       26,104,105  
Interest payable     9,480,155       6,948,702  
Transportation expense     3,232,212       1,800,235  
Water and electricity expenses     272,581       580,208  
Other tax payable     -       231,817  
Others     86,561       322,084  
Total   $ 40,611,542     $ 42,701,898  

 

F-28

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 18. Deferred revenue

 

Deferred revenue consisted of the following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Government grant-Current   $ 82,563     $ 95,126  
Government grant-Non current     247,688       330,975  
Total deferred revenue   $ 330,251     $ 426,101  

 

Note 19. Related party transactions and balances

 

1) Nature of relationships with related parties

 

Name   Relationship with the Company
Zhou Yongnan   Representative director of the Company
Pang Meixin   The wife of Mr. Zhou Yongnan
Zhou Yonggao   The brother of Mr. Zhou Yongnan
Zhou Dan   The legal representative of Huizhi
Zhou Ting   Daughter of Mr. Zhou Yongnan
Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co.,Ltd   Controlled by Mr. Zhou Yonggao
Jiangyin Suda Huicheng Composite Material Co., Ltd   Controlled by Mr. Zhou Yonggao
Jiangsu Gaochi New material Co.,Ltd   Controlled by Mr. Zhou Yonggao
Vision Technology Investment Limited   Controlled by Mr. Zhou Yonggao

 

2) Balances with related parties

 

- Due from related parties

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co., Ltd.   $ -     $ 459,915  
Total   $ -     $ 459,915  

 

Amounts due from related parties relate to sales made to Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co., Ltd. In December 2023, the accounts receivable from Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co., Ltd. was fully collected.

 

F-29

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 19. Related party transactions and balances (cont.)

 

- Due to related parties

 

      As of
June 30,
2024
      As of
June 30,
2023
 
Zhou Yongnan   $ 615,285     $ 533,795  
Vision Technology Investment Limited     4,064,857       3,552,309  
Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co., Ltd.     721,895       1,528,519  
Zhou Ting     12,842       20,168  
Total   $ 5,414,879     $ 5,634,791  

 

Amounts due to related parties relate to borrowing transactions between the Company and its related parties. This amount was unsecured, due on demand, and interest free. The principal will be fully repaid by the Company when it expires.

 

3) Related party transactions

 

The following table summarizes sales transactions with the Company’s related parties:

 

        For the
fiscal year ended
June 30,
 
Transaction Types   Name of related parties   2024     2023  
Sales   Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co., Ltd.   $ 4,331     $ 600,064  
Total       $ 4,331     $ 600,064  

 

For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company generated revenue from related parties in the amount of $4,331 and $600,064, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes purchase transactions with the Company’s related parties:

 

        For the
fiscal year ended
June 30,
 
Transaction Types   Name of related parties   2024     2023  
Purchase   Jiangyin Junchi New Material Technology Co., Ltd.   $ 1,440,362     $ 1,838,721  
Total       $ 1,440,362     $ 1,838,721  

 

F-30

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 20. Income taxes

 

The Company is subject to income taxes on an entity basis on income derived from the location in which each entity is domiciled.

 

Hong Kong

 

In accordance with the relevant tax laws and regulations of Hong Kong, a company registered in Hong Kong is subject to income taxes within Hong Kong at the applicable tax rate on taxable income. From year of assessment of 2018/2019 onwards, Hong Kong profit tax rates are 8.25% on assessable profits up to HK$2,000,000, and 16.5% on any part of assessable profits over HK$2,000,000.

 

GRT was incorporated in Hong Kong and is subject to Hong Kong Profits Tax on the taxable income as reported in its statutory financial statements adjusted in accordance with relevant Hong Kong tax laws. From year of assessment of 2018/2019 onwards, Hong Kong profit tax rates are 8.25% on assessable profits up to HK$2,000,000, and 16.5% on any part of assessable profits over HK$2,000,000. For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, GRT provided provision of income tax expenses of nil.

 

PRC

 

Mainland China

 

Generally, the Company’s subsidiaries that are considered mainland China resident enterprises under mainland China tax laws are subject to enterprise income tax on their worldwide taxable income as determined under mainland China tax laws and accounting standards at a rate of 25%.

 

In accordance with the implementation rules of Enterprise Income Tax Law of the PRC (the “EIT Law”), a qualified “High and New Technology Enterprise” (“HNTE”) is eligible for a preferential tax rate of 15%. The HNTE certificate is effective for a period of three years. An entity could re-apply for the HNTE certificate when the prior certificate expires.

 

The Company’s subsidiary, Tongli, was qualified as a HNTE in November 2021. Therefore, Tongli was eligible to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% from November 2021 to November 2024. Huizhi, was qualified as a HNTE in October 2022. Huizhi was eligible to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% from October 2022 to October 2025.

 

The provision for income tax consisted of the following:

 

    For the
year ended
June 30,
2024
    For the
year ended
June 30,
2023
 
Current income tax expenses   $ 15,804,725     $ 8,366,223  
Deferred income tax expenses     210,320       1,017,196  
Total income tax expenses   $ 16,015,045     $ 9,383,419  

 

F-31

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 20. Income taxes (cont.)

 

The following table sets forth reconciliation between the statutory earned income tax rate and the effective income tax:

 

    For the
year ended
June 30,
2024
    For the
year ended
June 30,
2023
 
Income before income tax expenses   $ 98,884,418     $ 55,085,186  
Income tax computed at statutory EIT rate (25%)     24,721,105       13,771,297  
Tax effect of preferential tax treatments     (10,826,686 )     (5,915,154 )
Effect of other non-deductible expenses     11,940       4,099  
Income tax effect on accumulated loss not realizable     1,789,569       1,509,374  
Others     319,117       13,803  
Total   $ 16,015,045     $ 9,383,419  

 

The significant components of deferred tax assets were as following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Deferred tax assets   $ 32,075     $ 323,335  
Total deferred tax assets   $ 32,075     $ 323,335  

 

The significant components of deferred tax liabilities were as following:

 

    As of
June 30,
2024
    As of
June 30,
2023
 
Deferred tax liabilities   $ 93,667     $ -  
Total deferred tax liabilities   $ 93,667     $ -  

 

Uncertain tax positions

 

The PRC tax authorities conduct periodic and ad hoc tax filing reviews on business enterprises operating in the PRC after those enterprises complete their relevant tax filings. In general, the PRC tax authorities have up to five years to conduct examinations of the tax filings of the Company’s PRC entities. It is therefore uncertain as to whether the PRC tax authorities may take different views about the Company’s tax filings, which may lead to additional tax liabilities.

 

The Company evaluates each uncertain tax position (including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical merits, and measure the unrecognized benefits associated with the tax positions. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions.

 

F-32

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 21. Equity

 

Ordinary Shares

 

GRT was incorporated on September 11, 2012 in Hong Kong and owned by Acota Services Limited (“Acota”). On December 18, 2012, Acota transferred its 100% shares in GRT to Mr. Zhou. On October 8, 2013, Mr. Zhou transferred its 100% shares in GRT to Stonehenge. On December 21, 2015, the Company issued 99,999,900 shares to the shareholders of Stonehenge, the amount paid on each share was HKD 0.3. Hence, the company had 100,000,000 shares and paid-in capital was HKD 30,000,070. On January 31, 2016, the Company issued 27,975,429 shares (HKD 11.12/share) to CDIB Capital Asia Partners L.P., New Advantage Holdings Limited, Soaring Elite Limited and JH Prime Success Co., Ltd. Hence, the company had 127,957,429 shares and paid-in capital was HKD 341,200,907. On April 14, 2016, Stonehenge transferred its 100 shares (HKD 100) to Mr. Zhou. On July 1, 2016, due to reverse stock split, the shares decreased to 50,000,000. On October 25,2016, the Company was listed in Korean Stock Market (KOSDAQ) and issued 17,375,000 shares at the price of 5,000 KRW for each share, and as a result, the number of shares increased to 67,375,000.

 

As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the company had 67,375,000 and 67,375,000 shares outstanding, respectively.

 

Statutory reserve

 

The Company is required to make appropriations to reserve funds, comprising the statutory surplus reserve and discretionary surplus reserve, based on after-tax net income determined in accordance with the PRC GAAP.

 

Appropriations to the statutory surplus reserve are required to be at least 10% of the after-tax net income determined in accordance with the PRC GAAP until the reserve is equal to 50% of the entities’ registered capital. Appropriations to the discretionary surplus reserve are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the balance of the required statutory reserves was $18,411,165 and $14,777,436, respectively.

 

Note 22. Restricted net assets

 

The Company’s ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on the Company receiving distributions of funds from its subsidiaries. Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the PRC subsidiaries only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. The results of operations reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with the U.S. GAAP differ from those reflected in the statutory financial statements of the PRC entities.

 

The PRC entities are required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund certain statutory reserve funds until such reserve funds reach 50% of its registered capital. In addition, the PRC entities may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to enterprise expansion fund and staff bonus and welfare fund at its discretion. The PRC entities may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to a discretionary surplus fund at its discretion. The statutory reserve funds and the discretionary funds are not distributable as cash dividends. Remittance of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned company out of China is subject to examination by the banks designated by State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

 

As a result of the foregoing restrictions, the PRC entities are restricted in their ability to transfer their assets to the Company. Foreign exchange and other regulation in the PRC may further restrict the PRC entities from transferring funds to the Company in the form of dividends, loans, and advances. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, amounts restricted were the paid-in-capital and statutory reserve of the PRC entities, which amounted to $229,711,129 and $192,780,879, respectively.

 

F-33

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 23. Customer and Supplier Concentrations

 

Significant customers and suppliers are those that account for greater than 10% of the Company’s revenue and purchases, respectively.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2024, no customer accounting for greater than 10% of the revenue made by the Company.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2023, two customers contributed approximately 20.75% and 17.60% of total revenue made by the Company, respectively.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2024, no supplier accounting for greater than 10% of the purchases made by the Company.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2023, two suppliers contributed approximately 21.21% and 19.50% of total purchases made by the Company, respectively.

 

The loss of any significant suppliers or the failure to purchase key raw materials could have a material adverse effect on the operating entity’s business, and the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

 

Note 24. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Commitments

 

The Company entered into some construction contracts in connection with the construction of the new factory. The capital commitment is $38,970,540 as of June 30, 2024

 

Except the commitment above, no other commitments which had a material impact on the Company was identified through the date of issuance of the financial statements.

 

Contingencies

 

The Company may be involved in certain legal proceedings, claims, and other disputes arising from the commercial operations, projects, employees, and other matters which, in general, are subject to uncertainties and in which the outcomes are not predictable. The Company determines whether an estimated loss from a contingency should be accrued by assessing whether a loss is deemed probable and can be reasonably estimated. Although the outcomes of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted, the Company does not believe these actions, in the aggregate, will have a material adverse impact on its financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

 

F-34

 

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

Note 25. Subsequent events

 

Business Combination Agreement

 

On October 21, 2024, Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation (“Flag Ship”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Great Rich Technologies Limited, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong, and GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands company limited by shares and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT (“Merger Sub”).

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, at the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, Flag Ship will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT.

 

The aggregate consideration for the acquisition merger is $808,500,000, payable in the form of 80,850,000 issued parent ordinary shares valued at $10.00 per share to GRT and its shareholders. One ordinary share of GRT payable in American Depositary Shares of GRT for each such Company Share.

 

Stock dividends

 

On November 5, 2024, the Company decided to pay stock dividends to existing shareholders, with 0.2 shares per share, for a total of 13,475,000 shares.

 

Other than the above, the Company has analyzed, in accordance with ASC 855-10, its operations subsequent to June 30, 2024 to November 27, 2024, which is the date that these consolidated financial statements were available to be issued, and has determined that, there are no additional material subsequent events to disclose in these consolidated financial statements other than noted above.

 

F-35

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEETS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

    September 30,
2024
    December 31,
2023
 
ASSETS                
Current asset:                
Cash   $ 215     $ 116,210  
Prepayments and deposits     120,545       4,338  
                 
Total current assets     120,760       120,548  
Deferred offering costs     -       30,000  
Investments held in trust account     69,989,243       -  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 70,110,003     $ 150,548  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S DEFICIT                
Current liabilities:                
Accrued liabilities   $ 10,413     $ -  
Promissory notes – related party     317,566       433,554  
                 
Total current liabilities     327,979       433,554  
                 
Deferred underwriting compensation     1,725,000       -  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES     2,052,979       433,554  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
Ordinary shares subject to possible redemption, 6,900,000 and 0 shares issued and outstanding at redemption value of $10.14 and $0 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     69,989,243       -  
                 
Shareholder’s deficit:                
Ordinary shares, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 1,963,000 and 1,725,000 shares issued and outstanding (excluding 6,900,000 and 0 shares, subject to possible redemption as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)     1,963       1,725  
Additional paid in capital     -       23,275  
Accumulated deficit     (1,934,182 )     (308,006 )
                 
Total Shareholder’s deficit     (1,932,219 )     (283,006 )
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S DEFICIT   $ 70,110,003     $ 150,548  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

 

F-36

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

    Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
    2024     2023     2024     2023  
Formation, general and administrative expenses   $ (402,971 )   $ (45,809 )   $ (556,780 )   $ (50,054 )
                                 
Other income:                                
Other income     -       -       -       4,250  
Dividend income earned in investments held in Trust Account     891,298       -       989,243       -  
Total other income, net     891,298       -       989,243       4,250  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes     488,327       (45,809 )     432,463       (45,804 )
                                 
Income taxes     -       -       -       -  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)   $ 488,327     $ (45,809 )   $ 432,463     $ (45,804 )
                                 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, ordinary shares subject to possible redemption     6,900,000       -       2,568,613       -  
Basic and diluted net income per ordinary shares subject to possible redemption   $ 0.06     $ -     $ 0.10     $ -  
                                 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, ordinary shares attributable to Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation     1,963,000       1,500,000       1,813,599       1,500,000  
Basic and diluted net income (loss), ordinary shares attributable to Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation   $ 0.06     $ (0.03 )   $ 0.10     $ (0.03 )

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

 

F-37

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

UNAUDITED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER’S DEFICIT

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

    Nine months ended September 30, 2024  
    Ordinary shares    

Additional
paid-in

   

Accumulated

   

Total
shareholders’

 
    No. of shares     Amount     capital     deficit     deficit  
Balance as of January 1, 2024     1,725,000     $ 1,725     $ 23,275     $ (308,006 )   $ (283,006 )
                                         
Net loss for the period     -       -       -       (75,788 )     (75,788 )
                                         
Balance as of March 31, 2024     1,725,000       1,725       23,275       (383,794 )     (358,794 )
                                         
Sale of units in initial public offering, net of offering costs     6,900,000       6,900       65,520,667       -       65,527,567  
Sale of units to the founder in private placement     238,000       238       2,379,762       -       2,380,000  
Initial classification of ordinary shares subject to possible redemption     (6,900,000 )     (6,900 )     (64,660,391 )     -       (64,667,291 )
Allocation of offering costs to ordinary shares subject to redemption     -       -       3,231,709       -       3,231,709  
Accretion of carrying value to redemption value     -       -       (6,495,022 )     (1,069,396 )     (7,564,418 )
Subsequent remeasurement of ordinary shares subject to redemption     -       -       -       (97,945 )     (97,945 )
                                         
Net income for the period     -       -       -       19,924       19,924  
                                         
Balance as of June 30, 2024     1,963,000       1,963       -       (1,531,211 )     (1,529,248 )
                                         
Subsequent remeasurement of ordinary shares subject to redemption     -       -       -       (891,298 )     (891,298 )
Net income for the period     -       -       -       488,327       488,327  
                                         
Balance as of September 30, 2024     1,963,000     $ 1,963     $ -     $ (1,934,182 )   $ (1,932,219 )

 

    Nine months ended September 30, 2023  
    Ordinary shares    

Additional
paid-in

   

Accumulated

   

Total
shareholders’

 
    No. of shares     Amount     capital     deficit     deficit  
Balance as of January 1, 2023     1,725,000     $ 1,725     $ 23,275     $ (245,607 )   $ (220,607 )
                                         
Net loss for the period     -       -       -       (2,541 )     (2,541 )
                                         
Balance as of March 31, 2023     1,725,000       1,725       23,275       (248,148 )     (223,148 )
                                         
Net income for the period     -       -       -       2,546       2,546  
                                         
Balance as of June 30, 2023     1,725,000       1,725       23,275       (245,602 )     (220,602 )
                                         
Net loss for the period     -       -       -       (45,809 )     (45,809 )
                                         
Balance as of September 30, 2023     1,725,000     $ 1,725     $ 23,275     $ (259,411 )   $ (266,411 )

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

 

F-38

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
    2024     2023  
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net income (loss)   $ 432,463     $ (45,804 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:                
Dividend income earned in cash and investments held in trust account     (989,243 )     -  
Change in operating assets and liabilities                
Deferred offering cost     30,000       -  
Prepayments and deposits     (116,207 )     2,024  
Accrued liabilities     10,413       (4,512 )
                 
Net cash used in operating activities     (632,574 )     (48,292 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Proceeds deposited in Trust Account     (69,000,000 )     -  
                 
Net cash used in investing activities     (69,000,000 )     -  
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Proceed from public offering, net of offering costs     67,252,567       -  
Proceed from private placement     2,380,000       -  
Proceeds from Promissory Notes – Related Party     317,566       -  
Repayment of Promissory Notes – Related Party     (433,554 )     (3,671 )
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     69,516,579       (3,671 )
                 
NET CHANGE IN CASH     (115,995 )     (51,963 )
                 
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD     116,210       182,408  
                 
CASH, END OF PERIOD   $ 215     $ 130,445  
                 
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Initial classification of ordinary shares subject to possible redemption   $ 64,667,291     $ -  
Allocation of offering costs to ordinary shares subject to possible redemption   $ 3,231,709     $ -  
Accretion of carrying value to redemption value   $ 7,564,418     $ -  
Subsequent remeasurement of ordinary shares subject to possible redemption   $ 989,243     $ -  
Accrued underwriting compensation   $ 1,725,000     $ -  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

 

F-39

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS BACKGROUND

 

Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) is a blank check incorporated company incorporated in the Cayman Islands on May 14, 2018. The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (“Business Combination”).

 

Although the Company is not limited to a particular industry or geographic region for purposes of consummating a Business Combination, the Company intends to focus on businesses that have a connection to the Asian market. The Company is an early stage and emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with early stage and emerging growth companies.

 

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had not yet commenced any operations. All activities through September 30, 2024 relate to the Company’s formation and the initial public offering (the “Initial Public Offering”). Since the Initial Public Offering, the Company’s activity has been limited to the evaluation of business combination candidates. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of a Business Combination, at the earliest. The Company will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income from the proceeds derived from the Initial Public Offering. The Company has selected December 31 as its fiscal year end.

 

Financing

 

The registration statement for the Company’s Initial Public Offering was declared effective on June 17, 2024. On June 20, 2024, the Company consummated the Initial Public Offering of 6,900,000 units (the “Public Units”), which includes 900,000 Public Units upon the full exercise by the underwriter of its over-allotment option, at $10.00 per Public Unit, generating gross proceeds of $69,000,000 to the Company. Each Public Unit consists of one ordinary share and one right (“Public Rights”). Each whole Public Right will entitle the holder to receive one-tenth (1/10) ordinary share upon consummation of initial business combination.

 

Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company consummated the sale of 238,000 units (the “Private Placement Units”) at a price of $10.00 per Private Placement Unit in a private placement to Whale Management Corporation (the “Sponsor”), generating gross proceeds of $2,380,000 to the Company. Each Private Placement Unit consists of one Private Placement Share and one right (“Private Placement Right”). Each Private Placement Right will entitle the holder to receive one-tenth (1/10) ordinary share upon consummation of the initial business combination.

 

Transaction costs amounted to $3,448,233, consisting of $1,380,000 of underwriting commissions, $1,725,000 of deferred underwriting commissions and $343,233 of other offering costs.

 

Trust Account

 

The aggregate amount of $69,000,000 ($10.00 per Public Unit) held in a trust account (“Trust Account”) established for the benefit of the Company’s public shareholders and maintained by Wilmington Trust National Association, acting as trustee, will be invested only in U.S. government treasury bills, with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds investing solely in U.S. Treasuries and meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Except with respect to interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account that may be released to the Company to pay its taxes, if any, the funds in the Trust Account will not be released until the earliest of (i) the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination, (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly tendered in connection with a shareholder vote to amend the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to (A) modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of its public shares if the Company does not complete its initial Business Combination within 12 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering (or 15 months if the Company enters into a business combination agreement prior to the expiration of the initial 12-month period (the “Event”)) from the closing of the Initial Public Offering to consummate a Business Combination or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (iii) the redemption of all of the Company’s public shares if the Company is unable to complete its initial Business Combination within nine months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering (or up to 21 or 24 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering if the Company extends the period of time to consummate a Business Combination depending on occurrence of the Event), subject to applicable law.

 

F-40

 

Business Combination

 

The Company listed the Units on the Nasdaq Global Market (“NASDAQ”). The Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and the Private Units, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be generally applied toward consummating a Business Combination. NASDAQ rules provide that the Business Combination must be with one or more target businesses that together have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance in the Trust Account (as defined below) (less any deferred underwriting commissions and interest released to pay taxes payable) at the time of the signing a definitive agreement in connection with a Business Combination. The Company will only complete a Business Combination if the post-Business Combination company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). There is no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully effect a Business Combination. Upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering, management has agreed that at least $10.00 per Unit, including the proceeds of the sale of the Private Units will be held in a trust account (“Trust Account”) and invested in U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 180 days or less, or in any open-ended investment company that holds itself out as a money market fund meeting the conditions of Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, as determined by the Company, until the earlier of: (i) the consummation of a Business Combination or (ii) the distribution of the funds in the Trust Account to the Company’s shareholder, as described below.

 

The Company will provide its shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares upon the completion of a Business Combination either (i) in connection with a shareholder meeting called to approve the Business Combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. In connection with a proposed Business Combination, the Company may seek shareholder approval of a Business Combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which shareholders may seek to redeem their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against a Business Combination. The Company will proceed with a Business Combination only if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation of a Business Combination and, if the Company seeks shareholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares voted are voted in favor of the Business Combination.

 

If the Company seeks shareholder approval of a Business Combination and it does not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provides that a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), will be restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect to 15% or more of the Public Shares without the Company’s prior written consent.

 

If a shareholder vote is not required and the Company does not decide to hold a shareholder vote for business or other legal reasons, the Company will, pursuant to its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, offer such redemption pursuant to the tender offer rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and file tender offer documents containing substantially the same information as would be included in a proxy statement with the SEC prior to completing a Business Combination.

 

The shareholders will be entitled to redeem their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the amount then in the Trust Account (initially $10.00 per Public Share, subject to increase of up to an additional $0.30 per Public Share in the event that the Sponsor elects to extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination (see below), plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its tax obligations). The per-share amount to be distributed to shareholders who redeem their Public Shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions the Company will pay to the underwriter (as discussed in Note 7). There will be no redemption rights upon the completion of a Business Combination with respect to the Company’s rights. The ordinary shares will be recorded at redemption value and classified as temporary equity upon the completion of the Initial Public Offering, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.”

 

F-41

 

The Sponsor and any of the Company’s officers or directors that may hold Founder Shares (as defined in Note 5) (the “initial shareholders”) and the underwriters will agree (a) to vote their Founder Shares, the ordinary shares included in the Private Placement Units (the “Private Shares”) and any Public Shares purchased during or after the Initial Public Offering in favor of a Business Combination, (b) not to propose an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association with respect to the Company’s pre-Business Combination activities prior to the consummation of a Business Combination unless the Company provides dissenting public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Public Shares in conjunction with any such amendment; (c) not to redeem any shares (including the Founder Shares) and Private Shares into the right to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve a Business Combination (or to sell any shares in a tender offer in connection with a Business Combination if the Company does not seek shareholder approval in connection therewith) or a vote to amend the provisions of the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association relating to shareholders’ rights of pre-Business Combination activity and (d) that the Founder Shares and Private Shares shall not participate in any liquidating distributions upon winding up if a Business Combination is not consummated. However, the initial shareholders will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any Public Shares purchased during or after the Public Offering if the Company fails to complete its Business Combination.

 

The Company will have until 12 months (or 15 months if the Company enters into a business combination agreement prior to the expiration of the initial 12-month period (the “Event”)) from the closing of the Initial Public Offering to consummate a Business Combination. However, if the Company anticipates that it may not be able to consummate a Business Combination within 12 months (or 15 months if the Event occurs), the Company may, but is not obligated to, extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination by an additional month up to 9 times (for a total of up to 21 or 24 months to complete a Business Combination depending on occurrence of the Event) (the “Combination Period”). In order to extend the time available for the Company to consummate a Business Combination, the initial shareholders or their affiliates or designees must deposit into the Trust Account $200,000 (approximately $0.033 per public share in either case), up to an aggregate of $1,800,000, or $0.30 per public share, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, for each one month extension. Any funds which may be provided to extend the time frame will be in the form of a loan to the Company from the Sponsor. The terms of any such loan have not been definitely negotiated, provided, however, any loan will be interest free and will be repayable only if the Company completes a Business Combination.

 

On October 21, 2024, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Great Rich Technologies Limited, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong (“GRT”), and GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands company limited by shares and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, among other things, the Company will merge with and into Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving entity and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT (the “Surviving Company”).

 

At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action of the part of the Company, Merger Sub or any other Person:

 

(i) each of the Company’s ordinary shares (the “Company Shares”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, excluding the Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares (each, as defined below), if any, will be automatically cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon consummation the Merger, one (1) ordinary share of GRT (such shares of GRT, collectively, “Parent Ordinary Shares”) payable in American Depositary Shares of GRT (“Parent ADSs”) for each such Company Share (the “Per Share Merger Consideration”); and

 

(ii) each right to receive one-tenth (1/10th) of a Company Share at the consummation of a business combination of the Company (a “Company Right”) that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, Parent Ordinary Shares, payable in Parent ADSs, in an amount equal to (in each case, as rounded down to the nearest whole number) the product of (a) the Per Share Merger Consideration, multiplied by (b) the number of Company Shares that the holder of the cancelled Company Right (the “Company Rights Holder”) would have been entitled to receive from the Company assuming satisfaction of the terms and conditions of such Company Right, multiplied by (c) the ADS exchange rate of rate of one (1) Parent Ordinary Share per one (1) Parent ADS (the “ADS Exchange Rate”) (the “Rights Merger Consideration”).

 

The aggregate consideration payable to pursuant to the Merger Agreement to the shareholders of the Company (“Company Shareholders”) entitled thereto shall consist of that number of Parent Ordinary Shares payable in Parent ADSs that is equal to (i) the Per Share Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of Company Shares registered in the name of those Company Shareholders immediately prior to the Effective Time, multiplied by the ADS Exchange Rate, plus (ii) the Rights Merger Consideration, as described above.

 

F-42

 

Liquidation

 

If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Company will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but no more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned (net of taxes payable and less interest to pay dissolution expenses up to $50,000), which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law,, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the remaining shareholders and the Company’s board of directors, proceed to commence a voluntary liquidation of the Company, subject in each case to its obligations to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of applicable law. The underwriters have agreed to waive its rights to the deferred underwriting commission held in the Trust Account in the event the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and, in such event, such amounts will be included with the funds held in the Trust Account that will be available to fund the redemption of the Public Shares. In the event of such distribution, it is possible that the per share value of the assets remaining available for distribution will be less than $10.00 per Unit.

 

The Sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to the Company, if and to the extent any claims by a vendor for services rendered or products sold to the Company, or a prospective target business with which the Company has discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amounts in the Trust Account to below $10.00 per share (whether or not the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), except as to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the Trust Account and except as to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of the Initial Public Offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). In the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, the sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third party claims. The Company will seek to reduce the possibility that the sponsor will have to indemnify the Trust Account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring to have all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses or other entities with which the Company does business, execute agreements with the Company waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the Trust Account.

 

Going concern consideration

 

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had cash of $215 and a working deficit of $207,219. Subsequent to the consummation of the IPO, the Company’s liquidity has been satisfied through the net proceeds from the IPO and the Private Placement. The Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant professional costs to remain as a publicly traded company and to incur significant transaction costs in pursuit of the consummation of a Business Combination. In order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of the Company’s officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of such Working Capital Loans may be converted into units of the post Business Combination entity at a price of $10.00 per unit (See Note 5).

 

The Company will have until 12 months (or 15 months if the Company enters into a business combination agreement prior to the expiration of the initial 12-month period) from the closing of the Initial Public Offering to consummate a Business Combination. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination, the Company will trigger an automatic winding up, dissolution and liquidation pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. There is a possibility that business combination might not happen within the prescribed period of time.

 

In connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” management has determined that if the Company is unsuccessful in consummating an initial business combination within the prescribed period of time from the closing of the IPO, the requirement that the Company cease all operations, redeem the public shares and thereafter liquidate and dissolve raises substantial doubt about the ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

F-43

 

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation

 

These accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial statements and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. They do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in the Company’s Form S-1/A. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) have been made that are necessary to present fairly the financial position, and the results of its operations and its cash flows. Operating results as presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.

 

Emerging growth company

 

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of financial statement in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statement.

 

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statement, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company had cash balance of $215 and $116,210 as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The Company has no cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

 

Deferred offering costs

 

Deferred offering costs consist of underwriting, legal, accounting and other expenses incurred through the balance sheet dates that are directly related to the Initial Public Offering and that were charged to shareholders’ equity upon the completion of the Initial Public Offering.

 

F-44

 

Rights accounting

 

Rights — Except in cases where the Company is not the surviving company in a Business Combination, each holder of a right will automatically receive one-tenth (1/10) of one ordinary share upon consummation of a Business Combination, even if the holder of a right redeemed all shares held by him, her or it in connection with a Business Combination or an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association with respect to its pre-business combination activities. In the event that the Company will not be the surviving company upon completion of a Business Combination, each holder of a right will be required to affirmatively redeem his, her or its rights in order to receive the one-tenth (1/10) of a share underlying each right upon consummation of the Business Combination. No additional consideration will be required to be paid by a holder of Public Rights in order to receive his, her or its additional ordinary shares upon consummation of a Business Combination. The shares issuable upon exchange of the rights will be freely tradable (except to the extent held by affiliates of the Company). If the Company enters into a definitive agreement for a Business Combination in which the Company will not be the surviving entity, the definitive agreement will provide for the holders of rights to receive the same per share consideration the holders of the ordinary shares will receive in the transaction on an as-converted into ordinary share basis.

 

The Company will not issue fractional shares in connection with an exchange of rights. Fractional shares will either be rounded down to the nearest whole share or otherwise addressed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Cayman Islands law. As a result, the holders of the rights must hold rights in multiples of ten in order to receive shares for all of the holders’ rights upon closing of a Business Combination. If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of rights will not receive any of such funds with respect to their rights, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with respect to such rights, and the rights will expire worthless. Further, there are no contractual penalties for failure to deliver securities to the holders of the rights upon consummation of a Business Combination. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the rights. Accordingly, the rights may expire worthless.

 

The Company accounts for rights as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the right’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480 and ASC 815. The assessment considers whether the rights are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the rights meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the rights are indexed to the Company’s own ordinary shares and whether the right holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of the Company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of right issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the rights are outstanding.

 

For issued or modified rights that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the rights are required to be recorded as a component of equity at the time of issuance. For issued or modified rights that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the rights are required to be recorded as liabilities at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the rights are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations.

 

As the rights issued upon the IPO and private placements meet the criteria for equity classification under ASC 480, therefore, the rights are classified as equity.

 

Income taxes

 

Income taxes are determined in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Any effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

F-45

 

ASC 740 prescribes a comprehensive model for how companies should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in their unaudited financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Under ASC 740, tax positions must initially be recognized in the unaudited financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. The Company’s management determined that the Cayman Islands is the Company’s major tax jurisdiction. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits and no amounts accrued for interest and penalties as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position.

 

The Company may be subject to potential examination by foreign taxing authorities in the area of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions and compliance with foreign tax laws. The Company’s management does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next twelve months.

 

The Company is considered to be an exempted Cayman Islands company with no connection to any other taxable jurisdiction and is presently not subject to income taxes or income tax filing requirements in the Cayman Islands or the United States. As such, the Company’s tax provision was zero for the periods presented.

 

Ordinary share subject to possible redemption

 

The Company accounts for its ordinary shares subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in ASC 480. Ordinary share subject to mandatory redemption (if any) is classified as a liability instrument and is measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable ordinary shares (including ordinary shares that feature redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other times, ordinary shares are classified as shareholders’ equity. The Company’s ordinary shares feature certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the Company’s control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 6,900,000 and 0 ordinary shares subject to possible redemption are presented at redemption value as temporary equity, outside of the shareholders’ equity section of the Company’s unaudited balance sheet, respectively.

 

Net income (loss) per share

 

The Company calculates net loss per share in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share.” In order to determine the net income attributable to both the redeemable shares and non-redeemable shares, the Company first considered the undistributed income allocable to both the redeemable common stock and non-redeemable common stock and the undistributed income is calculated using the total net loss less any dividends paid. The Company then allocated the undistributed income ratably based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding between the redeemable and non-redeemable common stock. Any remeasurement of the accretion to the redemption value of the common stock subject to possible redemption was considered to be dividends paid to the public stockholders.

 

The net income (loss) per share presented in the unaudited statement of operations is based on the following:

 

    For the
nine months ended
September 30,
2024
    For the
nine months ended
September 30,
2023
 
Net income (loss)   $ 432,463     $ (45,804 )

 

F-46

 

             
    For the
three months ended
September 30,
2024
    For the
three months ended
September 30,
2023
 
Net income (loss)   $ 488,327     $ (45,809 )

 

    For the
Nine Months Ended
    For the
Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,
2024
    September 30,
2023
 
    Redeemable     Non-Redeemable     Redeemable     Non-Redeemable  
    Ordinary Share     Ordinary Share     Ordinary Share     Ordinary Share  
Basic and diluted net income per share:                                
Numerators:                                
Allocation of net income (loss) including carrying value to redemption value   $ 253,486     $ 178,977     $ -     $ (45,804 )
Allocation of net income (loss)   $ 253,486     $ 178,977     $ -     $ (45,804 )
Denominators:                                
Weighted-average shares outstanding     2,568,613       1,813,599       -       1,500,000  
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share   $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ -     $ (0.03 )

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
    For the
Three Months Ended
 
    September 30,
2024
    September 30,
2023
 
    Redeemable     Non-Redeemable     Redeemable     Non-Redeemable  
    Ordinary Share     Ordinary Share     Ordinary Share     Ordinary Share  
Basic and diluted net income per share:                                
Numerators:                                
Allocation of net income (loss) including carrying value to redemption value   $ 380,171     $ 108,156     $ -     $ (45,809 )
Allocation of net income (loss)   $ 380,171     $ 108,156     $ -     $ (45,809 )
Denominators:                                
Weighted-average shares outstanding     6,900,000       1,963,000       -       1,500,000  
Basic and diluted net income per share   $ 0.06     $ 0.06     $ -     $ (0.03 )

 

 

F-47

 

Related parties

 

The Company follows the ASC Topic 850-10, “Related Party” for the identification of related parties and disclosure of related party transactions.

 

Pursuant to section 850-10-20 the related parties include: a) affiliates of the Company; b) entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, absent the election of the fair value option under the Fair Value Option Subsection of section 825–10–15, to be accounted for by the equity method by the investing entity; c) trusts for the benefit of employees, such as pension and Income-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of management; d) principal owners of the Company; e) management of the Company; f) other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests; and g) other parties that can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or that have an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests.

 

Concentration of credit risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution. The Company has not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such account.

 

Fair value of financial instrument

 

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature.

 

The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities reflects management’s estimate of amounts that the Company would have received in connection with the sale of the assets or paid in connection with the transfer of the liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In connection with measuring the fair value of its assets and liabilities, the Company seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs (market data obtained from independent sources) and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs (internal assumptions about how market participants would price assets and liabilities). The following fair value hierarchy is used to classify assets and liabilities based on the observable inputs and unobservable inputs used in order to value the assets and liabilities:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for an asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
   
Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs. Examples of Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities and quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
   
Level 3: Unobservable inputs based on our assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

F-48

 

The following table presents information about the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2024 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation inputs the Company utilized to determine such fair value.

 

    September 30,
2024
    Quoted
Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets                                
Cash held in trust account   $ 69,989,243     $ 69,989,243     $ -     $ -  

 

    December 31,
2023
    Quoted
Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets                                
Cash held in trust account   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

 

 

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s unaudited financial statements.

 

NOTE 3 – INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

 

On June 20, 2024, the Company sold 6,900,000 Public Units, which includes 900,000 Public Units upon the full exercise by the underwriter of its over-allotment option, at a purchase price of $10.00 per Public Unit. Each Unit consists of one ordinary share and one Public Right. Each whole Public Right entitles the holder to receive one-tenth (1/10) ordinary share upon consummation of initial business combination.

 

All of the 6,900,000 public shares sold as part of the Public Units in the Initial Public Offering contain a redemption feature which allows for the redemption of such public shares if there is a shareholder vote or tender offer in connection with the Business Combination and in connection with certain amendments to the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, or in connection with the Company’s liquidation. In accordance with the SEC and its staff’s guidance on redeemable equity instruments, which has been codified in ASC 480-10-S99, redemption provisions not solely within the control of the Company require ordinary shares subject to redemption to be classified outside of permanent equity.

 

The Company’s redeemable ordinary share is subject to SEC and its staff’s guidance on redeemable equity instruments, which has been codified in ASC 480-10-S99. If it is probable that the equity instrument will become redeemable, the Company has the option to either accrete changes in the redemption value over the period from the date of issuance (or from the date that it becomes probable that the instrument will become redeemable, if later) to the earliest redemption date of the instrument or to recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the instrument to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. The Company has elected to recognize the changes immediately. The accretion or remeasurement is treated as a deemed dividend (i.e., a reduction to retained earnings, or in absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in capital).

 

F-49

 

NOTE 4 – PRIVATE PLACEMENT

 

Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company consummated a private placement of 238,000 Private Placement Units, at a price of $10.00 per Private Placement Unit. Each Private Placement Unit consists of one Private Placement Share and one right (“Private Placement Right”). Each Private Placement Right will entitle the holder to receive one-tenth (1/10) ordinary share upon consummation of the initial business combination.

 

The Private Placement Units are identical to the Public Units sold in the Initial Public Offering except for certain registration rights and transfer restrictions.

 

NOTE 5 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Founder Shares

 

In May 2018, the Company issued one ordinary share to the initial shareholder for no consideration. On February 20, 2021, the Company cancelled the one share for no consideration and the Sponsor purchased 1,150,000 ordinary shares for an aggregate price of $25,000. On September 23, 2021, the Company purchased back all the 1,150,000 shares for $25,000 and reissued 2,875,000 ordinary shares to the Sponsor for $25,000. On November 29, 2022, our sponsor surrendered 1,150,000 shares for no consideration. The Founder Shares include an aggregate of up to 225,000 shares subject to forfeiture by the Sponsors to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part, so that the Sponsors will collectively own 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares after the Initial Public Offering (assuming the initial shareholders do not purchase any Public Shares in the Initial Public Offering and excluding the Private Units and underlying securities). The underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full, so those shares are no longer subject to forfeiture.

 

The initial shareholders have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the Founder Shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until (1) with respect to 50% of the Founder Shares, the earlier of six months after the completion of a Business Combination and the date on which the closing price of the ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after a Business Combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the Founder Shares, six months after the completion of a Business Combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to a Business Combination, the Company completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property.

 

Promissory Notes — Related Party

 

On January 28, 2021, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note to the Sponsor, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $300,000 (the “Promissory Note”). The Promissory Note is non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2021 or (ii) the consummation of the Proposed Offering. On February 4, 2022, the Company and the Sponsor mutually agreed to extend the repayment date on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2022 or (ii) the consummation of the Proposed Offering. On December 2, 2022, the Company and the Sponsor mutually agreed to increase the principal amount up to $500,000 and extend the repayment date on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2023 or (ii) the consummation of the Proposed Offering. On December 29, 2023, the Company and the Sponsor mutually agreed to extend the repayment date on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2024 or (ii) the consummation of the Proposed Offering.

 

On August 30, 2024, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note to the Sponsor, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000 (the “Promissory Note”). The Promissory Note is non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2025 or (ii) the consummation of the initial business combination.

 

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the principal amount due and owing under the Promissory Notes was $317,566 and $433,554, respectively.

 

F-50

 

Administrative Services Agreement

 

The Company is obligated, commencing from the first date that any securities of the Company registered on the Company’s registration statement for its Proposed Public Offering are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, to pay Whale Management Corporation a monthly fee of $10,000 for general and administrative services. This agreement will terminate upon completion of the Company’s business combination or the liquidation of the trust account to public shareholders.

 

Working Capital Loans

 

In order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor or certain of the Company’s directors and officers may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). If the Company completes a Business Combination, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. Otherwise, the Working Capital Loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the event that a Business Combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans, but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such Working Capital Loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into units of the post-Business Combination entity at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units would be identical to the Private Units.

 

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no borrowings under the working capital loans.

 

Related Party Extension Loans

 

As discussed in Note 1, the Company may extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination up to six times, each by an additional month (for a total of 21 or 24 months to complete a Business Combination). In order to extend the time available for the Company to consummate a Business Combination, the Sponsor or its affiliates or designees must deposit into the Trust Account $230,000 (approximately $0.033 per Public Share in either case), up to an aggregate of $2,070,000, or $0.30 per Public Share, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, for each monthly extension. Any such payments would be made in the form of a loan. The terms of the promissory note to be issued in connection with any such loans have not yet been negotiated. If the Company completes a Business Combination, the Company will repay such loaned amounts out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination, the Company will not repay such loans. Furthermore, the letter agreement with the initial shareholder contains a provision pursuant to which the Sponsor has agreed to waive its right to be repaid for such loans in the event that the Company does not complete a Business Combination. The Sponsor and its affiliates or designees are not obligated to fund the Trust Account to extend the time for the Company to complete a Business Combination. There was no extension loan as of September 30, 2024.

 

F-51

 

NOTE 6 – SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

Ordinary shares

 

The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 ordinary shares with $0.001 par value. Holders of the Company’s ordinary shares are entitled to one vote for each share. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were 1,963,000 and 1,725,000 (of which 225,000 ordinary shares are subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full) ordinary shares issued and outstanding, excluding 6,900,000 and 0 ordinary shares subject to possible redemption, respectively.

 

Rights

 

Each holder of a right will receive one-tenth (1/10) of one ordinary share upon consummation of a Business Combination, even if the holder of such right redeemed all shares held by it in connection with a Business Combination. No fractional shares will be issued upon exchange of the rights. No additional consideration will be required to be paid by a holder of rights in order to receive its additional shares upon consummation of a Business Combination as the consideration related thereto has been included in the Unit purchase price paid for by investors in the Proposed Offering. If the Company enters into a definitive agreement for a Business Combination in which the Company will not be the surviving entity, the definitive agreement will provide for the holders of rights to receive the same per share consideration the holders of the ordinary shares will receive in the transaction on an as-converted into ordinary share basis and each holder of a right will be required to affirmatively convert its rights in order to receive 1/10 share underlying each right (without paying additional consideration). The shares issuable upon exchange of the rights will be freely tradable (except to the extent held by affiliates of the Company).

 

If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of rights will not receive any of such funds with respect to their rights, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with respect to such rights, and the rights will expire worthless. Further, there are no contractual penalties for failure to deliver securities to the holders of the rights upon consummation of a Business Combination. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the rights. Accordingly, the rights may expire worthless.

 

NOTE 7 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Registration Rights

 

The holders of the founder shares issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus, as well as the holders of the Private Units (and all underlying securities) and any securities our initial shareholder, officers, directors or their affiliates may be issued in payment of working capital loans made to us, will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this Proposed Public Offering. The holders of the majority of the founder shares can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time on or after (i) the date that the Company consummates a Business Combination with respect to the Founder Shares and Working Capital Loan Securities (or underlying securities) or (ii) commencing three months prior to the date on which these ordinary shares are to be released from escrow. The holders of a majority of the Private Units (and underlying securities) and securities issued in payment of Working Capital Loans (or underlying securities) or loans to extend our life can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time after the Company consummates a Business Combination. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our consummation of a Business Combination. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

F-52

 

Underwriter Agreement

 

The Company granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 900,000 Units (over and above 6,000,000 Units referred to above) solely to cover over-allotments at the “Proposed Public Offering” price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. On June 20, 2024, the underwriters fully exercised the over-allotment option to purchase 900,000 Public Units, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $9,000,000. The underwriters were paid a cash underwriting discount of 2.0% of the gross proceeds of the IPO, or $1,380,000. In addition, the underwriters are entitled to a deferred underwriting fee of 2.5% of the gross proceeds of the IPO, or $1,725,000, which will be paid upon the closing of a Business Combination from the amounts held in the Trust Account, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.

 

NOTE 8 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to the date that the unaudited financial statements were issued. Other than as described below, the Company did not identify any other subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the unaudited financial statements.

 

On October 21, 2024, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement with Great Rich Technologies Limited, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong (“GRT”), and GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands company limited by shares and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT (“Merger Sub”).

 

F-53

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related statements of operations, shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Going Concern Matter

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has a net capital deficiency and has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of its financing and acquisition plans. The Company’s business plan is dependent on the completion of a business combination within a prescribed period of time and if not completed will cease all operations except for the purpose of liquidating. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Correction of Misstatements

 

As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the 2022 financial statements have been restated to correct certain misstatements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP

 

www.malonebailey.com

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2024.

 

Houston, Texas

November 26, 2024

 

F-54

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

BALANCE SHEETS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

    As of
December 31,
 
    2023     2022  
          (As restated)  
ASSETS                
Current asset:                
Cash   $ 116,210     $ 182,408  
Prepayments and deposits     4,338       4,471  
                 
Total current assets     120,548       186,879  
Deferred offering costs     30,000       30,000  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 150,548     $ 216,879  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
Current liabilities:                
Accrued liabilities   $ -     $ 4,512  
Promissory note – related party     433,554       432,974  
                 
Total Current Liabilities     433,554       437,486  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES     433,554       437,486  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
                 
Shareholders’ Deficit:                
Ordinary shares, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 1,725,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022(1)     1,725       1,725  
Additional paid in capital     23,275       23,275  
Accumulated deficit     (308,006 )     (245,607 )
                 
Total Shareholders’ Deficit     (283,006 )     (220,607 )
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT   $ 150,548     $ 216,879  

 

 
(1) Includes up to an aggregate of 225,000 ordinary shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part. Shares and per share data are presented on a retroactive basis to reflect the recapitalization on November 29, 2022.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


F-55

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

    Years ended
December 31,
 
    2023     2022  
          (As restated)  
Formation, general and administrative expenses   $ (62,399 )   $ (107,192 )
                 
Loss before income taxes     (62,399 )     (107,192 )
                 
Income taxes     -       -  
                 
NET LOSS   $ (62,399 )   $ (107,192 )
                 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding(1)     1,500,000       1,500,000  
                 
Basic and diluted net loss per share   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.07 )

 

 
(1) Excludes up to an aggregate of 225,000 ordinary shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part. Shares and per share data are presented on a retroactive basis to reflect the recapitalization on November 29, 2022.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

F-56

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

    For the year ended December 31, 2023  
    Ordinary shares     Additional           Total  
    No. of
shares
    Amount     paid-in
capital
    Accumulated
deficit
    shareholders’
deficit
 
Balance as of December 31, 2022 (restated)     1,725,000     $ 1,725     $ 23,275     $ (245,607 )     (220,607 )
                                         
Net loss for the year     -       -       -       (62,399 )     (62,399 )
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2023     1,725,000     $ 1,725     $ 23,275     $ (308,006 )     (283,006 )

 

    For the year ended December 31, 2022  
    Ordinary shares     Additional           Total  
    No. of
shares
    Amount     paid-in
capital
    Accumulated
deficit
    shareholders’
deficit
 
Balance as of December 31, 2021(1) (restated)     1,725,000     $ 1,725     $ 23,275     $ (138,415 )   $ (113,415 )
                                         
Net loss for the year     -       -       -       (107,192 )     (107,192 )
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2022 (restated)     1,725,000     $ 1,725     $ 23,275     $ (245,607 )   $ (220,607 )

 

 
(1) Includes up to an aggregate of 225,000 ordinary shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part. Shares and per share data are presented on a retroactive basis to reflect the recapitalization on November 29, 2022.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

F-57

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”))

 

    Years ended
December 31,
 
    2023     2022  
          (As restated)  
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net loss   $ (62,399 )   $ (107,192 )
Change in operating assets and liabilities                
Prepayments and deposits     133       6,294  
Accrued liabilities     (4,512 )     4,512  
                 
Net cash used in operating activities     (66,778 )     (96,386 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Deferred offering costs paid     -       (5,000 )
Proceeds from Promissory Note – Related Party     580       220,341  
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities     580       215,341  
                 
NET CHANGE IN CASH     (66,198 )     118,955  
                 
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR     182,408       63,453  
                 
CASH, END OF YEAR   $ 116,210     $ 182,408  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

F-58

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS BACKGROUND

 

Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands on May 14, 2018. The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (“Business Combination”).

 

Although the Company is not limited to a particular industry or geographic region for purposes of consummating a Business Combination, the Company intends to focus on businesses that have a connection to the Asian market. The Company is an early stage and emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with early stage and emerging growth companies.

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activities through December 31, 2023 relate to the Company’s formation and the proposed public offering (the “Proposed Public Offering”) as described below. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of a Business Combination, at the earliest. The Company will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income from the proceeds derived from the Proposed Public Offering.

 

The Company’s ability to commence operations is contingent upon obtaining adequate financial resources through a proposed public offering of 6,000,000 units (the “Units” and, with respect to the ordinary shares included in the Units being offered, the “Public Shares”) (or 6,900,000 Units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), at $10.00 per Unit, which is discussed in Note 4 (the “Proposed Public Offering”), and the sale of 220,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit in a private placement to Whale Management Corporation (the “Sponsor”) (or 238,000 Units if the overallotment is exercised in full) to the Sponsor (the “Private Units”), and the underwriters that will close simultaneously with the Proposed Public Offering.

 

The Company intends to list the Units on the Nasdaq Global Market (“NASDAQ”). The Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Proposed Public Offering and the Private Units, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be generally applied toward consummating a Business Combination. NASDAQ rules provide that the Business Combination must be with one or more target businesses that together have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance in the Trust Account (as defined below) (less any deferred underwriting commissions and interest released to pay taxes payable) at the time of the signing a definitive agreement in connection with a Business Combination. The Company will only complete a Business Combination if the post-Business Combination company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). There is no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully effect a Business Combination. Upon the closing of the Proposed Public Offering, management has agreed that at least $10.00 per Unit, including the proceeds of the sale of the Private Units will be held in a trust account (“Trust Account”) and invested in U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 180 days or less, or in any open-ended investment company that holds itself out as a money market fund meeting the conditions of Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, as determined by the Company, until the earlier of: (i) the consummation of a Business Combination or (ii) the distribution of the funds in the Trust Account to the Company’s shareholder, as described below.

 

The Company will provide its shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares upon the completion of a Business Combination either (i) in connection with a shareholder meeting called to approve the Business Combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. In connection with a proposed Business Combination, the Company may seek shareholder approval of a Business Combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which shareholders may seek to redeem their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against a Business Combination. The Company will proceed with a Business Combination only if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation of a Business Combination and, if the Company seeks shareholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares voted are voted in favor of the Business Combination.

 

If the Company seeks shareholder approval of a Business Combination and it does not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provides that a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), will be restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect to 15% or more of the Public Shares without the Company’s prior written consent.

 

F-59

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

If a shareholder vote is not required and the Company does not decide to hold a shareholder vote for business or other legal reasons, the Company will, pursuant to its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, offer such redemption pursuant to the tender offer rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and file tender offer documents containing substantially the same information as would be included in a proxy statement with the SEC prior to completing a Business Combination.

 

The shareholders will be entitled to redeem their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the amount then in the Trust Account (initially $10.00 per Public Share, subject to increase of up to an additional $0.40 per Public Share in the event that the Sponsor elects to extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination (see below), plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its tax obligations). The per-share amount to be distributed to shareholders who redeem their Public Shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions the Company will pay to the underwriter (as discussed in Note 8). There will be no redemption rights upon the completion of a Business Combination with respect to the Company’s rights. The ordinary shares will be recorded at redemption value and classified as temporary equity upon the completion of the Proposed Offering, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.”

 

The Sponsor and any of the Company’s officers or directors that may hold Founder Shares (as defined in Note 6) (the “initial shareholders”) and the underwriters will agree (a) to vote their Founder Shares, the ordinary shares included in the Private Placement Units (the “Private Shares”) and any Public Shares purchased during or after the Proposed Offering in favor of a Business Combination, (b) not to propose an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association with respect to the Company’s pre-Business Combination activities prior to the consummation of a Business Combination unless the Company provides dissenting public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Public Shares in conjunction with any such amendment; (c) not to redeem any shares (including the Founder Shares) and Private Shares into the right to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve a Business Combination (or to sell any shares in a tender offer in connection with a Business Combination if the Company does not seek shareholder approval in connection therewith) or a vote to amend the provisions of the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association relating to shareholders’ rights of pre-Business Combination activity and (d) that the Founder Shares and Private Shares shall not participate in any liquidating distributions upon winding up if a Business Combination is not consummated. However, the initial shareholders will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any Public Shares purchased during or after the Proposed Offering if the Company fails to complete its Business Combination.

 

The Company will have until 12 months (or 15 months if the Company enters into a business combination agreement prior to the expiration of the initial 12-month period (the “Event”)) from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering to consummate a Business Combination. However, if the Company anticipates that it may not be able to consummate a Business Combination within 12 months (or 15 months if the Event occurs), the Company may, but is not obligated to, extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination by an additional month up to 9 times (for a total of up to 21 or 24 months to complete a Business Combination depending on occurrence of the Event) (the “Combination Period”). In order to extend the time available for the Company to consummate a Business Combination, the initial shareholders or their affiliates or designees must deposit into the Trust Account $200,000, or $230,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full (approximately $0.033 per public share in either case), up to an aggregate of $1,800,000 (or $2,070,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), or $0.30 per public share, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, for each one month extension. Any funds which may be provided to extend the time frame will be in the form of a loan to the Company from the Sponsor. The terms of any such loan have not been definitely negotiated, provided, however, any loan will be interest free and will be repayable only if the Company completes a Business Combination.

 

If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Company will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but no more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, on the date that is two Business Days prior to the consummation of the business combination, including interest earned but net of taxes payable, divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the remaining shareholders and the Company’s board of directors, proceed to commence a voluntary liquidation of the Company, subject in each case to its obligations to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of applicable law. The underwriters have agreed to waive its rights to the deferred underwriting commission held in the Trust Account in the event the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and, in such event, such amounts will be included with the funds held in the Trust Account that will be available to fund the redemption of the Public Shares. In the event of such distribution, it is possible that the per share value of the assets remaining available for distribution will be less than $10.00 per Unit.

 

F-60

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

The Sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to the Company, if and to the extent any claims by a vendor for services rendered or products sold to the Company, or a prospective target business with which the Company has discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amounts in the Trust Account to below $10.00 per share (whether or not the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), except as to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the Trust Account and except as to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of the Proposed Public Offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). In the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, the sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third party claims. The Company will seek to reduce the possibility that the sponsor will have to indemnify the Trust Account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring to have all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses or other entities with which the Company does business, execute agreements with the Company waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the Trust Account.

 

Going concern consideration

 

At December 31, 2023, the Company had cash of $116,210 and a working capital deficit of $313,006. The Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of its financing and acquisition plans. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In addition, if the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Company’s board of directors would proceed to commence voluntary liquidation and thereby a formal dissolution of the Company. There is no assurance that the Company’s plans to raise capital or to consummate a business combination will be successful within the Combination Period. As a result, management has determined that such an additional condition also raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statement does not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The Sponsor has agreed to loan the Company up to an aggregate amount of $1,000,000 to be used, in part, for transaction costs incurred in connection with the Proposed Public Offering (the “Promissory Note”). The audited financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

NOTE 2 – RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Company previously recorded the costs in relation to initial preparation and auditing of its financial statements as deferred offering costs, while these costs should be recorded as expenses at the periods they incurred. This resulted in an adjustment to the deferred offering costs, total assets, accumulated deficit and total shareholders’ equity. The impact of the revision on the Company’s financial statements are reflected in the following table: 

 

Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022   As Previously
Reported
    Adjustment     As
Restated
 
Deferred offering costs   $ 117,500     $ (87,500 )   $ 30,000  
Total Assets     304,379       (87,500 )     216,879  
Accumulated deficit     (158,107 )     (87,500 )     (245,607 )
Total Shareholders’ Equity   $ (133,107 )   $ (87,500 )   $ (220,607 )
                         
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2022                        
Formation, general and administrative expenses   $ (54,692 )   $ (52,500 )   $ (107,192 )
Net loss     (54,692 )     (52,500 )     (107,192 )
Basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.07 )
                         
Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2022                        
Net loss   $ (54,692 )   $ (52,500 )   $ (107,192 )
Deferred offering costs     (47,500 )     42,500       (5,000 )
Advances from a related party   $ 210,341     $ 10,000     $ 220,341  

 

F-61

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

NOTE 3 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation

 

These accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

Emerging growth company

 

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s audited financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

 

Use of estimates

 

In preparing these audited financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the audited financial statements and the reported expenses during the reporting period.

 

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the audited financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

Cash

 

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company has no cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Deferred offering costs

 

Deferred offering costs consist of underwriting, legal and other expenses incurred through the balance sheet date that are directly related to the Proposed Offering and that will be charged to shareholders’ equity upon the completion of the Proposed Offering. Should the Proposed Offering prove to be unsuccessful, these deferred costs, as well as additional expenses incurred, will be charged to operations.

 

F-62

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

Rights accounting

 

Rights — Except in cases where the Company is not the surviving company in a Business Combination, each holder of a right will automatically receive one-tenth (1/10) of one ordinary share upon consummation of a Business Combination, even if the holder of a right redeemed all shares held by him, her or it in connection with a Business Combination or an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association with respect to its pre-business combination activities. In the event that the Company will not be the surviving company upon completion of a Business Combination, each holder of a right will be required to affirmatively redeem his, her or its rights in order to receive the one-tenth (1/10) of a share underlying each right upon consummation of the Business Combination. No additional consideration will be required to be paid by a holder of Public Rights in order to receive his, her or its additional ordinary shares upon consummation of a Business Combination. The shares issuable upon exchange of the rights will be freely tradable (except to the extent held by affiliates of the Company). If the Company enters into a definitive agreement for a Business Combination in which the Company will not be the surviving entity, the definitive agreement will provide for the holders of rights to receive the same per share consideration the holders of the ordinary shares will receive in the transaction on an as-converted into ordinary share basis.

 

The Company will not issue fractional shares in connection with an exchange of rights. Fractional shares will either be rounded down to the nearest whole share or otherwise addressed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Cayman Islands law. As a result, the holders of the rights must hold rights in multiples of ten in order to receive shares for all of the holders’ rights upon closing of a Business Combination. If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of rights will not receive any of such funds with respect to their rights, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with respect to such rights, and the rights will expire worthless. Further, there are no contractual penalties for failure to deliver securities to the holders of the rights upon consummation of a Business Combination. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the rights. Accordingly, the rights may expire worthless.

 

The Company accounts for rights as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the right’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480 and ASC 815. The assessment considers whether the rights are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the rights meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the rights are indexed to the Company’s own ordinary shares and whether the right holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of the Company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of right issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the rights are outstanding.

 

For issued or modified rights that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the rights are required to be recorded as a component of equity at the time of issuance. For issued or modified rights that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the rights are required to be recorded as liabilities at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the rights are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations.

 

As the rights issued upon the IPO and private placements meet the criteria for equity classification under ASC 480, therefore, the rights are classified as equity.

 

Income taxes

 

Income taxes are determined in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Any effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

F-63

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

ASC 740 prescribes a comprehensive model for how companies should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in their audited financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Under ASC 740, tax positions must initially be recognized in the audited financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. The Company’s management determined that the Cayman Islands is the Company’s major tax jurisdiction. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits and no amounts accrued for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position.

 

The Company may be subject to potential examination by foreign taxing authorities in the area of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions and compliance with foreign tax laws. The Company’s management does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next twelve months. The Company is considered to be an exempted Cayman Islands company with no connection to any other taxable jurisdiction and is presently not subject to income taxes or income tax filing requirements in the Cayman Islands or the United States. As such, the Company’s tax provision was zero for the years presented.

 

The Company’s tax provision is zero for the periods presented.

 

Net loss per share

 

Net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, excluding ordinary shares subject to forfeiture. Weighted average shares were reduced for the effect of an aggregate of 225,000 ordinary shares that are subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters (see Note 7). As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not have any dilutive securities and other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted into ordinary shares and then share in the earnings of the Company. As a result, diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share for the years presented.

 

Related parties

 

The Company follows the ASC Topic 850-10, “Related Party” for the identification of related parties and disclosure of related party transactions.

 

Pursuant to section 850-10-20 the related parties include: a) affiliates of the Company; b) entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, absent the election of the fair value option under the Fair Value Option Subsection of section 825–10–15, to be accounted for by the equity method by the investing entity; c) trusts for the benefit of employees, such as pension and Income-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of management; d) principal owners of the Company; e) management of the Company; f) other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests; and g) other parties that can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or that have an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests.

 

Concentration of credit risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution. The Company has not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such account.

 

F-64

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

Fair value of financial instrument

 

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s audited financial statements.

 

NOTE 4 – PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING

 

The Proposed Public Offering calls for the Company to offer for sale up to 6,000,000 ordinary Units at a proposed offering price of $10.00 per Unit (plus up to an additional 900,000 units to cover over-allotments, if any). Each Unit will consist of one ordinary share and one right (“Public Right”). Each Public Right will convert into one-tenth (1/10) of one ordinary share. On June 20, 2024, the Company consummated its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 6,900,000 units (the “Units”) (see note 9).

 

NOTE 5 – PRIVATE PLACEMENT

 

The Sponsors have committed to purchase an aggregate of 220,000 private units (or 238,000 Private Units if the underwriters’ over-allotment is exercised in full) at $10.00 per Private Unit (for a total purchase price of $2,200,000 or $2,380,000 in the aggregate if the underwriters’ over-allotment is exercised in full), in each case, in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the closing of the Proposed Public Offering). Each Private Unit consists of one Private Share and one right (each, a “Private Right”). Each Private Right entitles the holder to receive one-tenth of one ordinary share at the closing of a Business Combination. The proceeds from the sale of the Private Units will be added to the net proceeds from the Proposed Public Offering held in the Trust Account. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the proceeds from the sale of the Private Units will be used to fund the redemption of the Public Shares (subject to the requirements of applicable law) and Private Rights will expire worthless.

 

NOTE 6 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Founder Shares

 

In May 2018, the Company issued one ordinary share to the initial shareholder for no consideration. On February 20, 2021, the Company cancelled the one share for no consideration and the Sponsor purchased 1,150,000 ordinary shares for an aggregate price of $25,000. On September 23, 2021, the Company purchased back all the 1,150,000 shares for $25,000 and reissued 2,875,000 ordinary shares to the Sponsor for $25,000. On November 29, 2022, our sponsor surrendered 1,150,000 shares for no consideration. The Founder Shares include an aggregate of up to 225,000 shares subject to forfeiture by the Sponsors to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part, so that the Sponsors will collectively own 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares after the Proposed Public Offering (assuming the initial shareholders do not purchase any Public Shares in the Proposed Public Offering and excluding the Private Units and underlying securities).

 

The initial shareholders have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the founder shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until (1) with respect to 50% of the founder shares, the earlier of six months after the completion of a Business Combination and the date on which the closing price of the ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after a Business Combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the founder shares, six months after the completion of a Business Combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to a Business Combination, the Company completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property.

 

F-65

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

Administrative Services Agreement

 

The Company is obligated, commencing from the first date that any securities of the Company registered on the Company’s registration statement for its Proposed Public Offering are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, to pay Whale Management Corporation a monthly fee of $10,000 for general and administrative services. This agreement will terminate upon completion of the Company’s business combination or the liquidation of the trust account to public shareholders.

 

Promissory Note — Related Party

 

On January 28, 2021, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note to the Sponsor, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $300,000 (the “Promissory Note”). The Promissory Note is non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2021 or (ii) the consummation of the Proposed Offering. On February 4, 2022, the Company and the Sponsor mutually agreed to extend the repayment date on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2022 or (ii) the consummation of the Proposed Offering. On December 2, 2022, the Company and the Sponsor mutually agreed to increase the principal amount up to $500,000 and extend the repayment date on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2023 or (ii) the consummation of the Proposed Offering. On December 29, 2023, the Company and the Sponsor mutually agreed to extend the repayment date on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2024 or (ii) the consummation of the Proposed Offering.

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company received the advances of $433,554 and $432,974, respectively from the Sponsor which are included in the amounts that will be due under the promissory note in the principal amount of up to $500,000 issued to the Sponsor.

 

Related Party Loans

 

In order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor or certain of the Company’s directors and officers may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). If the Company completes a Business Combination, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. Otherwise, the Working Capital Loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the event that a Business Combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans, but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such Working Capital Loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into units of the post-Business Combination entity at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units would be identical to the Private Units. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no borrowings under the working capital loans.

 

Related Party Extension Loans

 

As discussed in Note 1, the Company may extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination up to twelve times, each by an additional month (for a total of 21 months (or 24 months if the Event occurs)) to complete a Business Combination. In order to extend the time available for the Company to consummate a Business Combination, the Sponsor or its affiliates or designees must deposit into the Trust Account $200,000, or $230,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full (approximately $0.033 per public share in either case), up to an aggregate of $1,800,000 (or $2,070,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), or $0.30 per public share, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, for each one month extension. Any such payments would be made in the form of a loan. The terms of the promissory note to be issued in connection with any such loans have not yet been negotiated. If the Company completes a Business Combination, the Company would repay such loaned amounts out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination, the Company will not repay such loans. Furthermore, the letter agreement with the initial shareholder contains a provision pursuant to which the Sponsor has agreed to waive its right to be repaid for such loans in the event that the Company does not complete a Business Combination. The Sponsor and its affiliates or designees are not obligated to fund the Trust Account to extend the time for the Company to complete a Business Combination.

 

F-66

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

NOTE 7 – SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

Ordinary shares

 

The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 ordinary shares with $0.001 par value. Holders of the Company’s ordinary shares are entitled to one vote for each share. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were 1,725,000 shares issued and outstanding, of which 225,000 ordinary shares are subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full, so that the initial shareholder will own 20% of the issued and outstanding shares after the Proposed Public Offering (excluding the sale of the Private Units and assuming the initial shareholder do not purchase any Units in the Proposed Public Offering).

 

Rights

 

Each holder of a right will receive one-tenth (1/10) of one ordinary share upon consummation of a Business Combination, even if the holder of such right redeemed all shares held by it in connection with a Business Combination. No fractional shares will be issued upon exchange of the rights. No additional consideration will be required to be paid by a holder of rights in order to receive its additional shares upon consummation of a Business Combination as the consideration related thereto has been included in the Unit purchase price paid for by investors in the Proposed Offering. If the Company enters into a definitive agreement for a Business Combination in which the Company will not be the surviving entity, the definitive agreement will provide for the holders of rights to receive the same per share consideration the holders of the ordinary shares will receive in the transaction on an as-converted into ordinary share basis and each holder of a right will be required to affirmatively convert its rights in order to receive 1/10 share underlying each right (without paying additional consideration). The shares issuable upon exchange of the rights will be freely tradable (except to the extent held by affiliates of the Company).

 

If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of rights will not receive any of such funds with respect to their rights, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with respect to such rights, and the rights will expire worthless. Further, there are no contractual penalties for failure to deliver securities to the holders of the rights upon consummation of a Business Combination. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the rights. Accordingly, the rights may expire worthless.

 

NOTE 8 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

Management is currently evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry and has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial position, results of its operations and/or search for a target company, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these audited financial statements. The audited financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Registration Rights

 

The holders of the founder shares issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus, as well as the holders of the Private Units (and all underlying securities) and any securities our initial shareholder, officers, directors or their affiliates may be issued in payment of working capital loans made to us, will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this Proposed Public Offering. The holders of the majority of the founder shares can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which these ordinary shares are to be released from escrow. The holders of a majority of the Private Units (and underlying securities) and securities issued in payment of Working Capital Loans (or underlying securities) or loans to extend our life can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time after the Company consummates a Business Combination. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our consummation of a Business Combination. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

F-67

 

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Currency expressed in United States Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)

 

Leases

 

The Company entered into short-term agreements for temporary office space expiring through April 30, 2024. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company incurred rent expenses of $1,840 and $26,539, respectively.

 

Underwriting Agreement

 

The Company will grant the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 900,000 Units (over and above 6,000,000 Units referred to above) solely to cover over-allotments at the “Proposed Public Offering” price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

The underwriters will be entitled to cash underwriting discount of 4.5% of the gross proceeds of the “Proposed Public Offering”. 2.0% of cash underwriting discount will be payable at the closing of the “Proposed Public Offering”. The balance of 2.5% of underwriting discount will be deferred and payable until the closing of the initial Business Combination.

 

NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to the date that the audited financial statements were issued. Other than as described in these audited financial statements, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the audited financial statements.

 

On January 26, 2024, the Company decreased the amount to be held in the Trust Account from $10.10 per Public Share to $10.00 per Public Share.

 

On January 26, 2024, the terms necessary for the Company to extend the period of time within which to consummate a business combination were modified. As revised, if the Company anticipates that it may not be able to consummate the initial Business Combination within 12 months (or 15 months if the Event occurs), the Company’s sponsor may, but is not obligated to, cause the Company to extend the period of time to consummate a business combination up to 9 times by an additional one month each time (for a total of up to 21 or 24 months to complete a business combination).

 

On January 26, 2024, the Sponsor agreed to change the amount of the Private units from $2,800,000 (or $3,070,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) to $2,200,000 (or $2,380,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full).

 

The Company has retrospectively reflected the above changes in the audited financial statements.

 

The registration statement for the Company’s Initial Public Offering was declared effective on June 17, 2024. On June 20, 2024, the Company consummated its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 6,900,000 units (the “Units”). Each Unit will consist of one ordinary share and one Public Right. Each whole Public Right will entitle the holder to receive one-tenth (1/10) ordinary share upon consummation of initial business combination. The Units were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $69,000,000.

 

All of the 6,900,000 public shares sold as part of the Public Units in the Initial Public Offering contain a redemption feature which allows for the redemption of such public shares if there is a shareholder vote or tender offer in connection with the Business Combination and in connection with certain amendments to the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, or in connection with the Company’s liquidation.

 

Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company consummated the sale of 238,000 units (the “Private Placement Units”) at a price of $10.00 per Private Placement Unit in a private placement to the Sponsor, generating gross proceeds of $2,380,000 to the Company. Each Private Placement Unit consists of one Private Placement Share and one right (“Private Placement Right”). Each Private Placement Right will entitle the holder to receive one-tenth (1/10) ordinary share upon consummation of the initial business combination.

 

Transaction costs amounted to $3,448,233, consisting of $1,380,000 of underwriting commissions, $1,725,000 of deferred underwriting commissions and $343,233 of other offering costs.

 

On June 20, 2024, the Company has fully repaid $433,554 that under the promissory note – related party.

 

On June 24, 2024, $413,336 of cash was released to the Company and used for the Company’s future working capital needs.

 

On October 21, 2024, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement with Great Rich Technologies Limited, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong (“GRT”), and GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands company limited by shares and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRT (“Merger Sub”).

 

As of the date of filing, the Company borrowed additional $317,556 loan under the promissory note.

 

F-68

 

APPENDIX A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTION VERSION​

 

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

by and among

GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED,

GRT MERGER STAR LIMITED

and

FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION

OCTOBER 21, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I THE MERGER; CLOSING   A-2
  1.01 The Merger   A-2
  1.02 Effect on Outstanding Securities   A-3
  1.03 Organizational Documents   A-4
  1.04 Directors and Officers   A-4
  1.05 Dissenting Shares   A-4
  1.06 Withholding   A-4
  1.07 Payment Methodology   A-4
  1.08 The Closing   A-6
  1.09 Tax-Matters   A-6
         
ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY   A-6
  2.01 Organization and Power   A-6
  2.02 Authorization   A-7
  2.03 No Violations   A-7
  2.04 Capitalization; Subsidiaries   A-7
  2.05 Governmental Consents, Etc.   A-8
  2.06 Legal Proceedings   A-8
  2.07 SEC Filings and Financial Statements   A-8
  2.08 Absence of Certain Changes   A-9
  2.09 Company Trust Amount   A-10
  2.10 Broker   A-10
  2.11 Solvency   A-10
  2.12 Company Information   A-11
  2.13 Listing   A-11
  2.14 Affiliate Transactions   A-11
  2.15 Company Contracts   A-11
  2.16 Intellectual Property   A-11
  2.17 Employees   A-11
  2.18 Employee Benefits   A-11
  2.19 Real Property   A-12
  2.20 Tax Matters   A-12
  2.21 Legal Requirements and Permits   A-12
  2.22 Insurance   A-12
  2.23 Vote Required   A-12
  2.24 Intentionally Omitted   A-12
  2.25 Investment Company   A-13
  2.26 Intentionally Omitted   A-13
  2.27 Absence of Certain Payments   A-13
  2.28 Company Investigations   A-13
         

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB

A-13
  3.01 Existence and Good Standing   A-14
  3.02 Authority; Enforceability   A-14
  3.03 No Violations   A-14
  3.04 Capitalization; Subsidiaries   A-15
  3.05 Parent Disclosures and Notifications; Financial Position   A-16
  3.06 Financial Statements and Other Financial Matters; No Undisclosed Liabilities   A-16
  3.07 Absence of Certain Changes   A-18
  3.08 Real Property; Tangible Property   A-19

 

A-i

 

  3.09 Tax Matters   A-19
  3.10 Contracts.   A-20
  3.11 Intellectual Property and Data Security   A-22
  3.12 Legal Proceedings; Orders   A-24
  3.13 Consents   A-24
  3.14 Employee Benefits   A-24
  3.15 Insurance   A-24
  3.16 Legal Requirements and Permits   A-25
  3.17 Environmental Matters   A-25
  3.18 Relationships with Related Persons   A-25
  3.19 Employees; Employment Matters and Independent Contractors   A-26
  3.20 Brokers’ Fees   A-27
  3.21 Absence of Certain Payments   A-27
  3.22 Books and Records   A-27
  3.23 Vote Required   A-27
  3.24 Company Investigations   A-27
  3.25 Takeover Statutes and Charter Provisions   A-27
  3.26 Power of Attorney   A-27
  3.27 Board Approval   A-28
         
ARTICLE IV COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY   A-28
  4.01 Operations of the Company Prior to the Closing   A-28
  4.02 Access to Books and Records   A-30
  4.03 Company Confidentiality   A-30
  4.04 Efforts to Consummate   A-30
  4.05 Exclusive Dealing   A-31
  4.06 Notification   A-31
         
ARTICLE V COVENANTS OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB   A-31
  5.01 Operations of Parent and Merger Sub Prior to Closing   A-31
  5.02 Access to Books and Records   A-32
  5.03 Parent Confidentiality   A-33
  5.04 Exclusive Dealing   A-33
  5.05 Notification   A-33
  5.06 Efforts to Consummate   A-33
  5.07 Establishment of ADR Facility   A-34
  5.08 Audited and Financial Statements   A-34
         
ARTICLE VI ACTIONS PRIOR TO THE CLOSING   A-35
  6.01 The Registration Statements and Proxy Statement   A-35
  6.02 Regulatory Filings   A-36
  6.03 Shareholder Vote; Recommendation of the Company Board   A-37
  6.04 Company Shareholders’ Meeting   A-37
  6.05 Listing   A-38
  6.06 The Parent Circular   A-38
  6.07 Shareholder Vote; Recommendation of Parent Board   A-38
  6.08 Parent Shareholders’ Meeting   A-39
  6.09 No Claim Against Company Trust   A-39
  6.10 Other Filings   A-40
  6.11 Transaction Litigation   A-40
  6.12 Tax Matters   A-40
  6.13 PIPE Investment   A-40

 

A-ii

 

ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS TO CLOSING   A-41
  7.01 Mutual Conditions to the Parties’ Obligations   A-41
  7.02 Conditions to Parent’s and Merger Sub’s Obligations   A-42
  7.03 Conditions to the Company’s Obligations   A-43
         
ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY   A-43
  8.01 Indemnification of Officers and Directors of the Company   A-43
  8.02 Indemnification by Successors and Assigns   A-43
  8.03 Tail Policy   A-44
         
ARTICLE IX TERMINATION   A-44
  9.01 Termination   A-44
  9.02 Effect of Termination   A-45
         
ARTICLE X DEFINITIONS   A-45
  10.01 Definitions   A-45
  10.02 Other Definitional Provisions   A-55
         
ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS   A-55
  11.01 Press Releases and Public Announcements   A-55
  11.02 Expenses   A-55
  11.03 Survival   A-55
  11.04 Notices   A-55
  11.05 Succession and Assignment   A-56
  11.06 Severability   A-56
  11.07 References   A-57
  11.08 Construction   A-57
  11.09 Amendment and Waiver   A-57
  11.10 Entire Agreement   A-57
  11.11 Third-Party Beneficiaries   A-57
  11.12 WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY   A-57
  11.13 Counterparts   A-57
  11.14 Governing Law   A-58
  11.15 Submission to Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process   A-58
  11.16 Remedies Cumulative   A-58
  11.17 Specific Performance   A-58
  11.18 No Recourse   A-58

 

A-iii

 

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”), dated as of October 21, 2024 (the “date hereof”), is made by and among Great Rich Technologies Limited, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong (“Parent”), GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (“Merger Sub”), and Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (the “Company”). The Company, Parent and Merger Sub shall each be referred to herein from time to time as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties.” Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings given to them in ARTICLE X hereof.

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands for the purpose of effecting a merger, share reconstruction, asset or share acquisition, exchangeable share transaction, reorganization, contractual control arrangement or other similar business combination with one or more businesses;

 

WHEREAS, Merger Sub is a newly incorporated, direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, and was formed for the sole purpose of the Merger;

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire and intend to effect a business combination transaction whereby, at the Effective Time, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and the Companies Act (as revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Cayman Companies Act”), Company shall merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent after the Merger;

 

WHEREAS, in furtherance of the indirect acquisition of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company by Parent and in accordance with the terms hereof, the Company shall provide an opportunity to its Public Shareholders to have their Company Shares redeemed for the consideration, and on the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations, set forth in this Agreement, the Prospectus and the Memorandum and Articles of Association in conjunction with, inter alia, obtaining approval from the Company Shareholders for the Merger (collectively with the other transactions, authorization and approvals set forth in the Proxy Statement, the “Offer”);

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Merger, each Company Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares, if any) shall be exchanged for the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration, and each Company Right that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be exchanged for a Substitute Right, which in turn will give the holder thereof the right to receive, immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, Parent Ordinary Shares payable in Parent ADSs, as more fully described below;

 

WHEREAS, Whale Management Corporation (“Sponsor”) has delivered to Parent and Company the Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Sponsor Voting Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Sponsor has agreed to vote all such Company Shares it owns on the date hereof in favor of certain matters, including the consummation of the Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

 

WHEREAS, Sponsor has delivered to Parent and Company the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Sponsor has agreed not to transfer any such Parent ADSs it receives as its Merger Consideration and pursuant to Section 1.02(d) for a period of up to 180 days following the Closing Date, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

 

WHEREAS, the Parent Shareholders have delivered to Parent and Company the Parent Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Parent Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Parent Shareholders have agreed to vote all such Parent Ordinary Shares they own in favor of certain matters, including the consummation by Merger Sub of the Merger, and not to transfer certain fixed percentages of the Parent Ordinary Shares they own immediately after Closing for the duration of the Lock Up Period, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

 

WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company has approved the execution and delivery by Company of this Agreement and any Transaction Documents it is contemplated hereunder it is to become a party to and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the Merger, and determined to recommend to the Company Shareholders that they consent to the Merger;

 

A-1

 

WHEREAS, the sole director of the Merger Sub has approved the execution and delivery by the Merger Sub of this Agreement and any Transaction Documents it is contemplated hereunder it is to become a party to and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the Merger, and determined to recommend to the Parent, as the sole shareholder of the Merger Sub, that it consent to the Merger;

 

WHEREAS, the board of directors of Parent has approved the execution and delivery by the Parent of this Agreement and any Transaction Documents it is contemplated hereunder it is to become a party to and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and, as sole shareholder of the Merger Sub, the Parent’s consent to the Merger, and concurrently herewith and in such capacity Parent is consenting to the Merger and has further determined to recommend to the shareholders of Parent the resolution required to consummate the Merger; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire for U.S. federal income tax purposes that the Merger qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment, that this Agreement constitute a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of Sections 354 and 361 of the Code and that Parent and the Company shall each be a “party to the reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
THE MERGER; CLOSING

 

1.01 The Merger.

 

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and the Plan of Merger (defined below), at the Effective Time, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Cayman Companies Act, the Company shall merge with and into Merger Sub (the “Merger”), whereupon the separate existence of the Company shall cease, and Merger Sub shall be the surviving company (the Merger Sub upon the consummation of the Merger, hereinafter, the “Surviving Company”).

 

(b) Immediately upon Closing, the Company and Merger Sub shall cause a plan of merger (the “Plan of Merger”) approved by the directors of each such entity consistent with this Agreement, and in the form and containing such other documents as may be required by the Cayman Companies Act (the “Merger Documents”) to be executed and then filed for registration by the Cayman Registrar. The filing of the Merger Documents shall be made using the express service offered by the Cayman Registrar. The Merger shall become effective at such time as the Plan of Merger is registered by the Cayman Registrar or at such other time subsequent thereto, but not exceeding 90 days from the date of registration as mutually agreed between Merger Sub and Company and specified in the Plan of Merger (the “Effective Time”).

 

(c) From and after the Effective Time, the rights, property of every description including choses in action, and the business, undertaking, goodwill, benefits, immunities and privileges of each of the Company and Merger Sub, shall immediately vest in the Surviving Company and the Surviving Company shall be liable for and be subject to all of the Liabilities, restrictions, obligations and duties of the Company and Merger Sub, all as provided under this Agreement, the Plan of Merger and the applicable provisions of the Cayman Companies Act. For purposes of clarity, the effect of the Merger shall include the assumption by Surviving Company of any and all agreements, covenants, duties and obligations of the Company to be performed after the Effective Time, and Parent, as the sole shareholder of Surviving Company hereby agrees to assume and perform all such agreements, covenants, duties and obligations of the Company.

 

(d) Immediately following Closing, the Parent shall cause special resolutions of the Surviving Company in the form agreed by Parent and the Company and as may be required by the Cayman Companies Act, approving the change of name of the Surviving Company to “GRT Cayman Limited” (or such other name as agreed by the Parent and the Company) to be passed, and the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Surviving Company in the form agreed by Parent and the Company, to be approved and adopted, and for such documents to be filed with the Cayman Registrar using the express service offered by the Cayman Registrar.

 

A-2

 

1.02 Effect on Outstanding Securities. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement:

 

(a) The Company Shares and Company Rights comprising each issued and outstanding Company Unit immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be automatically separated (the “Unit Separation”) whereupon each then holder of a Company Unit shall be deemed to hold one (1) Company Share and one Company Right and the register of members of the Company shall be closed and thereafter there shall be no further registration of transfers of Company Shares or Company Rights. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action of the part of the Company, Merger Sub or any other Person, the Company Shares and Company Rights held following the Unit Separation and immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be automatically cancelled and extinguished in accordance with the applicable terms of this Section 1.02. From and after the Effective Time, the holders of Company Shares or Company Shares immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or by Law.

 

(b) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action of the part of the Company, Merger Sub or any other Person, each Company Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (which excludes, in each case, Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares, if any) shall be automatically cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right to receive, immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, the Per Share Merger Consideration, In furtherance of the foregoing, Parent shall take the actions set forth in Section 1.07 of this Agreement.

 

(c) Each Company Share, if any, held immediately prior to the Effective Time by the Company or Parent, if any (collectively, the “Excluded Shares”) shall be then automatically canceled and no exchange or payment shall be made therefor or with respect thereto.

 

(d) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action of the part of the Company, Merger Sub or any other Person, each Company Right outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically be cancelled, extinguished and exchanged for the right (the “Substitute Right”) to receive, immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, Parent Ordinary Shares payable in Parent ADSs in an amount equal to (in each case, as rounded down to the nearest whole number) the product of (A) the Per Share Merger Consideration, multiplied by (B) the number of Company Shares that the holder of the cancelled Company Right would have been entitled to receive from the Company assuming satisfaction of the terms and conditions of such Company Right, multiplied by (C) the ADS Exchange Rate. Upon consummation of the Merger, such Substitute Rights shall, without any further action on the part of the Company, Merger Sub or any other Person, automatically convert into such number of Parent Ordinary Shares payable in Parent ADSs as determined in accordance with this Section 1.02(d). Parent shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance a sufficient number of Parent Ordinary Shares for delivery of Parent ADSs upon the consummation of the Merger to all holders thereof in accordance with this Section 1.02(d) and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause such Parent Ordinary Shares to be issued in book-entry form.

 

(e) At the Effective Time, each ordinary share of the Merger Sub that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Merger Sub Share(s)”) shall remain issued and outstanding and owned by Parent. Such Merger Sub Share(s) shall constitute the only issued and outstanding share capital of the Surviving Company with the rights, powers and privileges given to such share owned by the Governing Documents of the Surviving Company and the Cayman Companies Act, and shall constitute the only issued and outstanding share(s) of the Surviving Company immediately following the Effective Time. Immediately following the Effective Time, Parent shall be the sole and exclusive owner of all share(s) of the Surviving Company and the register of members of the Surviving Company at the Effective Time shall reflect the foregoing.

 

(f) The ADS Exchange Rate shall be adjusted to reflect appropriately the effect of any subdivision of shares, share consolidation, stock split, split-up, reverse stock split, share/stock dividend or share/stock distribution (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into Parent Ordinary Shares), reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to Parent Ordinary Shares occurring on or after the date hereof and prior to the Closing.

 

A-3

 

1.03 Organizational Documents. At the Effective Time, the memorandum and articles of association of the Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the Governing Documents of the Surviving Company on and from Effective Time until thereafter changed or amended as permitted by applicable Law.

 

1.04 Directors and Officers. Immediately after the Effective Time, the members of the board of directors and officers of the Merger Sub prior to the Effective Time shall be the members of the board of directors and officers of the Surviving Company.

 

1.05 Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, but without prejudice to the provisions of Section 1.08(b), Company Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time that are held by any holder who is (a) entitled to dissent to the Merger pursuant to Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act and (b) properly dissents to the Merger and makes a demand for payment of the fair value of such holder’s shares in accordance with Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act, and has not withdrawn such dissent (the “Dissenting Shares”) shall not be converted into the right to receive the corresponding Per-Share Merger Consideration for such Dissenting Shares pursuant to Section 1.02(b), but instead such holder shall be entitled to such rights as are granted by the Cayman Companies Act to a holder of Dissenting Shares unless and until such holder effectively withdraws or loses such dissenters’ rights (through failure to perfect such dissenters’ rights or otherwise) under the Cayman Companies Act. From and after the Effective Time, (A) the Dissenting Shares shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and extinguished by virtue of the Merger and shall cease to exist and (B) the holders thereof shall be entitled only to such rights as may be granted to them under Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act and shall not be entitled to exercise any of the voting rights or other rights of a shareholder of the Surviving Company or any of its Affiliates (including Parent); provided, however, that if any holder of the Dissenting Shares effectively withdraws or loses such dissenters’ rights (through failure to perfect such dissenters’ rights or otherwise) under the Cayman Companies Act, then the Company Shares held by such holder (1) shall no longer be deemed to be Dissenting Shares and (2) shall be treated as if they had been converted automatically at the Effective Time into the right to receive the applicable portion of the Per Share Merger Consideration upon delivery of a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any other documents or agreements required by the Letter of Transmittal) and the surrender of the applicable documents and other deliverables set forth in Section 1.07(b). Each holder of the Dissenting Shares who becomes entitled to payment for his, her or its Dissenting Shares pursuant to the Cayman Companies Act shall receive payment thereof from the Company in accordance with the Cayman Companies Act. The Company shall deliver prompt notice to the Parent of any demands for payment or appraisal of any Company Shares, any withdrawal of any such demand and any other demand, notice or instrument delivered to the Company prior to the Effective Time pursuant to the Cayman Companies Act that relate to such demand and the Parent shall have the right to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands. The Company shall not voluntarily make any payment with respect to any demand for appraisal with respect to any Dissenting Shares without the prior written consent of Parent (which consent may or may not be given in the sole and absolute discretion of Parent).

 

1.06 Withholding. Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, each of Parent, and the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable to any Company Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under any provision of Tax Law. Any amount deducted or withheld pursuant to this Section 1.06 shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to such Person in respect of such deduction and withholding. At least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing, Parent or the Exchange Agent, as applicable, shall (a) notify the Company Shareholders of any anticipated withholding, (b) consult with the Company in good faith to determine whether such deduction and withholding is required and (c) cooperate with the Company Shareholders to minimize the amount of any applicable withholding. Each of Parent, and the Exchange Agent shall pay, or shall cause to be paid, all amounts so deducted or withheld to the appropriate taxing authority within the period required under applicable Law.

 

1.07 Payment Methodology.

 

(a) Prior to the Effective Time, the Company, Parent and the Exchange Agent shall enter into an exchange agent agreement (the “Exchange Agent Agreement”), and at or prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall make available to the Exchange Agent the Merger Consideration to be paid in respect of (i) the Company Shares pursuant to Section 1.02(b) and (ii) the Company Rights pursuant to Section 1.02(d) (the “Rights Shares”).

 

A-4

 

(b) After the Closing, promptly following delivery by a Company Shareholder (other than any Person who was a registered holder of Excluded Shares or Dissenting Shares immediately prior to the Effective Time, solely with respect to such Excluded Shares or Dissenting Shares) to the Exchange Agent of a duly completed and executed letter of transmittal in a form mutually agreeable to the Parties (a “Letter of Transmittal”) and, if the Company Shares of such Company Shareholders are certificated, the share certificates representing such Company Shares, subject to the satisfaction of any other conditions to be met as set forth in the Letter of Transmittal, Parent shall promptly (i) issue, or cause to be issued, to the Depositary Bank for the benefit of the Company Shareholders and Company Right Holders (and Parent shall direct the Exchange Agent to take all necessary action to record and effect the same) the number of Parent Ordinary Shares equal to (A) the Per Share Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of Company Shares registered in the name of such Company Shareholder immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Share Merger Consideration”) plus (B) the number of Rights Shares determined pursuant to Section 1.02(d) registered in the name of all the Company Right Holders immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Rights Merger Consideration”) and (ii) issue, or cause to be issued, to such Company Shareholders and Company Right Holders (and Parent shall direct the Exchange Agent to take all necessary action to record and effect the same) the number of Parent ADSs equal to the sum of (A) the Share Merger Consideration multiplied by the ADS Exchange Rate plus (B) the Rights Merger Consideration (the “Merger Consideration”). Any portion of the Merger Consideration that remains undistributed to the Company Shareholders on the date that is one (1) year after the Effective Time shall be delivered to Parent upon demand, and any holders of Company Shares that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger who have not theretofore surrendered or transferred their certificates representing such Company Shares for exchange pursuant to this Section 1.07 shall thereafter look for payment of the Merger Consideration payable in respect of the Company Shares represented by such certificates solely to Parent (subject to abandoned property, escheat or similar Laws). Any portion of the Merger Consideration remaining unclaimed by the Company Shareholders three (3) years after the Closing Date (or if earlier, immediately prior to such time when the amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any Governmental Entity) shall become, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the property of Parent free and clear of any claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereto.

 

(c) Any Merger Consideration that is to be issued to Company Shareholders under this Agreement shall be issued directly to registered Company Shareholders in accordance with the instructions specified by such holder in its Letter of Transmittal. In no event shall any fractional shares of Share Merger Consideration or fractional interest of Merger Consideration be issued under this Agreement (with any fractional Parent Ordinary Share, in the case of the Share Merger Consideration, and, thereafter, any fractional Parent ADS, in the case of the Merger Consideration, that would otherwise be issued rounded down to the nearest whole Parent Ordinary Share and Parent ADS, as applicable). If any portion of the Merger Consideration is to be issued to a Person other than the Person in whose name the relevant Company Shares or Company Rights were registered immediately prior to the Effective Time, it shall be a condition to such delivery that (i) the transfer of such Company Shares or Company Rights shall have been permitted in accordance with the terms of the Company’s Governing Documents, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) the certificate of such Company Shares or Company Rights shall be properly endorsed or shall otherwise be in proper form for transfer, (iii) the recipient of such portion of the Merger Consideration, or the Person in whose name such portion of the Merger Consideration is issued, shall have already executed and delivered counterparts to such other documents as are reasonably deemed necessary by the Surviving Company or Parent, including, with respect to the Lock-Up Shareholders, the Lock-Up Agreements, and (iv) the Person requesting such delivery shall pay to the Parent any transfer or other Taxes required as a result of such delivery to a Person other than the registered holder of such certificate of Company Shares or Company Rights or establish to the satisfaction of the Surviving Company and Parent that such Tax has been paid or is not payable.

 

(d) None of Parent, the Exchange Agent, the Surviving Company nor their Affiliates shall be liable to any Company Shareholder for any Merger Consideration paid to any public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Laws.

 

(e) In the event that any certificates representing Company Shares have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent shall issue, upon receipt of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof in form and substance satisfactory to the Exchange Agent, the Merger Consideration payable in respect thereof pursuant to Section 1.02. Parent or the Exchange Agent may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the payment of such Merger Consideration, require the owners of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificates to deliver a bond in such amount as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against Parent, the Surviving Company or the Exchange Agent with respect to the Certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

 

A-5

 

1.08 The Closing.

 

(a) The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place electronically by the exchange of copies of documents at 10:00 a.m. local time in the Cayman Islands on the second Business Day following full satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, due waiver of all of the closing conditions set forth in ARTICLE VII hereof (other than those to be satisfied at the Closing itself, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions) or on such other date or time as is mutually agreed to in writing by Parent and the Company. The date on which the Closing actually occurs is referred to herein as the “Closing Date”.

 

(b) No later than the second (2nd) Business Day prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to Parent written notice setting forth: (i) the aggregate amount of cash proceeds that shall be required to satisfy any exercise of the redemption of Company Shares prior to the Closing pursuant to the Governing Documents of the Company (the “Company Redemptions”); (ii) the amount of cash in the Trust Account and the amount of Company Transaction Costs as of the Closing; and (iii) the number of Company Shares and Company Rights to be outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time and after giving effect to the Company Redemptions (such written notice of (i), (ii) and (iii), together, the “Closing Statement”). If the Parent in good faith disagrees with any portion of the Closing Statement, then the Parent may deliver a notice of such disagreement to the Company until the Business Day prior to the Closing Date (the “Pre-Closing Notice of Disagreement”). The Company and Parent shall seek in good faith to resolve any differences they have with respect to the matters specified in the Pre-Closing Notice of Disagreement.

 

1.09 Tax-Matters. To the extent applicable, if the Merger qualifies for the Intended Tax Treatment, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Parties shall (to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Legal Requirements) prepare and file all U.S. income Tax Returns consistent with the Intended Tax Treatment; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 1.09 shall prevent any Party or any of their respective Affiliates from settling, or require any of them to litigate, any challenge or other similar proceeding by any Governmental Entity with respect to the Intended Tax Treatment. This Agreement is intended to constitute and hereby is adopted as a “plan of reorganization” with respect to the Merger within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) for purposes of Sections 354, 361 and 368 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

 

ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

 

Except as set forth in the sections of the disclosure letter prepared by the Company and dated as of the date of this Agreement (as supplemented or modified by mutual agreement of the Parties prior to Closing, the “Company Disclosure Letter”) (each of which qualifies (a) the correspondingly numbered representation, warranty or covenant if specified therein and (b) such other representations, warranties or covenants where its relevance as an exception to (or disclosure for purposes of) such other representation, warranty or covenant is reasonably apparent on its face) or in the SEC Reports filed or furnished by the Company prior to the date hereof (excluding any disclosures in such SEC Reports under the headings “Risk Factors”, “Forward-Looking Statements” or “Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and other disclosures that are predictive, cautionary or forward looking in nature), the Company represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub as follows:

 

2.01 Organization and Power. The Company is an exempted company limited by shares duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands, with full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder. There is no pending, or to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, action for the dissolution, liquidation or insolvency of the Company.

 

A-6

 

2.02 Authorization. Subject to receipt of the Company Shareholder Approval and the other consent or approvals described in Section 2.05 of this Agreement, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly and validly authorized by all requisite corporate action, and no other proceedings on their part are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of Parent and Merger Sub, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other legal requirements relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought at law or in equity).

 

2.03 No Violations. Subject to (a) receipt of the Company Shareholder Approval, (b) the registration of the Merger Documents (including the Plan of Merger) by the Cayman Registrar and (c) compliance with and filings under U.S. federal securities Laws, any U.S. state or foreign securities or “blue sky” laws and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the execution and delivery of other Transaction Documents to which the Company is party do not and shall not, and the performance and compliance with the terms and conditions hereof and thereof by the Company and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by the Company shall not (with or without notice or passage of time, or both):

 

(a) violate or conflict with any of the provisions of the Company’s Governing Documents and any agreement(s) to which the Company is subject to; or

 

(b) violate, conflict with, result in a breach or constitute a default under any provision of, or require any notice, filing, consent, authorization or approval under, any Legal Requirement binding upon the Company.

 

2.04 Capitalization; Subsidiaries.

 

(a) Except for any changes to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 4.01 or for changes resulting from any Company Redemptions, the authorized share capital of the Company is US$50,000 divided into 50,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.001 par value per share (the “Company Shares”). Assuming separation of all Company Units, as of the date of this Agreement, there are 8,863,000 Company Shares issued and outstanding, including a total of 1,963,000 Company Shares held by the Sponsor.

 

(b) The Company issued a total of 7,138,000 Company Units upon the consummation of its IPO, including 6,900,000 Company Units to the purchasers in the IPO and 238,000 Company Units to the Sponsor. Assuming separation of all Company Units, as of the date of this Agreement, there are (A) 8,863,000 Company Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding (including 7,138,000 Company Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding pursuant to the Company Units) (the “Outstanding Shares”), and (B) 7,138,000 Company Rights issued and outstanding (including 7,138,000 Company Rights issued and outstanding pursuant to the Company Units) (the “Outstanding Rights”). The Company Units, the Outstanding Shares and the Outstanding Rights are collectively referred as the “Company Equity Securities”. All the outstanding Company Equity Securities have been duly and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable, and were issued in accordance with the registration or qualification requirements of the Securities Act, and any relevant U.S. state securities Laws or pursuant to valid exemptions therefrom.

 

(c) Except for this Agreement, the Company Redemption obligation, the Outstanding Rights, or as set forth in Schedule 2.04 of the Company Disclosure Letter, the Company has not granted any outstanding options, share appreciation rights, warrants, rights or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Company Shares, or any other commitments or agreements providing for the issuance of additional shares, the sale of treasury shares, for the repurchase or redemption of any Company Shares or the value of which is determined by reference to the Company Shares, and there are no contracts of any kind which may obligate the Company to issue, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its Company Shares.

 

(d) The Company has no Subsidiaries and does not own, directly or indirectly, any equity interests or other interests or investments (whether equity or debt) in any Person, whether incorporated or unincorporated. The Company is not party to any contract that obligates the Company to invest money in, loan money to or make any capital contribution to any other Person.

 

A-7

 

2.05 Governmental Consents, Etc. Except for (a) receipt of the Company Shareholder Approval, (b) the applicable requirements of the U.S. federal securities Laws, any U.S. state or foreign securities or “blue sky” laws, and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq, (c) the registration of the Merger Documents (including the Plan of Merger) by the Cayman Registrar, and (d) any consents, notices, approvals, authorizations, designations, declarations or filings, the absence of which would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company is not required to submit any notice, report or other filing with any Governmental Entity in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, as applicable, and no consent, approval or authorization of any Governmental Entity or any other party or Person is required to be obtained by the Company in connection with its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, as applicable.

 

2.06 Legal Proceedings. There are no pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened Legal Proceedings, in each case, against the Company including, any that (a) challenges the validity or enforceability of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is party or (b) seeks to prevent, delay or otherwise would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated herein or therein or otherwise result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.07 SEC Filings and Financial Statements.

 

(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.07 of the Company Disclosure Letter, the Company has timely filed or furnished all forms, reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by it with the SEC (collectively, as they have been amended since the time of their filing and including all exhibits and supplements thereto, the “SEC Reports”), and, as of the Closing, shall have filed or furnished all other statements, reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished with the SEC subsequent to the date of this Agreement. The SEC Reports did not at the time they were filed with the SEC (except to the extent that information contained in any SEC Report has been superseded by a later timely filed SEC Report) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

(b) Each of the financial statements (including, in each case, any notes thereto) contained in the SEC Reports was prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) and each fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as at the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods indicated therein.

 

(c) Except as and to the extent set forth on the balance sheet of the Company at June 30, 2024, including the notes thereto (as set forth in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2024 on file with the SEC, the “Company Subject Balance Sheet”) or described in Schedule 2.07 of the Company Disclosure Letter, the Company has no liability or obligation of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise), of the type required to be reflected on a consolidated balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP except for (i) liabilities and obligations incurred since the date of the Company Subject Balance Sheet in the Ordinary Course of Business that are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and none of which results from or arises out of any material breach of or material default under any contract, material breach of warranty, tort, material infringement or material violation of Law; (ii) liabilities and obligations incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Company as set forth in this Agreement; (iii) the Company Transaction Costs; and (iv) liabilities and obligations which are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company.

 

(d) The Company has heretofore furnished to Parent and Merger Sub complete and correct copies of all amendments and modifications that have not been filed by the Company with the SEC to all agreements, documents and other instruments that previously had been filed by the Company with the SEC and are currently in effect.

 

A-8

 

(e) All comment letters received by the Company from the SEC or the staff thereof since its inception through the date hereof and all responses to such comment letters filed by or on behalf of the Company are either publicly available on the SEC’s EDGAR website or have otherwise been made available to Parent and Merger Sub.

 

(f) To the Company’s Knowledge each director and executive officer of the Company has filed with the SEC on a timely basis all statements required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

(g) The Company has timely filed and made available to Parent and the Merger Sub all certifications and statements required by (x) Rule 13a-14 or Rule 15d-14 under the Exchange Act or (y) 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) with respect to any SEC Report (the “Company Certifications”). Each of the Company Certifications is true and correct. The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 under the Exchange Act; such controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that all material information concerning the Company is made known on a timely basis to the individuals responsible for the preparation of the Company’s SEC filings and other public disclosure documents. As used in this Section 2.07, the term “file” shall be broadly construed to include any manner in which a document or information is furnished, supplied or otherwise made available to the SEC.

 

(h) The Company maintains and shall continue to maintain a standard system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP. The Company has designed and maintains a system of internal controls over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act, sufficient to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

(i) The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

(j) Neither the Company nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any manager, director, officer, employee, auditor, accountant or other Representative of the Company has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or oral, regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of the Company or their respective internal accounting controls, including any complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that the Company has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices. No attorney representing the Company, whether or not employed by the Company, has reported evidence of a violation of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Company or any of its officers, directors, employees or agents to the Company Board (or any committee thereof) or to any director or officer of the Company. Since the Company’s inception, there have been no internal investigations regarding accounting or revenue recognition discussed with, reviewed by or initiated at the direction of the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, general counsel, the Company Board or any committee thereof.

 

(k) Neither the Company nor any officer, employee, contractor, subcontractor or agent of the Company has discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed or in any other manner discriminated against an employee of the Company in the terms and conditions of employment because of any act of such employee described in 18 U.S.C. § 1514A(a).

 

2.08 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.08 of the Company Disclosure Letter, during the period from the date of the Company Subject Balance Sheet to the date hereof, the Company has conducted its business in the Ordinary Course of Business and:

 

(a) there has not been a Company Material Adverse Effect;

 

A-9

 

(b) the Company has not declared, set aside or paid any dividend or other distribution or payment in respect of its securities;

 

(c) the Company has not sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed, leased or otherwise disposed of any material portion of its assets or incurred any Indebtedness;

 

(d) the Company has not made any loans, advances, or capital contributions to, or investments in, any Person;

 

(e) the Company has not (i) increased the base salary or base wages payable to any of its officers or employees other than increases made in the Ordinary Course of Business, (ii) increased severance obligations payable to any of its officers or employees or (iii) made or committed to make any bonus payment to any of its employees or agents other than payments or arrangements in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(f) the Company has not acquired by merger, consolidation or otherwise any business of any Person or division thereof;

 

(g) there has not been any casualty event that has resulted in or is reasonably likely to result in a loss in excess of $500,000, whether or not covered by insurance;

 

(h) there has not been any material change by the Company in accounting or Tax reporting principles, methods or policies;

 

(i) the Company has not made or rescinded any material election relating to Taxes, settled or compromised any material Claim relating to Taxes, or amended any material Tax Return;

 

(j) the Company has not settled any material Legal Proceedings; and

 

(k) the Company has not agreed or committed, whether orally or in writing, to do any of the foregoing.

 

2.09 Company Trust Amount. As of the day immediately preceding the date hereof, the Company Trust has a rounded-off balance of no less than $69,000,000 (the “Company Trust Amount”). Such monies are invested solely in United States Government securities or money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and held in trust by Wilmington Trust, National Association pursuant to the Company Trust Agreement. The Company Trust Agreement is valid and in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms and has not been amended or modified. There are no separate agreements, side letters or other agreements or understandings (whether written or unwritten, express or implied) that would cause the description of the Company Trust Agreement in the SEC Reports to be inaccurate in any material respect or that would entitle any Person (other than the underwriters of Company’s initial public offering for deferred underwriting commissions as described in the SEC Reports and holders of Company Public Shares who shall have elected to redeem their Company Shares pursuant to the Company’s Governing Documents, to any portion of the proceeds in the Company Trust). Prior to the Closing, none of the funds held in the Company Trust may be released except (x) to pay income and other tax obligations from any interest income earned in the Company Trust or (y) to redeem Company Shares in accordance with the provisions of Company’s Governing Documents (the “Permitted Releases”).

 

2.10 Broker. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.10 of the Company Disclosure Letter, there are no claims for brokerage commissions, finders’ fees or similar compensation in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based on any agreement made by or on behalf of the Company.

 

2.11 Solvency. The Company is not entering into this Agreement with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud either present or future creditors of the Company.

 

A-10

 

2.12 Company Information. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company or any of its Affiliates expressly for inclusion in the SEC Reports, the Proxy Statement to be delivered to the Company Shareholders with respect to the Offer or the Merger, any supplements thereto or in any other document filed with any Governmental Entity in connection herewith, shall, at the date of filing or mailing, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading (subject to the qualifications and limitations set forth in the materials provided by the Company or that is included in the applicable filings). No representation or warranty is made by the Company with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied or to be supplied by, the Group Companies, the shareholders of the Group Companies, or any of their respective Affiliates.

 

2.13 Listing. The Company Shares are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on Nasdaq as of the date hereof. As of the date hereof, there is no Legal Proceeding pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened in writing against the Company by the SEC with respect to the deregistration of the Company Shares under the Exchange Act. As of the date hereof, there is no Legal Proceeding pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened in writing against the Company by Nasdaq with respect to the delisting of the Company Shares on Nasdaq. The Company has taken no action that is designed to terminate the registration of the Company Shares under the Exchange Act.

 

2.14 Affiliate Transactions. Other than (i) for payment of salary and benefits for services rendered, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred on behalf of the Company or (iii) with respect to any Person’s ownership of shares or other securities of the Company, there are no contracts or arrangements under which there are any existing or future liabilities or obligations between the Company, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, any (y) present or former manager, employee, officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (z) record or beneficial owner of 5% or more of the outstanding Company Shares as of the date hereof, except as described in the SEC Reports.

 

2.15 Company Contracts. The Company is not party to any contract (other than nondisclosure agreements (containing customary terms) to which the Company is a party that were entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business) except for those contracts filed as exhibits to the Company’s SEC Reports or as set forth on Schedule 2.15 of the Company Disclosure Letter.

 

2.16 Intellectual Property. The Company does not own or license the right to use any patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, know-how or software, and none are or ever have been necessary for the operation of its business.

 

2.17 Employees.

 

(a) Other than the officers of the Company, the Company has no employees.

 

(b) The Company is not, nor has ever been, a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, nor has it experienced any strikes, grievances, claims of unfair labor practices or other collective bargaining disputes. There has been no organizational effort made or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, either currently or since the date of organization of the Company, by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to the service providers of the Company. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Company is in compliance with all applicable Laws respecting labor, employment, fair employment practices (including equal employment opportunity laws), terms and conditions of employment, classification of employees, workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, immigration, affirmative action, employee and data privacy, plant closings, and wages and hours, and (ii) all payments due from the Company on account of wages have been paid or properly accrued as a liability on the books of the Company.

 

2.18 Employee Benefits. Neither the Company nor any of its ERISA Affiliates maintains, sponsors or contributes to or in the past has maintained, sponsored or contributed to any Company Employee Benefit Plan. Neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall, individually, in the aggregate or in connection with any other event, (a) result in any payment becoming due to any officer, employee, consultant or director of the Company, (b) increase or modify any benefits otherwise payable by the Company to any employee, consultant or director of the Company, or (c) result in the acceleration of time of payment or vesting of any such benefits.

 

A-11

 

2.19 Real Property. The Company does not own, lease or use any real property except as described in the SEC Reports.

 

2.20 Tax Matters. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect:

 

(a) the Company has timely filed (taking into account all applicable extensions) all Tax Returns in all jurisdictions in which Tax Returns are required to be filed by it and all such Tax Returns are true, correct, and complete in all respects;

 

(b) all Taxes of the Company (whether or not shown on any Tax Returns) that are due have been fully and timely paid;

 

(c) the Company has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, creditor, shareholder, independent contractor or other third party;

 

(d) there are no Liens for Taxes (except Taxes not yet due and payable) on any of the assets of the Company;

 

(e) there are no pending or threatened in writing disputes, claims, audits, examinations or other proceedings regarding any Taxes of the Company or the assets of the Company; and

 

(f) no deficiency with respect to an amount of Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed against the Company.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the representations and warranties in this Section 2.20 are the only representations and warranties in this Agreement with respect to the Tax matters of the Company.

 

2.21 Legal Requirements and Permits.

 

(a) the Company is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Legal Requirements. As of the date hereof, the Company is not under investigation by any Governmental Entity with respect to any alleged material violation of any applicable Legal Requirements.

 

(b) the Company has been granted all Permits necessary for and material to the conduct of its business as conducted as of the date hereof, taken as a whole. Such Permits are valid and in full force and effect and each Group Company is in material compliance with all of such Permits. There is no lawsuit or similar proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, to revoke, suspend, withdraw or terminate any such Permit.

 

2.22 Insurance. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.22 of the Company Disclosure Letter, the Company does not own or maintain any insurance policies, nor is any insurance necessary for the operation of its business.

 

2.23 Vote Required. The affirmative vote of a majority of at least two-thirds (2/3s) of the holders of the Company Shares present in person or by proxy at the Company Shareholders’ Meeting and entitled to vote is required to approve the Merger and the entry into the Plan of Merger. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Company Shares and present in person or by proxy at the Company Shareholders’ Meeting and entitled to vote is required to approve the entry into this Agreement and the transaction contemplated hereby (said votes, collectively, the “Company Required Vote”). The Company Required Vote is the only vote of any class or series of shares of the Company that is required to obtain approval of the Merger, the entry into the Plan of Merger, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

2.24 Intentionally Omitted.

 

A-12

 

2.25 Investment Company. The Company is not an “investment company,” a company controlled by an “investment company,” or an “affiliated person” of, or “promoter” or “principal underwriter” for, an “investment company,” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

2.26 Intentionally Omitted.

 

2.27 Absence of Certain Payments. As of the date of this Agreement, to the Knowledge of the Company, no employee of the Company has, and no agent or other Representative when acting on behalf of the Company has, in violation of Law (i) used any corporate funds for any contribution, gift, entertainment or other expense relating to political activity; (ii) made any direct or indirect payment to any foreign or domestic government official or employee from corporate funds; (iii) violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977; or (iv) made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other payment.

 

2.28 Company Investigations. The Company acknowledges that it and its Representatives have received access to such books and records, facilities, equipment, contracts and other assets of the Group Companies which it and its Representatives have desired or requested to review, and that they and their Representatives have had full opportunity to meet with the management of Parent and to discuss the business and assets of the Group Companies. The Company acknowledges and agrees that it has made its own inquiry and investigation into, and, based thereon, has formed an independent judgment concerning, the Group Companies and their respective businesses and operations.

 

NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY MADE BY THE COMPANY IN THIS ARTICLE II, THE COMPANY IS NOT MAKING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY TO PARENT OR MERGER SUB WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPANY, ITS AFFILIATES OR ANOTHER PERSON OR THEIR RESPECTIVE BUSINESSES, OPERATIONS, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, CONDITION (FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE) OR PROSPECTS, THIS, NOTWITHSTANDING THE DELIVERY OR DISCLOSURE BY ANY PERSON TO PARENT OR MERGER SUB OF ANY DOCUMENTATION, FORECASTS, PROJECTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE FOREGOING. NEITHER PARENT NOR MERGER SUB MAY RELY ON ANY SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTATION, FORECASTS, PROJECTIONS ORNOTHER INFORMATION AS A REPRESENTATION OF THE COMPANY, ITS AFFILIATES OR SHAREHOLDERS IN DETERMINING TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, NONE OF THE COMPANY, ITS AFFILIATES OR ITS SHAREHOLDERS SHALL HAVE, OR BE SUBJECT TO, ANY LIABILITY UNDER THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS TO PARENT OR MERGER SUB, OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SHAREHOLDERS OR AFFILIATES RESULTING FROM THE DISTRIBUTION TO, OR USE BY ANY OF THEM OF ANY SUCH DOCUMENTATION, FORECASTS, PROJECTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION FURNISHED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO ANY OF THEM OR THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING ANY INFORMATION, DOCUMENTS OR MATERIAL MADE AVAILABLE TO ANY OF THEM IN ANY DATA ROOM, MANAGEMENT PRESENTATIONS OR IN ANY OTHER FORM IN EXPECTATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF FRAUD. ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED BY THE COMPANY.

 

ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB

 

Except as set forth in the sections of the disclosure letter prepared by Parent and dated as of the date of this Agreement (as supplemented or modified by mutual agreement of the Parties prior to Closing, the “Parent Disclosure Letter”(each of which qualifies (a) the correspondingly numbered representation, warranty or covenant if specified therein and (b) such other representations, warranties or covenants where its relevance as an exception to (or disclosure for purposes of) such other representation, warranty or covenant is reasonably apparent on its face), each of Parent and Merger Sub represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

A-13

 

3.01 Existence and Good Standing.

 

(a) Each of the Group Companies is duly organized, validly existing and, to the extent applicable in the respective jurisdiction is in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated or organized to the extent applicable in such jurisdiction. Each of the Group Companies has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate the properties and assets it owns, leases and operates and to carry on its business as such business is conducted, as of the date hereof.

 

(b) Each of the Group Companies is qualified to do business as a foreign entity in each jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the conduct of business as now conducted requires it to qualify, except where failure to be so duly qualified would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. Parent has made available to the Company an accurate and complete copy of each Governing Document of each Group Company, in each case, as in effect as of the date of this Agreement. Such Governing Documents (as amended to the date of this Agreement) are in full force and effect.

 

3.02 Authority; Enforceability. Each of Parent and Merger Sub has the full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, subject (in the case of performance) to obtaining the Parent Shareholder Approval. Subject to receipt of the Parent Shareholder Approval and the other consent or approvals described in Section 3.03, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly and validly authorized by all requisite corporate action, and no other proceedings on their part are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly executed and delivered by the Parent and, assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of the Company, this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which Parent or Merger Sub is a party (or shall be a party at the Closing) constitutes (or shall constitute) the valid and binding obligation of Parent and Merger Sub, as applicable, enforceable against Parent and Merger Sub, as applicable, in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other legal requirements relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought at law or in equity).

 

3.03 No Violations. Except for (i) the registration of the Merger Documents (including the Plan of Merger) by the Cayman Registrar, (ii) compliance with and filings under the U.S. federal securities Laws, any U.S. state or foreign securities or “blue sky” laws and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq and (iii) compliance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of the Republic of Korea and its Enforcement Decree, the KOADAQ Market Listing Regulations and its Detailed Enforcement Rules, the KOSDAQ Market Disclosure Regulations and its Detailed Enforcement Rules, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent or Merger Sub and the execution and delivery of the other Transaction Documents to which Parent or Merger Sub is a party does not and shall not, and the performance and compliance with the terms and conditions hereof and thereof by Parent or Merger Sub and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by Parent or Merger Sub shall not (with or without notice or passage of time, or both):

 

(a) violate, conflict with, result in a breach or constitute a default under any of the provisions of the memorandum and articles of association, certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or equivalent organizational documents) of any Group Company;

 

(b) (i) violate or conflict with any provision of, (ii) cause a default under, or (iii) give rise to, or result in, a right of termination, cancellation, or acceleration of any obligation under any Legal Requirement applicable to a Group Company, except in each case as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

(c) (i) violate any provision of or result in a breach, default or acceleration of, or require a consent under, any Material Contract, or terminate or result in the termination of any Material Contract, or result in the creation of any Lien under any Material Contract or upon any of the properties or assets of any of the Group Companies, or constitute an event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in any such violation, breach, default, acceleration, termination or creation of a Lien; or (ii) result in a violation or revocation of any required approvals, except to the extent that the occurrence of any of the foregoing items set forth in clauses (i) or (ii) would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

 

A-14

 

3.04 Capitalization; Subsidiaries.

 

(a) As of the date hereof, the capital stock of Parent consists of 80,850,000 Parent Ordinary Shares, out of which 67,375,000 is issued and outstanding (the “Outstanding Parent Shares”). As of the date hereof, Parent has authorized the issuance of an additional 13,475,000 Parent Ordinary Shares (“Additional Parent Ordinary Shares”), and upon approval by KOSDAQ, such Additional Parent Ordinary Shares will be issued and outstanding prior to Closing, thus immediately prior to Closing, there will be 80,850,000 issued Parent Ordinary Shares. As of the date hereof, the Outstanding Parent Shares are the only shares of capital stock of Parent issued and outstanding and no Parent Ordinary Shares are held as treasury shares. All the Outstanding Parent Ordinary Shares have been duly and validly issued and are fully paid, and were issued in accordance with the registration or qualification requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (as amended) and the Capital Market and Financial Investment Service Act of the Republic of Korea or pursuant to valid exemptions therefrom, in accordance with the Company’s Governing Documents, and have not been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights. Schedule 3.04(a) of the Parent Disclosure Letter accurately sets forth the name and ownership amount of the holders of the Outstanding Parent Shares as of the date of this Agreement.

 

(b) The authorized share capital of the Merger Sub is Fifty Thousand Dollars (US$50,000) divided into 50,000,000 Merger Sub Shares, each with a nominal or par value of US$0.001. As of the execution of this Agreement, only one Merger Sub Share is issued and outstanding. The sole outstanding Merger Sub Share has been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and is non-assessable and is not subject to preemptive rights and is held by the Parent.

 

(c) The Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs to be issued as Merger Consideration, when issued in accordance with the terms hereof, shall be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and issued in compliance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (as amended) and Capital Market and Financial Investment Service Act of the Republic of Korea, all applicable state and U.S. federal securities Laws and not subject to, and not issued in violation of, any Lien, purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of applicable Law, the memorandum and articles of association or any contract to which Parent is a party or otherwise bound. There are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of Parent having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matter for which the Parent’s Shareholders may vote. To the Knowledge of Parent, other than pursuant to the Lock-Up Agreements dated as of the date of this Agreement, none of the Parent Ordinary Shares, including those underlying the Parent ADSs to be issued as Merger Consideration, are subject to any proxies, voting agreements, voting trusts or other similar arrangements which affect the rights of holder(s) to vote such securities, nor are any shareholder agreements, buy-sell agreements, restricted share purchase agreements, share purchase agreements, warrant purchase agreements, stock issuance agreements, stock option agreements, rights of first refusal or other similar agreements, in each case, to which Parent is a party, existing as of the date hereof with respect to such securities which in any manner would affect the title of any holder(s) to such securities or the rights of any holder(s) to sell the same free and clear of all Liens.

 

(d) Schedule 3.04(d) of the Parent Disclosure Letter accurately sets forth the name and place of incorporation or formation of each Subsidiary of Parent as of the date hereof. As of the date hereof, each such Subsidiary is directly or indirectly wholly owned by Parent. Each Group Company’s issued and outstanding shares, nominal share capital or other equity securities have been, to the extent applicable, duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. As of the date hereof, other than the Parent ADSs, no Group Company has granted or issued any outstanding options, share appreciation rights, phantom stock, warrants, rights or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Parent Ordinary Shares and there are no outstanding stock-based performance units, profit participations, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units or other equity-based compensation awards or similar rights with respect to the Parent, options, warrants, rights or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Parent Ordinary Shares or other commitments or agreements providing for the issuance of additional shares (or other equity interests), the sale of treasury shares, or for the repurchase or redemption of Parent Ordinary Shares. There are no agreements requiring any Group Company to issue, purchase, register, redeem or otherwise acquire, or transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of capital stock or other securities of any Group Company, including any options, subscriptions, rights, warrants, calls or other similar commitments or agreements relating thereto, or any share appreciation rights or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Parent Ordinary Shares other than Parent ADSs, or any commitments or agreements the value of which is determined by reference to the Parent Ordinary Shares other than the Parent ADSs. Other than pursuant to the Lock-Up Agreements, no shares or other securities of any Group Company, are subject to any proxies, voting agreements,

 

A-15

 

voting trusts or other similar arrangements which affect the rights of holder(s) to vote such securities, nor are any stockholder agreements, buy-sell agreements, restricted share purchase agreements, equity purchase agreements, warrant purchase agreements, stock issuance agreements, stock option agreements, rights of first refusal or other similar agreements, in each case, to which the Parent or Merger Sub is a party, existing as of the date hereof with respect to such securities which in any manner would affect the title of any holder(s) to such securities or the rights of any holder(s) to sell the same free and clear of all Liens.

 

(e) Merger Sub is a newly incorporated company, formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Merger Sub has not engaged in any business activities or conducted any operations other than in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Merger Sub is a direct wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent. Merger Sub has no Subsidiaries.

 

(f) Except for the obligations or liabilities incurred in connection with its organization, and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Merger Sub has not, and shall not have prior to the Effective Time, incurred, directly or indirectly through any subsidiary or Affiliate, any obligations or liabilities or engaged in any business activities of any type or kind whatsoever or entered into any agreements or arrangements with any Person.

 

(g) Except as provided for in this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, or pursuant to the PIPE Investment, as a result of the consummation of the Merger, no shares of capital stock, warrants, options or other securities of the Group Companies are issuable and no rights in connection with any shares, warrants, options or other securities of the Group Companies accelerate or otherwise become triggered (whether as to vesting, exercisability, convertibility or otherwise).

 

3.05 Parent Disclosures and Notifications; Financial Position

 

(a) Parent has timely filed or furnished all forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed by it with KOSDAQ.

 

(b) The financial statements of Parent were prepared in accordance with and Financial Investment Service and Capital Market Act of the Republic of Korea and all Relevant Accounting Standards (except as disclosed or stated in the relevant accounts) and gave a true and fair view of the state of affairs of Parent and the Group Companies at the end of each of the relevant financial periods, subject to any qualifications contained in the report of the auditors on such accounts and of the profits and cashflows of the Group Companies for each such period.

 

(c) Parent has established procedures which provide a reasonable basis for its directors to make proper judgments as to the financial position of the Group Companies.

 

(d) In the last 12 months, there has been no change in Parent’s internal control over financial reporting of the Parent or Group Companies that has affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, in any material respect, Parent’s internal control over financial reporting of the Group Companies.

 

(e) The Group Companies keep books, records and accounts which accurately and fairly reflect its transactions, assets and liabilities.

 

3.06 Financial Statements and Other Financial Matters; No Undisclosed Liabilities.

 

(a) Set forth in Schedule 3.06 of the Parent Disclosure Letter are the following financial statements (the “Parent Financial Statements”):

 

(i) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of each of the Group Companies as of December 31, 2023 and the related unaudited consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the six-month period then ended (such statements of operations collectively, the “Latest Statement of Operations”); and

 

A-16

 

(ii) the audited, consolidated balance sheets of the Group Companies as of June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in deficit and cash flows for the years ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023 (and which include the notes thereto and the report of Parent’s independent auditor).

 

(b) The Parent Financial Statements are true and correct in all material respects and (i) were prepared based upon the books and records of the Group Companies as of the times and for the periods referred to therein, (ii) were prepared in accordance with the applicable accounting standards of the Group Companies, consistently applied throughout and among the periods involved (except that the unaudited statements exclude the footnote disclosures and other presentation items required under its applicable accounting standards and exclude year-end adjustments which shall not be material in amount), and (iii) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Group Companies as of the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of the operations and cash flows of the Group Companies for the periods indicated, except as otherwise noted therein and subject to recurring adjustments normally made at year-end, including accounting for the Company’s preferred stock, warrants, and share-based awards.

 

(c) Since the Latest Balance Sheet Date, none of the Group Companies has incurred any obligation or liability of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) of the type required to be reflected on a consolidated balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with Parent’s past practices, other than any such liabilities or obligations (i) incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business since the Latest Balance Sheet Date, (ii) that are described in Schedule 3.06 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, (iii) incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) for performance of obligations of any Group Company under the Material Contracts, (v) otherwise disclosed in the Parent Financial Statements, this Agreement or the Parent Disclosure Letter or (vi) that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(d) Except as set forth in the Parent Financial Statements, no Group Company is subject to any liabilities or obligations (whether or not required to be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP), including any off-balance sheet obligations or any “variable interest entities” (within the meaning Accounting Standards Codification 810), except for those that are either (i) adequately reflected or reserved on or provided for in the consolidated balance sheet of the Parent as of the balance sheet date contained in the Parent Financial Statements or (ii) not material and that were incurred after the balance sheet date in the Ordinary Course of Business consistent with past practice.

 

(e) The Parent has in place disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to reasonably ensure that material information relating to the Group Companies (including any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal controls of the Group Companies) is made known to the management of the Parent by others within any of the Group Companies and are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting financial data. The Parent maintains and shall continue to maintain a standard system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP. The Parent has designed and maintains a system of internal controls over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act, sufficient to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Each Group Company maintains books and records reflecting its assets and liabilities and maintains proper and adequate internal accounting controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that (i) such Group Company does not maintain any off-the-book accounts and that such Group Company’s assets are used only in accordance with such Group Company’s management directives, (ii) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s authorization, (iii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements of such Group Company in accordance with GAAP and to maintain accountability for such Group Company’s assets, (iv) access to such Group Company’s assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s authorization, and (v) adequate procedures are implemented to effect the collection of accounts, notes and other receivables on a timely basis. All of the financial books and records of the Group Companies are complete and accurate in all material respects and have been maintained in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and in accordance with applicable Laws. No Group Company has been subject to or involved in any material fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal controls over financial reporting of any Group Company. For the past three (3) years, no Group Company or its Representatives has received any written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of any Group Company or its internal accounting controls, including any material written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that any Group Company has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices.

 

A-17

 

(f) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.06(f) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, none of the Group Companies nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, an independent auditor of the Group Companies has identified or been made aware of (i) any significant deficiency or material weakness in the system of internal accounting controls utilized by the Group Companies, (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Group Companies’ management or other employees who have a role in the preparation of financial statements or the internal accounting controls utilized by the Company, or (iii) to the Knowledge of the Company, any claim or allegation regarding any of the foregoing.

 

3.07 Absence of Certain Changes. During the period from the Latest Balance Sheet Date to the date hereof, each Group Company has conducted its business in the ordinary course substantially consistent with past practices and:

 

(a) there has not been a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(b) none of the Group Companies has declared, set aside or paid any dividend or other distribution or payment in respect of its securities other than intercompany distributions;

 

(c) none of the Group Companies has sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed, leased or otherwise disposed of any material portion of its assets or incurred any Indebtedness, except in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(d) none of the Group Companies has made any loans, advances, or capital contributions to, or investments in, any Person other than another Group Company;

 

(e) none of the Group Companies has (i) increased the base salary or base wages payable to any of its officers or employees other than increases made in the Ordinary Course of Business, (ii) increased severance obligations payable to any of its officers or employees or (iii) made or committed to make any bonus payment to any of its employees or agents other than payments or arrangements in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(f) none of the Group Companies has acquired by merger, consolidation or otherwise any business of any Person or division thereof;

 

(g) there has not been any casualty event that has resulted in or is reasonably likely to result in a loss in excess of $500,000, whether or not covered by insurance;

 

(h) there has not been any material change by any of the Group Companies in accounting or Tax reporting principles, methods or policies;

 

(i) none of the Group Companies has made or rescinded any material election relating to Taxes, settled or compromised any material Claim relating to Taxes, or amended any material Tax Return;

 

(j) none of the Group Companies has settled any material Legal Proceedings; and

 

(k) none of the Group Companies has agreed or committed, whether orally or in writing, to do any of the foregoing.

 

A-18

 

3.08 Real Property; Tangible Property.

 

(a) Schedule 3.08(a) of the Parent Disclosure Letter sets forth the address and legal description of each parcel of Owned Real Property and the applicable Group Companies that is the owner thereof. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.08(a) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, Parent or one of its Subsidiaries has good, valid and marketable title to all Owned Real Property free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has leased or otherwise granted to any Person the right to use or occupy such Owned Real Property or any portion thereof. To the Knowledge of Parent, there are no facts, circumstances, or conditions that are reasonably likely to result in any Liens, except Permitted Liens, against, any possession or occupancy of, or claims to a right or interest in, any of the Owned Real Property. There are no Actions, rights of first refusal or options to acquire, lease, sell or dispose of any Owned Real Property or any portion thereof. Except as otherwise disclosed in Schedule 3.08(a) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, Parent or one of its Subsidiaries has exclusive possession of each Owned Real Property.

 

(b) Schedule 3.08(b) of the Parent Disclosure Letter lists all real property in which any of the Group Companies owns a leasehold interest as of the date hereof that are material to the operations of Parent (the “Leased Real Property”) and a complete list of the Real Property Leases applicable thereto. A true and complete copy of each of the written Real Property Leases, as in effect as of the date hereof, has been delivered to Parent and none of the written Real Property Leases has been modified in any respect, except to the extent that such modifications are disclosed by the copies delivered to Parent. The title in and to the leasehold interests in the Leased Real Property of each of the Group Companies is free and clear of Liens, except for Permitted Liens. Each of the Real Property Leases is in full force and effect and the Group Companies hold valid and existing leasehold interests thereunder as of the date hereof and enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession of all Leased Real Property. Other than assignments or security interests that have been or shall be terminated and released on or prior to the Closing Date, no Group Company has previously assigned its interest or granted any other security interest in any of the Real Property Leases. None of the Group Companies nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto, is in material breach of or default under, and no event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a breach of or default under, any of the leases for the Leased Real Property, and no party to any Leased Real Property has given any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral, claim or notice of any such material breach, default or event, which individually or in the aggregate, would be reasonably likely to be material to the Group Companies, taken as a whole. No Leased Real Property, or any portion thereof, is currently leased, sublet or sublicensed by any Group Company to a third party. No condemnation proceeding is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing with respect to any Leased Real Property, which individually or in the aggregate, would be reasonably likely to be material to the Group Companies, taken as a whole.

 

(c) The Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property constitute all of the material real property used as of the date hereof in the conduct of the business as conducted by the Group Companies as of the date hereof.

 

(d) The Group Companies own and have good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in or right to use, all of its material tangible assets or personal property, free and clear of all Liens other than: (i) Permitted Liens; and (ii) the rights of lessors under any leases. The material tangible assets or personal property of the Group Companies: (A) constitute all of the assets, rights and properties (other than the Intellectual Property of the Group Companies) that are necessary for the operation of the businesses of the Group Companies as they are now conducted, and taken together, are adequate and sufficient for the operation of the businesses of the Group Companies as currently conducted; and (B) have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with generally applicable accepted industry practice, are in good working order and condition, except for ordinary wear and tear and as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the business of the Group Companies, taken as a whole.

 

3.09 Tax Matters. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.09 of the Parent Disclosure Letters:

 

(a) each of the Group Companies has timely filed (taking into account all applicable extensions) all Tax Returns in all jurisdictions in which Tax Returns are required to be filed by it and all such Tax Returns are true, correct, and complete in all respects;

 

A-19

 

(b) all Taxes of the Group Companies (whether or not shown on any Tax Returns) that are due have been fully and timely paid;

 

(c) each of the Group Companies has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, creditor, shareholder, independent contractor or other third party;

 

(d) there are no Liens for Taxes (except Taxes not yet due and payable) on any of the assets of the Group Companies;

 

(e) there are no pending or threatened in writing disputes, claims, audits, examinations or other proceedings regarding any Taxes of the Group Companies or the assets of the Group Companies;

 

(f) no deficiency with respect to an amount of Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed against the Group Companies;

 

(g) no Group Company has any outstanding waivers or extensions of any applicable statute of limitations to assess any material amount of Taxes and there are no outstanding requests by a Group Company for any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return or within which to pay any Taxes shown to be due on any Tax Return outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(h) there are no Tax indemnification agreements or Tax sharing agreements under which any Group Company could be liable after the Closing Date for any material Tax liability of any Person other than one or more of the Group Companies, except for customary agreements or arrangements entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business with customers, vendors, lessors, lenders and the like or other agreements, in each case, that do not relate primarily to Taxes;

 

(i) none of the Group Companies have constituted either a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” in a distribution of stock qualifying for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code in the past two years; and

 

(j) no Group Company: (i) has any material liability for the Taxes of another Person (other than any Group Company) pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax law) or as a transferee or a successor; nor (ii) in the last two (2) years has been a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group filing for U.S. federal, state or local income Tax purposes, other than a group the common parent of which was and is the Parent (or another Group Company).

 

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the representations and warranties in Section 1.09, this Section 3.09 and Section 3.14 are the only representations and warranties in this Agreement with respect to the Tax matters of the Group Companies and no representation or warranty is given under this Agreement with respect to any taxable period (or part thereof) that begins after the Closing Date.

 

3.10 Contracts.

 

(a) Schedule 3.10 of the Parent Disclosure Letter sets forth a true, correct and complete list of each Material Contract (as defined below) of the Group Companies that is in effect as of the date of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement: “Material Contract” shall mean each of the following contracts to which any of the Group Companies is a party or bound as of the date hereof, other than those that have expired or terminated or have been fully performed in accordance with their terms or that have no material, continuing rights or obligations thereunder, in each case as amended to date:

 

(i) each lease or agreement under which the Parent is lessee of, or holds or operates any personal property owned by any other party, for which the annual rental exceeds $200,000 (excluding the Real Property Leases);

 

A-20

 

(ii) each contract (other than those entered into by the Group Companies in the Ordinary Course of Business and contracts that can be terminated on not more than 90 days’ notice) that involves future payments, performance or services to or by any of the Group Companies of any amount or value reasonably expected to exceed $500,000 in the 2024 calendar year or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;

 

(iii) each contract by which any Intellectual Property is licensed to or licensed from any of the Group Companies and that involves annual individual license or maintenance fees in excess of $200,000, other than pursuant to licenses to a Group Company with respect to off-the-shelf or other unmodified commercially available software, including software licensed under “click-wrap” or “shrink-wrap” agreements;

 

(iv) each material joint venture, profit-sharing, partnership, limited liability company or other similar agreement relating to the formation, operation, management or control of any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement or licensing arrangement with a third party involving the sharing of profits of any of the Group Companies with such third party;

 

(v) each contract that prohibits any Group Company from competing in the business of the Group Companies as conducted as of the date hereof or in any geographic area or that restricts any Group Company’s ability to solicit or hire any person as an employee;

 

(vi) each contract with any director, officer, employee or equity holder of any Group Company (other than contracts relating to any person’s employment with a Group Company);

 

(vii) each contract under which any Group Company has made advances or loans to another Person, other than to another Group Company or with respect to employee advances for business expenses in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(viii) each contract relating to the incurrence, assumption or guarantee by any Group Company of any Indebtedness under which the principal amount outstanding thereunder payable by any Group Company is greater than $200,000, other than contracts solely between or among the Group Companies;

 

(ix) each contract with any labor union or collective bargaining association representing any employee of a Group Company;

 

(x) each contract for any merger, consolidation or business combination with another Person or the acquisition or sale of any Group Company or another entity or any material assets of a Group Company other than in the Ordinary Course of Business or for the grant to any Person of any preferential purchase rights to purchase any of its material assets;

 

(xi) each contract evidencing an outstanding obligation to make payments, contingent or otherwise, arising out of the prior acquisition of the business, assets or stock of other Persons;

 

(xii) involves payment by the Group Companies in excess of $200,000 and is with any of the top five (5) suppliers of the Group Companies ranked by dollar volume of payment by the Group Companies;

 

(xiii) relates to a settlement of any Legal Proceeding for an amount greater than $200,000 entered into within three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement or under which any Group Company has outstanding obligations (other than customary confidentiality or non-disparagement obligations);

 

(xiv) in the Parent’s determination shall be required to be filed with the Form F-4 under applicable SEC requirements pursuant to Items 601(b)(1), (2), (4), (9) or (10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act if the Parent was the registrant; or

 

A-21

 

(xv) provides another Person (other than another Group Company) with a power of attorney other than in the Ordinary Course of Business.

 

(b) With respect to each Material Contract, as of the date hereof (i) such Material Contract is the legal and valid obligation of the Group Company party thereto, and, to the Knowledge of Parent, of each other party thereto, enforceable against each of the Group Companies and, to the Knowledge of Parent, each other party thereto, in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other legal requirements relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought at law or in equity), (ii) no Group Company has given a written notice of its intent to terminate, materially modify, materially amend or otherwise materially alter the terms and conditions of any Material Contract or has received any written claim of default under any Material Contract, other than defaults that have been cured or waived in writing or would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) neither any Group Company thereto nor, to Parent’s Knowledge, any other party to any Material Contract is in material breach of or in material default under any Material Contract.

 

3.11 Intellectual Property and Data Security.

 

(a) Schedule 3.11(a) of the Parent Disclosure Letter sets forth: as of the date hereof, (i) all Group Company Registered Intellectual Property, specifying as to each item, as applicable: (A) the title of the item, (B) the owner of the item, (C) the jurisdictions in which the item is issued or registered or in which an application for issuance or registration has been filed and (D) the issuance, registration or application numbers and dates (if applicable). Schedule 3.11(a) of the Parent Disclosure Letter sets forth all Intellectual Property licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions that are material to the Group Companies’ main businesses as currently conducted (“Group Company IP Licenses”) (other than (i) “shrink wrap,” “click wrap,” and “off the shelf” software agreements and other agreements for Software commercially available to the public generally (collectively, “Off-the-Shelf Software”) and (ii) licenses, sublicenses and other agreements for any Group Company to use Intellectual Property owned by any third party specified in commercial agreements entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business of the Group Companies), under which a Group Company is a licensee or otherwise is authorized to use or practice any material Intellectual Property. Each item of Registered Intellectual Property that is (i) necessary and material for the Group Company’s material business or operations as conducted as of the Closing (the “Group Company Business”) and (ii) owned by any Group Company (“Group Company Registered Intellectual Property”) is subsisting. Each Group Company owns, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens) all Group Company Registered Intellectual Property, and where applicable, all assignments have been duly recorded with any governmental agencies or other Intellectual Property offices reflecting the correct ownership of such Group Company Registered Intellectual Property in the applicable Group Company name(s). Each Group Company has a valid and enforceable license to use all material Intellectual Property that is the subject of the Group Company IP Licenses applicable to such Group Company. To the Knowledge of the Parent, the Group Company IP Licenses include all of the licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions for material Intellectual Property necessary to operate the Group Companies as presently conducted. Each Group Company has performed all material obligations imposed on it in the applicable Group Company IP Licenses, and such Group Company is not in material breach or material default thereunder in any material respect by any Group Company thereunder.

 

(b) As of the date hereof, no Group Company is currently infringing, or has, in the past five (5) years received any written notice that the conduct of the Group Company Business violates or infringes any Intellectual Property rights of any other Person, nor, to the Knowledge of Parent, does the conduct of Group Company Business violate or infringe any valid and enforceable Registered Intellectual Property of any other Person. To the Knowledge of Parent, no third party is infringing, in any material respect, any of the Group Company Registered Intellectual Property. No Legal Proceeding is pending, and, to the Parent’s Knowledge, no Legal Proceeding is threatened against a Group Company that challenges the validity, enforceability, ownership, or right to use, sell, license or sublicense any material Intellectual Property currently owned, licensed, used or held for use by the Group Companies for the Group Company Business. There are no Orders to which any Group Company is a party, or is otherwise materially affected thereby, that restrict the rights of a Group Company to use, transfer, license or enforce any material Intellectual Property owned by a Group Company or restrict the conduct of the Group Company Business in any material respects.

 

A-22

 

(c) Each of the employees, consultants or contractors of the Group Companies who have contributed to or participated in the discovery, creation or development of any material Group Company Registered Intellectual Property (“Personnel”) (i) has assigned to Parent, or is under a valid obligation to assign to the Group Companies by contract or otherwise, all right, title and interest in such Intellectual Property, or (ii) is a party to a valid “work for hire” agreement under which the Group Companies are deemed to be the original author/owner of all subject matter included in such Group Company Registered Intellectual Property; or (iii) to the extent the Personnel do not have the ability to take any of the actions described in the foregoing clauses (i) or (ii), has granted to the Group Companies a license or other legally enforceable right granting the Group Companies to use such Group Company Registered Intellectual Property.

 

(d) The Group Companies have taken commercially reasonable measures to maintain and protect the secrecy, confidentiality and value of the Trade Secrets of Group Company Business. To the Knowledge of the Parent, no unauthorized disclosure of any such Trade Secret has been made as of the date hereof. The Group Companies have taken commercially reasonable efforts to maintain, protect and enforce the Intellectual Property owned or licensed by them.

 

(e) Subject to any necessary notices and consents, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall not result in the forfeiture, cancellation, termination or other material impairment of, or give rise to any right of any Person to cancel, terminate or otherwise impair the right of the Group Companies to own or use or otherwise exercise any other rights that the Group Companies currently have with respect to any Intellectual Property that is, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Group Companies.

 

(f) The Group Company Registered Intellectual Property is sufficient for the Group Companies to carry on the business in all material respects from and after the Effective Date as presently carried on by the Group Companies, consistent with past practice. After the Effective time, the Group Companies shall continue to have the right to use all Group Company IP Licenses on identical terms and conditions as the Group Companies enjoyed immediately prior to the Closing. To the Knowledge of the Parent, no funding, facilities, material, information, Intellectual Property or personnel of a university, college, other educational institution or research center or Governmental Entity were used, directly or indirectly, in the development or commercialization, in whole or in part, of any Group Company Registered Intellectual Property and no such entity has any right, title or interest in or to any Group Company Registered Intellectual Property.

 

(g) To the Knowledge of the Parent, each of the Group Companies, and any Processor, to the extent that such Processor was Processing Personal Information on behalf of any Group Company, has at all times during the past two (2) years materially complied with: (i) all applicable Privacy Laws; and (ii) all of the Group Companies’ obligations regarding Personal Information under any contracts; in each case other than any non-compliance that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of the Parent, none of the Group Companies has received in the two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement any written notice of any investigations or claims relating to, or been charged with, any violation of, any Privacy Laws, other than any such investigation, claims or charges that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of the Parent, each of the Group Companies has implemented and maintained commercially reasonable business continuity and security, including back-ups, disaster recovery and security plans, procedures and facilities, regarding the confidentiality, integrity and availability of Parent IT Systems and Personal Information, in its possession, custody, or under its control, including against loss, theft, misuse or unauthorized Processing, access, use, modification or disclosure. To the Knowledge of the Parent during the past two (2) years, (i) there have been no material breaches, security incidents, misuse of, or unauthorized Processing of, access to, or disclosure of, any Personal Information in the possession, custody, or control of any of the Group Companies, Processed by the Group Companies (each, a “Personal Information Breach”); (ii) none of the Group Companies have experienced any material information security incident that has materially compromised the integrity or availability of the Parent IT Systems or the data thereon; and (iii) none of the Group Companies have provided or been legally required to provide any notices to any Person in connection with any Personal Information Breach; in each case, other than any Personal Information Breaches that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

A-23

 

3.12 Legal Proceedings; Orders. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, there are no Legal Proceedings pending and, to the Knowledge of Parent, there are no Legal Proceeding threatened orally or in writing, against any of the Group Companies or any of its officers or directors, other than any such Legal Proceeding that does not involve an amount in controversy in excess of $100,000 and does not seek material injunctive or other material non-monetary relief. There is no Order outstanding as of the date hereof (whether rendered by a Governmental Entity or by arbitration) against any Group Company or by which any Group Company is bound that involves an unsatisfied monetary obligation in excess of $100,000 or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of Parent, there are (a) no facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to give rise to any material Legal Proceeding, (b) no pending or threatened in writing Legal Proceedings by any of the Group Companies against any third party; and (c) no settlement or similar agreement that imposes any material ongoing obligations or restrictions on any of the Group Companies.

 

3.13 Consents. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.13 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, no additional approval, consent, waiver or authorization of, no Order or filing with, and no notice to, any Governmental Entity or Real Property Lease is or shall be required to be obtained or made by or on behalf of any Group Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the Merger, except (a) for the registration of the Merger Documents (including the Plan of Merger) by the Cayman Registrar and (b) as would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.14 Employee Benefits.

 

(a) Set forth on Schedule 3.14 of the Parent Disclosure Letter is a true and complete list of China Social Insurance Benefits that each Group Company maintains and makes required contributions to for the full-time employees of the Group Companies. No Group Company is subject to ERISA and for the purposes of ERISA, China Social Insurance Benefits may be deemed to be a Foreign Plan. Other than the China Social Insurance Benefits on Schedule 3.14 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, no Group Company has within the past ten (10) years maintained or contributed to (or had an obligation to contribute to) any Parent Employee Benefit Plan.

 

(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, with respect to such China Social Insurance Benefits: (i) such China Social Insurance Benefits have been administered and enforced in all material respects in accordance with its terms and the requirements of all applicable Laws, and has been maintained, where required, in good standing in all material respects with applicable regulatory authorities and Governmental Authorities; (ii) no breach of fiduciary duty that would result in material Liability to any Group Company has occurred; (iii) no action that would result in a material Liability to any Group Company is pending, or to the Parent’s Knowledge, threatened (other than routine claims for benefits arising in the ordinary course of administration); and (iv) all required contributions with respect to such China Social Insurance Benefits have been timely made. The Group Companies are, and have since their respective incorporation been, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws regarding the China Social Insurance Benefits.

 

(c) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Transaction Agreements will not: (i) entitle any individual to severance pay, unemployment compensation or other benefits or compensation under any applicable Law; or (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or increase the amount of any compensation due, or in respect of, any director, employee or independent contractor of a Group Company.

 

3.15 Insurance. The Group Companies have in full force and effect all material policies or binders of property, fire and casualty, product liability, cyber security, workers’ compensation, and other forms of insurance held by, or for the benefit of, the Group Companies as of the date of this Agreement. With respect to each insurance policy all policies of insurance maintained by, or for the benefit of, each Group Company as of the date hereof, no Group Company or, to the Knowledge of Parent, insurer, is in material breach or material default (including with respect to the payment of premiums or the giving of notices), under such policy and all premiums on such insurance policies due and payable as of the date hereof have been paid. All such policies as set forth in Schedule 3.15 of the Parent Disclosure Letter and are in full force and effect and no written notice of early cancellation or early termination has been received by any Group Company as of the date hereof with respect to any such policy and the policy limits have not been exhausted. All claims, occurrences, litigation and circumstances that could reasonably expected by any Group Company lead to a claim what would be covered by insurance policies have been properly reported to the applicable insurer in a timely fashion, except where the failure to report such a claim, occurrence, litigation or circumstance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There is no pending material claim by any Group Company against any insurance carrier for which coverage has been denied or disputed by the applicable insurance carrier (other than a customary reservation of rights notice), which individually or in the aggregate, would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

A-24

 

3.16 Legal Requirements and Permits.

 

(a) Each of the Group Companies has during the past three (3) years complied in all material respects with, and is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Legal Requirements. No written, or to the Knowledge of the Parent, oral notice of material non-compliance with any applicable Legal Requirements has been received during the past two (2) years by any of the Group Companies. To the Knowledge of Parent, as of the date hereof no Group Company is under investigation by any Governmental Entity with respect to any alleged material violation of any applicable legal requirements.

 

(b) Except for such failures or non-compliance as would not reasonably be expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Group Companies have been granted all licenses, permits, consents, approvals, franchises and other authorizations required to be obtained under any Legal Requirement (each a “Permit”) necessary for and material to the conduct of the business taken as a whole (collectively, the “Material Permits”), (ii) the Material Permits are valid and in full force and effect and each Group Company is in compliance with all of its Material Permits in all material respects and (iii) as of the date hereof there is no lawsuit or similar proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of Parent, threatened, to revoke, suspend, withdraw or terminate any Material Permit. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.16 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, no Legal Proceeding is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, to suspend, revoke, withdraw, modify or limit any such Permit, except where the failure to have such Permits would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.17 Environmental Matters.

 

(a) Each of the Group Companies is in compliance with all Environmental Laws, which compliance includes the possession by the Group Companies of all Permits, licenses, consents, approvals and other governmental authorizations required under Environmental Laws except as would not result in a Material Adverse Effect. Schedule 3.17(a) of the Parent Disclosure Letter sets forth each license or certificate held by the Group Companies required under applicable Environment Laws.

 

(b) (i) There is no Environmental Claim pending as of the date hereof or, to the Knowledge of the Parent, threatened against any of the Group Companies that has not been fully resolved and (ii) to the Knowledge of Parent, there has been no release of any Hazardous Materials at any Leased Real Property that would reasonably be expected to result in any material liability against the Group Companies, including any cleanup liability, under Environmental Laws and no handling, storage or generation of wastes containing Hazardous Materials by the Group Companies against the Group Companies under Environmental Laws, except, in each case, as would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c) No Group Company is subject to any Order issued specifically with respect to the Group Companies or the Leased Real Property that has not been fully resolved relating to compliance with, or the Release or cleanup of Hazardous Materials under, any Environmental Laws.

 

3.18 Relationships with Related Persons. Other than those disclosed in Schedule 3.18 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, the Group Companies are not parties to any contracts with any Affiliate, shareholder, employee, member, manager, officer or director of any Group Company other than contracts governing an individual’s provision of services to the Group Companies and employee benefits and contracts between Group Companies. No Group Company has loaned or advanced any amounts that remain outstanding to or received any loans or advancement of any amounts from, any Affiliate, shareholder, employee, member, manager, officer or director of any Group Company, other than in the Ordinary Course of Business or intercompany loans between Group Companies, and no Group Company has borrowed funds from any of the foregoing that remains outstanding other than intercompany loans between Group Companies. No Affiliate, shareholder, employee, member, manager, officer or director of a Group Company (other than another Group Company) (a) owns any material property right, tangible or intangible, which is used by a Group Company in the conduct of its business or (b) owns, directly or, to the Knowledge of Parent, indirectly, any Person that is a material customer, supplier, competitor or lessor of any Group Company. As of the date hereof there is no pending or, to the Knowledge of Parent, threatened charge, complaint, arbitration, audit, investigation or other action brought by or on behalf of, or otherwise involving, any current or former employee, any person alleged to be a current or former employee, any applicant for employment, or any class of the foregoing, or any Governmental Entity, that involves the labor or employment relations and practices of any Group Company that would reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

A-25

 

3.19 Employees; Employment Matters and Independent Contractors.

 

(a) As of the date hereof, neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is or ever has been a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, nor have any of them experienced any strikes, grievances, claims of unfair labor practices or other collective bargaining disputes. There has been no organizational effort made or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened, either currently or since the date of organization of the Parent, by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to the service providers of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each of Parent and Merger Sub is in compliance with all applicable Laws respecting labor, employment, fair employment practices (including equal employment opportunity laws), terms and conditions of employment, classification of employees, workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, immigration, affirmative action, employee and data privacy, plant closings, and wages and hours, (ii) all payments due from Parent or Merger Sub on account of wages have been paid or properly accrued as a liability on the books of Parent; and (iii) no Group Company is liable for any material payment to any Governmental Entity with respect to unemployment compensation benefits, social security or other benefits or obligations for employees, independent contractors or consultants (other than routine payments to be made in the Ordinary Course of Business and consistent with past practice).

 

(b) No current officer of a Group Company has provided any Group Company written notice of his or her plan to terminate his or her employment with such Group Company. Additionally, none of the ten-highest paid employees or officers of a Group Company has, to the Knowledge of the Parent, given oral notice of his or her plan to terminate his or her employment with any Group Company.

 

(c) During the past two (2) years, to the Knowledge of the Parent, there have been no employment discrimination or employment or sexual harassment or sexual misconduct allegations raised, brought, threatened, or settled, in each case in writing, relating to any current or former appointed officer or director or employee at the level of vice president or above of any Group Company involving or relating to his or her services provided to any Group Company. During the past two (2) years, none of the Group Companies has entered into any material settlement agreements resolving, in whole or in part, allegations of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct by any current or former appointed officer or director or employee at the level of vice president or above. There are no pending, or to the Parent’s Knowledge, threatened or reasonably anticipated, claims or actions against the Group Companies by any employee in connection with such employee’s employment or termination of employment by the Group Companies.

 

(d) Schedule 3.19(d) of the Parent Disclosure Letter contains a list of all independent contractors (including consultants) currently engaged by any Group Company and its agreement relating to their engagement. All of such independent contractors are a party to a written contract with a Group Company. For the purposes of applicable Law, including the Code, all independent contractors who are currently, or within the last six (6) years have been, engaged by a Group Company are bona fide independent contractors and not employees of a Group Company. For the purpose of this section, “independent contracts” means the individuals who are currently engaged by any Group Company to provide services and who are not full-time employees of any Group Company.

 

(e) Each employee and consultant of the Group Companies is terminable “at will” subject to applicable notice periods as set forth by law or in the employment agreement, but in any event not more than ninety (90) days, and there are no agreements or understandings between any Group Company and any of its employees or consultants that their employment or services shall be for any particular period. The Group Companies are in compliance in all material respects and, to the Parent’s Knowledge, each of its employees and consultants is in compliance in all material respects, with the terms of the respective employment and consulting agreements between the Group Companies and such individuals. The Group Companies’ obligations to provide statutory severance pay to its employees are fully funded or accrued on the most recent Parent Financial Statements and the Parent has no Knowledge of any circumstance that could give rise to any valid claim by a current or former employee for compensation on termination of employment (beyond the statutory severance pay to which employees are entitled).

 

A-26

 

3.20 Brokers’ Fees. Other than those disclosed in Schedule 3.20 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, no Group Company is liable for any investment banking fee, finder’s fee, brokerage payment or other like payment in connection with the origination, negotiation or consummation of the transactions contemplated herein that shall be the obligation of Parent or any of the other Group Companies (following the Closing).

 

3.21 Absence of Certain Payments. As of the date of this Agreement, to the Knowledge of the Parent, no employee of a Group Company has, and no agent or other Representative when acting on behalf of a Group Company has, in violation of Law (i) used any corporate funds for any contribution, gift, entertainment or other expense relating to political activity; (ii) made any direct or indirect payment to any foreign or domestic government official or employee from corporate funds; (iii) violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977; or (iv) made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other payment. No Group Company or, to the Knowledge of the Parent, any of their respective directors, officers acting on behalf of a Group Company, is currently (i) identified on the specially designated nationals or other blocked person list or otherwise currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”), the U.S. Department of State, or other applicable Governmental Entity; (ii) incorporated, organized, resident, or located in, or a national of a comprehensively sanctioned country (currently, the Balkans, Belarus, Burma, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe); or (iii) in the aggregate, fifty (50) percent or greater owned, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controlled, by a person identified in clause (i) or (ii); and no Group Company has, directly or, knowingly, indirectly, used any funds, or loaned, contributed or otherwise made available such funds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, in connection with any sales or operations in any country comprehensively sanctioned by OFAC (as specified in clause (ii) of this Section), or for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to, or otherwise in violation of, any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State in the last five (5) fiscal years.

 

3.22 Books and Records. All books and records of the Group Companies are accurate and are maintained in accordance with applicable Laws, in each case, in all material respects.

 

3.23 Vote Required. The approvals of a special resolution of Parent Shareholders as set forth on Schedule 3.23 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule are the only vote of any class or series of shares of Parent that is required to approve the Parent Proposals (the “Parent Required Vote”).

 

3.24 Company Investigations. Each of Parent and Merger Sub acknowledges that it and its Representatives have received access to such books and records, facilities, equipment, contracts and other assets of the Company which it and its Representatives have desired or requested to review, and that they and their Representatives have had full opportunity to meet with the management of the Company and to discuss the business and assets of the Company. Each of Parent and Merger Sub acknowledges and agrees that it has made its own inquiry and investigation into, and, based thereon, have formed an independent judgment concerning, the Company and their respective businesses and operations.

 

3.25 Takeover Statutes and Charter Provisions. The Parent’s board of directors has made commercially reasonable efforts to cause that the restrictions on a “business combination” contained under any Laws that would otherwise be applicable to the Parent and that are in effect as of the date of this Agreement are inapplicable to this Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, no “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control share acquisition” or other antitakeover statute or similar Law applies with respect to any of the Group Companies in connection with this Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no stockholder rights plan, “poison pill” or similar antitakeover agreement or plan in effect to which any of the Group Companies is subject, party or otherwise bound.

 

3.26 Powers of Attorney. None of the Group Companies have any general or special powers of attorney outstanding (whether as grantor or grantee thereof) or any obligation or liability (whether actual, accrued, accruing, contingent, or otherwise) as guarantor, surety, co-signer, endorser, co-maker, indemnitor or otherwise in respect of the obligation of any Person.

 

A-27

 

3.27 Board Approval. The Parent board of directors (including any required committee or subgroup of such board) has, as of the date of this Agreement, unanimously (a) declared the advisability of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (b) determined that the transactions contemplated hereby are in the best interests of the Parent Shareholders, and (c) subject to the effectiveness of the Form F-4 and receipt of the Regulatory Approvals, recommended that the Parent Shareholders approve, authorize and adopt this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions and vote in favor of the Parent Proposals.

 

NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY MADE BY THE PARENT AND THE MERGER SUB IN THIS ARTICLE III, NEITHER PARENT NOR MERGER SUB IS MAKING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY TO COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO PARENT, MERGER SUB, THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES OR ANOTHER PERSON OR THEIR RESPECTIVE BUSINESSES, OPERATIONS, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, CONDITION (FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE) OR PROSPECTS, THIS, NOTWITHSTANDING THE DELIVERY OR DISCLOSURE BY ANY PERSON TO COMPANY OF ANY DOCUMENTATION, FORECASTS, PROJECTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE FOREGOING. COMPANY MAY NOT RELY ON ANY SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTATION, FORECASTS, PROJECTIONS ORNOTHER INFORMATION AS A REPRESENTATION OF PARENT, MERGER SUB, THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES OR SHAREHOLDERS IN DETERMINING TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, NONE OF THE PARENT, MERGER SUB, THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SHAREHOLDERS SHALL HAVE, OR BE SUBJECT TO, ANY LIABILITY UNDER THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS TO COMPANY, ITS SHAREHOLDERS OR AFFILIATES RESULTING FROM THE DISTRIBUTION TO, OR USE BY, ANY OF THEM OF ANY SUCH DOCUMENTATION, FORECASTS, PROJECTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION FURNISHED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO ANY OF THEM OR THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING ANY INFORMATION, DOCUMENTS OR MATERIAL MADE AVAILABLE TO ANY OF THEM IN ANY DATA ROOM, MANAGEMENT PRESENTATIONS OR IN ANY OTHER FORM IN EXPECTATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF FRAUD. ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED BY THE PARENT AND THE MERGER SUB.

 

ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

 

4.01 Operations of the Company Prior to the Closing.

 

(a) From the date hereof until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement and the Closing Date, and except as contemplated by this Agreement or with the prior written approval of Parent (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Company shall (i) conduct its business, in all material respects, in the Ordinary Course of Business, (ii) comply with all applicable Laws, (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to keep available the services of their respective officers and employees and (iv) not take any of the following actions:

 

(i) take any action in violation or contravention of any of the Company’s Governing Documents, applicable Law or any applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq;

 

(ii) split, combine or reclassify the Company Shares;

 

(iii) except pursuant to promissory notes issued for working capital purposes (the “Working Capital Loans”) or in connection with any extension of the time period within which the Company must complete its initial business combination in accordance with its Governing Documents (the “Extension Loans”), authorize for issuance, issue, grant, sell, pledge, dispose of or propose to issue, grant, sell, pledge or dispose of any of its equity securities or any options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions or rights of any kind to acquire or sell any of its equity securities, or other security interests, including any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any of its equity securities or other security interests of any class and any other equity-based awards, or engage in any hedging transaction with a third Person with respect to such equity securities or other security interests;

 

A-28

 

(iv) make any redemption or purchase of its equity interests, except pursuant to the Offer or as otherwise required under its Governing Documents;

 

(v) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distributions in respect of, any of its equity securities;

 

(vi) effect any recapitalization, reclassification, equity split or like change in its capitalization;

 

(viii) make any amendment or modification to the Company Trust Agreement, except pursuant to the Offer or in connection with the Extension;

 

(ix) make or allow to be made any reduction or increase in the Company Trust Amount, other than as expressly permitted by the Company’s Governing Documents or the Company Trust Agreement;

 

(x) incur any indebtedness, expenses or any other financial obligations that shall become the obligations of the Surviving Company at or following the Effective Time or issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or rights to acquire any debt securities of the Company or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any Person for indebtedness, except for any Extension Loans, Working Capital Loans, or Company Transaction Costs;

 

(xi) intentionally omitted;

 

(xii) establish any Subsidiary or acquire any interest in any asset;

 

(xiii) prepare or file any Tax Return materially inconsistent with past practice or, on any such Tax Return, take any position, make any election, or adopt any method that is materially inconsistent with positions taken, elections made or methods used in preparing or filing similar Tax Returns in prior periods (including materially inconsistent positions, elections or methods that would have the effect of deferring income to periods ending after the Closing Date or accelerating deductions to periods ending on or before the Closing Date);

 

(xiv) settle or otherwise compromise any material Claim relating to Taxes, enter into any closing agreement or similar agreement relating to Taxes, otherwise settle any material dispute relating to Taxes, or request any ruling or similar guidance with respect to Taxes;

 

(xv) except in connection with an Extension, amend, waive or terminate, in whole or in part, any other material agreement to which the Company is a party;

 

(xvi) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;

 

(xvii) adopt any Company Employee Benefit Plan; or

 

(xviii) enter into any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing, or any action or omission that would result in any of the foregoing.

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.01, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict the Company from extending one or more times, in accordance with the Company’s Governing Documents, or by amendment to the Company’s Governing Documents, the deadline by which it must complete its initial business combination (each, an “Extension”), and no consent of any other Party shall be required in connection therewith.

 

A-29

 

(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give the Parent or Merger Sub, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the Company’s operations prior to the Closing.

 

4.02 Access to Books and Records. Subject to Section 4.01(a)(xi), from the date hereof until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement and the Closing Date, the Company shall provide Parent and its authorized Representatives reasonably acceptable to the Company (the “Parent’s Representatives”) with reasonable access during normal business hours, and upon reasonable notice, to the offices, properties, senior personnel, and all financial books and records (including Tax records) of the Company in order for Parent to have the opportunity to make such investigation as it shall reasonably desire in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that in exercising access rights under this Section 4.02, Parent and the Parent’s Representatives shall not be permitted to interfere unreasonably with the conduct of the business of the Company and such access shall be subject, at all times, to the terms and conditions of the Non-Disclosure Agreement signed by Parent and the Company and dated July 8, 2024. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no such access or examination shall be permitted to the extent that it would require the Company to disclose information subject to attorney-client privilege or attorney work-product privilege, conflict with any third-party confidentiality obligations to which the Company is bound, or violate any applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no access or examination provided pursuant to this Section 4.02 shall qualify or limit any representation or warranty set forth herein or the conditions to the Closing set forth in Section 7.03(a).

 

4.03 Company Confidentiality. Prior to the Closing, the Company shall not disclose any Confidential Information of Parent and Merger Sub, except to the Company’s (i) legal and financial advisors who are subject to a duty to maintain the confidentiality of any such information and (ii) employees and contractors who need to know such information for the evaluation, negotiation and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and have signed confidentiality agreements or are otherwise bound by confidentiality obligations at least as restrictive as those contained herein, provided that the Company shall remain responsible for each such person’s compliance with this Section 4.03. The Company shall not be in violation of this Section 4.03 with regard to any disclosure in response to a valid Order or other Legal Requirement, provided that the Company (i) gives Parent prompt written notice of such requirement prior to disclosure and provides reasonable assistance to Parent in efforts to obtain an order protecting such Confidential Information from public disclosure or (ii) if such notice is prohibited by law, uses reasonable efforts to seek to obtain confidential treatment for, and otherwise prevent disclosure of, such Confidential Information. The Company shall notify Parent in writing promptly upon any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information of Parent or Merger Sub of which it becomes aware. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the provisions of that certain Non-Disclosure Agreement signed by Parent and the Company and dated July 8, 2024 shall remain in full force effect and to the extent that any part of this Section 4.03 is in conflict with such Non-Disclosure Agreement, the provisions of this Section 4.03 shall control.

 

4.04 Efforts to Consummate. Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, from the date hereof until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement and the Closing Date, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the satisfaction, but not a waiver, of the closing conditions set forth in Section 7.01 and Section 7.03); provided, that such efforts shall not require agreeing to any obligations or accommodations (financial or otherwise) binding on the Company in the event the Closing does not occur. The Parties acknowledge and agree that nothing contained in this Section 4.04 shall limit, expand or otherwise modify in any way any efforts standard explicitly applicable to any of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement.

 

4.05 Exclusive Dealing. During the period from the date hereof through the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement, the Company shall not take any action to knowingly initiate, solicit or engage in discussions or negotiations with, or knowingly provide any information to, any Person (other than Parent and Merger Sub and their respective Representatives or as contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents) concerning any alternative business combination transaction involving the Company, including any purchase or sale of equity or assets of the Company by any other Person, any purchase or sale of equity or assets of any other Person by the Company, any merger, combination or recapitalization of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or any merger, combination or recapitalization of any other Person in a transaction to which the Company or any Subsidiary thereof is a party (each such transaction, a “Company Acquisition Transaction”); provided that this Section 4.05 shall not apply to the Company in connection with communications to its shareholders related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, cease and cause to be terminated any existing discussions, communications or negotiations with any Person (other than Parent and Merger Sub and their respective Representatives) conducted heretofore with respect to any Company Acquisition Transaction. In the event that any unsolicited inquiry is made by a potential party to a Company Acquisition Transaction, whether formal or informal, Company shall promptly notify Parent that such contact has occurred and provide the name of the Person who made such contact and if terms were proposed, what terms were so proposed.

 

A-30

 

4.06 Notification. From the date hereof until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement and the Closing Date, if the Company becomes aware of any fact or condition arising after the date hereof that constitutes a breach of any representation or warranty made by the Company in ARTICLE II or of any covenant, in each case that would cause the conditions set forth in Section 7.02(a) or Section 7.02(b), as applicable, not to be satisfied as of the Closing Date, the Company shall disclose in writing to Parent such breach.

 

ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB

 

5.01 Operations of Parent and Merger Sub Prior to Closing.

 

(a) From the date hereof until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement and the Closing Date, except (i) if the Company shall have consented (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) after notice has been provided by Parent or (ii) as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, Parent (A) shall conduct its business and the businesses of the other Group Companies in the Ordinary Course of Business and use commercially reasonable efforts to keep available the services of its and the other Group Companies’ officers and employees; and (B) shall and shall cause the Group Companies to, keep all insurance policies currently in effect, or policies that are substantially similar in all material aspects with the terms, conditions, retentions, and limits of liability under the insurance in effect as of the date hereof, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing or clause (A) or (B) of this Section 5.01, Parent may use available cash to repay up to $500,000 of any Indebtedness outstanding as of the date of this Agreement; and (C) shall not, and shall not permit any Group Company to:

 

(i) except for issuances of (A) replacement certificates for Parent Ordinary Shares, (B) new certificates for Parent Ordinary Shares in connection with a transfer of Parent Ordinary Shares by the holder thereof, (C) Additional Parent Ordinary Shares, (D) Parent ADSs upon the Closing of the Merger, or (E) securities in connection with a PIPE Investment, sell or deliver any of its or any of its Subsidiaries’ equity securities or issue or sell any securities convertible into, or options with respect to, or warrants to purchase or rights to subscribe for, any of its or any of its Subsidiaries’ equity securities;

 

(ii) effect any recapitalization, reclassification, equity split or like change in its capitalization;

 

(iii) except for any amendments necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, amend the Parent’s Governing Documents or any of its Subsidiaries’ organizational documents;

 

(iv) make any distribution of cash or property or otherwise declare or pay any dividend on, or make any payment on account of, the purchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement or other acquisition of, any of its common shares, as applicable, or make any other distribution in respect thereof, either directly or indirectly, whether in cash or property.

 

(v) (A) sell, assign or transfer any material portion of its tangible assets, except in the Ordinary Course of Business for (1) inventory assets and (2) non-inventory assets having an aggregate value of less than $200,000 and except for sales of obsolete assets or assets with de minimis or no book value; or (B) mortgage, encumber, pledge, or impose any Lien upon any of its assets, except for Permitted Liens or in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(vi) materially amend or voluntarily terminate any Material Contract or Real Property Leases other than in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(vii) make any capital investment in, or any advance or loan to, any other Person (other than among the Group Companies);

 

(viii) enter into any other transaction with any of its directors, officers or employees outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

A-31

 

(ix) cancel any material third-party indebtedness owed to any Group Company;

 

(x) make or change any material election in respect of Taxes or material method of accounting or accounting policies of any Group Company, in each case unless required by Law or GAAP;

 

(xi) file any Tax Return materially inconsistent with past practice or, on any such Tax Return, take any position, make any election, or adopt any method that is materially inconsistent with positions taken, elections made or methods used in preparing or filing similar Tax Returns in prior periods (including materially inconsistent positions, elections or methods that would have the effect of deferring income to periods ending after the Closing Date or accelerating deductions to periods ending on or before the Closing Date);

 

(xii) make any acquisition of a business or a division thereof, or consummate any merger or similar business combination or enter into any binding agreement for such an acquisition, merger or similar business combination with any Person (provided that (A) non-binding letters of interests shall not be considered a binding agreement solely due to binding provisions related to exclusivity, expenses, confidentiality, choice of law or other similar matters, and (B) licenses of intellectual property rights (whether exclusive or non-exclusive) shall not be deemed to be an acquisition, merger or similar business combination);

 

(xiii) incur any Indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or rights to acquire any debt securities of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any Person (other than a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent for Indebtedness) (except for (A) in connection with refinancing of existing Indebtedness on terms no less favorable to Parent than, and in an aggregate principal amount not in excess of, such existing Indebtedness, (B) borrowings under or permitted by Parent’s existing credit facilities set forth on Schedule 3.10(a)(viii) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, or (C) in connection with a PIPE Investment); or

 

(xiv) agree, whether orally or in writing, to do any of the foregoing, or agree, whether orally or in writing, to any action or omission that would result in any of the foregoing.

 

(b) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give the Company, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct Parent’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ operations prior to the Closing

 

5.02 Access to Books and Records. During the period from the date hereof through the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Parent shall provide the Company and its authorized Representatives reasonably acceptable to the Company (the “Company’s Representatives”) with reasonable access, during normal business hours, and upon reasonable notice, to the books and records (including Tax records) of the Group Companies all financial books and records (including Tax records) of the Group Companies in order for Company to have the opportunity to make such investigation as it shall reasonably desire in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that in exercising access rights under this Section 5.02 Company’s Representatives shall not be permitted to interfere unreasonably with the conduct of the business of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and such access shall be subject, at all times, to the terms and conditions of the Non-Disclosure Agreement signed by Parent and the Company and dated July 8, 2024. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no such access or examination shall be permitted to the extent that it would require the Parent to disclose information subject to attorney-client privilege or attorney work-product privilege, conflict with any third-party confidentiality obligations to which the Company is bound, or violate any applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no access or examination provided pursuant to this Section 5.02 shall qualify or limit any representation or warranty set forth herein or the conditions to the Closing set forth in Section 7.02(a).

 

A-32

 

5.03 Parent Confidentiality. Prior to the Closing, Parent shall not disclose any Confidential Information of the Company, except to Parent’s (i) legal and financial advisors who are subject to a duty to maintain the confidentiality of any such information and (ii) employees and contractors who need to know such information for the evaluation, negotiation and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and have signed confidentiality agreements or are otherwise bound by confidentiality obligations at least as restrictive as those contained herein; provided that Parent shall remain responsible for each such person’s compliance with this Section 5.03. Parent shall not be in violation of this Section 5.03 with regard to any disclosure in response to a valid Order or other Legal Requirement, provided that Parent (i) gives the Company prompt written notice of such requirement prior to disclosure and provides reasonable assistance to the Company in efforts to obtain an order protecting such Confidential Information from public disclosure or (ii) if such notice is prohibited by law, uses reasonable efforts to seek to obtain confidential treatment for, and otherwise prevent disclosure of, such Confidential Information. Parent shall notify the Company in writing promptly upon any unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information of the Company of which it becomes aware. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the provisions of that certain Non-Disclosure Agreement signed by Parent and the Company and dated July 8, 2024 shall remain in full force effect and to the extent that any part of this Section 5.03 is in conflict with such Non-Disclosure Agreement, the provisions of this Section 5.03 shall control.

 

5.04 Exclusive Dealing. During the period from the date hereof through the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement, none of Parent or Merger Sub shall take any action to knowingly initiate, solicit or engage in discussions or negotiations with, or knowingly provide any information to, any Person (other than the Company and the Company’s Representatives) concerning an initial public offering, recapitalization or refinancing of any member of the Group Companies (other than as contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents), any purchase of a majority of the outstanding Parent Ordinary Shares or any merger, sale of a majority of the assets of the Group Companies or similar transactions involving the Group Companies or their respective securities (other than assets sold in the Ordinary Course of Business and licenses (whether exclusive or non-exclusive) of the intellectual property rights of a third Person) (each such transaction, an “Alternative Transaction”); provided that this Section 5.04 shall not apply to Parent or Parent’s Representatives in connection with shareholder communications related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or the execution, delivery and performance thereof. Parent shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, cease and cause to be terminated (a) any existing discussions, communications or negotiations with any Person (other than the Company and the Company’s Representatives) conducted heretofore with respect to any Alternative Transaction and (b) any such Person’s and its authorized Representatives’ access to any electronic data room granted in connection with any acquisition transaction.

 

5.05 Notification. From the date hereof until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement and the Closing Date, if after the date hereof Parent has Knowledge of any fact or condition that constitutes a breach of any representation or warranty made in ARTICLE III or any covenant that would cause the conditions set forth in Section 7.03(a) or Section 7.03(b) as applicable, not to be satisfied as of the Closing Date, Parent shall disclose in writing to the Company such breach.

 

5.06 Efforts to Consummate. Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, from the date hereof until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Parent and Merger Sub shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the satisfaction, but not waiver, of the Closing conditions set forth in ARTICLE VII). The Parties acknowledge and agree that nothing contained in this Section 5.06 shall limit, expand or otherwise modify in any way any efforts standard explicitly applicable to any of Parent’s or Merger Sub’s respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

A-33

 

5.07 Establishment of ADR Facility.

 

(a) Parent shall cause a sponsored American depositary receipt (“ADR”) facility (the “ADR Facility”) to be established with a depositary bank (the “Depositary Bank”) for the purpose of issuing the Parent ADSs, including specifically and without limitation entering into a customary deposit agreement (the “Deposit Agreement”) with the Depositary Bank establishing the ADR Facility, to be effective as of the Effective Time, and filing with the SEC the Form F-6. Parent shall consider in good faith the comments of the Company on the Deposit Agreement, and the Deposit Agreement shall be subject to the approval of the Company, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. In any event, subject to the prior sentence and applicable Laws, the Deposit Agreement shall (A) provide (i) that each Parent ADS under the ADR Facility shall represent and be exchangeable for such number of Parent Ordinary Shares as shall be necessary, from time to time, to satisfy the Parent’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, (ii) for customary provisions for the voting by the Depositary Bank of such Parent Ordinary Shares as instructed by the holders of the Parent ADSs, (iii) for the issuance, at the request of a holder, of either certificated or uncertificated ADRs, (iv) subject to the limitations provided for in General Instruction I.A.1 of SEC Form F-6, that holders of Parent ADSs shall have the right at any time to exchange their Parent ADSs for the underlying Parent Ordinary Shares and (v) that the Parent Ordinary Shares deposited by Parent with the custodian for the ADR Facility shall be held by the custodian for the benefit of the Depositary Bank, (B) require the Depositary Bank to forward voting instructions and other shareholder communications (including notices, reports and proxy solicitation materials) to the registered holders of Parent ADSs promptly following its receipt of such materials, (C) include customary provisions for the distribution to holders of Parent ADSs of dividends, other distributions or the rights to participate in any rights offerings in each case received by the custodian from Parent, and (D) not permit (x) except as required by applicable Law, any amendment that prejudices any substantial right of Parent ADS holders without giving at least 30 days’ notice to the holders of the outstanding Parent ADSs, or (y) any termination by Parent or the Depositary Bank on less than 30 days’ written notice to Parent ADS holders. The material terms of the Deposit Agreement and the Parent ADSs shall be described in the Proxy Statement. At or prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Depositary Bank to issue a number of Parent ADSs sufficient to constitute the Merger Consideration.

 

5.08 Audited Financial Statements. As promptly as reasonably practicable following the date hereof, Parent shall deliver to the Company (i) by November 20, 2024, the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Group Companies as of June 30, 2024, 2023 and 2022 and consolidated statement of comprehensive income, statement of shareholders’ equity and convertible preferred shares and consolidated statements of cash flows of the Group Companies for each of the periods then ended, audited in accordance with the standards of the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) and containing an unqualified report of the Company’s auditors (the “Closing Company Audited Financial Statements”) and (ii) an unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Group Companies and consolidated statement of comprehensive income, statement of shareholders’ equity and convertible preferred shares and consolidated statements of cash flows of the Group Companies as of and for a year-to-date period ended as of the end of a different fiscal quarter that is required to be included in the Form F-4, Proxy Statement, and any other filings to be made by the Company or Parent with the SEC in connection with the Merger. All such financial statements, together with any unaudited consolidated balance sheet and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Group Companies as of and for a year-to-date period ended as of the end of a different fiscal quarter that is required to be included in the Form F-4, Proxy Statement, and any other filings to be made by the Company or Parent with the SEC in connection with the Merger, (A) shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), (B) shall fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Group Companies as of the date thereof and for the period indicated therein, except as otherwise specifically noted therein, and (C) shall, in the case of the Closing Company Audited Financial Statements, have been audited in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.

 

A-34

 

ARTICLE VI
ACTIONS PRIOR TO THE CLOSING

 

The Parties covenant and agree to take the following actions:

 

6.01 The Registration Statements and Proxy Statement.

 

(a) As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, (i) the Company shall prepare (with Parent’s reasonable cooperation) and cause to be furnished to the SEC a proxy statement to be sent or otherwise made available to the Company Shareholders relating to the Company Shareholders’ Meeting (together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Proxy Statement”); and (ii) Parent shall prepare (with the Company’s reasonable cooperation) and (A) cause to be filed with the SEC (x) the Registration Statement on Form F-4 (the “Form F-4”) relating to the registration of the offer and sale of Parent Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the Merger, in which the Proxy Statement shall be included, and (y) the Form 8-A (the “Form 8-A”) in connection with the registration under the Exchange Act of the Parent ADSs contemplated pursuant to the Merger and (B) cause the Depositary Bank to file with the SEC the Form F-6 (the “Form F-6”) relating to the registration under the Securities Act of the Parent ADSs contemplated pursuant to the Merger. Parent and the Company shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to have the Form F-4, the Form 8-A and the Form F-6 declared effective under the Securities Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such filing. Each of the Company and Parent shall furnish all information concerning such Person and its Affiliates to the other, and provide such other assistance, as may be reasonably requested in connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of the Form F-4, the Form 8-A, the Form F-6 and Proxy Statement, and the Form F-4, the Form 8-A, the Form F-6 and Proxy Statement shall include all information reasonably requested by such other Party to be included therein. Each of the Company and Parent shall promptly notify the other upon the receipt of any comments from the SEC or any request from the SEC for amendments or supplements to the Form F-4, the Form 8-A, the Form F-6 or Proxy Statement and shall provide the other with copies of all correspondence between it and its Representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC, on the other hand, with respect to the Form F-4, the Form 8-A, the Form F-6 or the Proxy Statement, as applicable. Each of the Company and Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to respond as soon as reasonably practicable to any comments from the SEC with respect to the Form F-4, the Form 8-A, the Form F-6 or Proxy Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to filing or causing to be filed the Form F-4, the Form 8-A, the Form F-6 or the Proxy Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto) to the SEC and making it available to the shareholders of the Company or responding to any comments of the SEC with respect thereto, each of the Company and Parent shall (A) provide the other an opportunity to review and comment on such document or response (including the proposed final version of such document or response) and (B) consider in good faith all comments reasonably proposed by the other. Each of the Company and Parent shall advise the other, promptly after receipt of notice thereof, of the time of effectiveness of the Form F-4, the Form 8-A and the Form F-6, the issuance of any stop order relating thereto or the suspension of the qualification of the Merger Consideration for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, and each of the Company and Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to have any such stop order or suspension lifted, reversed or otherwise terminated. Each of the Company and Parent shall also take any other action required to be taken under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any applicable non-U.S. or U.S. state securities or “blue sky” Laws in connection with the Merger and the issuance of the Merger Consideration. Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep the Form F-4, the Form 8-A and the Form F-6 effective as long as necessary to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(b) The Company, on the one hand, and Parent, on the other hand, covenant that none of the information supplied or to be supplied by Parent or the Company, as applicable, for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the Form F-4, the Form 8-A or the Form F-6 shall, at the time the such filing or any amendment or supplement thereto is declared effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; or (ii) the Proxy Statement shall, at the date it is first filed with the SEC in definitive form or mailed or otherwise made available to the Company’s shareholders or at the time of the Company Shareholders’ Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. The Form F-4, the Form 8-A and the Form F-6 shall comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, it being understood that no covenant is made by Parent or Merger Sub with respect to statements or omissions made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by the Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein. The Proxy Statement shall comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, it being understood that no covenant is made by the Company with respect to statements or omissions made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by Parent or Merger Sub for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.

 

A-35

 

(c) If prior to the Effective Time, any event occurs with respect to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or any change occurs with respect to other information supplied by Parent for inclusion in the Proxy Statement, the Form F-4, the Form 8-A or the Form F-6, in each case that is required to be described in an amendment of, or a supplement to, the Proxy Statement, the Form F-4, the Form 8-A or the Form F-6, then Parent shall promptly notify the Company of such event, and Parent and the Company shall cooperate in the prompt filing with the SEC of any necessary amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement, the Form F-4, the Form 8-A or the Form F-6 and, as required by applicable Law, in disseminating the information contained in such amendment or supplement to the Company’s shareholders.

 

(d) If prior to the Effective Time, any event occurs with respect to the Company or any of it is Subsidiaries, or any change occurs with respect to other information supplied by the Company for inclusion in the Proxy Statement, the Form F-4, the Form 8-A or the Form F-6, in each case that is required to be described in an amendment of, or a supplement to, the Proxy Statement, the Form F-4, the Form 8-A or the Form F-6, then the Company shall promptly notify Parent of such event, and the Company and Parent shall cooperate in the prompt filing with the SEC of any necessary amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement, the Form F-4, the Form 8-A or the Form F-6 and, as required by applicable Law, in disseminating the information contained in such amendment or supplement to the Company’s shareholders.

 

6.02 Regulatory Filings. The Parties shall make, or cause to be made, as promptly as practicable, all filings necessary to obtain all Regulatory Approvals. The Parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to: (a) respond to any requests for additional information made by any Governmental Entity; (b) provide the other Party with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any filing, submission, response to an information request or other (oral or written) communication to be submitted or made to any Governmental Entity and such receiving Party shall consider any such received comments in good faith; (c) advise the other Party (and, where applicable, provide a copy) of any written or oral communications that it receives from any Governmental Entity in respect of such filings (including in respect of any supplementary filings or submissions) and otherwise in connection with satisfying the Regulatory Approvals; and (d) provide the other Party with a reasonable opportunity to participate in any meetings with any Governmental Entity (subject to any opposition by a Governmental Entity to a particular party’s participation in such meeting) and participate in, or review, any material communication before it is made to any Governmental Entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Party has the right to redact or otherwise exclude a Party from receiving any confidential competitively sensitive information otherwise required to be shared under this Section 6.02, provided that such other Party’s external counsel shall be entitled to receive such confidential competitively sensitive information on an external counsel only basis. The Parties shall: (i) not agree to an extension of any waiting period or review being undertaken by a Governmental Entity without the other Party’s prior written consent; (ii) cause any applicable waiting periods to terminate or expire at the earliest possible date; and (iii) resist vigorously, at their respective cost and expense, any Order challenging the completion of the Merger or any temporary or permanent injunction which could delay or prevent the Closing, all to the end of expediting consummation of the Merger contemplated herein. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it is expressly understood and agreed that: (i) none of the Company, Parent or Merger Sub shall have any obligation to litigate or contest any administrative or judicial action or proceeding or any decree, judgment, injunction or other order, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent; and (ii) neither Parent nor Merger Sub shall be under any obligation to make proposals, execute or carry out agreements, enter into consent decrees or submit to orders providing for (A) the sale, divestiture or other disposition or holding separate (through the establishment of a trust or otherwise) of any assets or categories of assets of Parent or any of its Affiliates or the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (B) the imposition of any license or condition or the commitment to take any action (or to refrain from taking any action) that limits in any manner its freedom of action with respect to, or its ability to operate, any of the assets or businesses of Parent or the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries (any of (A) or (B) a “Regulatory Restraint”). The Company (x) shall not, in connection with obtaining regulatory approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, take or agree to take any action identified in clauses (i) or (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence without the prior written consent of Parent and (y) if so requested by Parent, shall use reasonable best efforts to effect any license, divestiture, disposition or holding separate of any of the Company’s assets or businesses necessary to obtain Regulatory Approvals; provided that any such action shall be conditioned on the consummation of the Merger and no such action shall be effective prior to the Closing.

 

A-36

 

6.03 Shareholder Vote; Recommendation of the Company Board. The Company, through the Company Board, shall recommend that the Company Shareholders vote in favor of adopting and approving this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and in the other Transaction Documents, including the Merger, and the Company shall include such recommendation in the Proxy Statement. Prior to the termination of this Agreement in accordance with ARTICLE IX, neither the Company Board nor any committee or agent or other Representative thereof shall (i) withdraw (or modify in any manner adverse to Parent), or propose to withdraw (or modify in any manner adverse to Parent), the Company Board’s recommendation in favor of the Merger, (ii) approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, any Company Acquisition Transaction, (iii) approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose to approve, recommend or declare advisable, or allow the Company to execute or enter into, any agreement related to a Company Acquisition Transaction, (iv) enter into any agreement, letter of intent, or agreement in principle requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or breach its obligations hereunder, (v) fail to recommend against any Company Acquisition Transaction, (vi) fail to re-affirm the aforementioned Company Board recommendation of the Merger at the written request of Parent within five (5) Business Days or (vii) resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing (the foregoing actions may be referred to herein as a “Change in Recommendation”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the board of directors of the Company may make a Change Recommendation prior to receipt of the Company Required Vote if it determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that a failure to make a Change in Recommendation would constitute a breach by the directors of their fiduciary duties under applicable Legal Requirements; provided, however, the board of directors of the Company shall not be entitled to make, or agree or resolve to make, a Change in Recommendation unless (1) the Company has provided at least five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice to Parent advising that the board of directors of the Company proposes to take such action and which notice contains the material facts underlying the board of directors’ determination to make, or agree or resolve to make, a Change in Recommendation (a “Change in Recommendation Notice”), (2) during such five (5) Business Day period following the Parent’s receipt of a Change in Recommendation Notice, the board of directors of the Company has engaged in good faith negotiations with the Parent and its Representatives (to the extent that the Parent desires to so negotiate) to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement so as to obviate the need for a Change in Recommendation and (3) following expiration of such five (5) Business Day period, the board of directors of the Company reaffirms in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that the failure to make a Change in Recommendation would constitute a breach by the directors of the Company of their fiduciary duties under applicable Legal Requirements.

 

6.04 Company Shareholders’ Meeting.

 

(a) The Company shall take all action necessary under applicable Law to, in consultation with Parent, establish a record date for, call, give notice of and hold a meeting of the holders of Company Shares to (i) provide the Company Shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Company Shares and (ii) consider and vote on the Merger and any other Transaction Proposals set forth in the Proxy Statement (such meeting, the “Company Shareholders’ Meeting”). The Company Shareholders’ Meeting shall be held as promptly as practicable, in accordance with applicable Law and the Company’s Governing Documents, after the Form F-4, is declared effective by the SEC. Parent and the Company shall use commercial reasonably efforts to hold the Company Shareholders Meeting and the Parent Shareholders’ Meeting on the same day. The Company shall take reasonable measures to ensure that all proxies solicited in connection with the Company Shareholders’ Meeting are solicited in compliance with all applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if on the date of the Company Shareholders’ Meeting, or a date preceding the date on which the Company Shareholders’ Meeting is scheduled, the Company reasonably believes that (i) such adjournment is required by applicable Legal Requirements, (ii) to ensure that any supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement that the board of directors of the Company has determined in good faith is required by applicable Legal Requirements is disclosed to Company Shareholders and for such supplement or amendment to be promptly disseminated to the Company Shareholders with sufficient time prior to the Company Shareholders’ Meeting; (iii) it shall not receive proxies sufficient to obtain the Company Required Vote, whether or not a quorum would be present or (iv) it shall not have sufficient Company Shares represented (whether in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of the Company Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company may adjourn, or make one or more successive adjournments of, the Company Shareholders’ Meeting as long as the date of the Company Shareholders’ Meeting is not adjourned more than an aggregate of 20 Clear Days in connection with any adjournments.

 

(b) the Company’s obligation to call, give notice of and hold the Company Shareholders’ Meeting in accordance with Section 6.04(a) shall not be limited or otherwise affected by any breach by the Company of Section 6.03.

 

A-37

 

6.05 Listing.

 

(a) From the date of this Agreement through the Closing,

 

(i) The Company shall use all reasonable efforts that are necessary or desirable for the Company to remain listed as a public company on, and for Company Shares to be tradable over, the applicable Nasdaq market(s);

 

(ii) Parent shall use all reasonable efforts that are necessary or desirable for Parent to apply for a new listing of Parent ADSs on, and for Parent ADSs to be tradeable over, the applicable Nasdaq market(s); and

 

(iii) Parent shall use all reasonable efforts that are necessary or desirable for it to remain listed on, and for the Parent Ordinary Shares to be tradable over, the KOSDAQ.

 

6.06 The Parent Circular.

 

(a) As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, (i) Parent shall prepare (with the Company’s reasonable cooperation) and send or otherwise made available to the Parent Shareholders a circular convening the Parent Shareholders’ Meeting (together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Circular”); and (ii) the Company shall furnish all information concerning it and its Affiliates to Parent, and provide such other assistance, as may be reasonably requested in connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of the Circular. Prior to sending the Circular (or any amendment or supplement thereto) to the Parent Shareholders, Parent shall (A) provide the Company an opportunity to review and comment on such document (including the proposed final version of such document) and (B) consider in good faith all comments reasonably proposed by the Company.

 

(b) The Company, on the one hand, and Parent, on the other hand, covenant that none of the information supplied or to be supplied by Parent or the Company, as applicable, for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Circular shall, at the date it is first mailed or otherwise made available to the Parent Shareholders or at the time of the Parent Shareholders’ Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. The Circular shall comply as to form in all material respects with applicable Law, it being understood that no covenant is made by Parent or Merger Sub with respect to statements or omissions made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by the Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.

 

(c) If prior to the Effective Time, any event occurs with respect to the Company or any of it is Subsidiaries, or any change occurs with respect to other information supplied by the Company for inclusion in the Circular that is required to be described in an amendment of, or a supplement to, the Circular, then the Company shall promptly notify Parent of such event, and the Company and Parent shall cooperate in the prompt mailing or other distribution of any necessary amendment or supplement to the Circular and, as required by applicable Law, in disseminating the information contained in such amendment or supplement to the Parent Shareholders.

 

6.07 Shareholder Vote; Recommendation of Parent Board. Parent, through the independent directors serving on the Parent Board, shall recommend that the Parent Shareholders vote to approve resolutions necessary to give effect to the Merger and the transactions related thereto, including the authority to allot the necessary Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs for the Merger Consideration (collectively, the “Parent Proposals”). Except as required by applicable Law, prior to the termination of this Agreement in accordance with ARTICLE IX, neither the Parent Board nor any committee or agent or other Representative thereof shall (i) withdraw (or modify in any manner adverse to the Company), or propose to withdraw (or modify in any manner adverse to the Company), the Parent Board’s recommendation in favor approval of the Parent Proposals, (ii) fail to re-affirm the aforementioned Parent Board recommendation of the Parent Proposals at the written request of Parent within five (5) Business Days or (iii) resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing.

 

A-38

 

6.08 Parent Shareholders’ Meeting. Parent shall take all action necessary under applicable Law to, in consultation with the Company, establish a record date for, call, give notice of and hold a general meeting of the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares for purposes of proposing the shareholder resolutions necessary to give effect to the Merger, including the Parent Proposals (such meeting, the “Parent Shareholders’ Meeting”). The Parent Shareholders’ Meeting shall be held as promptly as practicable, in accordance with applicable Law and Parent’s Governing Documents after the Circular is first mailed or otherwise made available to Parent Shareholders. Parent and the Company shall use commercial reasonably efforts to hold the Parent Shareholders Meeting and the Company Shareholders Meeting on the same day. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if on the date of the Parent Shareholders’ Meeting, or a date preceding the date on which the Parent Shareholders’ Meeting is scheduled, Parent reasonably believes that (i) it shall not receive proxies sufficient to obtain the Parent Required Vote, whether or not a quorum would be present or (ii) it shall not have sufficient Parent Shareholders (whether in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of the Parent Shareholders’ Meeting, Parent may postpone or adjourn, or make one or more successive postponements or adjournments of, the Parent Shareholders’ Meeting as long as the date of the Parent Shareholders’ Meeting is not postponed or adjourned more than an aggregate of 30 calendar days in connection with any postponements or adjournments.

 

6.09 No Claim Against Company Trust. Each of Parent and Merger Sub acknowledges that it has read the Prospectus and that the Company has established the Company Trust from the proceeds of its initial public offering (“IPO”) and from certain private placements occurring simultaneously with the IPO for the benefit of the holders of Company Public Shares (the “Public Shareholders”) and certain parties (including the underwriters of the IPO) and that, except for a portion of the interest earned on the amounts held in the Company Trust, the Company may disburse monies from the Company Trust only: (a) to the Public Shareholders in the event they elect to redeem Company Shares in connection with the consummation of the Company’s initial business combination (as such term is used in the Prospectus) (“Business Combination”), (b) to the Public Shareholders if the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination by June 20, 2025, subject to the Extension, (c) to the Public Shareholders in the event they elect to redeem Company Shares in accordance with the requirements of the Company’s Governing Documents, (d) any amounts necessary to pay any Taxes or (e) to, or on behalf of, the Company after or concurrently with the consummation of a Business Combination. Each of Parent and the Merger Sub hereby agrees that, it does not now and shall not at any time hereafter have (other than its rights upon and after Closing) any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Company Trust or distributions therefrom, or make any claim prior to Closing against the Company Trust, regardless of whether such claim arises based on contract, tort, equity or any other theory of legal liability (any and all such claims are collectively referred to hereafter as the “Claims”). Each of Parent and the Merger Sub hereby irrevocably waives any Claims it may have against the Company Trust (including any distributions therefrom) now or in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with the Company and shall not, prior to the Closing, seek recourse against the Company Trust (including any distributions therefrom) for any reason whatsoever (including for an alleged breach of this Agreement). For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the waivers under this Section 6.09 shall continue to apply at and after the Closing or termination of this Agreement (as applicable) to distributions made to redeeming Public Shareholders and for transaction expenses paid. Each of Parent and Merger Sub agrees and acknowledges that such irrevocable waiver is material to this Agreement and specifically relied upon by the Company to induce it to enter into this Agreement. This Section 6.09 shall not limit the Parent’s or Merger Sub’s right to seek specific performance against the Company pursuant to Section 11.18, including the right to seek specific performance against the Company to require the Company to take such actions contemplated by this Agreement subject to the satisfaction of the Company’s conditions to the Closing in Section 7.02, and to comply with the terms of the Company Trust Agreement, including distribution of funds from the Company Trust upon the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VII and provision of notice thereof to the Company Trust (which notice the Company shall provide in accordance with the terms of the Company Trust Agreement): (a) in accordance with and pursuant to the Company Trust Agreement, at the Closing, the Company: (i) shall cause the documents, opinions and notices required to be delivered to the Company Trust pursuant to the Company Trust Agreement to be so delivered; and (ii) shall make all appropriate arrangements to cause the Company Trust to distribute the funds on deposit in the Company Trust Account as directed in the letter substantially in the applicable form attached to the Company Trust Agreement, including all amounts payable: (A) to holders of Company Shares pursuant to the Company Shareholder Redemptions; (B) for income tax or other tax obligations of the Company prior to the Closing; (C) for any Company Transaction Costs; and (D) following the payments made in (A) through (C), to Parent, all remaining amounts then available in the Company Trust Account in accordance with the Company Trust Agreement; and (b) thereafter, the Company Trust Account shall terminate, except as otherwise provided therein.

 

A-39

 

6.10 Other Filings; Press Release. As promptly as practicable after execution of this Agreement, the Company shall prepare and file a Current Report on Form 8-K pursuant to the Exchange Act to report the execution of this Agreement. Promptly after the execution of this Agreement, Purchaser and the Company shall also issue a mutually agreed joint press release announcing the execution of this Agreement. Prior to Closing, the Company shall prepare a press release announcing the consummation of the Merger, the form and substance of which shall be approved in advance by the Company (the “Closing Press Release”). Concurrently with the Closing, the Company shall issue the Closing Press Release.

 

6.11 Transaction Litigation. In the event that any shareholder litigation related to this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or the Merger or other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby is brought or threatened in writing against either the Company or Parent, or any of the respective members of their boards of directors, after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time (the “Transaction Litigation”), the Company or Parent, as applicable, shall promptly notify the other Party in writing of any such Transaction Litigation and shall keep such other Party reasonably informed with respect to the status thereof. The Party subject to the Transaction Litigation shall give the other Party the opportunity to participate in the defense of any Transaction Litigation (at the other Party’s own cost and expense) and keep the other Party reasonably apprised of, and consult with such other Party (and consider in good faith such Party’s advice), with respect to, proposed strategy and any material decisions related thereto. Neither the Company nor Parent shall settle or agree to settle any Transaction Litigation without the other Party’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned).

 

6.12 Tax Matters. The Parties hereby agree and acknowledge that for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, the Merger is intended to qualify as a reorganization in accordance with Section 368(a) of the Code. Each of the Parties shall use its respective reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and agree not to, and not to permit or cause any of their Affiliates or Subsidiaries to, take any action which to its Knowledge could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying, for the Intended Tax Treatment. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that each is responsible for paying its own Taxes. Each of the Parties shall report the Merger consistently with the Intended Tax Treatment and as reorganizations within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code, including attaching the statement described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-3(a) on or with its Tax Return for the taxable year of the Merger. In the event the SEC requests or requires tax opinions, each Party shall use reasonable best efforts to execute and deliver customary tax representation letters as the applicable tax advisor may reasonably request in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such advisor. Each of the Parties hereto agrees to promptly notify all other Parties of any challenge to the Intended Tax Treatment by any Governmental Entity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if, after the date hereof the Company or Parent, in its sole discretion, determines that the Merger is not reasonably expected to qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment or it may result in extreme inconvenience or undue burden to it, the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable best efforts to restructure the transactions contemplated hereby in a manner that is reasonably expected to cause the Merger, as revised, to so qualify for a mutually preferred tax treatment.

 

6.13 PIPE Investment.

 

(a) The Parties shall diligently use all reasonable best efforts to obtain the PIPE Investment and consummate the transactions contemplated by the subscription agreements related thereto to be entered into between Parent and the investors participating in the PIPE Investment (the “Subscription Agreement(s)”) on the terms described therein.

 

(b) The Parties agree, and shall cause their respective officers and employees, to diligently use all reasonable best efforts to cooperate with one another in connection with (x) the arrangement and consummation of any PIPE Investment, and (y) the marketing of the such transaction, including by (i) upon the request of Parent with reasonable prior notice, participating in meetings, calls, drafting sessions, presentations, and due diligence sessions (including accounting due diligence sessions) and sessions with prospective investors at mutually agreeable times and locations and upon reasonable advance notice (including the participation in any relevant “roadshow”), (ii) assisting Parent with the preparation of customary materials, (iii) providing the financial statements and such other financial information as is reasonably requested by Parent in connection therewith, subject to confidentiality obligations reasonably acceptable to the Parties, (iv) taking all corporate actions that would be necessary or customary for Parent to obtain the PIPE Investment, and (v) otherwise reasonably cooperating to permit Parent to obtain the PIPE Investment.

 

A-40

 

(c) Further, the Parties shall diligently use their respective commercially reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, any and all actions and do, or cause to be done, all things that would be reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by any Subscription Agreements, if any are entered into, on the terms and conditions described therein, including efforts to (i) satisfy in all material respects on a timely basis all conditions and covenants applicable to it in any such Subscription Agreements and otherwise comply with its obligations thereunder and (ii) assist Parent in enforcing its rights under the Subscription Agreements and to cause the applicable investors in the PIPE Investment to contribute the applicable portion of the PIPE Investment set forth in any such Subscription Agreements. Parent and the Company acknowledge and agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, but without prejudice to the provisions of Section 7.01(j), the Closing is not contingent on the consummation of the PIPE Investment.

 

ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

 

7.01 Mutual Conditions to the Parties’ Obligations. The obligations of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction (or, if permitted by applicable Law, waiver by the Company, Parent and Merger Sub in writing) of the following conditions as of the Closing Date:

 

(a) The Form F-4, the Form 8-A and the Form F-6 shall have been declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act and shall not be the subject of any stop order or proceedings seeking a stop order.

 

(b) All Regulatory Approvals required to consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation, the filing with China Securities Regulatory Commission, shall have been obtained and any mandatory waiting periods related thereto (including any extension thereof) shall have expired.

 

(c) The Company Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained;

 

(d) The Parent Shareholder Approval and Merger Sub Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained;

 

(e) No Order shall have been entered and no Law shall be in effect that prevents or makes illegal the performance of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, declares unlawful the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or causes such transactions to be rescinded;

 

(f) The ADR Facility shall have been established;

 

(g) Any clearance applications that are submitted in connection with the establishment of the ADR Facility, the issue of Parent Ordinary Shares to the Depositary Bank, the admission of the Parent ADRs to trading on Nasdaq, the trading of the Parent Ordinary Shares on KOSDAQ following admission of Parent ADRs to trading on Nasdaq or the transfer or issue of any Parent Ordinary Shares into the ADR Facility shall have received a response, in writing, from KOSDAQ granting such clearance requested;

 

(h) The Parent ADSs to be issued as the Merger Consideration shall have been approved for listing on Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance;

 

(i) There shall not be pending any Legal Proceeding by a Governmental Entity (i) seeking to enjoin, restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Merger pursuant to any applicable Antitrust Laws, or (ii) seeking to impose any Regulatory Restraint; and

 

(j) Upon the Closing, there shall be Available Liquidity of at least ten million United States Dollars ($10 million).

 

A-41

 

If the Closing occurs, all Closing conditions set forth in this Section 7.01 that have not been fully satisfied as of the Closing shall be deemed to have been waived (as permitted by applicable Law) by the Company, Parent and Merger Sub.

 

7.02 Conditions to Parent’s and Merger Sub’s Obligations. The obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction (or, if permitted by applicable Law, waiver by Parent and Merger Sub in writing) of the following conditions as of the Closing Date:

 

(a) All representations and warranties of the Company contained in ARTICLE II of this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” set forth therein, other than (x) with respect to Section 2.08(a), (y) to the extent that such “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” qualifier defines the scope of items or matters disclosed in the Disclosure Letters, or (z) to the extent that the term “material” or a variation thereof is used in any defined terms or the definitions of any defined terms hereunder) at and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case only as of such date), except, in the case of this clause (a), where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct (giving effect to the applicable exceptions set forth in the Disclosure Letters but without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” set forth therein (other than with respect to Section 2.08(a) and other than to the extent that such “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” qualifier defines the scope of items or matters disclosed in the Disclosure Letters)) has not had, and would not have, a Company Material Adverse Effect;

 

(b) The Company shall have performed and complied with in all material respects all of the covenants and agreements required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing;

 

(c) There shall not have been a Company Material Adverse Effect since the date hereof;

 

(d) The Company shall have delivered to Parent each of the following:

 

(i) a certificate of an authorized officer of the Company, solely in his or her capacity as such and not in his or her personal capacity, dated as of the Closing Date, stating that the conditions specified in Section 7.02(a) and Section 7.02(b), as they relate to the Company, have been satisfied; and

 

(ii) written resignations, in forms satisfactory to Parent, dated as of the Closing Date and effective as of the Closing, executed by (A) all officers of the Company and (B) all persons serving as directors of the Company immediately prior to the Closing.

 

(e) Parent shall have received a fully executed Lock-Up Agreement from Sponsor as of immediately prior to the Effective Time;

 

(f) The Parent shall have received a duly executed counterpart signature page(s) of the Registration Rights Agreement; and

 

(g) The Company shall make arrangements for (i) the payments required to be made in connection with the Company Redemptions and (ii) all Company Transaction Costs to the extent not paid prior to the Closing or allocated for payment to the Parent.

 

If the Closing occurs, all Closing conditions set forth in this Section 7.02 that have not been fully satisfied as of the Closing shall be deemed to have been waived by Parent and Merger Sub.

 

7.03 Conditions to the Company’s Obligations. The obligation of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction (or, if permitted by applicable Law, waiver by the Company in writing) of the following conditions as of the Closing Date:

 

(a) All representations and warranties contained in ARTICLE III of this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” set forth therein, other than with respect to Section 3.07(a)) at and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case only as of such date), except, in the case of this clause (a), where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” set forth therein, other than with respect to Section 3.07(a)) has not had, and would not have, a Parent Material Adverse Effect;

 

A-42

 

(b) Parent and Merger Sub shall have performed and complied with in all material respects all the covenants and agreements required to be performed by them under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing;

 

(c) The Company shall have received a duly executed counterpart signature pages for the Parent Lock-Up Shareholders to the Parent Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreements;

 

(d) The Company shall have received a duly executed counterpart signature page of the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(e) There shall not have been a Parent Material Adverse Effect since the date hereof;

 

(f) The Company shall have received a filed copy of the Governing Documents of the Surviving Company in the form annexed to the Plan of Merger as in effect as of the Closing Date, the form of special resolutions of the Surviving Company approving the change of name of the Surviving Company and the adoption of the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Surviving Company to be filed with the Registrar immediately after Closing, and copies of resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of the Parent and Merger Sub authorizing this Agreement and the transaction contemplated hereby and evidencing the required approval of the shareholders of the Merger Sub; and

 

(g) Parent shall have delivered to the Company a certificate of an authorized officer of each of Parent and Merger Sub in his or her capacity as such, dated as of the Closing Date, stating that the conditions specified in Section 7.03(a), Section 7.03(b), and Section 7.03(e), as they relate to such entity, have been satisfied.

 

If the Closing occurs, all closing conditions set forth in this Section 7.03 that have not been fully satisfied as of the Closing shall be deemed to have been waived by the Company.

 

ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

 

8.01 Indemnification of Officers and Directors of the Company. If the Closing occurs, Parent shall cause all rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses and all limitations on liability existing in favor of any employee, officer or director of any of the Company (collectively, the “Company Indemnitees”), as provided in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, to survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and continue in full force and effect and be honored by the Surviving Company and Parent after the Closing for a period of six (6) years from the Closing Date. After the Effective Time, Parent and the Surviving Company shall maintain in effect for such six (6) year period, the exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses provisions of (i) the Memorandum and Articles of Association as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time and (ii) any indemnification agreements of the Company with any of their respective directors, officers or employees as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, and in each case of clauses (i) and (ii) shall not amend or otherwise modify any such provisions in any manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of any individuals who at the Effective Time were current or former directors, officers or employees of the Company. The rights of each of the Company Indemnitees hereunder shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other rights such person may have under the Company’s Governing Documents, any other indemnification arrangement, any applicable Legal Requirement or otherwise. The obligations of Parent and the Surviving Company under this Section 8.01 shall not be terminated or modified in such a manner as to adversely affect any Company Indemnitee to whom this Section 8.01 applies without the consent of such affected Company Indemnitee (it being expressly agreed that the Company Indemnitees to whom this Section 8.01 applies shall be intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 8.01).

 

8.02 Indemnification by Successors and Assigns. In the event Parent, the Surviving Company or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets or stock or other equity interests to any Person, then and in each such case, Parent shall ensure that proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Parent or the Surviving Company, as the case may be (or their respective successors and assigns), shall assume the obligations set forth in this Article VIII.

 

A-43

 

8.03 Tail Policy. At or prior to the Closing, the Company shall, or shall cause its Affiliates to, obtain at its expense a “tail” directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, effective for a period of at least six (6) years from the Closing Date, for the benefit of the Company and of its officers and directors, with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or before the Closing Date. Parent shall cause such “tail” policy to be maintained in full force and effect, for its full term, and cause the Surviving Company to honor all obligations thereunder. Such “tail” policy shall provide for terms with respect to coverage, deductibles and amounts no less favorable than those of such policy in effect on the date of this Agreement for the six-year period following the Closing.

 

ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION

 

9.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:

 

(a) by the mutual written consent of Parent and the Company;

 

(b) by Parent by written notice to the Company, if any of the representations or warranties of the Company set forth in ARTICLE II shall not be true and correct, or if the Company has failed to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of the Company set forth in this Agreement (including an obligation to consummate the Closing), such that any condition to the Closing set forth in either Section 7.02(a) or Section 7.02(b) would not be satisfied at or prior to the Outside Date and the breach or breaches causing such representations or warranties not to be true and correct, or the failure to perform any covenant or agreement, as applicable, are not cured (if capable of being cured) within 30 days after written notice thereof is delivered to the Company; provided that Parent or Merger Sub is not then in breach of this Agreement so as to cause any condition to the Closing set forth in either Section 7.03(a) or Section 7.03(b) to not be satisfied at or prior to the Outside Date;

 

(c) by the Company by written notice to Parent, if any of the representations or warranties of Parent or Merger Sub set forth in ARTICLE III shall not be true and correct, or if Parent or Merger Sub has failed to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of Parent or Merger Sub, respectively, set forth in this Agreement (including an obligation to consummate the Closing), such that any condition to the Closing set forth in either Section 7.03(a) or Section 7.03(b) would not be satisfied at or prior to the Outside Date and the breach or breaches causing such representations or warranties not to be true and correct, or the failures to perform any covenant or agreement, as applicable, are not cured (if capable of being cured) within 30 days after written notice thereof is delivered to Parent or Merger Sub; provided that the Company is not then in breach of this Agreement so as to cause any condition to the Closing set forth in Section 7.02(a) or Section 7.02(b) from being satisfied at or prior to the Outside Date;

 

(d) by Parent or the Company by written notice to the opposing party, as applicable, if the Closing has not occurred on or prior to the Outside Date and the Party seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.01(d) (including, in the case of Parent, Merger Sub) shall not have breached in any material respect its obligations under this Agreement in any manner that shall have proximately caused the failure to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on or prior to the Outside Date;

 

(e) by Parent or the Company, by written notice from Parent or the Company to the opposing party, as applicable, if any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued an Order, enacted any Law or taken any other action restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and, in the case of Orders and other actions, such Order or other action shall have become final and non-appealable; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.01(e) shall not be available to the party seeking to terminate if any action of such party or any failure of such party to act has contributed to such Order or other action and such action or failure constitutes a breach of this Agreement;

 

(f) by Parent by written notice to the Company if the Company Board withdraws (or modifies in any manner adverse to Parent), or proposes to withdraw (or modify in any manner adverse to Parent), the Company Board’s recommendation in favor of the proposals set forth in the Proxy Statement, or fails to reaffirm such recommendation as promptly as practicable (and in any event within five Business Days) after receipt of any written request to do so by Parent;

 

A-44

 

(g) by the Company by written notice to Parent if the independent directors of Parent Board withdraws (or modifies in any manner adverse to the Company), or proposes to withdraw (or modify in any manner adverse to the Company), the Parent Board’s recommendation in favor of the Parent Proposals in the Circular, or fails to reaffirm such recommendation as promptly as practicable (and in any event within five Business Days) after receipt of any written request to do so by the Company;

 

(h) by either the Company or Parent, if the Company Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained at the meeting of Company Shareholders to be held in accordance with the Proxy Statement (or at any adjournment thereof); and

 

(i) by either the Company or Parent, if the Parent Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained at the meeting of Parent Shareholders to be held in accordance with the Circular (or at any adjournment or postponement thereof);

 

9.02 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01, all obligations of the Parties hereunder (other than the last sentence of Section 4.02, Section 5.02, Section 6.09, this Section 9.02 and ARTICLE XI, which shall survive the termination of this Agreement) shall terminate without any liability of any Party to any other Party; provided, further, that no termination shall relieve a Party from any liability arising from or relating to any knowing or intentional breach of a representation, a warranty or a covenant by such Party prior to termination.

 

ARTICLE X
DEFINITIONS

 

10.01 Definitions. For purposes hereof, the following terms when used herein shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

 

ADS Exchange Rate” means 1 Parent Ordinary Share:1 Parent ADSs.

 

Additional Parent Ordinary Shares” means 13,475,000 Parent Ordinary Shares that have been authorized by the Parent, which, upon approval by KOSDAQ, will be issued and outstanding prior to Closing.

 

Affiliate” or “Affiliates” of any particular Person means any other Person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such particular Person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, contract or otherwise.

 

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in specified in the preamble.

 

Alternative Transaction” has the meaning specified in Section 5.05.

 

Antitrust Laws” means any federal, state or foreign Law, regulation or decree designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions for the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade or the significant impediment of effective competition.

 

Available Liquidity” means upon the Closing, an amount equal to: the sum of (i) the funds in the Company Trust following the exercise of all redemption rights by the shareholders of the Company, plus (ii) cash available from any other sources, including, without limitation, a PIPE Investment or other equity or debt financing arrangements mutually acceptable to the Parties.

 

Business Combination” has the meaning specified in Section 6.09.

 

Business Day” means a day that is neither a Saturday or a Sunday nor any other day on which banking institutions in New York, New York and the Cayman Islands are authorized or obligated by Law to close.

 

A-45

 

Cayman Companies Act” means the Companies Act (as Revised) of the Cayman Islands, as amended from time to time.

 

Cayman Registrar” means the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands.

 

China” or the “PRC” means the People’s Republic of China.

 

China Social Insurance Benefits” means social insurances (including pension insurance, medical insurance, work related insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance) regulated under the Social Security Law of the PRC, and housing provident fund regulated under the PRC Regulations on the Housing Provident Fund.

 

Claims” has the meaning specified in Section 6.09.

 

Clear Days” in relation to a period of notice, means that period excluding:

 

(a) the day when the notice is given or deemed to be given; and

 

(b) the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect.

 

Closing” has the meaning specified in Section 1.08.

 

Closing Date” has the meaning specified in Section 1.08.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended or now in effect or as hereafter amended, including, but not limited to, any successor or substitute federal Tax codes or legislation.

 

Company Board” means the board of directors of the Company.

 

Company Disclosure Letter” has the meaning specified in ARTICLE II.

 

Company Employee Benefit Plan” means each “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether or not subject to ERISA) and all other stock purchase, stock option, restricted stock, severance, retention, employment, individual consulting, change-of-control, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, employee loan, welfare, medical, health, disability, fringe benefit and other benefit plan, agreement, program or policy (i) that is sponsored, maintained, contributed to, or required to be contributed to, by any of the Company for the benefit of any officer, employee, consultant or director of Company or (ii) with respect to which the Company has any liability (including contingent liability through any ERISA Affiliate).

 

Company Lock-Up Shareholders” means Sponsor.

 

Company Material Adverse Effect” means any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or development that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would be reasonably likely to have, a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company, or (b) the ability of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Company Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares of par value USD 0.001 of the Company, having the rights and being subject the restrictions, set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

 

Company Public Shares” means the Company Ordinary Shares issued in the IPO, and any securities into which such Company Ordinary Shares are converted or for which such Company Ordinary Shares are exchanged

 

Company Right” means a right of a holder thereof to receive one-tenth (1/10) of a Company Ordinary Share at the consummation of a business combination.

 

A-46

 

Company Right Holder(s)” means a holder of Company Rights immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

Company Shareholder(s)” means a holder of Company Shares immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

Company Shares” has the meaning specified in Section 2.04(a).

 

Company Shareholder Approval” means the requisite affirmative vote of the shareholders of the Company, in each case obtained in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Cayman Companies Act, the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq and the Proxy Statement, in favor of all Transaction Proposals.

 

Company Shareholders’ Meeting” has the meaning specified in Section 6.04(a).

 

Company Subject Balance Sheet” has the meaning specified in Section 2.07(c).

 

Company Transaction Costs” shall mean, as of any determination time, the aggregate amount of all out-of-pocket fees, commissions, costs, finder’s fees, expenses and other amounts incurred by or on behalf of, or otherwise payable by, whether or not due, Company in connection with the negotiation, preparation or execution of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, the consummation of the Merger or the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering, including (a) the fees and expenses of outside legal counsel, accountants, brokers, investment bankers, consultants, or other agents or service providers, (b) deferred underwriting fees, costs and expenses from the Company’s initial public offering and (c) any other fees, filing fees, transfer taxes, expenses, commissions or other amounts that are expressly allocated to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents, in each case, whether paid or unpaid prior to the Closing.

 

Company Trust” means that certain United States-based trust account of the Company maintained by Wilmington Trust, National Association, acting as trustee, established under the Company Trust Agreement.

 

Company Trust Agreement” means that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2024, by and between the Company, Vstock Transfer LLC and Wilmington Trust, National Association.

 

Company Unit” means a unit of the Company, each consisting of one Company Ordinary Share and one Company Right.

 

Confidential Information” means any information that one party discloses, directly or indirectly, to the other party, whether embodied in tangible form or disclosed visually or orally and whether or not designated as “confidential” or “proprietary” or by some similar designation, relating to the prior, current or prospective business of the disclosing party, including, without limitation, business models, business opportunities, business plans, financial information, market research, marketing plans, pricing and cost data, customers, suppliers, employees, contractors, ideas, improvements, products and product plans, technologies, research activities and results, information regarding genetic or other biological materials, gene sequences, cell lines, viruses, plasmids, vectors, compounds, protocols, assays and clinical trials, and any other information that should be reasonably understood by the receiving party to be the confidential or proprietary information of the disclosing party. Confidential Information shall not include information (i) that has entered the public domain through no fault of the receiving party, (ii) rightfully known by the receiving party without obligation of confidentiality to any third party prior to receipt of same from the disclosing party, (iii) independently developed by the receiving party without using any Confidential Information of the disclosing party, and (iv) generally made available by the disclosing party without obligation of confidentiality.

 

Date hereof” has the meaning set forth in specified in the preamble.

 

Disclosures Schedules” means collectively the Company Disclosure Letter and the Parent Disclosure Letter.

 

Dissenting Share” has the meaning specified in Section 1.05.

 

Effective Time” has the meaning specified in Section 1.01(b).

 

A-47

 

Encumbrance” means any lease, pledge, option, easement, deed of trust, right of way, encroachment, conditional sales agreement, security interest, mortgage, adverse claim, encumbrance, covenant, condition, restriction of record, charge or restriction of any kind (except for restrictions on transfer under the Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws), including any restriction on the use, voting, transfer, receipt of income or other exercise of any attributes of ownership, whether voluntarily incurred or arising by operation of Law, and includes any agreement to give any of the foregoing in the future.

 

Environmental Claim” means any claim, action, cause of action, written notice or demand by any Person or investigation by any Governmental Entity alleging potential liability (including potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, or penalties) arising out of, based on or resulting from (a) the presence, Release or threatened Release of, or any exposure to, any Hazardous Materials at any location, whether or not owned or operated by the Company, or (b) circumstances forming the basis of any violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Law.

 

Environmental Laws” means all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to pollution or protection of human health (to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials) or the environment, including laws relating to Releases or threatened Releases of Hazardous Materials or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials.

 

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

ERISA Affiliate” means any entity, trade or business that is a member of a group described in Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b)(l) of ERISA that includes the Group Companies or the Company or its Subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Exchange Agent” means a nationally recognized bank or transfer agent reasonably acceptable to Parent and the Company.

 

Exchange Agent Agreement” has the meaning specified in Section 1.07 (a).

 

Excluded Shares” has the meaning specified in Section 1.02(c).

 

Extension” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(b).

 

Extension Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(a)(iv).

 

Foreign Plan” means any Parent Employee Benefit Plan or other plan, fund (including any superannuation fund) or other similar program or arrangement, established or maintained outside the United States by a Group Company primarily for the benefit of employees of the Parent or its Subsidiaries residing outside the United States, which plan, fund or other similar program or arrangement provides, or results in, retirement income, a deferral of income in contemplation of retirement or payments to be made upon termination of employment, and which plan is not subject to ERISA or the Code.

 

GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, as in effect as of the Reference Time.

 

Governing Documents” means the legal document(s) by which any Person (other than an individual) establishes its legal existence, or which govern its internal affairs. For example, the “Governing Documents” of a corporation are its certificate of incorporation and by-laws or memorandum and articles of association, the “Governing Documents” of a limited partnership are its limited partnership agreement and certificate of limited partnership and the “Governing Documents” of a limited liability company are its operating agreement and certificate of formation.

 

A-48

 

Governmental Entity” means any federal, national, state, foreign, provincial, local or other government or any governmental, regulatory, administrative or self-regulatory authority, agency, bureau, board, commission, court, judicial or arbitral body, department, political subdivision, tribunal or other instrumentality thereof.

 

Group Company(ies)” means Parent and its Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 3.04 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, including Merger Sub.

 

Hazardous Materials” means any chemical, material, waste or substance regulated under applicable Environmental Law as a hazardous waste, hazardous material, hazardous substance, extremely hazardous waste, restricted hazardous waste, pollutant, contaminant, toxic substance or toxic waste.

 

Indebtedness” means, as of any time of determination, without duplication, (a) the unpaid principal amount of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all indebtedness for borrowed money of the Group Companies, including liabilities of the Group Companies evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments or debt securities, (b) all obligations of the Group Companies under leases required in accordance with the Parent’s historic accounting principles to be capitalized on a balance sheet of the Group Companies, (c) any costs associated with termination of any of the Group Companies’ interest rate, hedge and currency swap arrangements and any other arrangement of the Group Companies designed to provide protection against fluctuations in interest or currency rates that is being terminated as of the Closing Date, and (d) any obligation of the Group Companies to any Person (other than another Group Company) for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade payables incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business) or otherwise secured by a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien), including any promissory notes, contractual payment obligations, earn-outs, contingent payment obligations, non-compete or other restrictive covenant payments, including any such obligation arising from the acquisition of a business.

 

Intellectual Property” means: (a) patents and patent applications, including utility, utility model, and design patents, including all issued claims therein, whether published or unpublished, including provisional, national, regional and international applications as well as continuations, continuations-in-part, divisional, reissues, renewals and re-examination applications, (b) trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dress, and logos, whether registered or unregistered, together with the goodwill of the business thereunder, (c) internet domain name registrations and applications for registration thereof together with all of the goodwill associated therewith, (d) copyrights (registered or unregistered) and registrations and applications for registration thereof, and copyrightable subject matter, including copyrights in software and (e) Trade Secrets, including know-how and proprietary technology.

 

Intended Tax Treatment” means the qualification of the Merger as a reorganization in accordance with Section 368(a) of the Code.

 

IPO” has the meaning specified in Section 6.09.

 

Knowledge” means, with respect to the Company, the actual knowledge of Matthew Chen or Luhuan Zhong, and, with respect to Parent, the actual knowledge of Yongnan Zhou, Jiangzhe Xiang or Shiyi Yu.

 

Latest Balance Sheet Date” means June 30, 2024.

 

Latest Statement of Operations” has the meaning specified in Section 3.06(a)(i).

 

Law(s)” means any law, rule, regulation, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other restriction of any Governmental Entity.

 

Leased Real Property” has the meaning specified in Section 3.08(b).

 

Legal Proceeding” means any judicial, administrative or arbitral actions, suits, hearings, inquiries, investigations or other proceedings (public or private) commenced, brought, conducted or heard before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental Entity or arbitrator.

 

A-49

 

Legal Requirement” means, with respect to any Party, all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, bylaws, variances, judgments, injunctions, orders, conditions and licenses of a Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over the assets or the properties of such Party or its Subsidiaries and the operations thereof, including the rules of any exchange on which any of the Parties is or intends to be listed.

 

Letter of Transmittal” has the meaning specified in Section 1.07(b).

 

Liabilities” means all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities of a Person required under GAAP to be accrued on the financial statements of such Person.

 

Liens” means liens, security interests, charges or Encumbrances.

 

Lock-Up Agreements” mean Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement and the Parent Lock-Up Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreement.

 

Lock-Up Period” has the meaning given to this term in the Parent Shareholders Lock-Up and Support Agreement.

 

Lock-Up Shareholders” means, collectively, (i) the shareholders of the Company party to the Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement and (ii) the shareholders of Parent party to the Parent Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreement.

 

Material Adverse Effect” means any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or development that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would be reasonably likely to have, a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Group Companies, taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of the Group Companies to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that none of the following shall be deemed, either alone or in combination, to constitute, and none of the following shall be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or shall be, a Material Adverse Effect: any adverse change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or development attributable to: (i) operating, business, regulatory or other conditions in the industry in which the Group Companies operate; (ii) general economic conditions, including changes in the credit, debt or financial, capital markets, in each case anywhere in the world; (iii) conditions in the securities markets, capital markets, credit markets, currency markets or other financial markets in any country or region in the world and any suspension of trading in securities (whether equity, debt, derivative or hybrid securities) generally on any securities exchange or over-the-counter market operating in any country or region in the world; (iv) any stoppage or shutdown of any Governmental Entity applicable to any Group Company (including any default by any such Governmental Entity or delays in payments by any such Governmental Entity or delays or failures to act by any such Governmental Entity); (v) the announcement or pendency or consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the identity of Parent or any of its Affiliates) or compliance with the terms of, taking any action permitted by, or refraining from taking any action prohibited by, this Agreement, including the impact thereof on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with, or actual or potential loss or impairment of, and any other negative development (or potential negative development) of any Group Company with, any clients, customers, suppliers, distributors, partners, financing sources, directors, officers or other employees or consultants or on revenue, profitability and cash flows; (vi) changes in GAAP or other accounting requirements or principles or any changes in applicable Laws or the interpretation thereof or other legal or regulatory conditions; (vii) actions required to be taken under applicable Laws or contracts; (viii) the failure of any Group Company to meet or achieve the results set forth in any budget, plan, projection or forecast (it being understood that the underlying causes of any such decline, change, decrease or failure may, if they are not otherwise excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect, be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred); (ix) global, national or regional political, financial, economic or business conditions, including hostilities, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions or any escalation, worsening or diminution of any such hostilities, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions existing or underway; and (x) epidemics, pandemics or disease outbreaks (including any escalation or general worsening of any such epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak, including the COVID-19 virus) and hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, tornadoes, mudslides, wild fires or other natural disasters and other force majeure events in the United States or any other country or region in the world; provided, however, that with respect to each of clauses (i) through (iv), (vi), (ix) and (x), any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or development referred to above shall be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur to the extent that such change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, circumstance or development has a disproportionate effect on the Group Companies compared to other participants in the industries in which such Group Companies primarily conduct their businesses.

 

A-50

 

Material Contract” has the meaning specified in Section 3.10(a).

 

Material Permits” has the meaning specified in Section 3.16(b).

 

Memorandum and Articles of Association” means the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, registered by the Cayman Registrar on June 17, 2024, as may be thereafter amended and/or restated from time to time.

 

Merger” has the meaning specified in Section 1.01(a).

 

Merger Consideration” has the meaning specified in Section 1.07(b).

 

Merger Sub” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

Merger Sub Shares” means the ordinary shares of the Merger Sub of par value USD 0.001 each.

 

Merger Documents” has the meaning specified in Section 1.01(b).

 

Nasdaq” means The NASDAQ Global Market.

 

Offer” has the meaning specified in the recitals.

 

Order” means any order, injunction, judgment, decree, ruling, writ, assessment or arbitration award of a Governmental Entity. For clarification, a Permit is not an Order.

 

Ordinary Course of Business” means, with respect to any Person, actions that are consistent in all material respects with the past practices of such Person, taken in the ordinary course of the normal day-to-day operations of such Person.

 

Outside Date” means February 28, 2025.

 

Parent” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

Parent ADSs” means American Depositary Shares of Parent.

 

Parent Board” means the board of directors of Parent.

 

Parent Disclosure Letter” has the meaning specified in ARTICLE III.

 

Parent Employee Benefit Plan” means each “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether or not subject to ERISA) and all other stock purchase, stock option, restricted stock, severance, retention, employment, individual consulting, change-of-control, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, employee loan, welfare, medical, health, disability, fringe benefit and other benefit plan, agreement, program or policy (i) that is sponsored, maintained, contributed to, or required to be contributed to, by a Group Company for the benefit of any officer, employee, consultant or director of a Group Company or (ii) with respect to which any Group Company has any liability (including contingent liability through any ERISA Affiliate).

 

Parent Financial Statements” has the meaning specified in Section 3.06(a).

 

Parent IT Systems” shall mean all computer systems, hardware, servers, networks, data communication lines, and other information technology and telecommunications equipment and tangible assets, in each case, owned, leased, licensed, or outsourced, or otherwise used or held for use by or for any Group Company in connection with the business of the Group Companies.

 

A-51

 

Parent Proposals” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

 

Parent Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares of Parent, without par value.

 

Parent’s Representatives” has the meaning specified in Section 4.02.

 

Parent Required Vote” has the meaning specified in Section 3.23.

 

Parent Shareholder” means a person recorded as the holder of Parent Ordinary Shares as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

Parent Shareholder Approval” means the requisite affirmative vote of the shareholders of Parent, in each case obtained in accordance with its memorandum and articles of association, the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, in favor of all proposals set forth by Parent with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Party” or “Parties” has the meaning specified in the preamble.

 

Per Share Merger Consideration” means the right receive one (1) Parent Ordinary Share for each Company Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

Permit” has the meaning specified in Section 3.16(b).

 

Permitted Liens” means (a) statutory liens for current Taxes or other governmental charges not yet delinquent or the amount or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings by the Group Companies and for which adequate reserves have been established; (b) mechanics’, carriers’, workers’, repairers’ and similar statutory liens arising or incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business for amounts that are not delinquent, unless being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established; (c) zoning, entitlement, building and other land use regulations or ordinances imposed by Governmental Entities having jurisdiction over the Leased Real Property that are not violated in any material respect by the use and operation as of the date hereof of the Leased Real Property; (d) covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements and other similar Liens of record that do not materially impair the occupancy or use of the Leased Real Property for the purposes for which it is used as of the date hereof in connection with the Group Companies’ and their Subsidiaries’ businesses; (e) liens arising under workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, social security, retirement and similar legislation; (f) liens arising in connection with sales of foreign receivables; (g) liens on goods in transit incurred pursuant to documentary letters of credit; (h) purchase money liens; (i) title to any portion of the premises lying within the right of way or boundary of any public road or private road which, individually or in the aggregate, do not materially adversely affect the value or the continued use of the Leased Real Property as it is used as of the date hereof; (j) rights of parties in possession without options to purchase or rights of first refusal; (k) liens securing Indebtedness of the Group Companies set forth on Schedule 3.10(a)(viii) of the Parent Disclosure Letter; and (l) rights of lessors or landlords to the Leased Real Property.

 

Permitted Releases” has the meaning specified in Section 2.09.

 

Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization or a Governmental Entity.

 

Personal Information” shall mean, to the extent regulated by Privacy Laws, “personal data”, “personally identifiable information”, “PII” or all information that identifies or could be used to, directly or indirectly, identify an individual person.

 

Personnel” has the meaning specified in Section 3.11(c).

 

PIPE Investment” shall mean investments in Parent Ordinary Shares or other equity securities of Parent with certain investors in a private placement that is anticipated to close contemporaneously with or following the Closing.

 

A-52

 

Privacy Laws” shall mean applicable Legal Requirements relating to the Processing of Personal Information, including the Personal Information Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China and its related rules; Federal Trade Commission Act, the California Consumer Privacy Act, Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and any laws implementing that Regulation, the UK Data Protection Act 2018; the UK General Data Protection Regulation as defined by the UK Data Protection Act 2018 as amended by the Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

 

Processing” shall mean any operation or set of operations which is performed upon Personal Information, whether or not by automatic means, including but not limited to: collection, recording, organization, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, blocking, erasure or destruction. “Process” and “Processed” shall be construed accordingly.

 

Processor” shall mean any Person that Processes any Personal Information on behalf of any Group Company.

 

Prospectus” means that certain final prospectus (file number 333-261028), dated as of June 17, 2024, of the Company.

 

Proxy Statement” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01(a).

 

Public Shareholders” has the meaning specified in Section 6.09.

 

Real Property Leases” means all leases, subleases, licenses, and other contracts or agreements for the use or occupancy of the Leased Real Property, and any ancillary documents pertaining thereto, including, for example, amendments, modifications, supplements, exhibits, Schedules, addenda and restatements thereto and thereof.

 

Reference Time” means 11:59 p.m. local time on the day immediately preceding the day the Effective Time occurs.

 

Registered Intellectual Property” means all United States, international and foreign: (i) patents and patent applications; (ii) registered trademarks, applications to register trademarks, intent-to-use applications, or other registrations or applications related to trademarks; (iii) registered copyrights and applications for copyright registration; and (iv) any other Intellectual Property that is the subject of an application, certificate, filing, registration or other document issued, filed with, or recorded by any state, government or other public legal authority.

 

Registration Rights Agreement” means a registration rights agreement, substantially in the same form with the same conditions and terms as provided in a registration right agreement dated June 17, 2024, by and between the Company, Sponsor and the holders party thereto, to be entered by and between the Parent on the one hand, and the same holders on the other hand, immediately prior to the Effective Time, provided that the registrable securities under the Registration Rights Agreement shall be the registerable securities of the Parent issued or issuable in connection with the Merger.

 

Regulatory Approvals” means any clearance, consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity.

 

Related Claims” means all claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute or otherwise) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement and any other document or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution, termination, validity, interpretation, construction, enforcement, performance or nonperformance of this Agreement or otherwise arising from the transactions contemplated hereby or the relationship among the Parties (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with, or as an inducement to enter into, this Agreement).

 

Release” means any release, spill, emission, discharge, leak, pumping, injection, deposit, disposal, dispersal, leaching or migration into the environment (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface strata) or into or out of any real property, including the movement of Hazardous Materials through or in the ambient air, soil, surface water, groundwater or real property.

 

Released Party” has the meaning specified in Section 11.18.

 

A-53

 

Relevant Accounting Standards” means U.S. GAAP and all relevant statements and recommendations from professional accountancy bodies.

 

Representatives” means the officers, directors, managers, employees, attorneys, accountants, advisors, representatives, consultants and agents of a Person.

 

Rights Shares” has the meaning specified in Section 1.07(a).

 

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Sponsor” has the meaning specified in the recitals.

 

Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement” has the meaning given to this term in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Sponsor Voting Agreement” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation of which a majority of the total voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, or any partnership, limited liability company, association or other business entity of which a majority of the partnership, limited liability company or other similar ownership interest is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof. For purposes of this definition, a Person is deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a partnership, limited liability company, association or other business entity if such Person is allocated a majority of the gains or losses of such partnership, limited liability company, association or other business entity or is or controls the managing member or general partner or similar position of such partnership, limited liability company, association or other business entity.

 

Substitute Right” has the meaning specified in Section 1.02(d).

 

Surviving Company” has the meaning specified in Section 1.01(a).

 

Tax” or “Taxes” means (i) any federal, state, local or foreign net income, gross income, gross receipts, franchise, estimated, alternative minimum, add-on minimum, sales, use, transfer, real property gains, registration, value added, excise, natural resources, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profit, environmental, including under Section 59A of the Code, customs, duties, real property, special assessment, personal property, capital stock, social security, unemployment, disability, payroll, license, employee or other withholding, or other tax, of any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalties or additions to tax or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing and (ii) any liability for the payment of amounts determined by reference to amounts described in clause (i) as a result of being or having been a member of any group of corporations that files, shall file, or has filed Tax Returns on a combined, consolidated or unitary basis, as a result of any obligation under any agreement or arrangement (including any Tax sharing arrangement), as a result of being a transferee or successor, or by contract (other than a contract the principal subject matter of which is not Taxes).

 

Tax Returns” means any return, report, information return or other document (including Schedules or any related or supporting information) filed or required to be filed with any Governmental Entity or other authority in connection with the determination, assessment or collection of any Tax or the administration of any Laws or administrative requirements relating to any Tax.

 

Trade Secrets” means confidential and proprietary information, trade secrets and know-how, including confidential processes, schematics, databases, formulae, drawings, prototypes, models, designs, know-how, concepts, methods, devices, technology, research and development results and records, inventions, compositions, reports, data, mailing lists, business plans, and customer lists, in each case, to the extent protectable under applicable Law as a trade secret.

 

A-54

 

Transaction Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement and all of the certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents referenced herein as required to be delivered by any of the Parties at the Closing or otherwise necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however that any Subscription Agreements or other documents executed and/or delivered pursuant to the PIPE Investment or other financing arrangement contemplated in clause (ii) of the term “Available Liquidity,” shall not be deemed Transaction Documents.

 

Transaction Proposals” shall mean (i) the approval of this Agreement and of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Proxy Statement and this Agreement, (ii) the adoption and approval of the Merger Documents, including the Plan of Merger; (iii) the adoption and approval of any other proposal that either the SEC or Nasdaq (or the respective staff members thereof) indicates is necessary in its comments to the Registration Statement/Proxy Statement or in correspondence related thereto; (iv) the adoption and approval of each other proposal reasonably agreed to by Parent and the Company as necessary or appropriate in connection with the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Proxy Statement, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents; and (v) the adoption and approval of a proposal for the adjournment of the Company Shareholders’ Meeting, if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies because there is no quorum or there are not sufficient votes to approve and adopt any of the foregoing.

 

Treasury Regulations” means the regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury interpreting the Code, as amended.

 

10.02 Other Definitional Provisions.

 

(a) Accounting Terms. Accounting terms that are not otherwise defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them under GAAP. To the extent that the definition of an accounting term defined in this Agreement is inconsistent with the meaning of such term under GAAP, the definition set forth in this Agreement shall control.

 

(b) Successor Laws. Any reference to any particular Code, Section or Law shall be interpreted to include any revision of or successor to that Section regardless of how it is numbered or classified.

 

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

 

11.01 Press Releases and Public Announcements. No Party shall issue any press release or make any similar public announcement relating to the subject matter of this Agreement without the prior written approval of the Company and Parent; provided, however, that any Party may make any public disclosure it believes in good faith is required by applicable law (in which case the disclosing Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to advise the other Parties in writing prior to making the disclosure).

 

11.02 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Merger shall be paid by the Party incurring such fees and expenses whether or not the Merger is consummated. For the avoidance of doubt, Parent or the Surviving Company shall be responsible for all fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent. If the Merger is consummated, Parent shall pay or cause to be paid all (i) transfer, stamp and documentary Taxes or fees; and (ii) sales, use, gains, real property transfer and other similar Taxes or fees, in each case arising out of or in connection with entering into this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger.

 

11.03 Survival. The representations, warranties and covenants of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement shall terminate at the Effective Time, and only the covenants that by their terms survive the Effective Time shall so survive the Effective Time.

 

11.04 Notices. Unless otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, demands, claims, consents, approvals and other communications hereunder shall be in writing. Any notice, request, demand, claim, consent, approval or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given (a) when delivered personally to the recipient, (b) when signed for by the recipient if sent to the recipient by reputable international courier service (charges prepaid), and (c) on the date delivered in the place of delivery if sent by email or facsimile (with a written or electronic confirmation of delivery) prior to 5:00 p.m. local time at the recipient’s location, and otherwise on the next succeeding Business Day, in each case addressed to the intended recipient as set forth below:

 

A-55

 

Notices to Parent or Merger Sub:

 

Great Rich Technologies Limited
3201 JARDINE HOUSE,

1 CONNAUGHT PLACE,

CENTRAL, HONG KONG

Attention: Yongnan Zhou, Chairman

Email: zyn888@tonglioptech.com

 

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.

1100 Superior Avenue E

Suite 1750

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

United States

Attn: Yanping Wang, Esq.

Email: wangy@millercanfield.com

 

Notices to the Company:

 

Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation

26 Broadway, Suite 934

New York, New York 10004

Attn: Matthew Chen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Email: mchen@flagshipac.com

 

with a copy to (prior to the Closing) (which shall not constitute notice):

 

Bill Huo, Esq.

Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

45 Broadway, 17th Floor

New York, NY 10006

(212) 599-3322

Attention: Bill Huo

Email: BHuo@beckerlawyers.com

 

Any Party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands, claims and other communications hereunder are to be delivered by giving the other Parties notice in the manner herein set forth.

 

11.05 Succession and Assignment. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors and assigns of the Parties. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assignable by Parent, Merger Sub or the Company; provided, however, that Parent may (a) assign its rights, but not its obligations, under this Agreement to any Affiliate of Parent or to any future purchaser of Parent or the Surviving Company or its respective assets or (b) collaterally assign any or all of their rights and interests hereunder to one or more lenders of Parent or the Surviving Company.

 

11.06 Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.

 

A-56

 

11.07 References. The table of contents and the section and other headings and subheadings contained in this Agreement and the exhibits hereto are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement of the Parties, and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any Exhibit hereto. All references to days (excluding Business Days) or months shall be deemed references to calendar days or months. All references to “$” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to a “Section,” “Exhibit,” “Disclosure Schedule” or “Schedule” shall be deemed to refer to a section of this Agreement, an Exhibit to this Agreement or a Schedule to this Agreement, as applicable. The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import referring to this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The word “including”, or any variation thereof means “including, without limitation” and shall not be construed to limit any general statement that it follows to the specific or similar items or matters immediately following it. Any reference to any federal, state, local or foreign statute or law shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such term.

 

11.08 Construction. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

11.09 Amendment and Waiver. Any provision of this Agreement or the Disclosure Letters hereto may be amended only in a writing signed by the Company (or the Surviving Company following the Closing), Parent and the Merger Sub. At any time prior to the Closing, the Parent (on behalf of itself, and Merger Sub), on the one hand, and Company may, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Legal Requirements: (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other Party; (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to the other Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto; and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions for the benefit of such Party contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a Party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such Party. Delay in exercising any right under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of such right.

 

11.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties, and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, in each case, to the extent they relate to the subject matter hereof. The exhibits and Schedules identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof as if set forth in full herein.

 

11.11 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as set forth in or contemplated by Article VIII, this Agreement is not intended to confer upon any other Person any rights or remedies hereunder.

 

11.12 WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION WILL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

11.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of such Party.

 

A-57

 

11.14 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of law that would result in the application of the substantive law of another jurisdiction, except to the extent that the laws of the Cayman Islands are mandatorily applicable.

 

11.15 Submission to Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

 

(a) Each Party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any federal court within the State of Delaware, or, if no federal court in the State of Delaware accepts jurisdiction, any state court within the State of Delaware) over all Related Claims, and each Party hereby irrevocably agrees that all Related Claims may be heard and determined in such courts. Each Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such Related Claim brought in any such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each Party agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law.

 

(b) Each Party hereby consents to process being served by any other Party in any Related Claim by the delivery of a copy thereof in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.04 (other than by email) along with a notification that service of process is being served in conformance with this Section 11.15(b). Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the right of any Party to serve process in any other manner permitted by Law.

 

11.16 Remedies Cumulative. Except as otherwise provided herein, any and all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a Party shall be deemed cumulative with, and not exclusive of, any other remedy conferred hereby, or by Law or equity upon such Party, and the exercise by a Party of any one remedy shall not preclude the exercise of any other remedy.

 

11.17 Specific Performance.

 

(a) Each Party agrees that irreparable damage would occur and that the Parties would not have any adequate remedy at law in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, in addition to any other remedies available under this Agreement, the Parties agree that, prior to the Closing or the valid termination of this Agreement, each Party shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions, specific performance and other equitable relief to prevent the other Party’s breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement (including the Company’s or Parent’s obligation to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement if required to do so hereunder). Each Party agrees that it shall not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief when expressly available pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and hereby waives (i) any defenses in any Legal Proceeding for an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief, including the defense that the other Parties have an adequate remedy at law or an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or equity and (ii) any requirement under Law to post a bond, undertaking or other security as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

 

(b) To the extent any Party brings any Legal Proceeding to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions of this Agreement prior to the Closing, the Outside Date shall automatically be extended to (i) the 20th (twentieth) Business Day after such Legal Proceeding is no longer pending or (ii) such other date established by the court presiding over such Legal Proceeding.

 

A-58

 

11.18 No Recourse. Except in the case of fraud, all actions, claims, obligations, liabilities or causes of actions (whether in contract or in tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate, limited partnership or limited liability company veil) that may be based upon, in respect of, arise under, out or by reason of, be connected with, or relate in any manner to: (a) this Agreement, (b) the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any representation or warranty made in, in connection with, or as an inducement to, this Agreement), (c) any breach of this Agreement and (d) any failure of the Merger to be consummated, may be made only against (and, without prejudice to the rights of any express third party beneficiary to whom rights under this Agreement inure pursuant to Section 11.11), are those solely of the Persons that are expressly identified as parties to this Agreement and not against any Released Party. Except in the case of fraud, no other Person, including any director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, manager, stockholder, option holder, Affiliate, agent, attorney or representative of, or any financial advisor or lender to, any party to this Agreement, or any director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, manager, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney or other Representative of, or any financial advisor or lender (each of the foregoing, a “Released Party”) to any of the foregoing shall have any liabilities (whether in contract or in tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate, limited partnership or limited liability company veil) for any claims, causes of action, obligations or liabilities arising under, out of, in connection with or related in any manner to the items in the immediately preceding clauses (a) through (d) and each Party, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby irrevocably releases and forever discharges each of the Released Parties from any such liability or obligation.

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

A-59

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement and Plan of Merger on the day and year first above written.

 

Parent: Great Rich Technology Limited
   
  By: /s/ Yongnan Zhou
  Name: Yongnan Zhou
  Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
   
Merger Sub: GRT MERGER STAR LIMITED
   
  By: /s/ Jiangzhe Xiang
  Name: Jiangzhe Xiang
  Title: Director
   
the Company: FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION
   
  By: /s/ Matthew Chen
  Name: Matthew Chen
  Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

A-60

 

APPENDIX B

 

Cayman Islands Companies Act (As Revised) —Section 238

 

238. Rights of dissenters

 

(1) A member of a constituent company incorporated under this Act shall be entitled to payment of the fair value of that person’s shares upon dissenting from a merger or consolidation.
   
(2) A member who desires to exercise that person’s entitlement under subsection (1) shall give to the constituent company, before the vote on the merger or consolidation, written objection to the action.
   
(3) An objection under subsection (2) shall include a statement that the member proposes to demand payment for that person’s shares if the merger or consolidation is authorised by the vote.
   
(4) Within twenty days immediately following the date on which the vote of members giving authorisation for the merger or consolidation is made, the constituent company shall give written notice of the authorisation to each member who made a written objection.
   
(5) A member who elects to dissent shall, within twenty days immediately following the date on which the notice referred to in subsection (4) is given, give to the constituent company a written notice of that person’s decision to dissent, stating-
   
  (a) that person’s name and address;
     
  (b) the number and classes of shares in respect of which that person dissents; and
     
  (c) a demand for payment of the fair value of that person’s shares.
     
(6) A member who dissents shall do so in respect of all shares that that person holds in the constituent company.
   
(7) Upon the giving of a notice of dissent under subsection (5), the member to whom the notice relates shall cease to have any of the rights of a member except the right to be paid the fair value of that person’s shares and the rights referred to in subsections (12) and (16).
   
(8) Within seven days immediately following the date of the expiration of the period specified in subsection (5), or within seven days immediately following the date on which the plan of merger or consolidation is filed, whichever is later, the constituent company, the surviving company or the consolidated company shall make a written offer to each dissenting member to purchase that person’s shares at a specified price that the company determines to be their fair value; and if, within thirty days immediately following the date on which the offer is made, the company making the offer and the dissenting member agree upon the price to be paid for that person’s shares, the company shall pay to the member the amount in money forthwith.
   
(9) If the company and a dissenting member fail, within the period specified in subsection (8), to agree on the price to be paid for the shares owned by the member, within twenty days immediately following the date on which the period expires-
   
  (a) the company shall (and any dissenting member may) file a petition with the Court for a determination of the fair value of the shares of all dissenting members; and

 

B-1

 

  (b) the petition by the company shall be accompanied by a verified list containing the names and addresses of all members who have filed a notice under subsection (5) and with whom agreements as to the fair value of their shares have not been reached by the company.
     
(10) A copy of any petition filed under subsection (9)(a) shall be served on the other party; and where a dissenting member has so filed, the company shall within ten days after such service file the verified list referred to in subsection (9)(b).
   
(11) At the hearing of a petition, the Court shall determine the fair value of the shares of such dissenting members as it finds are involved, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid by the company upon the amount determined to be the fair value.
   
(12) Any member whose name appears on the list filed by the company under subsection (9)(b) or (10) and who the Court finds are involved may participate fully in all proceedings until the determination of fair value is reached.
   
(13) The order of the Court resulting from proceeding on the petition shall be enforceable in such manner as other orders of the Court are enforced, whether the company is incorporated under the laws of the Islands or not.
   
(14) The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the Court and taxed upon the parties as the Court deems equitable in the circumstances; and upon application of a member, the Court may order all or a portion of the expenses incurred by any member in connection with the proceeding, including reasonable attorney’s fees and the fees and expenses of experts, to be charged pro rata against the value of all the shares which are the subject of the proceeding.

 

(15) Shares acquired by the company pursuant to this section shall be cancelled and, if they are shares of a surviving company, they shall be available for re-issue.

 

(16) The enforcement by a member of that person’s entitlement under this section shall exclude the enforcement by the member of any right to which that person might otherwise be entitled by virtue of that person holding shares, except that this section shall not exclude the right of the member to institute proceedings to obtain relief on the ground that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.

 

B-2

 

APPENDIX C​

 

ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS

EXECUTION VERSION

VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT

 

(LOCK UP AGREEMENT)

 

C-1

 

APPENDIX C​-1

 

SPONSOR VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT

 

SPONSOR VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of October 21, 2024, by and among Great Rich Technologies Limited, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong (the “Parent”), Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”), and Whale Management Corporation, a British Virgin Islands company (“Sponsor”). The Parent, the Company and Sponsor shall each be referred to herein from time to time as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among the Parent, GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent (the “Merger Sub”), and the Company, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company will be merged with and into the Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with the Merger Sub surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent; and

 

WHEREAS, Sponsor is, as of the date of this Agreement, the sole legal owner of (a) 1,725,000 Company Ordinary Shares, (b) 238,000 Company Ordinary Shares underlying Company Units, (c) 23,800 Company Ordinary Shares issuable upon the conversion of 238,000 Company Rights underlying Company Units, (all such shares set forth in clauses (a) through (c), being collectively referred to herein as the “Owned Shares”; and the Owned Shares and any other Company Ordinary Shares (or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Company Ordinary Shares) acquired by Sponsor after the date of this Agreement and during the term of this Agreement, being collectively referred to herein as the “Subject Shares”); and

 

WHEREAS, as a condition to their willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, the Parent and the Company have requested that Sponsor enter into this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, which are incorporated into this Agreement as if fully set forth below, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
Representations and Warranties of Sponsor

 

Sponsor hereby represents and warrants to the Parent and the Company as follows:

 

1.1 Organization and Good Standing. Sponsor has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the British Virgin Islands and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Sponsor is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary.

 

1.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. Sponsor has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized and no other proceedings on the part of Sponsor are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Sponsor and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the other Parties, constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Sponsor, enforceable against Sponsor in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting or relating to creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law (the “Enforceability Exceptions”).

 

1.3 Governmental Approvals. No consent of or with any Governmental Entity on the part of Sponsor is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by Sponsor of this Agreement or the consummation by Sponsor of the transactions contemplated hereby, other than (a) applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and/ or any U.S. state “blue sky” securities Laws, and the rules and regulations thereunder and (b) where the failure to obtain or make such consents or to make such filings or notifications would not prevent, impede or, in any material respect, delay or adversely affect the performance by Sponsor of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

C-2

 

1.4 Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with any of the provisions hereof by Sponsor will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the Governing Documents of Sponsor, (b) conflict with or violate any Law, permit, Order or consent applicable to Sponsor or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by Sponsor under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien) upon any of the properties or assets of Sponsor under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party consent from any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any material contract of Sponsor, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (b) or (c) that would not prevent, impede or, in any material respect, delay or adversely affect the performance by Sponsor of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

1.5 Owned Shares. Sponsor is the sole legal owner of the Owned Shares, and all such Owned Shares are owned by Sponsor free and clear of all Liens, other than Liens pursuant to this Agreement, the Governing Documents of the Company, the Letter Agreement (as defined below), the Merger Agreement or applicable U.S. federal or state securities laws. Sponsor does not legally own any shares of the Company other than the Owned Shares. Sponsor has the sole right to vote the Owned Shares, and none of the Owned Shares is subject to any voting trust or other agreement, arrangement or restriction with respect to the voting of the Owned Shares, except as contemplated by this Agreement, that certain Letter Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2024, among the Company, Sponsor and the Company’s officers and directors (the “Letter Agreement”), the Merger Agreement or the Governing Documents of the Company.

 

1.6 Merger Agreement. Sponsor understands and acknowledges that the Parent and the Company are entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon Sponsor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement. Sponsor has received a copy of the Merger Agreement and is familiar with the provisions of the Merger Agreement.

 

1.7 Certain Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the terms defined in this Section 1.7 shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

 

(a) “Company Rights” means the 238,000 rights of the Company underlying the Company Units, with each Company Right entitling the holder thereof to receive one-tenth (1/10) of one Company Ordinary Share.

 

(b) “Company Units” means the 238,000 units of securities of the Company purchased by Sponsor in a private placement that occurred simultaneously with the consummation of the initial public officer of the Company, with each unit of securities so purchased comprised of one Company Ordinary Share and one Company Right.

 

ARTICLE II
Representations and Warranties of the Company

 

The Company hereby represents and warrants to Sponsor and the Parent as follows:

 

2.1 Organization and Good Standing. The Company is an exempted company duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. The Company is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary.

 

C-3

 

2.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the other Parties, constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

 

2.3 Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with any of the provisions hereof by the Company will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the Governing Documents of the Company, (b) conflict with or violate any Law, permit, Order or consent applicable to the Company or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by the Company under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of the properties or assets of the Company under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party consent from any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any material contract of the Company, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (b) or (c) that would not prevent, impede or, in any material respect, delay or adversely affect the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties of the parent

 

The Parent hereby represents and warrants to Sponsor and the Company as follows:

 

3.1 Organization and Good Standing. The Parent is a company duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of Hong Kong. The Parent has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. The Parent is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary.

 

3.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. The Parent has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Parent are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Parent and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the other Parties, constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Parent, enforceable against the Parent in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

 

3.3 Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with any of the provisions hereof by the Parent will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the Governing Documents of the Parent, (b) conflict with or violate any Law, permit, Order or consent applicable to the Parent or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by the Parent under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of the properties or assets of the Parent under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party consent from any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any material contract of the Parent, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (b) or (c) that would not prevent, impede or, in any material respect, delay or adversely affect the performance by the Parent of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

C-4

 

ARTICLE IV
Agreement to Vote; Certain Other Covenants of Sponsor

 

Sponsor covenants and agrees during the term of this Agreement as follows:

 

4.1 Agreement to Vote.

 

(a) In Favor of the Merger. At any meeting of Company Shareholders called to seek the Company Shareholder Approval, or at any adjournment thereof, or in connection with any written consent of Company Shareholders or in any other circumstances upon which a vote, consent or other approval with respect to the Transaction Proposals and any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and any other Transaction Documents, Sponsor shall (i) if a meeting is held, appear at such meeting or otherwise cause the Subject Shares to be counted as present at such meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum, and (ii) vote or cause to be voted (including by class vote and/or written consent, if applicable) the Subject Shares in favor of granting the Company Shareholder Approval or, if there are insufficient votes in favor of granting the Company Shareholder Approval, in favor of the adjournment of such meeting of Company Shareholders to a later date.

 

(b) Against Other Transactions. At any meeting of Company Shareholders or at any adjournment thereof, or in connection with any written consent of Company Shareholders or in any other circumstances upon which Sponsor’s vote, consent or other approval is sought, Sponsor shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Subject Shares (including by withholding class vote and/or written consent, if applicable) against (i) other than in connection with the Merger, any business combination agreement, merger agreement or merger (other than the Merger Agreement and the Merger), scheme of arrangement, business combination, consolidation, combination, sale of substantial assets, reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of or by the Company or any public offering of any shares of the Company or, in case of a public offering only, a newly-formed holding company of the Company, (ii) any proposal for a Company Acquisition Transaction (as defined in the Merger Agreement), and (iii) any amendment of the Governing Documents of the Company or other proposal or transaction involving the Company, which, in each of cases (i) and (iii) of this sentence, would be reasonably likely to in any material respect impede, interfere with, delay or attempt to discourage, frustrate the purposes of, result in a breach by the Company of, prevent or nullify any provision of the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the Merger or change in any manner the voting rights of any class of Company’s share capital.

 

(c) Revoke Other Proxies. Sponsor represents and warrants that any proxies or powers of attorney heretofore given in respect of the Subject Shares that may still be in effect are not irrevocable, and such proxies or powers of attorney have been or are hereby revoked, other than the voting and other arrangements under the Governing Documents of the Company and the Letter Agreement.

 

(d) Irrevocable Proxy and Power of Attorney. Sponsor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants to, and appoints, the Company and any individual designated in writing by the Company, and each of them individually, as Sponsor’s proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution), for and in the name, place and stead of Sponsor, to vote the Subject Shares, or grant a written consent or approval in respect of the Subject Shares, in a manner consistent with Section 4.1(a) of this Agreement. Sponsor understands and acknowledges that the Company is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon Sponsor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement. Sponsor hereby affirms that the irrevocable proxy and power of attorney set forth in this Section 4.1(d) are given in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, and that such irrevocable proxy and power of attorney are given to secure the performance of the duties of Sponsor under this Agreement. Sponsor hereby further affirms that the irrevocable proxy and power of attorney are given to secure a proprietary interest and may under no circumstances be revoked. Sponsor hereby ratifies and confirms all that such irrevocable proxy and power of attorney may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. SUCH IRREVOCABLE PROXY AND POWER OF ATTORNEY ARE EXECUTED AND INTENDED TO BE IRREVOCABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE POWERS OF ATTORNEY ACT OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS (REVISED). The irrevocable proxy and power of attorney granted hereunder shall only terminate upon the termination of this Agreement.

 

C-5

 

4.2 No Transfer. Other than (x) pursuant to this Agreement, (y) upon the consent of both the Parent and the Company or (z) to an Affiliate of Sponsor (provided that, in each case of the foregoing clauses (x) and (z), such transferee shall enter into a written agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Parent and the Company, agreeing to be bound by this Agreement to the same extent as Sponsor was with respect to such transferred Subject Shares), from the date of this Agreement until the date of termination of this Agreement, Sponsor shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) (a) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer, dispose of or agree to transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, any Subject Share, (b) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Subject Shares, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b) (the actions specified in clauses (a)-(c), collectively, “Transfer”), other than pursuant to the Merger, (ii) grant any proxies or powers of attorney or enter into any voting arrangement, whether by proxy, voting agreement, voting trust, voting deed or otherwise (including pursuant to any loan of Subject Shares), or enter into any other agreement, with respect to any Subject Shares, in each case, other than as set forth in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, Transaction Documents or the voting and other arrangements under the Governing Documents of the Company, (iii) take any action that would reasonably be expected to make any representation or warranty of Sponsor herein untrue or incorrect, or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of preventing or disabling Sponsor from performing its obligations hereunder, or (iv) commit or agree to take any of the foregoing actions. Any action attempted to be taken in violation of the preceding sentence will be null and void. Sponsor agrees with, and covenants to, the Parent and the Company that Sponsor shall not request that the Company register the Transfer (by book-entry or otherwise) of any certificated or uncertificated interest representing any of the Subject Shares.

 

4.3 Waiver of Dissenters’ Rights. Sponsor hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to exercise or assert, any dissenters’ rights under Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Law and any other similar statute in connection with the Merger and the Merger Agreement.

 

4.4 No Redemption. Sponsor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, from the date hereof and until the termination of this Agreement, Sponsor shall not elect to cause the Company to redeem any Subject Shares now or at any time legally or beneficially owned by Sponsor, or submit or surrender any of its Subject Shares for redemption, in connection with the Merger.

 

4.5 New Shares. In the event that prior to the Closing (i) any Company Ordinary Shares or other securities are issued or otherwise distributed to Sponsor pursuant to any stock dividend or distribution, or any change in any of the Company Ordinary Shares or other share capital of the Company by reason of any stock split-up, recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares or the like, (ii) Sponsor acquires legal or beneficial ownership of any Company Ordinary Shares after the date of this Agreement, including upon exercise of options, settlement of restricted share units or capitalization of working capital loans or (iii) Sponsor acquires the right to vote or share in the voting of any Company Ordinary Share after the date of this Agreement (collectively, the “New Securities”), the terms “Subject Shares” shall be deemed to refer to and include such New Securities (including all such stock dividends and distributions and any securities into which or for which any or all of the Subject Shares may be changed or exchanged into).

 

4.6 Sponsor Letter Agreement. Each of Sponsor and the Company hereby agree that from the date hereof until the termination of this Agreement, none of them shall, or shall agree to, amend, modify or vary the Letter Agreement, except with the prior consent of the Parent in connection with the Merger.

 

4.7 Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest of (i) the Closing (provided, however, that upon termination at the Closing, Section 4.3, this Section 4.7, Section 4.8, Section 4.9, Section 5.1,Section 5.2, Section 5.3, Section 5.4, Section 5.5, Section 5.6 and Section 5.7 shall survive indefinitely) and (ii) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, and upon such termination, no party shall have any liability hereunder other than for its willful and material breach of this Agreement prior to such termination.

 

C-6

 

4.8 Additional Matters. Sponsor shall, from time to time, (i) execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional or further consents, documents and other instruments as the Parent and the Company may reasonably request for the purpose of effectively carrying out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) refrain from exercising any veto right, consent right or similar right (whether under the Governing Documents of the Company or the Cayman Companies Law) which would prevent, impede or, in any material respect, delay or adversely affect the consummation of the Merger.

 

4.9 Exclusivity; Confidentiality. Sponsor shall be bound by and comply with Sections 4.05 (Exclusive Dealing) and 4.03 (Company Confidentiality) of the Merger Agreement (and any relevant definitions contained in any such sections) as if (a) Sponsor was an original signatory to the Merger Agreement with respect to such provisions, and (b) each reference to the “Company” contained in Section 4.05 of the Merger Agreement (other than for purposes of the definition of Company Acquisition Transaction) and “Affiliates” contained in Article X of the Merger Agreement also refers to Sponsor.

 

4.10 Consent to Disclosure. Sponsor consents to and authorizes the Parent and the Company, as applicable, to publish and disclose in all documents and schedules filed with the SEC or any other Governmental Entity or applicable securities exchange, and any press release or other disclosure document that the Parent or the Company, as applicable, reasonably determines to be necessary or advisable in connection with the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or this Agreement, Sponsor’s identity and ownership of the Subject Shares, the existence of this Agreement and the nature of Sponsor’s commitments and obligations under this Agreement, and Sponsor acknowledges that the Parent and the Company may, in their sole discretion, file this Agreement or a form hereof with the SEC or any other Governmental Entity or securities exchange. Sponsor agrees to promptly give the Parent and the Company, as applicable, any information that is in its possession that the Parent or the Company, as applicable, may reasonably request for the preparation of any such disclosure documents, and Sponsor agrees to promptly notify the Parent and the Company of any required corrections with respect to any written information supplied by it specifically for use in any such disclosure document, if and to the extent that Sponsor shall become aware that any such information shall have become false or misleading in any material respect.

 

ARTICLE V
General Provisions.

 

5.1 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or sent by overnight courier (providing proof of delivery) to the Parent and the Company in accordance with Section 11.04 of the Merger Agreement and to Sponsor at the address set forth below (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified by like notice):

 

Notices to Sponsor:   with a copy to (which will not constitute notice):
     
Whale Management Corporation   Bill Huo, Esq.
26 Broadway, Suite 934   Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.
New York, New York 10004   45 Broadway, 17th Floor
Attn: Matthew Chen, Director   New York, NY 10006
Email: mchen@flagshipac.com   Attention: Bill Huo
    Email: BHuo@beckerlawyers.com

 

5.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of law that would result in the application of the substantive law of another jurisdiction. Each Party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any federal court within the State of Delaware, or, if no federal court in the State of Delaware accepts jurisdiction, any state court within the State of Delaware) (the “Delaware Courts”) over all claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute or otherwise) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement and any other document or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution, termination, validity, interpretation, construction, enforcement, performance or nonperformance of this Agreement or otherwise arising from the transactions contemplated hereby or the relationship among the parties (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with, or as an inducement to enter into, this Agreement) (collectively, “Related Claims”), and each Party hereby irrevocably agrees that all Related Claims may be heard and determined in such

 

C-7

 

courts. Each Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such Related Claim brought in any such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each Party agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Each Party hereby consents to process being served by any other Party in any Related Claim by the delivery of a copy thereof in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.1 (other than by email) along with a notification that service of process is being served in conformance with this Section 5.2. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any Party to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION WILL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY

 

5.3 Survival. The representations, warranties and covenants of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall terminate at upon the termination of this Agreement as contemplated in Section 4.7, and only the provisions set forth therein to survive the termination of this Agreement, shall so survive its termination.

 

5.4 Succession and Assignment. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors and assigns of the Parties. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations of a Party hereunder shall be assignable by such Party; provided, however, that the Parent may assign its rights, but not its obligations, under this Agreement to any Affiliate of the Parent or to any future purchaser of the Parent or the Surviving Company or its respective assets or (b) collaterally assign any or all of their rights and interests hereunder to one or more lenders of the Parent or the Surviving Company.

 

5.5 Amendment and Waiver. Any provision of this Agreement may be amended only in a writing signed by the Parties. At any time prior to the Closing, any Party may, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Legal Requirements: (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of another Party; (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to the other Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto; and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions for the benefit of the waiving Party contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a Party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such extending or waiving Party. Delay in exercising any right under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of such right.

 

5.6 Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any Person not a Party any rights or remedies hereunder (other than the Merger Sub as third-party beneficiary of the rights of the Parent in this Agreement).

 

5.7 Incorporation by Reference. The provisions of Sections 11.06, 11.08, 11.10, 11.13, 11.16 and 11.17(a) of the Merger Agreement are incorporated herein by reference, mutatis mutandis, as if set forth in full herein.

 

 

[Signature pages follow]

 

C-8

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Party has duly executed and delivered this Agreement as a deed, all as of the date first written above.

 

  Great Rich Technologies Limited
     
  By: /s/
  Name: Yongnan Zhou
  Title: Chairman

 

 

[Signature Page to Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement]

 

C-9

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has duly executed and delivered this Agreement as a deed, all as of the date first written above.

 

  Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation
     
  By: /s/
  Name: Matthew Chen
  Title: Chairman

 

 

[Signature Page to Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement]

 

C-10

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has duly executed and delivered this Agreement as a deed, all as of the date first written above.

 

  Whale Management Corporation
     
  By: /s/
  Name: Matthew Chen
  Title: Director

 

 

[Signature Page to Sponsor Voting and Support Agreement]

 

C-11

 

APPENDIX C​-2

 

SPONSOR LOCK-UP AGREEMENT

 

THIS SPONSOR LOCK-UP AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of October 21, 2024, by and between (i) Great Rich Technologies Limited, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong (the “Parent”), and Whale Management Corporation, a British Virgin Islands exempted company (“Sponsor”). The Parent and Sponsor shall each be referred to herein from time to time as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among the Parent, GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent (the “Merger Sub”), and Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company will be merged with and into the Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with the Merger Sub surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent.

 

WHEREAS, Sponsor is the record owner of the Founder Company Shares (defined below) and the Private Placement Company Units (defined below) and, pursuant to the Merger Agreement will receive Parent ADSs (defined below) in consideration of the Founder Company Shares and securities underlying the Private Placement Company Units.

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and in view of the valuable consideration to be received by the parties thereunder, the Parent and the Sponsor desire to enter into this Agreement, pursuant to which the Locked-Up Securities (as defined below) shall become subject to limitations as set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, which are incorporated into this Agreement as if fully set forth below, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. The terms defined in this Section 1 shall, for all purposes of this Agreement, have the respective meanings set forth below:

 

Business Combination” means a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination between the Company and one or more businesses, including the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

 

Founder Company Shares” means, the 1,725,000 Company Ordinary Shares, par value $0.001 per share, initially issued to Sponsor for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, pursuant to certain Securities Subscription Agreement dated November 29, 2022 and its subsequent amendment between Sponsor and the Company.

 

Locked-Up Securities” means, Locked-Up Founder Securities and Locked-Up Private Placement Securities.

 

Locked-Up Founder Securities” means the Parent ADSs Sponsor receives in respect of the Founder Company Shares pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

 

Locked-Up Private Placement Securities” means the Parent ADSs Sponsor receives pursuant to the Merger Agreement in respect of the Private Placement Company Shares and the Private Placement Company Rights comprising the Private Placement Company Units.

 

Parent Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares of the Parent without par value.

 

Parent Per ADS Trading Price” means, at any given time, the trading price per ADS of the Parent ADSs as reported by Bloomberg or, if not available on Bloomberg, as reported by Morningstar.

 

Parent ADSs” means the American Depositary Shares issued by the Parent to Company Shareholders in respect of the Company Ordinary Shares, pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

 

C-12

 

Private Placement Company Rights” means the 238,000 Company Rights underlying the Private Placement Company Units, with each Private Placement Company Right entitling Sponsor to receive one-tenth (1/10) of one Company Ordinary Share at the consummation of a Business Combination.

 

Private Placement Company Shares” means the 238,000 Company Ordinary Shares, par value $0.001 per share, underlying the Private Placement Company Units.

 

Private Placement Company Units” means the 238,000 Company Units purchased by Sponsor in that certain private placement that occurred simultaneously with the consummation of the initial public officer of the Company, with each such purchased unit comprised of one Private Placement Company Share and one Private Placement Company Right.

 

Trading Day” means any day on which Parent Ordinary Shares are actually traded on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which Parent Ordinary Shares are then traded.

 

Transfer” means, with respect to any securities, any (a) sale of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecation of, pledge of, grant of any option, right or warrant to purchase or other transfer or disposition of, or agreement to transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position in respect of, or liquidation or decrease of a call equivalent position in respect of, within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, any such securities, (b) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any such securities, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b).

 

2. Lock-Up Provisions.

 

(a)(i) Subject to the exceptions set forth herein, during the applicable Private Placement Securities Lock-up Period, Sponsor agrees not to Transfer any Locked-Up Private Placement Securities. As used herein, the “Private Placement Securities Lock-up Period” shall mean, the period of time commencing on the Closing Date and expiring at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time) on the thirtieth (30) day following the Closing Date.

 

(ii) Subject to the exceptions set forth herein, during the applicable Founder Securities Lock-Up Period, Sponsor agrees not to Transfer any Locked-Up Founder Securities. As used herein, the “Founder Securities Lock-up Period” shall mean, (y) with respect to 50% of the Locked-Up Founder Securities, the period of time commencing on the Closing Date and expiring on the earlier of (A) the date that is six (6) months following the Closing Date or (B) the date on which the closing Parent Per ADS Trading Price equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, rights issuances, subdivisions, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 Trading Days within any thirty (30)-Trading Day period commencing after the Closing Date, and (z) with respect to 50% of the Locked-Up Founder Securities (rounded up to the nearest whole share) the period of time commencing on the Closing Date and expiring on the date that is six (6) months following the Closing Date; or earlier in either case, if subsequent to the Closing Date, the Parent completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Parent’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs for cash, securities or other property (and together with the Private Placement Securities Lock-up Period, the “Lock-up Periods”), with the percentages set forth in this sentence applying to the aggregate holdings of Locked-Up Founder Securities held by all entities constituting Sponsor, and calculated on an aggregated basis. For the avoidance of doubt, the Locked-Up Founder Securities shall be measured on an as-exercised or as-converted basis, as applicable.

 

(b) The restrictions on the Locked-Up Securities set forth in Section 2(a) (the “Lock-Up Restrictions”) shall not apply to:

 

(i) Transfers to the Company’s officers or directors, any affiliates (as defined below) or family members of any of the Company’s officers or directors, any members of Sponsor, or any affiliates of Sponsor;

 

C-13

 

(ii) in the case of an individual, Transfers by gift to a member of the individual’s immediate family, to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of the individual’s immediate family or an affiliate of such person, or to a charitable organization;

 

(iii) in the case of an individual, Transfers by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of the individual;

 

(iv) in the case of an individual, Transfers pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order;

 

(v) Transfers by private sales or Transfers made in connection with the consummation of a Business Combination at prices no higher than the per share price at which such securities were originally purchased;

 

(vi) Transfers in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to the completion of an initial Business Combination;

 

(vii) Transfers by virtue of the laws of the Cayman Islands or Transfers of title pursuant to Sponsor’s limited liability company agreement upon dissolution of Sponsor;

 

(viii) Transfers pursuant to the Parent’s liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction whereby all of the Parent’s shareholders (including holders of Parent ADSs) have the right to exchange their Parent Ordinary Shares (or Parent ADSs) for cash, securities or other property; and

 

(ix) Transfers in connection with the Company’s initial Business Combination with the Company’s consent to any third party,

 

provided, however, that in the case of clauses (i) through (v), (viii) and (ix), these permitted transferees must enter into a written agreement, in substantially in the form of this Agreement, agreeing to be bound by the Lock-Up Restrictions and shall have the same rights and benefits under this Agreement. A copy of such Agreement as so executed shall be promptly delivered by Sponsor to the Parent. For purposes of this paragraph, “immediate family” shall mean a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild or other lineal descendant (including by adoption), father, mother, brother or sister of an individual; and “affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(c) For the avoidance of doubt, Sponsor shall retain all of its rights as a shareholder of the Parent during the Lock-Up Periods, including the right to vote any Locked-Up Securities.

 

(d) In furtherance of the foregoing, the Parent, and any duly appointed transfer agent for the registration or transfer of the Locked-Up Securities, are hereby authorized to decline to make any transfer of securities if such Transfer would constitute a violation or breach of the Lock-Up Restrictions.

 

(e) For the purposes of clarity, Locked-up Securities shall not include any Parent Ordinary Shares which are purchased by Sponsor in the open market following the Closing Date.

 

3. Miscellaneous.

 

(a) If, during the Lock-Up Periods, the Parent Ordinary Shares outstanding as of immediately following the Effective Time shall have been changed into a different number of shares or a different class by reason of any share capitalization, dividend, distribution, combination, reverse share split, share consolidation, split, subdivision, conversion, exchange, transfer, sale, cancelation, repurchase, redemption or reclassification, or any similar event shall have occurred, then the Parent Per ADS Trading Price specified in Section 2(a)(ii)(B) shall be equitably adjusted to reflect such change.

 

C-14

 

(b) The Parent shall remove, and shall cause to be removed (including by causing its transfer agent and The Depository Trust Company (as applicable) to remove), any legends, marks, stop-transfer instructions or other similar notations pertaining to the lock-up arrangements herein from the book-entries evidencing any Locked-Up Securities at the time any such Locked-Up Securities are no longer subject to the Lock-Up Restrictions (any Locked-Up Security at such time, a “Free Security”), and shall take all such actions (and shall cause to be taken all such actions) necessary or proper to cause the Free Security to be consolidated under the CUSIP(s) and/or ISIN(s) applicable to the unrestricted Parent ADSs or so that the Free Security is in a like position. Any holder of a Locked-Up Security is an express third-party beneficiary of this Section 3(b) and entitled to enforce specifically the obligations of the Parent set forth in this Section 3(b) directly against the Parent.

 

(c) This Agreement shall be effective the date hereof and shall immediately terminate upon the earlier of (x) the termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to its terms, and (y) the date on which none of the Parent, Sponsor or any holder of a Locked-Up Security has any rights or obligations hereunder.

 

(d) Each of Sponsor and the Parent hereby represents and warrants that it has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and that this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other legal requirements relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought at law or in equity). Upon the other Party’s request, Sponsor or the Parent, as applicable, will execute any additional documents necessary in connection with the enforcement hereof.

 

(e) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof and the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes any other agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or between the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement may not be changed, amended, modified or waived (other than to correct a typographical error) as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed by all Parties.

 

(f) No Party shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, that no such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of its obligations hereunder. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Any attempted assignment in violation of the terms of this paragraph shall be null and void, ab initio. For the avoidance of doubt, no Transfer of Parent ADSs, Locked-Up Securities or Free Securities shall be (or be deemed to be) an assignment of this Agreement or the rights or obligations hereunder.

 

(g) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of law that would result in the application of the substantive law of another jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any federal court within the State of Delaware, or, if no federal court in the State of Delaware accepts jurisdiction, any state court within the State of Delaware) (the “Delaware Courts”) over all claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute or otherwise) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement and any other document or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution, termination, validity, interpretation, construction, enforcement, performance or nonperformance of this Agreement or otherwise arising from the transactions contemplated hereby or the relationship among the parties (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with, or as an inducement to enter into, this Agreement) (collectively, “Related Claims”), and each party hereby irrevocably agrees that all Related Claims may be heard and determined in such courts. Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such Related Claim brought in any such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each party agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Each party hereby consents to process being served by any other party in any Related Claim by the delivery of a copy thereof in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(h) (other than by email) along with a notification that service of process is being served in conformance with this Section 3(g). Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION WILL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

C-15

 

(h) Unless otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, demands, claims, consents, approvals and other communications hereunder will be in writing. Any notice, request, demand, claim, consent, approval or other communication hereunder will be deemed duly given (a) when delivered personally to the recipient, (b) when signed for by the recipient if sent to the recipient by reputable international courier service (charges prepaid), and (c) on the date delivered in the place of delivery if sent by email or facsimile (with a written or electronic confirmation of delivery) prior to 5:00 p.m. local time at the recipient’s location, and otherwise on the next succeeding business day, in each case addressed to the intended recipient as set forth below:

 

Notices to Parent:   Notices to Sponsor:
     

Great Rich Technologies Limited
3201 JARDINE HOUSE,

1 CONNAUGHT PLACE,

CENTRAL, HONG KONG

Attention: Yongnan Zhou, Chairman

Email: zyn888@tonglioptech.com

 

Whale Management Corporation

26 Broadway, Suite 934

New York, New York 10004

Attn: Matthew Chen, Director

Email: mchen@flagshipac.com

     
with a copy to (which will not constitute notice):   with a copy to (which will not constitute notice):
     

Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.

1100 Superior Avenue E, Suite 1750

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

United States

Attn: Yanping Wang, Esq.

Email: wangy@millercanfield.com

 

Bill Huo, Esq.

Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

45 Broadway, 17th Floor

New York, NY 10006

Attention: Bill Huo

Email: BHuo@beckerlawyers.com

 

Any Party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands, claims and other communications hereunder are to be delivered by giving the other Parties notice in the manner herein set forth.

 

(i) Each of the Parties acknowledges that its obligations under this Agreement are unique, recognizes and affirms that in the event of a breach of this Agreement by it, money damages will be inadequate and the other party will have no adequate remedy at law, and agrees that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by it in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, in addition to all such monetary remedies it may be entitled under Law for the other Party’s breaches of this Agreement, the non- breaching party shall be entitled to an injunction or restraining order to prevent breaches of this Agreement by the other party and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the requirement to post any bond or other security or to prove that money damages would be inadequate, this being in addition to any other right or remedy to which the non-breaching party may be entitled under this Agreement, at law or in equity.

 

(j) This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (any of which may be executed in. PDF format or a secure electronic signature platform (e.g. Docusign), and delivered by electronic transmission), each of which shall constitute an original, and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

 

[remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

C-16

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first set forth above.

 

  Great Rich Technologies Limited
     
  By: /s/
  Name: Yongnan Zhou
  Title: Chairman

 

 

[Signature Page to Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement]

 

C-17

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first set forth above.

 

  Whale Management Corporation
     
  By: /s/
  Name: Matthew Chen
  Title: Director

 

 

[Signature Page to Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement]

 

C-18

 

APPENDIX C​-3

 

PARENT sHaREHOLDER LOCK-UP AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT

 

THIS PARENT SHAREHOLDER LOCK-UP AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of October 21, 2024, by and among Great Rich Technologies Limited, a limited company by shares incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong (the “Parent”), Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”), and the persons listed on Schedule A hereto (each, a “Parent Shareholder” and collectively, the “Parent Shareholders”). The Parent, the Company and each Parent Shareholder shall each be referred to herein from time to time as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among the Parent, GRT Merger Star Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent (the “Merger Sub”), and the Company, pursuant to which, among other things, Company will be merged with and into the Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with the Merger Sub surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent.

 

WHEREAS, each Parent Shareholder is, as of the date of this Agreement, the sole legal and beneficial owner of the number of Parent Ordinary Shares, set forth opposite such Parent Shareholder’s name on Schedule A hereto (being collectively referred to herein as the “Subject Shares”).

 

WHEREAS, as a condition to their willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, the Parent and the Company have requested that each of the Parent Shareholders enter into this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, which are incorporated into this Agreement as if fully set forth below, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
Definitions

 

1.1. Definitions. The terms defined in this Section 1.1 shall, for all purposes of this Agreement, have the respective meanings set forth below:

 

Business Combination” means a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination, between the Parent and one or more businesses.

 

Locked-Up Shares” means, with respect to each Parent Shareholder, any Parent Ordinary Shares held by such Parent Shareholder immediately after the Closing, any Parent Ordinary Shares acquirable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Parent Ordinary Shares held by such Parent Shareholder immediately after the Closing (along with such securities themselves), and any New Securities (as defined below) acquired by such Parent Shareholder with respect his, her or its Parent Ordinary Shares.

 

Parent Per Share Trading Price” means, at any given time, the trading price per share of Parent Ordinary Shares as reported by Bloomberg or, if not available on Bloomberg, as reported by Morningstar.

 

Trading Day” means any day on which Parent Ordinary Shares are actually traded on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which Parent Ordinary Shares are then traded.

 

Transfer” means, for purposes of Article V, with respect to any Subject Shares, and for purposes of Article VI, with respect to any Locked-Up Shares, any (a) sale of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecation of, pledge of, grant of any option, right or warrant to purchase or other transfer or disposition of, or agreement to transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position in respect of, or liquidation or decrease of a call equivalent position in respect of, within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, any such securities, (b) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any such securities, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b).

 

C-19

 

ARTICLE II
Representations and Warranties of the PARENT Shareholders

 

Each Parent Shareholder severally and not jointly hereby represents and warrants to the Parent and the Company during the period starting from the date hereof until the earlier of (1) the Closing and (2) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms (the “Exclusivity Period”) as follows:

 

2.1. Organization and Standing. Such Parent Shareholder, if an entity, has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Such Parent Shareholder, if an entity, is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business (to the extent such concept is applicable in such Parent Shareholder’s jurisdiction of formation) in each jurisdiction in which the character of the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary.

 

2.2. Authorization; Binding Agreement. Such Parent Shareholder has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized and no other proceedings on the part of such Parent Shareholder are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Parent Shareholder and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the other Parties, constitutes the valid and binding obligation of such Parent Shareholder, enforceable against such Party in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting or relating to creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law (the “Enforceability Exceptions”).

 

2.3. Governmental Approvals. No consent of or with any Governmental Authority on the part of such Parent Shareholder is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by such Parent Shareholder of this Agreement or the consummation by such Parent Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby, other than (a) applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and/or any state “blue sky” securities Laws, and the rules and regulations thereunder and (b) where the failure to obtain or make such consents or to make such filings or notifications would not prevent, impede or, in any material respect, delay or adversely affect the performance by such Parent Shareholder of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

2.4. Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with any of the provisions hereof by such Parent Shareholder will not (a) if such Parent Shareholder is a legal entity, conflict with or violate any provision of the Governing Documents of such Parent Shareholder, (b) conflict with or violate any Law, permit, Order or consent applicable to such Parent Shareholder or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by such Parent Shareholder under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of such Parent Shareholder under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party consent from any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any material contract of such Parent Shareholder, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (b) or (c) that would not prevent, impede or, in any material respect, delay or adversely affect the performance by such Parent Shareholder of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

2.5. Subject Shares. Such Parent Shareholder is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Parent Ordinary Shares set forth opposite such Parent Shareholder’s name on Schedule A hereto, and all such Subject Shares are owned by such Parent Shareholder free and clear of all Liens, other than Liens pursuant to this Agreement, the Governing Documents of the Parent, the Merger Agreement or applicable U.S. federal or state securities laws. Such Parent Shareholder does not legally or beneficially own any shares of the Parent other than the Subject Shares. Such Parent Shareholder has the sole right to vote the Subject Shares, and none of the Subject Shares is subject to any voting trust or other agreement, arrangement or restriction with respect to the voting of the Subject Shares, except as contemplated by this Agreement, the Governing Documents of the Parent or the Merger Agreement.

 

C-20

 

2.6. Merger Agreement. Such Parent Shareholder understands and acknowledges that the Parent and the Company are entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon the Parent Shareholders’ execution and delivery of this Agreement. Such Parent Shareholder has received a copy of the Merger Agreement and is familiar with the provisions of the Merger Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties of THE COMPANY

 

The Company hereby represents and warrants to each Parent Shareholder and the Parent during the Exclusivity Period as follows:

 

3.1. Organization and Standing. The Company is an exempted company duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. The Company is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary.

 

3.2. Authorization; Binding Agreement. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the other Parties, constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

 

3.3. Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with any of the provisions hereof by the Company will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the Governing Documents of the Company, (b) conflict with or violate any Law, permit, Order or consent applicable to the Company or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by the Company under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of the properties or assets of the Company under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party consent from any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any material contract of the Company, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (b) or (c) that would not prevent, impede or, in any material respect, delay or adversely affect the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE IV
Representations and Warranties of the PARENT

 

The Parent hereby represents and warrants to each Parent Shareholder and the Company during the Exclusivity Period as follows:

 

4.1. Organization and Standing. The Parent is a company duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of Hong Kong. The Parent has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. The Parent is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary.

 

C-21

 

4.2. Authorization; Binding Agreement. The Parent has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Parent are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Parent and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the other Parties, constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Parent, enforceable against the Parent in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

 

4.3. Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with any of the provisions hereof by the Parent will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the Governing Documents of the Parent, (b) conflict with or violate any Law, permit, Governmental Order or consent applicable to the Parent or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by the Parent under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Lien) upon any of the properties or assets of the Parent under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party consent from any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any material contract of the Parent, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (b) or (c) that would not prevent, impede or, in any material respect, delay or adversely affect the performance by the Parent of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE V
Agreement Regarding Voting; Certain Other Covenants of the PARENT Shareholders

 

Each Parent Shareholder covenants and agrees during the Exclusivity Period:

 

5.1. Agreement Regarding Voting.

 

(a) In Favor of the Merger. At any meeting of the shareholders of the Parent called to seek the Parent Shareholder Approval, or at any adjournment thereof, or in connection with any written consent of the shareholders of the Parent or in any other circumstances upon which a vote, consent or other approval with respect to the Merger and the other Parent Proposals and any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and any other Transaction Documents, such Parent Shareholder shall (i) if a meeting is held, appear at such meeting or otherwise cause the Subject Shares to be counted as present at such meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum, and (ii) vote or cause to be voted (including by class vote and/or written consent, if applicable) the Subject Shares in favor of granting the Parent Shareholder Approval or, if there are insufficient votes in favor of granting the Parent Shareholder Approval, in favor of the adjournment of such meeting of the shareholders of the Parent to a later date.

 

(b) Against Other Transactions. At any meeting of shareholders of the Parent, or at any adjournment thereof, or in connection with any written consent of the shareholders of the Parent or in any other circumstances upon which such Parent Shareholder’s vote, consent or other approval is sought, such Parent Shareholder shall (i) attend any such meeting of shareholders (in person or by proxy) or otherwise cause the Subject Shares to be counted as present thereat for the purposes of determining whether a quorum is present and (ii) vote (or cause to be voted) the Subject Shares (including by written consent, if applicable) against (w) other than in connection with the Merger, any business combination agreement, merger agreement or merger (other than the Merger Agreement and the Merger), scheme of arrangement, business combination, consolidation, combination, sale of substantial assets, reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of or by the Parent or any public offering of any equity securities of the Parent, any of its material Subsidiaries, or, in case of a public offering only, a newly-formed holding company of the Parent or such material Subsidiaries, (x) any Alternative Transaction (as defined in the Merger Agreement) proposal and (y) other than any amendment to the Governing Documents of the Parent in furtherance of Section 2.01 of the Merger Agreement, any amendment of the Governing Documents of the Parent or other proposal or transaction involving the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and (z) any proposal or effort to revoke (in whole or in part) any approval set forth in any written consent made by such shareholders of the Parent, which, in each of cases (w) and (y) of this sentence, would be reasonably likely to in any material respect impede, interfere with, delay or attempt to discourage, frustrate the purposes of, result in a breach by the Parent of, prevent or nullify any provision of the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Documents, the Merger or change in any manner the voting rights of any class of the Parent’s share capital.

 

C-22

 

(c) Revoke Other Proxies. Such Parent Shareholder represents and warrants that any proxies or powers of attorney heretofore given in respect of the Subject Shares that may still be in effect are not irrevocable, and such proxies or powers of attorney have been or are hereby revoked, other than the voting and other arrangements under the Governing Documents of the Parent.

 

(d) Irrevocable Proxy and Power of Attorney. Such Parent Shareholder hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants to, and appoints, the Parent and any individual designated in writing by the Parent, and each of them individually, as such Parent Shareholder’s proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution), for and in the name, place and stead of such Parent Shareholder, to vote the Subject Shares, or grant a written consent or approval in respect of the Subject Shares in a manner consistent with Section 5.1(a) of this Agreement. Such Parent Shareholder understands and acknowledges that the Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon such Parent Shareholder’s execution and delivery of this Agreement. Such Parent Shareholder hereby affirms that the irrevocable proxy and power of attorney set forth in this Section 5.1(d) are given in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, and that such irrevocable proxy and power of attorney are given to secure the performance of the duties of such Parent Shareholder under this Agreement. Such Parent Shareholder hereby further affirms that the irrevocable proxy and power of attorney are given to secure a proprietary interest and may under no circumstances be revoked. Such Parent Shareholder hereby ratifies and confirms all that such irrevocable proxy and power of attorney may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. SUCH IRREVOCABLE PROXY AND POWER OF ATTORNEY ARE EXECUTED AND INTENDED TO BE IRREVOCABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE POWERS OF ATTORNEY ORDINANCE OF HONG KONG. The irrevocable proxy and power of attorney granted hereunder shall only terminate upon the expiration of the Exclusivity Period.

 

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.1(a) and Section 5.1(b), however, Parent Shareholder shall not be required to vote or provide consent or take any other action pursuant to Section 5.1(a) or Section 5.1(b), in each case to the extent any such vote, consent or other action would preclude SEC registration of the securities of the Parent being issued to the Company Shareholders as contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

 

5.2. No Transfer. During the Exclusivity Period, other than (w) upon the consent of both the Parent and the Company, (x) permitted by this Agreement, or (y) to an Affiliate of such Parent Shareholder (provided that, in each case of the foregoing clauses (x) and (y), such transferee shall enter into a written agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Parent and the Company, agreeing to be bound by this Agreement, and shall have the same rights and benefits under this Agreement, to the same extent as such transferring Parent Shareholder), such Parent Shareholder shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) Transfer any Subject Shares, other than pursuant to the Merger, (ii) grant any proxies or powers of attorney or enter into any voting arrangement, whether by proxy, voting agreement, voting trust, voting deed or otherwise (including pursuant to any loan of Subject Shares), with respect to any Subject Shares, in each case, other than as set forth in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, Transaction Documents or the voting and other arrangements under the Governing Documents of the Parent, (iii) take any action that would reasonably be expected to make any representation or warranty of such Parent Shareholder herein untrue or incorrect, or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of preventing or disabling such Parent Shareholder from performing its obligations hereunder, or (iv) commit or agree to take any of the foregoing actions. Any action attempted to be taken in violation of the preceding sentence will be null and void. Such Parent Shareholder agrees with, and covenants to, the Parent and the Company that such Parent Shareholder shall not request that the Parent register the Transfer (by book-entry or otherwise) of any certificated or uncertificated interest representing any of the Subject Shares.

 

C-23

 

5.3. New Shares. In the event that prior to the Closing (i) Parent Ordinary Shares or other securities are issued or otherwise distributed to a Parent Shareholder pursuant to any stock dividend or distribution, or any change in any of the Parent Ordinary Shares or other share capital of the Parent by reason of any stock split-up, recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares or the like, (ii) a Parent Shareholder acquires legal or beneficial ownership of any Parent Ordinary Shares after the date of this Agreement, including upon exercise of options or settlement of restricted share units or (iii) a Parent Shareholder acquires the right to vote or share in the voting of any Parent Ordinary Share after the date of this Agreement (collectively, the “New Securities”), the terms “Subject Shares” shall be deemed to refer to and include such New Securities (including all such stock dividends and distributions and any securities into which or for which any or all of the Subject Shares may be changed or exchanged into).

 

5.4. Exclusivity; Confidentiality. Each Parent Shareholder shall be bound by and comply with Sections 5.04 (Exclusive Dealing) and 5.03 (Parent Confidentiality) of the Merger Agreement (and any relevant definitions contained in any such sections) as if (a) Parent Shareholder was an original signatory to the Merger Agreement with respect to such provisions, and (b) each reference to the “Parent” contained in Section 5.04 of the Merger Agreement (other than for purposes of the definition of Alternative Transaction) and “Affiliates” contained in Article X of the Merger Agreement also referred to Parent Shareholder.

 

5.5. Consent to Disclosure. Each Parent Shareholder consents to and authorizes the Parent or the Company, as applicable, to publish and disclose in all documents and schedules filed with the SEC or any other Governmental Entity or applicable securities exchange, and any press release or other disclosure document that the Company or Parent, as applicable, reasonably determines to be necessary or advisable in connection with the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or this Agreement, such Parent Shareholder’s identity and ownership of such Parent Shareholder’s Subject Shares, the existence of this Agreement and the nature of such Parent Shareholder’s commitments and obligations under this Agreement, and such Parent Shareholder acknowledges that the Parent and the Company may, in their sole discretion, file this Agreement or a form hereof with the SEC or any other Governmental Entity or securities exchange. Such Parent Shareholder agrees to promptly give the Parent or the Company, as applicable, any information that is in its possession that the Parent or the Company, as applicable, may reasonably request for the preparation of any such disclosure documents, and such Parent Shareholder agrees to promptly notify the Parent and the Company of any required corrections with respect to any written information supplied by it specifically for use in any such disclosure document, if and to the extent that such Parent Shareholder shall become aware that any such information shall have become false or misleading in any material respect.

 

5.6. Restricted Activities. Each Parent Shareholder shall not revoke (in whole or in part), or seek to revoke (in whole or in part), or adopt any resolution, consent or vote that would have the effect of revoking (in whole or in part), any approval set forth in any written consent made by such Parent Shareholder without the prior written consent of the Company. Such Parent Shareholder shall not adopt or enter into a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization without the prior written consent of the Parent and the Company.

 

5.7. Additional Matters. Each Parent Shareholder shall, from time to time, (i) execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional or further consents, documents and other instruments as the Parent and the Company may reasonably request for the purpose of effectively carrying out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) refrain from exercising any veto right, consent right or similar right (whether under the Governing Documents of the Parent or the Hong Kong Companies Law) which would prevent, impede or, in any material respect, delay or adversely affect the consummation of the Merger.

 

5.8. Waiver of Certain Parent Shareholders’ Rights. Each Parent Shareholder hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to exercise any rights he, she or it may have under the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Parent to be adopted by a special resolution of shareholders of the Parent in connection with the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

 

C-24

 

ARTICLE VI
Other Agreements

 

6.1. Lock-Up Provisions.

 

(a) Subject to the exceptions set forth herein, during the applicable Lock-Up Period (as defined below), each Parent Shareholder agrees not to Transfer any Locked-Up Shares held by such Parent Shareholder. As used herein, the “Lock-Up Period” shall mean, (i) with respect to 50% of the Locked-Up Shares held by such Parent Shareholder, the period of time commencing on the Closing Date and expiring on the earlier of (A) the date that is six (6) months following the Closing Date or (B) the date on which the closing Parent Per Share Trading Price equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, rights issuances, subdivisions, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 Trading Days within any thirty (30)-Trading Day period commencing after the Closing Date, and (ii) with respect to the remaining 50% of the Locked-Up Shares held (rounded up to the nearest whole share) held by such Parent Shareholder, the period of time commencing on the Closing Date and expiring on the date this six (6) months following the Closing Date; or earlier in either case, if subsequent to the Closing Date, the Parent completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Parent’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Parent Ordinary Shares for cash, securities or other property (such periods set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), as applicable, the “Lock-Up Period”), with the percentages set forth in this sentence applying to the aggregate holdings of Locked-Up Shares held by all entities constituting such Parent Shareholder (to the extent two (2) or more entities constitute such Parent Shareholder), and calculated on an aggregated basis. For the avoidance of doubt, the Locked-Up Shares shall be measured on an as-exercised or as-converted basis, as applicable.

 

(b) The restrictions set forth in Section 6.1(a) (the “Lock-Up Restrictions”) with respect to the Transfer of Locked-Up Shares shall not apply to:

 

(i) Transfers to the Parent’s officers or directors, any affiliates (as defined below) or family members of any of the Parent’s officers or directors, any members of such Parent Shareholder, or any Affiliates of such Parent Shareholder;

 

(ii) in the case of an individual, Transfers by gift to a member of the individual’s immediate family, to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of the individual’s immediate family or an affiliate of such person, or to a charitable organization;

 

(iii) in the case of an individual, Transfers by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of the individual;

 

(iv) in the case of an individual, Transfers pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order;

 

(v) Transfers of title by private sales or Transfers made in connection with the consummation of a Business Combination at prices no greater than the price at which the securities were originally purchased;

 

(vi) Transfers in the event of the Parent’s liquidation prior to the completion of an initial Business Combination;

 

(vii) Transfers by virtue of the laws of the Hong Kong or if such Parent Shareholder is a legal entity, such Parent Shareholder’s Governing Documents upon dissolution of such Parent Shareholder;

 

(viii) in the event of the Parent’s liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction which results in all of the Parent’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Parent Ordinary Shares for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the completion of the Parent’s initial Business Combination; and

 

(ix) Transfers in connection with a Business Combination with the Parent’s consent to any third party;

 

provided, however, that in the case of clauses (i) through (v), (viii) and (ix), these permitted transferees must enter into a written agreement, in substantially the form of this Agreement, agreeing to be bound by the Lock-Up Restrictions and shall have the same rights and benefits under this Agreement. A copy of such agreement as so executed shall be promptly delivered by the Principal Shareholder to the Parent. For purposes of this paragraph, “immediate family” shall mean a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild or other lineal descendant (including by adoption), father, mother, brother or sister of an individual; and “affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

C-25

 

(c) For the avoidance of doubt, each Parent Shareholder shall retain all of its rights as a shareholder of the Parent during the Lock-Up Period, including the right to vote any Locked-Up Shares.

 

(d) In furtherance of the foregoing, the Parent, and any duly appointed transfer agent for the registration or transfer of the Locked-Up Shares, are hereby authorized to decline to make any transfer of securities if such Transfer would constitute a violation or breach of the Lock-Up Restrictions.

 

(e) The Parent shall remove, and shall cause to be removed (including by causing its transfer agent and The Depository Trust Company (as applicable) to remove), any legends, marks, stop-transfer instructions or other similar notations pertaining to the lock-up arrangements herein from the book-entries evidencing any Locked-Up Shares at the time any such Locked-Up Shares are no longer subject to the Lock-Up Restrictions (any Locked-Up Share at such time, a “Free Share”), and shall take all such actions (and shall cause to be taken all such actions) necessary or proper to cause each Free Share to be consolidated under the CUSIP(s) and/or ISIN(s) applicable to the unrestricted Parent Ordinary Shares or so that the Free Share is in a like position. Any holder of a Locked-Up Share is an express third-party beneficiary of this Section 6.1(e) and entitled to enforce specifically the obligations of the Company set forth in this Section 6.1(e) directly against the Parent.

 

ARTICLE VII
General Provisions

 

7.1. Termination. This Agreement shall be effective the date hereof and shall immediately terminate upon the earlier of (x) the termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to its terms and (y) the date on which none of the Parent and the Company and any holder of a Locked-Up Share has any rights or obligations hereunder; provided that, in the event that the Merger Agreement is not terminated pursuant to its terms prior to the Closing, Article II, Article III, Article IV and Article V (other than Section 5.3, Section 5.5, Section 5.6 (solely with respect to Section 5.05 (Parent Confidentiality) of the Merger Agreement) and Section 5.8, which shall survive indefinitely) shall terminate upon the Closing. The termination of this Agreement shall not relieve any Party from any liability arising in respect of any willful and material breach of this Agreement prior to such termination. Despite n the termination of this Agreement (or any portion thereof), this Article VII shall survive indefinitely.

 

7.2. Capacity as a Parent Shareholder. Each Parent Shareholder signs this Agreement solely in such Parent Shareholder’s capacity as a shareholder of the Parent, and not in such Parent Shareholder’s capacity as a director or officer of the Parent, if applicable.

 

7.3. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or sent by overnight courier (providing proof of delivery) to the Parent and the Company in accordance with Section 11.04 of the Merger Agreement and to each Parent Shareholder at its address set forth on Schedule A hereto (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified by like notice).

 

7.4. Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof and the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes any other agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or between the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement may not be changed, amended, modified or waived (other than to correct a typographical error) as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed by all Parties.

 

7.5. Assignment. No Party shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other Parties, provided, however, that the Parent may (a) assign its rights, but not its obligations, under this Agreement to any Affiliate of the Parent or to any future purchaser of the Parent or its assets or (b) collaterally assign any or all of their rights and interests hereunder to one or more lenders of the Parent. Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions on assignment in this Section, in connection with a Transfer of title of any Subject Shares or Locked-Up Shares (as applicable) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the transferee to whom such Subject Shares or Locked-Up Shares (as applicable) are transferred shall thenceforth be entitled to all the rights and be subject to all the obligations under this Agreement; provided, that no such Transfer shall relieve the assigning party of its obligations hereunder. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Any attempted assignment in violation of the terms of this Section 7.5 shall be null and void, ab initio. For the avoidance of doubt, no transfer of Parent Ordinary Shares, Locked-Up Shares or Free Shares shall be (or be deemed to be) an assignment of this Agreement or the rights or obligations hereunder.

 

C-26

 

7.6. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of law that would result in the application of the substantive law of another jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any federal court within the State of Delaware, or, if no federal court in the State of Delaware accepts jurisdiction, any state court within the State of Delaware) (the “Delaware Courts”) over all claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute or otherwise) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement and any other document or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution, termination, validity, interpretation, construction, enforcement, performance or nonperformance of this Agreement or otherwise arising from the transactions contemplated hereby or the relationship among the parties (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with, or as an inducement to enter into, this Agreement) (collectively, “Related Claims”), and each party hereby irrevocably agrees that all Related Claims may be heard and determined in such courts. Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such Related Claim brought in any such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each party agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Each party hereby consents to process being served by any other party in any Related Claim by the delivery of a copy thereof in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.04 of the Merger Agreement (other than by email) along with a notification that service of process is being served in conformance with this Section 7.6. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EACH OF THE PARTIES NT HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION WILL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT THE PARTIES MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

7.7. Enforcement. Each of the Parties acknowledges that its obligations under this Agreement are unique, recognizes and affirms that in the event of a breach of this Agreement by it, money damages will be inadequate and the other Party will have no adequate remedy at law, and agrees that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by it in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, in addition to all such monetary remedies it may be entitled under Law for the other Party’s breaches of this Agreement, the non-breaching party shall be entitled to an injunction or restraining order to prevent breaches of this Agreement by the other Party and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the requirement to post any bond or other security or to prove that money damages would be inadequate, this being in addition to any other right or remedy to which the non-breaching Party may be entitled under this Agreement, at law or in equity.

 

7.8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (any of which may be executed in. PDF format or a secure electronic signature platform (e.g., Docusign), and delivered by electronic transmission), each of which shall constitute an original, and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

 

[Signature pages follow]

 

C-27

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first set forth above.

 

  GREAT RICH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
     
  By: /s/
  Name: Yongnan Zhou
  Title: Chairman

 

 

[Signature Page to Parent Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreement]

 

C-28

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first set forth above.

 

  FLAG SHIP ACQUISITION CORPORATION
     
  By: /s/
  Name: Matthew Chen
  Title: Chairman

 

 

[Signature Page to Parent Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreement]

 

C-29

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first set forth above.

 

  YONGNAN ZHOU
     
  By: /s/
  Name: Yongnan Zhou
  Title: Director

 

 

[Signature Page to Parent Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreement]

 

C-30

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first set forth above.

 

 

XINRUIXIANG HOLDING LIMITED

     
  By: /s/
  Name: Yongnan Zhou
  Title: Director

 

 

[Signature Page to Parent Shareholder Lock-Up and Support Agreement]

 

C-31

 

Schedule A

 

Name of Shareholder Number of Parent Ordinary Shares
Held by such Shareholder
Ownership Percentages in Parent
Zhou Yongnan 25,991,093 38.58%
Xinruixiang Holding Limited 8,098,613 12.02%
Total 34,089,706 50.60%

 

Note: The percentage is calculated based on the total number of the issued and outstanding Parent Ordinary Shares 67,375,000 as the date of this Agreement.

 

C-32

 

APPENDIX D​

 

PLAN OF MERGER

 

This plan of merger (the “Plan of Merger”) is made on ________________ pursuant to section 233 of the Companies Act (as revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Act”) between:

 

(A)Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability having its registered office at the office of Jacob Corporate Ltd., Citrus Grove, Ground Floor, 106 Goring Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (the “Terminating Company”); and

 

(B)GRT Merger Star Limited, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability having its registered office at 71 Fort Street, PO Box 500, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-1106, Cayman Islands (the “Surviving Company”),

 

(together the “Constituent Companies”); and

 

(C)Great Rich Technologies Limited, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong (“Parent”).

 

The directors of each of the Constituent Companies have agreed that it would be in the best interests of each of the Constituent Companies to merge (the “Merger”), pursuant to the Plan of Merger, and the agreement and plan of merger dated 21 October 2024 entered into between the Terminating Company, the Surviving Company and the Parent, a copy of which is set out in Exhibit A hereto (the “Merger Agreement”), and in accordance with the Act. Parent wishes to enter into this Plan of Merger solely for the purposes of clause 13:

 

1The constituent companies (as defined in the Act) to the Merger are the Terminating Company and the Surviving Company.

 

2The surviving company (as defined in the Act) is the Surviving Company.

 

3Immediately prior to the Merger, the authorised share capital of the Terminating Company is US$50,000 divided into 50,000,000 ordinary shares of par value US$0.001 each (“Ordinary Shares”), of which 8,863,000 Ordinary Shares (“Terminating Company Shares”), as well as 7,138,000 rights of a shareholder of the Terminating Company to receive one-tenth (1/10) of a Terminating Company Ordinary Share at the consummation of a business combination (“Terminating Company Rights”) are issued and outstanding.

 

4Immediately prior to the Merger, the Parent is the sole shareholder of the Surviving Company.

 

5Immediately prior to the Merger, the authorised share capital of the Surviving Company is US$50,000 divided into 50,000,000 ordinary shares of par value US$0.001 each, of which 1 ordinary share has been issued to and held by the Parent (the “Surviving Company Share”).

 

D-1

 

6The Merger shall take effect on the date that this Plan of Merger is registered by the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands in accordance with section 233(1) of the Act or such later date as the directors of the Constituent Companies may agree and specify in accordance with this Plan of Merger and the Act (the “Effective Date”).

 

7By virtue of Section 233(6) of the Act, the approval of each Constituent Company by way of a Special Resolution (as defined in the articles of association of each respective Constituent Company) of the shareholders is required to approve the Plan of Merger.

 

8This Plan of Merger has been approved by the board of directors of each of the Constituent Companies pursuant to section 233(3) of the Act and in accordance with the respective articles of association of each of the Constituent Companies.

 

9This Plan of Merger has been approved and authorised by the sole shareholder of the Surviving Company and by the shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting of the Terminating Company pursuant to Section 233(6) of the Act and in accordance with the respective articles of association of each of the Constituent Companies.

 

10On the Effective Date, the Terminating Company will be deemed merged with and into the Surviving Company, with the Surviving Company being the surviving company, as at the Effective Date.

 

11The terms and conditions of the Merger, including the manner and basis of converting shares in the Terminating Company into shares in the Surviving Company, are set out in this Plan of Merger and the Merger Agreement.

 

12On the Effective Date (but not before):

 

(i)Other than the Terminating Company Treasury Shares (as defined below) and the Terminating Company Parent Shares (as defined below), each Terminating Company Share that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall, as of the Effective Date, be cancelled by virtue of the Merger and converted into the right to receive, respectively, 1ordinary share of the Parent (each a “Parent Ordinary Share”).

 

(ii)Each Terminating Company Share held in by the Terminating Company as treasury shares (each a “Terminating Company Treasury Share”), if any, shall be cancelled by virtue of the Merger without any conversion thereof, and no payment or distribution shall be made with respect thereto.

 

(iii)Each Terminating Company Share that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date and held by the Parent (each a “Terminating Company Parent Share”), if any, shall be cancelled by virtue of the Merger without any conversion thereof, and no payment or distribution shall be made with respect thereto.

 

D-2

 

(iv)Each Terminating Company Right that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall, as of the Effective Date, be cancelled by virtue of the Merger and converted into the right (“Substitute Right”) to receive Parent Ordinary Shares payable in American Depository Shares of the Parent (“Parent ADSs”) in an amount equal to (in each case, as rounded down to the nearest whole number) the product of (A) 1Parent Ordinary Share, multiplied by (B) the number of Terminating Company Shares that the holder of the cancelled Company Right would have been entitled to receive form the Terminating Company assuming satisfaction of the terms and conditions of such Terminating Company Right, multiplied by (C) the ADS Exchange Rate (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

 

(v)The Surviving Company Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall, as of the Effective Date, remain issued and outstanding and owned and held by the Parent.

 

13Parent undertakes and agrees that (it being acknowledged that Parent will be the sole shareholder of the Surviving Company after the Merger) in consideration of the Merger to issue the Merger Consideration in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement.

 

14The rights and restrictions attaching to the Surviving Company Shares are set out in the memorandum and articles of association of the Surviving Company in the form annexed at Exhibit B hereto (the “Memorandum and Articles of Association”).

 

15In accordance with section 236(1) of the Act, on the Effective Date (but not before), the rights, the property of every description including choses in action, and the business, undertaking, goodwill, benefits, immunities and privileges, all mortgages, charges or security interests, and all contracts obligations, claims, debts and liabilities owed, by the Terminating Company immediately prior to the Effective Date will be deemed vested in the Surviving Company by operation of Cayman Islands law, without the need for further formality.

 

16On the Effective Date (but not before), the Terminating Company will be struck off from the Register of Companies of the Cayman Islands.

 

17On the Effective Date, the existing memorandum and articles of association of the Surviving Company shall continue to be the memorandum and articles of association of the Surviving Company.

 

18On the Effective Date, the authorised share capital of the Surviving Company will remain as US$50,000 divided into 50,000,000 ordinary shares of par value US$0.001 each, of which 1 ordinary share will remain issued to the Parent.

 

19The Surviving Company shall maintain its registered office at 71 Fort Street, PO Box 500, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-1106, Cayman Islands.

 

20The registered office of the Terminating Company is Jacob Corporate Ltd., Citrus Grove, Ground Floor, 106 Goring Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

 

D-3

 

21The name and address of the sole director of the Surviving Company after the Effective Date is as set out in Schedule 1 herein.

 

22No amounts or benefits have been paid or will become payable to any director of either of the Constituent Companies consequent upon the Merger.

 

23Neither of the Constituent Companies have any secured creditors, and neither of the Constituent Companies granted any fixed or floating security interest that is outstanding as at the date of this Plan of Merger.

 

24At any time prior to the Effective Date, this Plan of Merger may be:

 

(a)terminated by the director(s) of either of the Constituent Companies; or

 

(b)amended by the director(s) of both of the Constituent Companies to:

 

(i)change the Effective Date, provided that the new Effective Date of the Merger complies with the provisions of section 234 of the Act such that it cannot be a date later than the ninetieth day after the date of registration of this Plan of Merger with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands; or

 

(ii)make any other changes to this Plan of Merger which the directors of both the Constituent Companies consider, in their sole and absolute discretion, to be necessary or desirable for the purpose of effecting the Merger, provided that such changes do not materially adversely affect any rights of the shareholders of either Constituent Company, as determined by the director(s) of each of the Surviving Company and the Merging Company, respectively.

 

25If this Plan of Merger is terminated or amended in accordance with clause 24 after it has been filed with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands but before it has become effective, the Constituent Companies shall file or cause to be filed notice of the termination or amendment (as applicable) with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands in accordance with sections 235(2) and 235(4) of the Act and shall distribute a copy of such notice in accordance with section 235(3) of the Act.

 

26This Plan of Merger may be executed in counterparts, all of which taken together constitute one and the same document.

 

27This Plan of Merger shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands.

 

28The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Cayman Islands and the courts of appeal from them to determine any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Plan of Merger. The parties agree not to object to the exercise of jurisdiction of those courts on any basis.

 

D-4

 

IN WITNESS whereof this Plan of Merger has been entered into by the parties on the date first written above.

 

Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation  
     
   
Matthew Gang CHEN  
     
Director    
     
for and on behalf of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation

 

D-5

 

GRT Merger Star Limited  
     
   
Xiang Jiangzhe  
     
Sole Director  
     
for and on behalf of GRT Merger Star Limited
 
Great Rich Technologies Limited
 
     
Name: Yongnan Zhou  
   
Chairman  
   
for and on behalf of Great Rich Technologies Limited  

 

D-6

 

Exhibit A
Merger Agreement

 

D-7

 

Exhibit B
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Surviving Company

 

D-8

 

Schedule 1
Sole Director of the Surviving Company after the Effective Date

 

1.Xiang Jiangzhe of Building #9 289 Renmin Road, Changjing Town, Jiangyin, Jiangshu Province, People’s Republic of China

 

D-9

 

PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

GRT’s articles of association provide that, to the extent permitted by the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, the GRT may indemnify its directors against and every other officer of the company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred by such director or officer for any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust or otherwise in relation to the business and affairs of GRT or any associated company. In addition, GRT maintains directors’ and officers’ insurance to insure such persons against certain liabilities. Insofar as indemnification of liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our board, executive officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

Item 21. Exhibits

 

(a) The following exhibits are filed herewith unless otherwise indicated:

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Included
herein
Incorporated by Reference   Form Filing
Date
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, Great Rich Technologies Limited and GRT Merger Sub Limited, dated October 21, 2024 ​X     F-4  
2.2 Cayman Plan of Merger ​X     F-4  
3.1 Articles of Association of Great Rich Technologies Limited, as currently in effect***     F-4/A  
3.2 Articles of Associations of Great Rich Technologies Limited, to be in effect upon the Closing of the Merger***     F-4/A  
3.3   Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Flag Ship’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 21, 2024)       X   8-K   June 21, 2024
4.1 Form of Share Certificate of GRT Ordinary Share     F-4/A  
4.2 Form of Deposit Agreement among GRT, The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary thereunder, and Owners and Holders from time to time of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder representing deposited Shares     F-4/A  
4.4   Form of Assumption Agreement among GRT, Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation and Vstock Transfer LLC***     F-4/A  
4.5   Specimen Unit Certificate of Flag Ship Acquisition Corp.       X   S-1/A   May 22, 2024
4.6   Specimen Ordinary Share of Flag Ship Acquisition Corp.       X   S-1/A   May 22, 2024
4.7   Specimen Rights Certificate of Flag Ship Acquisition Corp.       X   S-1/A   May 22, 2024
5.1 Opinion of Dentons Hong Kong regarding legality of the ordinary shares underlying the GRT ADSs.***     F-4/A  

 

II-1

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Included
herein
Incorporated by Reference   Form Filing
Date
8.1 Opinion of Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. regarding tax matters***     F-4/A  
10.1 Voting and Support Agreement between GRT and the Shareholder listed on Schedule A thereto, dated October 21, 2024 X   8-K October 23, 2024
10.2   Form of Lock-Up Agreement by and among GRT and certain GRT’s Shareholders X   8-K October 23, 2024
10.3   Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement       X   8-K   October 23, 2024
10.4   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement       X   8-K   October 23, 2024
10.5   Letter Agreement, dated June 17, 2024, by and among Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, its initial shareholders, directors, and officers.       X   8-K   June 21, 2024
10.6   Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated June 17, 2024, by and between Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation and Wilmington Trust, N.A., as trustee       X   8-K   June 21, 2024
10.7   Administrative Support Agreement, dated June 17, 2024, by and between Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation and Whale Management Corporation.       X   8-K   June 21, 2024
10.8   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2024, by and between Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation and certain securityholders       X   8-K   June 21, 2024
10.9   Indemnity Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2024, by and between Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation and its officers and directors       X   8-K   June 21, 2024
10.10   Private Placement Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2024, between Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation and Whale Management Corporation       X   8-K   June 21, 2024
10.11   Rights Agreement dated June 17, 2024 between Vstock Transfer LLC and Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation       X   8-K   June 21, 2024
21.1 ​  Subsidiaries of GRT     F-4/A  
23.1 Consent of Enrome LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**        
23.2 Consent of MaloneBailey LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**        
23.4 Consent of Dentons Hong Kong (included in Exhibit 5.1 and incorporated herein by reference)***     F-4/A  
23.5 Consent of Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. (included in Exhibit 5.2 and incorporated herein by reference)***     F-4/A  
23.6 Consent of Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., (included in Exhibit 8.1 and incorporated herein by reference)***     F-4/A  
24.1 Power of Attorney for GRT (included on signature page to this registration statement)     F-4  
24.2   Power of Attorney for Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation (included on signature page to this registration statement)   X            
99.1 Form of Proxy for Flag Ship Corporation ​X    
99.2   Consent of Frost & Sullivan***                
107   Filing Fee Table   X            

 

 
+ Indicated management contract or compensatory plan
# Schedules to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Registration S-K. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any omitted schedules to the Commission upon request.
* filed previously
** filed herewith
*** to be filed

 

II-2

 

Item 22. Undertakings

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(a) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(1) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(2) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

 

(3) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

(b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

(c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

 

(d) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A. of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 need not be furnished provided, that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (d)(4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 or Item 8.A. of Form 20-F if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement;

 

(e) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) (1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

(f) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

(g) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

II-3

 

(1) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of the registration (i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

(2) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

(3) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

(4) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

(h) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other Items of the applicable form.

 

(i) That every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (h)(1) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(j) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means, and (ii) to arrange or provide for a facility in the United States for the purpose of responding to such requests. The undertaking in this paragraph includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

 

(k) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

 

(l) That insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

II-4

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on, November 27, 2024.

 

Great Rich Technologies Limited  
     
By: Yongnan Zhou  
Name: Yongnan Zhou  
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  
     
By: Shiyi Yu  
Name: Shiyi Yu  
Title: CFO of Tongli Group  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons on November 27, 2024 in the capacities indicated:

 

Name Title(s) Date
         

Yongnan Zhou

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman November 27, 2024
         

Jiangze Xiang

Director and Vice Chairman November 27, 2024
         

Shiyi Yu

Chief Finance Officer of Tongli Group November 27, 2024
         

Tao Xu

Director November 27, 2024

 

II-5

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation, the co- registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on, November 27, 2024.

 

  Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation
   
  By: Matthew Chen
  Name: Matthew Chen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Matthew Chen as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with the powers of substitution and revocation, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in order to affect the same as fully, to all intents and purposes, as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following person in the capacities indicated on November 27, 2024

 

Name   Position   Date
         
Matthew Chen   Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and   November 27, 2024
Matthew Chen   Principal Executive Officer    
         
Luhuan Zhong   Chief Financial Officer and   November 27, 2024
Luhuan Zhong   Principal Accounting Officer    
         
Wen He   Director   November 27, 2024
Wen He        
         
Pai Liu   Director   November 27, 2024
Pai Liu        
         
Shan Cui   Director   November 27, 2024
Shan Cui        

 

II-6

 

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED U.S. REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of GRT has signed this registration statement on November 27, 2024.

 

II-7