Form 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Month of November 2010
Commission File Number 1-15028
China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
75/F, The Center,
99 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover
of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)
(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K on paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o.)
(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K on paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o.)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this
Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)
(If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection
with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- .)
EXHIBITS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Announcement, constituting Exhibit 1 to this Form 6-K, contains certain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements may
include, without limitation, statements relating to the Companys competitive position; the
Companys business strategies and plans, including those relating to the Companys networks,
services and products, as well as sales and marketing, in particular, such networks, services,
products, sales and marketing in respect of the Companys 3G business; the Companys future
business condition, future financial results, cash flows, financing plans and dividends; the future
growth of market demand of, and opportunities for, the Companys new and existing products and
services, in particular, 3G services; and future regulatory and other developments in the PRC
telecommunications industry.
The words anticipate, believe, could, estimate, intend, may, seek, will and similar
expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify certain of these forward-looking
statements. The Company does not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are, by their nature, subject to
significant risks and uncertainties. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect the
Companys current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of the Companys
future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the
forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation:
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changes in the regulatory regime and policies for the PRC telecommunications industry,
including changes in the regulatory policies of the Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and other
relevant government authorities of the PRC; |
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changes in the PRC telecommunications industry resulting from the issuance of 3G licenses
by the central government of the PRC; |
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effects of tariff reduction and other policy initiatives from the relevant PRC government
authorities; |
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changes in telecommunications and related technologies and applications based on such
technologies; |
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the level of demand for telecommunications services, in particular, 3G services; |
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competitive forces from more liberalized markets and the Companys ability to retain market
share in the face of competition from existing telecommunications companies and potential new
market entrants; |
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effects of competition on the demand and price of the Companys telecommunications
services; |
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the availability, terms and deployment of capital and the impact of regulatory and
competitive developments on capital outlays; |
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effects of the Companys restructuring and integration following the completion of the
Companys merger with China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited; |
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effects of the Companys adjustments in its business strategies relating to the personal
handyphone system, or PHS, business; |
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effects of the Companys acquisition from its parent companies of certain
telecommunications business and assets, including the fixed-line business in 21 provinces in
southern China, in January 2009; |
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changes in the assumptions upon which the Company have prepared its projected financial
information and capital expenditure plans; |
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changes in the political, economic, legal and social conditions in the PRC, including the
PRC Governments policies and initiatives with respect to economic development in light of the
recent global economic downturn, foreign exchange policies, foreign investment activities and
policies, entry by foreign companies into the PRC telecommunications market and structural
changes in the PRC telecommunications industry; and |
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the recovery from the recent global economic downturn inside and outside the PRC. |
Please also see the Risk Factors section of the Companys latest Annual Report on Form 20-F, as
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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CHINA UNICOM (HONG KONG) LIMITED (Registrant)
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Date: November 1, 2010 |
By: |
/s/ Chang Xiaobing
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Name: |
Chang Xiaobing |
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Title: |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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Exhibit 1
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no
responsibility for the contents of this announcement, make no representation as to its accuracy or
completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or
in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement.
(incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability)(Stock Code: 0762)
RENEWAL OF CONTINUING CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS
Reference is made to the announcements dated 13 August 2008, 16 December 2008
and 6 January 2009 in relation to the continuing connected transactions entered
into by, among others, CUCL and/or CNC China with Unicom Group, Unicom New
Horizon and/or Netcom Group, including the transactions under the Existing
Network Lease Agreement, the Second New Comprehensive Services Agreement, the
Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework
Agreement for Telecommunications Facilities Leasing, the Property Leasing
Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework Agreement for Property Leasing, the
Materials Procurement Agreement 2008-2010, the Engineering and Information
Technology Services Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework Agreement for
Engineering and Information Technology Services, the Information and
Communications Technology Agreement 2008-2010, the Ancillary Telecommunications
Services Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework Agreement for Ancillary
Telecommunications Services, the Support Services Agreement 2008-2010, the
Framework Agreement for Support Services and the Master Sharing Agreement
2008-2010.
The agreements governing the above continuing connected transactions will
expire on 31 December 2010.
The Board announces that on 29 October 2010, (1) CUCL and Unicom New Horizon
entered into the 2010 Network Lease Agreement to renew the Lease for a term of
two years expiring on 31 December 2012 and (2) CUCL and Unicom Group entered
into the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement to renew certain of the above
continuing connected transactions for a term of three years expiring on 31
December 2013.
Unicom Group is the ultimate parent company of the Company and, as at the date
of this announcement, indirectly controls approximately 71.98% of the issued
share capital of the Company through its shareholdings in Unicom BVI and Netcom
Group BVI, which directly hold 41.27% and 30.70% of the issued share capital of
the Company, respectively. Unicom New Horizon is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Unicom Group. As CUCL is a member of the Group and each of Unicom Group and
Unicom New Horizon is a connected person of the Company, the transactions
contemplated under the 2010 Network Lease Agreement and the 2010 Comprehensive
Service Agreement constitute continuing connected transactions of the Company
for the purpose of Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules.
1
As the highest of the applicable percentage ratios (other than the profits
ratio) in respect of the annual caps for the Lease under the 2010 Network Lease
Agreement will, on an annual basis, be more than 0.1% but less than 5%, such
continuing connected transaction is only subject to the reporting and
announcement requirements set out in Rules 14A.45 to 14A.47 of the Listing
Rules and the annual review requirements set out in Rules 14A.37 to 14A.40 of
the Listing Rules and is exempt from the independent shareholders approval
requirements of Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules.
As the highest of the applicable percentage ratios (other than the profits
ratio) in respect of the annual caps for each of the transactions contemplated
under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement will, on an annual basis, be
more than 0.1% but less than 5%, such continuing connected transactions are
only subject to the reporting and announcement requirements set out in Rules
14A.45 to 14A.47 of the Listing Rules and the annual review requirements set
out in Rules 14A.37 to 14A.40 of the Listing Rules and are exempt from the
independent shareholders approval requirements of Chapter 14A of the Listing
Rules.
The Directors (including the independent non-executive Directors) are of the
opinion that the terms of the 2010 Network Lease Agreement and the 2010
Comprehensive Services Agreement are on normal commercial terms, have been
entered into in the ordinary and usual course of business of the Group and are
fair and reasonable and in the interests of the Shareholders as a whole. The
Directors (including the independent non-executive Directors) are also of
the opinion that the annual caps for each of the transactions contemplated under
the 2010 Network Lease Agreement and the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement
are fair and reasonable.
Reference is made to the announcements dated 13 August 2008, 16 December 2008 and 6 January
2009 in relation to the continuing connected transactions entered into by, among others, CUCL
and/or CNC China with Unicom Group, Unicom New Horizon and/or Netcom Group, including the
transactions under the Existing Network Lease Agreement, the Second New Comprehensive Services
Agreement, the Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework
Agreement for Telecommunications Facilities Leasing, the Property Leasing Agreement 2008-2010,
the Framework Agreement for Property Leasing, the Materials Procurement Agreement 2008-2010,
the Engineering and Information Technology Services Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework
Agreement for Engineering and Information Technology Services, the Information and
Communications Technology Agreement 2008-2010, the Ancillary Telecommunications Services
Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework Agreement for Ancillary Telecommunications Services, the
Support Services Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework Agreement for Support Services and the
Master Sharing Agreement 2008-2010.
Pursuant to the merger of CNC China and CUCL on 1 January 2009 and the merger of Unicom Group
and Netcom Group on 6 January 2009, the continuing connected transactions entered into by CNC
China and Netcom Group (and all associated rights and obligations thereunder) were assumed by
CUCL and Unicom Group, respectively.
The agreements governing the above continuing connected transactions will expire on 31
December 2010.
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The Board announces that on 29 October 2010, (1) CUCL and Unicom New Horizon entered into the
2010 Network Lease Agreement to renew the Lease for a term of two years expiring on 31
December 2012 and (2) CUCL and Unicom Group entered into the 2010 Comprehensive Services
Agreement to renew certain of the above continuing connected transactions for a term of three
years expiring on 31 December 2013.
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2010 NETWORK LEASE AGREEMENT |
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(a) |
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Introduction |
Pursuant to the Existing Network Lease Agreement, Unicom New Horizon agreed to lease the
telecommunications networks in Southern China to CUCL on an exclusive basis for an initial
term of two years effective from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2010. The Lease is renewable at
the option of CUCL with at least two months prior notice on the same terms and conditions,
except for the future lease fee which will remain subject to further negotiations between the
parties, taking into account, among others, the prevailing market conditions in Southern
China.
On 29 October 2010, CUCL and Unicom New Horizon entered into the 2010 Network Lease Agreement
to renew the Lease for a term of two years expiring on 31 December 2012.
(b) |
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Key Terms of the Lease |
Terms of the Lease
The Lease is for an initial term of two years effective from 1 January 2011 to 31 December
2012 and is renewable at the option of CUCL with at least two months prior notice on the same
terms and conditions, except for the future lease fee which will remain subject to further
negotiations between the parties, taking into account, among others, the prevailing market
conditions in Southern China.
Consideration and Basis for Determining the Annual Lease Fee
Under the 2010 Network Lease Agreement, the annual fee payable by CUCL for the Lease for the
two years ending 31 December 2011 and 2012 is RMB2.4 billion and RMB2.6 billion (equivalent to
HK$2,780 million and HK$3,011 million), respectively. CUCL is required to pay the lease fee on
a quarterly basis in cash and the quarterly payment must be made to Unicom New Horizon within
30 days after the end of each preceding quarterly period.
The annual lease fee payable by CUCL for the two years ending 31 December 2011 and 2012 was
determined and agreed between CUCL and Unicom New Horizon after taking into account the annual
lease fee paid by CUCL of RMB2.2 billion (equivalent to HK$2,548 million) for the year ending
31 December 2010 and the growth potential and prospects of the telecommunications business in
Southern China.
Network Maintenance
Under the 2010 Network Lease Agreement, CUCL is responsible for the on-going costs and
expenses incurred in respect of the maintenance and management which may arise from the use of
the leased telecommunications networks in Southern China.
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(c) |
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Network Purchase Option |
In connection with the Lease, Unicom New Horizon has granted CUCL an option, but not an
obligation, to purchase the telecommunications networks in Southern China. The purchase option
may be exercised, at the discretion of CUCL, at any time during the term of the Lease. No
premium has been paid or will be payable by CUCL for the grant of such purchase option.
In the event that CUCL elects to exercise such purchase option, the parties will discuss and
negotiate the purchase price with reference to the appraised value of the telecommunications
networks in Southern China determined in accordance with the Listing Rules, applicable PRC
laws and regulations, and taking into account the prevailing market conditions and other
factors.
The Company will comply with all applicable laws, regulations and regulatory rules, including
the Listing Rules, in particular, the reporting, announcement and independent shareholders
approval requirements under Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules and the 2-Step Approach, if and
when CUCL decides to exercise the purchase option as stated above.
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Conditions to the 2010 Network Lease Agreement Becoming Effective |
The 2010 Network Lease Agreement will become effective (i) upon approval by the board of
directors of each of the Company and Unicom A Share Company and (ii) after it has been duly
signed and stamped by each of the Company and Unicom A Share Company.
Both conditions have been satisfied as at the date of this announcement.
(e) |
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Reasons For and Benefits of the Lease |
The Lease provides CUCL with the exclusive right to use and operate the telecommunications
networks in Southern China owned by Unicom New Horizon, thereby enabling the Group to benefit
from the growth potential of the telecommunications business in Southern China, as well as
operate comprehensive telecommunications business in the 21 provinces in Southern China, and
therefore effectively enhancing the competitiveness of the Group.
Under the 2010 Network Lease Agreement, the Lease is renewable at the option of CUCL and CUCL
is also granted the option to purchase the telecommunications networks in Southern China from
Unicom New Horizon at any time during the term of the Lease. Such an arrangement will provide
CUCL with greater flexibility to utilise its resources in the most efficient manner and to
enhance shareholder value.
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3. |
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2010 COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT |
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(a) |
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Introduction |
Pursuant to the Second New Comprehensive Services Agreement, Unicom Group agreed to provide
certain services to CUCL and CNC China, being the supply of telephone cards, the provision of
equipment procurement services, interconnection arrangements, the mutual provision of
premises, the provision of international telecommunications network gateway, the provision of
operator-based value-added services, the provision of value-added telecommunications services,
the provision of 10010/10011 customer services, the provision of agency services and the
provision of engineering design and technical services, until 31 December 2010.
Pursuant to the Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework
Agreement for Telecommunications Facilities Leasing, Netcom Group agreed to lease
inter-provincial fiber optic cables within CUCLs and CNC Chinas respective service regions
and certain international telecommunications resources and certain other telecommunications
facilities to CUCL and CNC China for a term of three years expiring on 31 December 2010.
Pursuant to the Property Leasing Agreement 2008-2010, CNC China agreed to lease certain
buildings and units for use as offices and other ancillary purposes to Netcom Group and Netcom
Group agreed to lease certain parcels of land for use as offices, telecommunications equipment
sites and other ancillary purposes to CNC China for a term of three years expiring on 31
December 2010. Pursuant to the Framework Agreement for Property Leasing, Netcom Group agreed
to lease certain properties (including offices and storage facilities) to CUCL for a term of
three years expiring on 31 December 2010.
Pursuant to the Materials Procurement Agreement 2008-2010, CNC China may request Netcom Group
to act as its agent for the procurement of imported and domestic telecommunications equipment
and other domestic non-telecommunications equipment and may purchase from Netcom Group certain
products for a term of three years expiring on 31 December 2010. Netcom Group also agreed to
provide to CNC China storage and transportation services related to the procurement and
purchase of materials or equipment under the agreement.
Pursuant to the Engineering and Information Technology Services Agreement 2008-2010 and the
Framework Agreement for Engineering and Information Technology Services, Netcom Group agreed
to provide certain engineering and information technology-related services to CUCL and CNC
China, including the provision of planning, construction and supervision services in relation
to telecommunications engineering projects and the provision of information technology
services for a term of three years expiring on 31 December 2010.
Pursuant to the Information and Communications Technology Agreement 2008-2010, China Netcom
System Integration agreed to provide certain information and communications technology
services to Netcom Group and to subcontract services ancillary to the provision of information
and communications technology services to the subsidiaries and branches of Netcom Group for a
term of three years expiring on 31 December 2010.
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Pursuant to the Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework
Agreement for Ancillary Telecommunications Services, Netcom Group agreed to provide certain
ancillary telecommunications services, including certain telecommunications pre-sale, on-sale
and after-sale services, sales agency services, customer acquisition and servicing and other
customers services, to CUCL and CNC China for a term of three years expiring on 31 December
2010.
Pursuant to the Support Services Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework Agreement for Support
Services, Netcom Group agreed to provide various support services, including equipment leasing
and maintenance services and other support services to CUCL and CNC China for a term of three
years expiring on 31 December 2010.
Pursuant to the Master Sharing Agreement 2008-2010, CNC China agreed to share with Netcom
Group the services provided by administrative and managerial staff in respect of central
management of the business operations, financial control, human resources and other related
matters of both CNC China and Netcom Group and Netcom Group agreed to provide CNC China with
support and certain other shared services and certain office space in its headquarters for use
by CNC China its principal executive office for a term of three years expiring on 31 December
2010.
On 29 October 2010, CUCL and Unicom Group entered into the 2010 Comprehensive Services
Agreement to renew certain of the above continuing connected transactions for a term of three
years commencing on 1 January 2011 and expiring on 31 December 2013.
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Details of the Transactions Contemplated under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement |
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(1) |
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Telecommunications Resources Leasing |
Unicom Group has agreed to lease to CUCL:
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certain international telecommunications resources (including international
telecommunications channel gateways, international telecommunications service gateways,
international submarine cable capacity, international land cables and international
satellite facilities); and |
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certain other telecommunications facilities required by CUCL for its operations. |
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The rental charges for the leasing of international telecommunications resources and other
telecommunications facilities are based on the annual depreciation charges of such resources
and telecommunications facilities provided that such charges would not be higher than market
rates. CUCL will be responsible for the on-going maintenance of such international
telecommunications resources. CUCL and Unicom Group will determine and agree which party is to
provide maintenance service to the telecommunications facilities referred to in paragraph (ii)
above. Unless otherwise agreed by CUCL and Unicom Group, such maintenance service charges
would be borne by CUCL. If Unicom Group is responsible for maintaining any telecommunications
facilities referred to in paragraph (ii) above, CUCL will pay to Unicom Group the relevant
maintenance service charges which will be determined with reference to market rates, or where
there is no market rates, be agreed between the parties and determined on a cost-plus basis.
The net rental charges and service charges due to Unicom Group for the provision of the above
telecommunications resources leasing will be settled between CUCL and Unicom Group on a
quarterly basis.
CUCL and Unicom Group have agreed to lease to each other properties and ancillary facilities
belonging to CUCL or Unicom Group (including their respective branch companies and
subsidiaries).
The rental charges payable by CUCL or Unicom Group are based on market rates or the
depreciation charges and taxes in respect of each property, provided that such rental charges
will not be higher than the market rates. The rental charges are payable quarterly in arrears
and are subject to review every year to take into account the then prevailing market rates of
the properties leased in that year.
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Provision of Value-added Telecommunications Services |
Unicom Group (or its subsidiaries) has agreed to provide the customers of CUCL with various
types of value-added telecommunications services.
CUCL will settle the revenue generated from the value-added telecommunications services with
the branches of Unicom Group (or its subsidiaries) on the condition that such settlement will
be based on the average revenue for independent value-added telecommunications content
providers who provide value-added telecommunications content to CUCL in the same region. The
revenue will be settled on a monthly basis.
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Provision of Equipment Procurement Services |
Unicom Group has agreed to provide comprehensive procurement services for imported and
domestic telecommunications equipment and other domestic non-telecommunications equipment to
CUCL. Unicom Group has also agreed to provide services on management of tenders, verification
of technical specifications, installation, consulting and agency services.
In addition, Unicom Group will sell cable, modem and other materials operated by itself to
CUCL and will also provide storage and logistics services in relation to the above equipment
and materials procurement.
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Charges for the provision of equipment procurement services are calculated at the rate of:
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up to 3% of the contract value of those procurement contracts in the case of
domestic equipment procurement; and |
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up to 1% of the contract value of those procurement contracts in the case of
imported equipment procurement. |
The charges for the provision of materials operated by Unicom Group are determined by
reference to the following pricing principles:
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the government fixed price; |
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where there is no government fixed price but a government guidance price exists,
the government guidance price; |
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where there is neither a government fixed price nor a government guidance price,
the market price; or |
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where none of the above is applicable, the price to be agreed between the parties
and determined on a cost-plus basis. |
The charges for the provision of storage and logistics services are determined by reference to
the market price, which is determined by reference to the following:
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the price charged by an independent third party providing the services in the same
or nearby location in an ordinary business transaction; or |
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the price charged by an independent third party providing the services in mainland
China in an ordinary business transaction. |
The service charges due to Unicom Group will be settled on a monthly basis.
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Provision of Engineering Design and Construction Services |
Unicom Group has agreed to provide engineering design, construction and supervision services
and IT services to CUCL. Engineering design services include planning and design, engineering
inspection, telecommunications electronic engineering, telecommunications equipment
engineering and corporate telecommunications engineering. Construction services include
services relating to telecommunications equipment, telecommunications routing, power supplies,
telecommunications conduit, and technical support systems. IT services include services
relating to office automation, software testing, network upgrading, research and development
of new business, and development of support systems.
The charges for the provision of engineering design and construction services are determined
by reference to the market price, which is determined by reference to the following:
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the price charged by an independent third party providing the services in the same
or nearby location in an ordinary business transaction; or |
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the price charged by an independent third party providing the services in mainland
China in an ordinary business transaction. |
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The service charges will be settled between CUCL and Unicom Group as and when the relevant
services are provided.
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Provision of Ancillary Telecommunications Services |
Unicom Group has agreed to provide ancillary telecommunications services to CUCL. These
services include certain telecommunications pre-sale, on-sale and after-sale services such as
assembling and repairing of certain telecommunications equipment, sales agency services,
printing and invoice delivery services, maintenance of telephone booths, customers
acquisitions and servicing and other customers services.
The charges payable for the provision of ancillary telecommunications services are determined
by reference to the following pricing principles:
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the government fixed price; |
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where there is no government fixed price but a government guidance price exists,
the government guidance price; |
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where there is neither a government fixed price nor a government guidance price,
the market price; or |
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where none of the above is applicable, the price to be agreed between the parties
and determined on a cost-plus basis. |
The service charges will be settled between CUCL and Unicom Group as and when the relevant
services are provided.
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Provision of Comprehensive Support Services |
Unicom Group and CUCL have agreed to provide comprehensive support services to each other,
including dining services, facilities leasing services (excluding those facilities which are
provided under the paragraph headed Provision of Telecommunications Resources Leasing
above), vehicle services, health and medical services, labour services, security services,
hotel and conference services, gardening services, decoration and renovation services, sales
services, construction agency, equipment maintenance services, market development, technical
support services, research and development services, sanitary services, parking services,
staff trainings, storage services, advertising services, marketing, property management
services, information and communications technology services (including construction and
installation services, system integration services, software development, product sales and
agent services, operation and maintenance services, and consultation services).
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The service charges are determined by reference to the following pricing principles:
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the government fixed price; |
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where there is no government fixed price but a government guidance price exists,
the government guidance price; |
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where there is neither a government fixed price nor a government guidance price,
the market price; or |
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where none of the above is applicable, the price to be agreed between the parties
and determined on a cost-plus basis. |
The service charges will be settled between CUCL and Unicom Group as and when the relevant
services are provided.
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Provision of Shared Services |
Unicom Group and CUCL have agreed to provide shared services to each other, including, but not
limited to, the following:
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CUCL will provide headquarter human resources services to Unicom Group; |
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(ii) |
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Unicom Group and CUCL will provide central business support services to each other; |
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CUCL will provide trust services related to the services referred to in paragraphs
(i) and (ii) above to Unicom Group; and |
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Unicom Group will provide premises to CUCL and other shared services requested by
its headquarters. |
In relation to the services referred to in paragraph (ii) above, CUCL will provide support
services, such as billing and settlement services provided by the business support centre and
operational statistics reports.
Unicom Group will provide support services, including telephone card production, development
and related services, maintenance and technical support and management services in relation to
the telecommunications card operational system.
Unicom Group and CUCL will share the costs related to the shared services proportionately in
accordance with their respective total assets value, except that the total assets value of the
overseas subsidiaries and the listed company of Unicom Group will be excluded from the total
asset value of Unicom Group, and the shared costs proportion will be agreed between Unicom
Group and CUCL in accordance with the total assets value set out in the financial statements
provided to each other, as adjusted in accordance with their respective total assets value on
an annual basis.
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(c) |
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Conditions to the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement Becoming Effective |
The 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement will become effective (i) upon approval by the board
of directors of each of the Company and Unicom A Share Company and (ii) after it has been duly
signed and stamped by each of the Company and Unicom A Share Company.
Both conditions have been satisfied as at the date of this announcement.
(d) |
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Reasons For and Benefits of the Transactions Contemplated under the 2010 Comprehensive
Services Agreement |
The services to be provided by Unicom Group pursuant to the 2010 Comprehensive Services
Agreement are essential to the on-going operation of the Groups business activities. The
terms, conditions and charges of the services are determined in accordance with the
appropriate tariffs and standards prescribed by the relevant PRC regulatory authorities and/or
by reference to market rates and/or by reference to the cost of providing the respective
services or facilities. Due to the long-standing cooperation between Unicom Group and the
Group, Unicom Group has developed an in-depth understanding of the Groups general business
needs and is therefore able to provide high quality services to meet the Groups demands.
Accordingly, the service arrangements with Unicom Group under the 2010 Comprehensive Services
Agreement will enable the Group to receive high quality services at competitive prices and in
a timely manner.
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The annual caps for the continuing connected transactions contemplated under the 2010 Network
Lease Agreement and the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement are set out below:
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Annual Cap for the Year Ending 31 December |
Continuing Connected Transaction |
|
2011 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.
|
|
Lease under the 2010
Network Lease Agreement
|
|
RMB2.4 billion
(equivalent to
HK$2,780 million)
|
|
RMB2.6 billion
(equivalent to
HK$3,011 million)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.
|
|
Telecommunications
Resources Leasing under
the 2010 Comprehensive
Services Agreement
|
|
RMB0.6 billion
(equivalent to
HK$695 million)
|
|
RMB0.6 billion
(equivalent to
HK$695 million)
|
|
RMB0.6 billion
(equivalent to
HK$695 million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.
|
|
Property Leasing under
the 2010 Comprehensive
Services Agreement
|
|
Amount payable by
CUCL: RMB1.5
billion (equivalent
to HK$1,737
million)
|
|
Amount payable by
CUCL: RMB1.5
billion (equivalent
to HK$1,737
million)
|
|
Amount payable by
CUCL: RMB1.5
billion (equivalent
to HK$1,737
million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount payable by
Unicom Group:
|
|
Amount payable by
Unicom Group:
|
|
Amount payable by
Unicom Group: |
|
|
|
|
RMB0.1 billion
(equivalent to
HK$116 million)
|
|
RMB0.1 billion
(equivalent to
HK$116 million)
|
|
RMB0.1 billion
(equivalent to
HK$116 million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.
|
|
Value-added
Telecommunications
Services under the 2010
Comprehensive Services
Agreement
|
|
RMB0.5 billion
(equivalent to
HK$579 million)
|
|
RMB0.5 billion
(equivalent to
HK$579 million)
|
|
RMB0.5 billion
(equivalent to
HK$579 million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.
|
|
Equipment Procurement
Services under the 2010
Comprehensive Services
Agreement
|
|
RMB1.0 billion
(equivalent to
HK$1,158 million)
|
|
RMB1.0 billion
(equivalent to
HK$1,158 million)
|
|
RMB1.0 billion
(equivalent to
HK$1,158 million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.
|
|
Engineering Design and
Construction Services under
the 2010 Comprehensive Services
Agreement
|
|
RMB3.5 billion
(equivalent to
HK$4,054 million)
|
|
RMB3.5 billion
(equivalent to
HK$4,054 million)
|
|
RMB3.5 billion
(equivalent to
HK$4,054 million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.
|
|
Ancillary
Telecommunications
Services under the 2010
Comprehensive Services
Agreement
|
|
RMB2.0 billion
(equivalent to
HK$2,316 million)
|
|
RMB2.0 billion
(equivalent to
HK$2,316 million)
|
|
RMB2.0 billion
(equivalent to
HK$2,316 million) |
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Cap for the Year Ending 31 December |
Continuing Connected Transaction |
|
2011 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.
|
|
Comprehensive Support
Services under the 2010
Comprehensive Services
Agreement
|
|
Amount payable by
CUCL: RMB1.0
billion (equivalent
to HK$1,158
million)
|
|
Amount payable by
CUCL: RMB1.0
billion (equivalent
to HK$1,158
million)
|
|
Amount payable by
CUCL: RMB1.0
billion (equivalent
to HK$1,158
million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount payable by
Unicom Group:
|
|
Amount payable by
Unicom Group:
|
|
Amount payable by
Unicom Group: |
|
|
|
|
RMB0.2 billion
(equivalent to
HK$232 million)
|
|
RMB0.2 billion
(equivalent to
HK$232 million)
|
|
RMB0.2 billion
(equivalent to
HK$232 million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.
|
|
Shared Services under
the 2010 Comprehensive
Services Agreement
|
|
Amount payable by
CUCL: RMB0.5
billion (equivalent
to HK$579 million)
|
|
Amount payable by
CUCL: RMB0.5
billion (equivalent
to HK$579 million)
|
|
Amount payable by
CUCL: RMB0.5
billion (equivalent
to HK$579 million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount payable by
Unicom Group:
|
|
Amount payable by
Unicom Group:
|
|
Amount payable by
Unicom Group: |
|
|
|
|
RMB0.1 billion
(equivalent to
HK$116 million)
|
|
RMB0.1 billion
(equivalent to
HK$116 million)
|
|
RMB0.1 billion
(equivalent to
HK$116 million) |
The bases for the annual caps for the continuing connected transactions contemplated under the
2010 Network Lease Agreement and the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement are set out below.
(1) |
|
Lease under the 2010 Network Lease Agreement |
The annual lease fee payable by CUCL for the two years ending 31 December 2011 and 2012 was
determined and agreed between CUCL and Unicom New Horizon after taking into account the annual
lease fee paid by CUCL of RMB2.2 billion (equivalent to HK$2,548 million) for the year ending
31 December 2010 and the growth potential and prospects of the telecommunications business in
Southern China. Accordingly, the amount of the annual lease fee payable by CUCL for each of
the two years ending 31 December 2011 and 2012 has been set as the annual caps for this
continuing connected transaction.
(2) |
|
Telecommunications Resources Leasing under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement |
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group for telecommunications facilities leasing under the
Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework Agreement for
Telecommunications Facilities Leasing amounted to RMB313 million (equivalent to HK$363
million), RMB153 million (equivalent to HK$177 million) and RMB79 million (equivalent to HK$91
million), respectively. The annual cap for the total charges payable by CUCL to Unicom Group
for telecommunications facilities leasing under the Telecommunications Facilities Leasing
Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework Agreement for Telecommunications Facilities Leasing was
RMB0.6 billion (equivalent to HK$695 million) for each of the three years ended/ending 31
December 2008, 2009 and 2010.
13
Based on the historical charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group, the annual depreciation charges,
the current market rates and the telecommunications resources expected to be leased from
Unicom Group in the next three years, the total charges payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for
telecommunications resources leasing under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement in each
of the three years ending 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 is not expected to exceed RMB0.6
billion (equivalent to HK$695 million). Accordingly, this amount has been set as the annual
cap for this continuing connected transaction.
(3) |
|
Property Leasing under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement |
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total rental charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group for property leasing under the Property
Leasing Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework Agreement for Property Leasing and the Second New
Comprehensive Services Agreement amounted to RMB678 million (equivalent to HK$785 million),
RMB820 million (equivalent to HK$950 million) and RMB398 million (equivalent to HK$461
million), respectively. The annual cap for the total rental charges payable by CUCL to Unicom
Group for property leasing under the Property Leasing Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework
Agreement for Property Leasing and the Second New Comprehensive Services Agreement was
RMB1,095 million (equivalent to HK$1,268 million), RMB1,130 million (equivalent to HK$1,309
million) and RMB1,170 million (equivalent to HK$1,355 million) for each of the three years
ended/ending 31 December 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Based on the historical rental charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group, the annual depreciation
charges, the current market rates and the extent and volume of property leasing which CUCL is
expected to require from Unicom Group in the next three years, the total rental charges
payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for property leasing under the 2010 Comprehensive Services
Agreement in each of the three years ending 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 is not expected to
exceed RMB1.5 billion (equivalent to HK$1,737 million). Accordingly, this amount has been set
as the annual cap for this continuing connected transaction.
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total rental charges paid by Unicom Group to CUCL for property leasing under the Property
Leasing Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework Agreement for Property Leasing and the Second New
Comprehensive Services Agreement amounted to RMB10 million (equivalent to HK$12 million), RMB1
million (equivalent to HK$1 million) and nil, respectively. The annual cap for the total
rental charges payable by Unicom Group to CUCL for property leasing under the Property Leasing
Agreement 2008-2010, the Framework Agreement for Property Leasing and the Second New
Comprehensive Services Agreement was RMB90 million (equivalent to HK$104 million), RMB110
million (equivalent to HK$127 million) and RMB130 million (equivalent to HK$151 million) for
each of the three years ended/ending 31 December 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Based on the historical rental charges paid by Unicom Group to CUCL, the annual depreciation
charges, the current market rates and the extent and volume of property leasing which Unicom
Group is expected to require from CUCL in the next three years, the total rental charges
payable by Unicom Group to CUCL for property leasing under the 2010 Comprehensive Services
Agreement in each of the three years ending 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 is not expected to
exceed RMB0.1 billion (equivalent to HK$116 million). Accordingly, this amount has been set as the annual cap for this continuing connected
transaction.
14
(4) |
|
Provision of Value-added Telecommunications Services under the 2010 Comprehensive Services
Agreement |
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total revenue paid by CUCL to Unicom Group for the provision of value-added telecommunications
services under the Second New Comprehensive Services Agreement amounted to RMB153 million
(equivalent to HK$177 million), RMB122 million (equivalent to HK$141 million) and RMB48
million (equivalent to HK$56 million), respectively.
There was no annual cap for the total revenue payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for the
provision of value-added telecommunications services under the Second New Comprehensive
Services Agreement for each of the three years ended/ending 31 December 2008, 2009 and 2010
for the following reasons:
|
(i) |
|
the Companys revenue depends on growth in call revenue and in its subscriber base
on its various networks. Any such growth will necessarily result in increased use of
these value-added telecommunications services, which the Company will not be able to
control as it depends entirely on subscriber usage. Any annual cap on the provision of
value-added telecommunications services will potentially limit the Companys ability to
conduct or expand its business in the ordinary course; and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
as the charges for these value-added telecommunications services will contribute to
the revenue of the Company, imposing an annual cap on the provision of value-added
telecommunications services could also limit the Companys revenue. |
The Company is now in a better position to estimate the revenue payable to Unicom Group for
the provision of value-added telecommunications services under the 2010 Comprehensive Services
Agreement based on the historical revenue paid by CUCL to Unicom Group for the provision of
value-added telecommunications services and the estimated subscriber usage of such services.
The total revenue payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for the provision of value-added
telecommunications services under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement in each of the
three years ending 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 is not expected to exceed RMB0.5 billion
(equivalent to HK$579 million). Accordingly, this amount has been set as the annual cap for
this continuing connected transaction.
15
(5) |
|
Provision of Equipment Procurement Services under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreements |
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group for the provision of equipment procurement services
under the Materials Procurement Agreement 2008-2010 and the Second New Comprehensive Services
Agreement amounted to RMB537 million (equivalent to HK$622 million), RMB387 million
(equivalent to HK$448 million) and RMB141 million (equivalent to HK$163 million),
respectively. The annual cap for the total charges payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for the
provision of equipment procurement services under the Materials Procurement Agreement
2008-2010 and the Second New Comprehensive Services Agreement was RMB1,575 million (equivalent
to HK$1,824 million), RMB1,850 million (equivalent to HK$2,143 million) and RMB2,050 million
(equivalent to HK$2,374 million) for each of the three years ended/ending 31 December 2008,
2009 and 2010, respectively.
Based on the historical charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group and the extent and volume of
equipment procurement related services that CUCL is expected to require from Unicom Group in
the next three years, the total charges payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for the provision of
equipment procurement services under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement in each of the
three years ending 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 is not expected to exceed RMB1.0 billion
(equivalent to HK$1,158 million). Accordingly, this amount has been set as the annual cap for
this continuing connected transaction.
(6) |
|
Provision of Engineering Design and Construction Services under the 2010 Comprehensive
Services Agreement |
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group for the provision of engineering design and
technical services under the Second New Comprehensive Services Agreement and the provision of
certain engineering and information technology-related services under the Engineering and
Information Technology Services Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework Agreement for
Engineering and Information Technology Services amounted to RMB2,598 million (equivalent to
HK$3,009 million), RMB2,784 million (equivalent to HK$3,224 million) and RMB448 million
(equivalent to HK$519 million), respectively. The annual cap for the total charges payable by
CUCL to Unicom Group for the provision of engineering design and technical services under the
Second New Comprehensive Services Agreement and the provision of certain engineering and
information technology-related services under the Engineering and Information Technology
Services Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework Agreement for Engineering and Information
Technology Services was RMB4,803 million (equivalent to HK$5,563 million), RMB4,400 million
(equivalent to HK$5,096 million) and RMB4,400 million (equivalent to HK$5,096 million) for
each of the three years ended/ending 31 December 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Based on the historical charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group and the extent and volume of
engineering design and construction services that CUCL is expected to require from Unicom
Group in the next three years, the total charges payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for the
provision of engineering design and construction services under the 2010 Comprehensive
Services Agreement in each of the three years ending 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 is not
expected to exceed RMB3.5 billion (equivalent to HK$4,054 million). Accordingly, this amount
has been set as the annual cap for this continuing connected transaction.
16
(7) |
|
Provision of Ancillary Telecommunications Services under the 2010 Comprehensive Services
Agreement |
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group for the provision of ancillary telecommunications
services under the Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework
Agreement for Ancillary Telecommunications Services amounted to RMB558 million (equivalent to
HK$646 million), RMB689 million (equivalent to HK$798 million) and RMB417 million (equivalent
to HK$483 million), respectively. The annual cap for the total charges payable by CUCL to
Unicom Group for the provision of ancillary telecommunications services under the Ancillary
Telecommunications Services Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework Agreement for Ancillary
Telecommunications Services was RMB1.0 billion (equivalent to HK$1,158 million) for each of
the three years ended/ending 31 December 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Based on the historical charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group and the extent and volume of
ancillary telecommunications services that CUCL is expected to require from Unicom Group in
the next three years, the total charges payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for ancillary
telecommunications services under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement in each of the
three years ending 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 is not expected to exceed RMB2.0 billion
(equivalent to HK$2,316 million). Accordingly, this amount has been set as the annual cap for
this continuing connected transaction.
(8) |
|
Provision of Comprehensive Support Services under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement |
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group for the provision of support services under the
Support Services Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework Agreement for Support Services amounted
to RMB461 million (equivalent to HK$534 million), RMB273 million (equivalent to HK$316
million) and RMB82 million (equivalent to HK$95 million), respectively. The annual cap for the
total charges payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for the provision of support services under the
Support Services Agreement 2008-2010 and the Framework Agreement for Support Services was
RMB1.5 billion (equivalent to HK$1,737 million) for each of the three years ended/ending 31
December 2008, 2009 and 2010.
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total charges paid by China Netcom System Integration to Unicom Group for the provision of
services ancillary to the provision of certain information and communications technology
services under the Information and Communications Technology Agreement 2008-2010 amounted to
RMB6 million (equivalent to HK$7 million), RMB1 million (equivalent to HK$1 million) and nil,
respectively. The annual cap for the total charges payable by China Netcom System Integration
to Unicom Group for the provision of services ancillary to the provision of certain
information and communications technology services under the Information and Communications
Technology Agreement 2008-2010 was RMB270 million (equivalent to HK$313 million) for each of
the three years ended/ending 31 December 2008, 2009 and 2010.
17
Based on the historical charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group and the extent and volume of
support services that CUCL is expected to require from Unicom Group in the next three years,
the total charges payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for support services under the 2010
Comprehensive Services Agreement in each of the three years ending 31 December 2011, 2012 and
2013 is not expected to exceed RMB1.0 billion (equivalent to HK$1,158 million). Accordingly,
this amount has been set as the annual cap for this continuing connected transaction.
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total charges paid by Unicom Group to China Netcom System Integration for the provision of
certain information and communications technology services under the Information and
Communications Technology Agreement 2008-2010 amounted to RMB118 million (equivalent to HK$137
million), RMB70 million (equivalent to HK$81 million) and RMB6 million (equivalent to HK$7
million), respectively. The annual cap for the total charges payable by Unicom Group to China
Netcom System Integration for the provision of certain information and communications
technology services under the Information and Communications Technology Agreement 2008-2010
was RMB0.8 billion (equivalent to HK$927 million), RMB850 million (equivalent to HK$984
million) and RMB850 million (equivalent to HK$984 million) for each of the three years
ended/ending 31 December 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Based on the historical charges paid by Unicom Group to China Netcom System Integration and
the extent and volume of information and communications technology services that Unicom Group
is expected to require from CUCL in the next three years, the total charges payable by Unicom
Group to CUCL for the provision of information and communications technology services under
the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement in each of the three years ending 31 December 2011,
2012 and 2013 is not expected to exceed RMB0.2 billion (equivalent to HK$232 million).
Accordingly, this amount has been set as the annual cap for this continuing connected
transaction.
(9) |
|
Provision of Shared Services under the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement |
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group for shared services under the Master Sharing
Agreement 2008-2010 amounted to RMB563 million (equivalent to HK$652 million), RMB266 million
(equivalent to HK$308 million) and RMB143 million (equivalent to HK$166 million),
respectively. The annual cap for the total charges payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for shared
services under the Master Sharing Agreement 2008-2010 was RMB0.69 billion (equivalent to
HK$799 million) for each of the three years ended/ending 31 December 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Based on the historical charges paid by CUCL to Unicom Group and the extent and volume of
shared services which CUCL is expected to require from Unicom Group in the next three years,
the total charges payable by CUCL to Unicom Group for shared services under the 2010
Comprehensive Services Agreement in each of the three years ending 31 December 2011, 2012 and
2013 is not expected to exceed RMB0.5 billion (equivalent to HK$579 million). Accordingly,
this amount has been set as the annual cap for this continuing connected transaction.
18
For the two years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009 and the six months ended 30 June 2010, the
total charges paid by Unicom Group to CUCL for shared services under the Master Sharing
Agreement 2008-2010 amounted to RMB140 million (equivalent to HK$162 million), RMB3 million
(equivalent to HK$3 million) and RMB3 million (equivalent to HK$3 million), respectively. The
annual cap for the total charges payable by Unicom Group to CUCL for shared services under the
Master Sharing Agreement 2008-2010 was RMB0.2 billion (equivalent to HK$232 million) for each
of the three years ended/ending 31 December 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Based on the historical charges paid by Unicom Group to CUCL and the extent and volume of
shared services which Unicom Group is expected to require from CUCL in the next three years,
the total charges payable by Unicom Group to CUCL for shared services under the 2010
Comprehensive Services Agreement in each of the three years ending 31 December 2011, 2012 and
2013 is not expected to exceed RMB0.1 billion (equivalent to HK$116 million). Accordingly,
this amount has been set as the annual cap for this continuing connected transaction.
5. |
|
CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PARTIES |
Unicom Group is the ultimate parent company of the Company and, as at the date of this
announcement, indirectly controls approximately 71.98% of the issued share capital of the
Company through its shareholdings in Unicom BVI and Netcom Group BVI, which directly hold
41.27% and 30.70% of the issued share capital of the Company, respectively. Unicom New Horizon
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unicom Group. As CUCL is a member of the Group and each of
Unicom Group and Unicom New Horizon is a connected person of the Company, the transactions
contemplated under the 2010 Network Lease Agreement and the 2010 Comprehensive Service
Agreement constitute continuing connected transactions of the Company for the purpose of
Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules.
6. |
|
COMPLIANCE WITH THE LISTING RULES |
As the highest of the applicable percentage ratios (other than the profits ratio) in respect
of the annual caps for the Lease under the 2010 Network Lease Agreement will, on an annual
basis, be more than 0.1% but less than 5%, such continuing connected transaction is only
subject to the reporting and announcement requirements set out in Rules 14A.45 to 14A.47 of
the Listing Rules and the annual review requirements set out in Rules 14A.37 to 14A.40 of the
Listing Rules and is exempt from the independent shareholders approval requirements of
Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules.
As the highest of the applicable percentage ratios (other than the profits ratio) in respect
of the annual caps for each of the transactions contemplated under the 2010 Comprehensive
Services Agreement will, on an annual basis, be more than 0.1% but less than 5%, such
continuing connected transactions are only subject to the reporting and announcement
requirements set out in Rules 14A.45 to 14A.47 of the Listing Rules and the annual review
requirements set out in Rules 14A.37 to 14A.40 of the Listing Rules and are exempt from the
independent shareholders approval requirements of Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules.
19
7. |
|
OPINION OF THE DIRECTORS |
The Directors (including the independent non-executive Directors) are of the opinion that the
terms of the 2010 Network Lease Agreement and the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement are on
normal commercial terms, have been entered into in the ordinary and usual course of business
of the Group and are fair and reasonable and in the interests of the Shareholders as a whole.
The Directors (including the independent non-executive Directors) are also of the opinion that
the annual caps for each of the transactions contemplated under the 2010 Network Lease
Agreement and the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement are fair and reasonable.
Each of Mr. Chang Xiaobing, Mr. Lu Yimin, Mr. Zuo Xunsheng and Mr. Tong Jilu is a member of
the board of directors of Unicom Group. None of the Directors has a material interest in the
transactions contemplated under the 2010 Network Lease Agreement and the 2010 Comprehensive
Services Agreement. Accordingly, none of the Directors is required to abstain from voting on
the resolutions of the Board to approve the transactions contemplated under the 2010 Network
Lease Agreement and the 2010 Comprehensive Services Agreement.
The Company was incorporated in Hong Kong on 8 February 2000. CUCL is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company established under the laws of the PRC. The Company, through CUCL and
its other subsidiaries, currently provides GSM and WCDMA mobile communications services,
fixed-line voice services, fixed-line broadband and other internet related services, business
and data communications services in the PRC.
Unicom Group is a state-owned enterprise incorporated under the laws of the PRC and is the
ultimate parent company of the Company. Unicom Group and its subsidiaries are primarily
engaged in telecommunications and related businesses in the PRC.
Unicom New Horizon is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unicom Group incorporated under the laws of
the PRC and is principally engaged in the construction and operation of telecommunications
networks in the PRC.
In this announcement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions have
the meanings set out below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-Step Approach
|
|
the approach to be adopted in the entering into of
all connected transactions of the Company that
require the approval of the independent
Shareholders, details of which are set out in the
announcement of the Company dated 16 December 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 Comprehensive
Services Agreement
|
|
the Comprehensive Services Agreement dated
29 October 2010 entered into by CUCL and Unicom Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 Network Lease
Agreement
|
|
the Network Lease Agreement dated 29 October 2010
entered into by CUCL and Unicom New Horizon |
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADSs
|
|
American Depositary Shares which are issued by The
Bank of New York Mellon and traded on the New York
Stock Exchange, each representing ownership of 10 Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ancillary
Telecommunications
Services Agreement
2008-2010"
|
|
the Ancillary Telecommunications Services Agreement
dated 12 September 2005 entered into by, among
others, CNC China and Netcom Group, as renewed on
6 November 2007 and expiring on 31 December 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Board
|
|
the board of directors of the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
China Netcom System
Integration
|
|
(China Netcom Group
System Integration Limited Corporation), a company
established under the laws of the PRC and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and now
known as (China Unicom System
Integration Limited Corporation) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CNC China
|
|
(China Netcom (Group)
Company Limited), a wholly foreign owned enterprise
established under the laws of the PRC and which
merged with CUCL on 1 January 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company
|
|
(China Unicom
(Hong Kong) Limited), a company incorporated under
the laws of Hong Kong with limited liability and
whose Shares and ADSs are listed on the Hong Kong
Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange,
respectively |
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connected person
|
|
has the meaning ascribed to it in the Listing Rules |
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controlling
shareholder
|
|
has the meaning ascribed to it in the Listing Rules |
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CUCL
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|
(China United Network
Communications Corporation Limited), a
foreign-invested enterprise established under the
laws of the PRC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company and, unless the context otherwise
requires, shall include a reference to CNC China
which merged with it on 1 January 2009 |
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Directors
|
|
the directors of the Company |
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|
Engineering and
Information
Technology Services
Agreement
2008-2010"
|
|
the Engineering and Information Technology Services
Agreement dated 12 September 2005 entered into by,
among others, CNC China and Netcom Group, as
renewed on 6 November 2007 and expiring on
31 December 2010 |
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|
|
|
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|
Existing Network
Lease Agreement
|
|
the Network Lease Agreement dated 16 December 2008
entered into by CUCL, Unicom Group, Netcom Group
and Unicom New Horizon in relation to the Lease and
expiring on 31 December 2010 |
21
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Framework
Agreement for
Ancillary
Telecommunications
Services
|
|
the Framework Agreement for Ancillary Telecommunications
Services dated 12 August 2008 entered into by CUCL and Netcom
Group and expiring on 31 December 2010 |
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Framework
Agreement for
Engineering and
Information
Technology
Services
|
|
the Framework Agreement for Engineering and Information
Technology Services dated 12 August 2008 entered into by CUCL
and Netcom Group and expiring on 31 December 2010 |
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Framework
Agreement for
Property Leasing
|
|
the Framework Agreement for Property Leasing dated 12 August
2008 entered into by CUCL and Netcom Group and expiring on 31
December 2010 |
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Framework
Agreement for
Support Services
|
|
the Framework Agreement for Support Services dated 12 August
2008 entered into by CUCL and Netcom Group and expiring on 31
December 2010 |
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|
Framework
Agreement for
Telecommunications
Facilities Leasing
|
|
the Framework Agreement for Telecommunications Facilities
Leasing dated 12 August 2008 entered into by CUCL and Netcom
Group and expiring on 31 December 2010 |
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Group
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the Company and its subsidiaries |
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HK$
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Hong Kong dollars, the lawful currency of Hong Kong |
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Hong Kong
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the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC |
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Hong Kong Stock
Exchange
|
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The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited |
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Information and
Communications
Technology
Agreement
2008-2010"
|
|
the Information and Communications Technology Agreement dated 6
November 2007 entered into by China Netcom System Integration
and Netcom Group and expiring on 31 December 2010 |
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Lease
|
|
the lease of the telecommunications networks in Southern China
by CUCL from Unicom New Horizon |
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Listing Rules
|
|
the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock
Exchange of Hong Kong Limited |
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|
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Master Sharing
Agreement
2008-2010"
|
|
the Master Sharing Agreement dated 12 September 2005 entered
into by, among others, CNC China and Netcom Group, as renewed on
6 November 2007 and expiring on 31 December 2010 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Materials
Procurement
Agreement
2008-2010"
|
|
the Materials Procurement Agreement dated 12 September 2005
entered into by, among others, CNC China and Netcom Group, as
renewed on 6 November 2007 and expiring on 31 December 2010 |
22
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Netcom Group BVI
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|
China Netcom Group Corporation (BVI) Limited, a company
incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and
the immediate controlling shareholder of the Company |
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Netcom Group
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(China Network Communications Group
Corporation), a state-owned enterprise established under the
laws of the PRC and which merged with Unicom Group on 6 January 2009 |
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percentage ratio
|
|
has the meaning ascribed to it in Chapter 14 of the Listing Rules |
|
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PRC
|
|
the Peoples Republic of China |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property Leasing
Agreement
2008-2010"
|
|
the Property Leasing Agreement dated 12 September 2005 entered
into by, among others, CNC China and Netcom Group, as renewed on
6 November 2007 and expiring on 31 December 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
Renminbi, the lawful currency of the PRC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Second New
Comprehensive
Services Agreement
|
|
the 2006 Comprehensive Services Agreement dated 26 October 2006
entered into by CUCL and Unicom Group, as amended with effect
from 15 October 2008 to include CNC China as a party and
expiring on 31 December 2010 |
|
|
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|
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Shareholders
|
|
the shareholders of the Company |
|
|
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|
Shares
|
|
ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each in the capital of the Company |
|
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Southern China
|
|
for the purpose of this announcement, Shanghai Municipality,
Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, Anhui Province, Fujian
Province, Jiangxi Province, Hubei Province, Hunan Province,
Guangdong Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hainan
Province, Chongqing Municipality, Sichuan Province, Guizhou
Province, Yunnan Province, Tibet Autonomous Region, Shaanxi
Province, Gansu Province, Qinghai Province, Ningxia Hui
Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Support Services
Agreement
2008-2010"
|
|
the Support Services Agreement dated 12 September 2005 entered
into by, among others, CNC China and Netcom Group, as renewed on
6 November 2007 and expiring on 31 December 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunications
Facilities Leasing
Agreement
2008-2010"
|
|
the Telecommunications Facilities Leasing Agreement dated 12
September 2005 entered into by, among others, CNC China and
Netcom Group, as renewed on 6 November 2007 and expiring on 31
December 2010 |
23
|
|
|
|
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Unicom A Share Company
|
|
(China
United Network Communications
Limited), a company incorporated in
the PRC with limited liability,
whose shares are listed on the
Shanghai Stock Exchange and in which
Unicom Group holds a 61.05% equity
interest as at the date of this
announcement, and the immediate
controlling shareholder of Unicom
BVI |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unicom BVI
|
|
China Unicom (BVI) Limited, a
company incorporated under the laws
of the British Virgin Islands and
the immediate controlling
shareholder of the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unicom New Horizon
|
|
(Unicom New
Horizon Telecommunications Company
Limited), a company established
under the laws of the PRC and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Unicom
Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unicom Group
|
|
(China United Network Communications Group
Company Limited), a state-owned
enterprise established under the
laws of the PRC and the ultimate
parent company of the Company and,
unless the context otherwise
requires, shall include a reference
to Netcom Group which merged with it
on 6 January 2009 |
This announcement contains translations between Renminbi and Hong Kong dollar amounts at
RMB0.8634 = HK$1, being the exchange rate prevailing on 28 October 2010. The translations should not be taken
as a representation that the Renminbi could actually be converted into Hong Kong dollars at that
rate or at all.
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|
By Order of the Board
CHINA UNICOM (HONG KONG) LIMITED
CHU KA YEE
Company Secretary |
Hong Kong, 29 October 2010
As at the date of this announcement, the Board comprises:
|
|
|
Executive Directors:
|
|
Chang Xiaobing, Lu Yimin, Zuo Xunsheng and Tong Jilu |
|
|
|
Non-executive Director:
|
|
Cesareo Alierta Izuel |
|
|
|
Independent Non-executive Directors:
|
|
Cheung Wing Lam Linus, Wong Wai Ming, John Lawson Thornton, Timpson Chung Shui Ming and Cai Hongbin |
24