THIS
CIRCULAR IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
If you are in any doubt as to
any aspect of this circular or as to the action to be taken, you should obtain
independent professional advice.
If you have sold or
transferred all your shares in Huaneng Power International, Inc., you
should at once hand this circular and where applicable, the form of proxy and
reply slip to the purchaser or transferee or to the bank, or a licensed
securities dealer or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was effected
for transmission to the purchaser or transferee.
Hong
Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
take no responsibility for the contents of this circular, 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 circular.
(a
sino foreign joint stock limited company incorporated in the People’s Republic
of China)
(Stock
Code: 902)
CONTINUING
CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS
AND
CONNECTED
TRANSACTION REGARDING
THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF SHIDAOWAN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Independent
Financial Adviser
to
the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders
Guotai
Junan Capital Limited
A
letter from the board of Directors of Huaneng Power International, Inc. is set
out on pages 4 to 18 of this circular. A letter from the Independent Board
Committee of Huaneng Power International, Inc. is set out on pages 19 to 20 of
this circular. A letter from Guotai Junan Capital containing its advice to the
Independent Board Committee and the independent shareholders of Huaneng Power
International, Inc. is set out on pages 21 to 28 of this circular.
A
notice convening the EGM to be held at 9 a.m. on 22 December 2009 at the
headquarters of the Company at West Wing, Building C, Tianyin Mansion, 2C
Fuxingmennan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, the People’s Republic of China
is set out on pages 34 to 36 of this circular.
If
you intend to attend the EGM, you should complete and return the reply slip in
accordance with the instructions printed thereon as soon as
possible.
Whether
or not you are able to attend, you should complete and return the form of proxy
in accordance with the instructions printed thereon and return it to Hong Kong
Registrars Limited at Rooms 1806-07, 18th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s
Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong, as soon as possible and in any event by not later
than 24 hours before the time appointed for holding such meeting or any
adjournment thereof.
Completion
and return of the form of proxy will not preclude you from attending and voting
at the EGM should you so wish.
6
November 2009
CONTENTS
Page
Definitions
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1
|
|
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Letter
from the Board
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4
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|
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1.
Introduction
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4
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|
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2.
Relationship between the Company, Huaneng Group and HIPDC
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6
|
|
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3.
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement
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7
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|
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4.
Capital Contribution Agreement regarding the establishment of Shidaowan
Nuclear Power Plant
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14
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|
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5.
The EGM
|
16
|
|
|
6.
Recommendations
|
17
|
|
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7.
Other Information
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18
|
|
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Letter
from the Independent Board Committee
|
19
|
|
|
Letter
from Guotai Junan Capital
|
21
|
|
|
Appendix
— General Information
|
29
|
|
|
Notice
of Extraordinary General Meeting
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34
|
DEFINITIONS
In
this circular, the following expressions have the following meanings unless the
context requires otherwise:
“A
Shares”
|
domestic
tradable shares in the ordinary share capital of the Company with a
nominal value of RMB1.00 each, which are listed on the Shanghai Stock
Exchange;
|
“ADSs”
|
American
Depositary Shares, each representing the ownership of 40 H Shares, which
are listed on the New York Stock Exchange Inc.;
|
“associates”
|
has
the meaning ascribed to it in the Listing Rules;
|
“Board”
|
the
board of Directors of the Company;
|
“Capital
Contribution Agreement”
|
the
capital contribution agreement for the establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear
Power Development Limited Liability Company entered into between the
Company, Huaneng Group and HIPDC on 20 October 2009;
|
“Company”,
“HPI”
|
Huaneng
Power International, Inc., a sino foreign joint stock limited company
incorporated in the PRC and the H Shares, ADSs and A Shares of which are
listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange Inc.
and the Shanghai Stock Exchange, respectively, and its subsidiaries (as
the case may be);
|
“connected
persons”
|
has
the meaning ascribed to it in the Listing Rules;
|
“Director(s)”
|
the
director(s) (including independent non-executive directors) of the
Company;
|
“EGM”
|
an
extraordinary general meeting of the Company to be held for shareholders
of the Company on 22 December 2009 to consider and approve, among other
things, the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement (and the caps of the
transactions as contemplated thereby) and the Capital Contribution
Agreement;
|
“Guotai
Junan Capital”
|
Guotai
Junan Capital Limited, a licensed corporation to carry on type 6 (advising
on corporate finance) regulated activity as defined under the SFO, acting
as the independent financial adviser to the Independent Board Committee
and the Independent Shareholders in respect of the purchase of coal and
transportation services (and the proposed caps) under the Huaneng Group
Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the establishment of
Shidaowen Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution
Agreement;
|
“H
Shares”
|
overseas
listed foreign shares in the ordinary share capital of the Company with a
nominal value of RMB1.00 each, which are listed on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange;
|
“HIPDC”
|
Huaneng
International Power Development Corporation;
|
“Hong
Kong”
|
the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC;
|
“Hong
Kong Listing Rules”
|
the
Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange;
|
“Huaneng
Group”
|
China
Huaneng Group;
|
“Huaneng
Group Framework Agreement”
|
the
“framework agreement on the continuing connected transactions (for 2010)
between Huaneng Power International, Inc. and China Huaneng Group” entered
into between the Company and Huaneng Group on 20 October
2009;
|
“Hua
Neng Group HK”
|
China
Hua Neng Group Hong Kong Limited;
|
“Independent
Board Committee”
|
a
committee of the Board established for the purpose of considering the
terms and the transaction caps of the purchase of coal and transportation
services under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the transaction
regarding the establishment of Shidaowen Nuclear Power Plant under the
Capital Contribution Agreement, comprising Mr. Liu Jipeng, Mr. Yu Ning,
Mr. Shao Shiwei, Mr. Zheng Jianchao and Mr. Wu Liansheng the
independent non-executive Directors of the Company;
|
“Independent
Shareholders”
|
Shareholders
other than Huaneng Group, HIPDC and their respective associates, and who
are not involved in, or interested in the transactions contemplated by the
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the
establishment of Shidaowen Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital
Contribution Agreement;
|
“Latest
Practicable Date”
|
2
November 2009, being the latest practicable date prior to the printing of
this circular for ascertaining certain information contained
herein;
|
“PRC”
|
the
People’s Republic of China;
|
“RMB”
|
Renminbi,
the lawful currency of the PRC;
|
“SFO”
|
the
Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong
Kong);
|
“Shanghai
Listing Rules”
|
The
Rules Governing the Listing of securities on the Shanghai Stock
Exchange;
|
“Shareholders”
|
the
shareholders of the Company;
|
“Shidaowan
Nuclear Power Plant”
|
Shidaowan
Nuclear Power Development Limited Liability Company (石島灣核電開發有限公司);
|
“Stock
Exchange”
|
The
Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited;
|
“subsidiaries”
|
has
the meaning ascribed to it in the Listing
Rules.
|
LETTER
FROM THE BOARD
(a
sino foreign joint stock limited company incorporated in the People’s Republic
of China)
(Stock
Code: 902)
Directors:
Cao
Peixi
Huang
Long
Wu
Dawei
Huang
Jian
Liu
Guoyue
Fan
Xiaxia
Shan
Qunying
Xu
Zujian
Huang
Mingyuan
Liu
Shuyuan
|
Legal
Address:
West
Wing, Building C
Tianyin
Mansion
No.
2C
Fuxingmennan
Street
Xicheng
District
Beijing
100031
PRC
Independent
Non-executive Directors:
Liu
Jipeng
Yu
Ning
Shao
Shiwei
Zheng
Jianchao
Wu
Liansheng
|
|
6
November 2009
|
To
the Shareholders
Dear
Sir or Madam,
CONTINUING
CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS
AND
CONNECTED
TRANSACTION REGARDING
THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF SHIDAOWAN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
1. INTRODUCTION
On
20 October 2009, the Board made two announcements (“Announcements”), one on the
continuing connected transactions arising from the Huaneng Group Framework
Agreement and the other one on the transaction regarding the establishment of
Shidaowen Nuclear Power Plant pursuant to the Capital Contribution Agreement. As
stated in the Announcements, the Company shall issue a circular to the
Shareholders containing further information of the continuing connected
transactions as contemplated by the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the
transaction regarding establishment of Shidaowen Nuclear Power Plant under the
Capital Contribution Agreement.
Under
the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the conduct of purchase of coal and transportation
services (and the proposed cap thereof) by the Company from Huaneng Group and
its subsidiaries and associates under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and
the transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowen Nuclear Power Plant
under the Capital Contribution Agreement both require independent shareholders’
approvals.
To
comply with the requirements of the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the Independent
Directors of the Company will advise the Independent Shareholders in connection
with the terms of the continuing connected transactions (including the proposed
cap) regarding the purchase of coal and transportation services contemplated
under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the
establishment of Shidaowen Nuclear Power Plant as contemplated under the Capital
Contribution Agreement. The letter from the Independent Board Committee to the
Independent Shareholders is included in this circular. Guotai Junan Capital has
been appointed as the independent financial adviser to advise the Independent
Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders on the fairness and
reasonableness of the terms in respect of the purchase of coal and
transportation services (including the proposed cap) under the Huaneng Group
Framework Agreement and in respect of the transactions under the Capital
Contribution Agreement and whether the purchase of coal and transportation
services (including the proposed cap) under the
Huaneng
Group Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the establishment of
Shidaowen Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution Agreement are in
the interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. The letter of
advice from Guotai Junan Capital to the Independent Board Committee and the
Independent Shareholders is included in this circular.
Under
the Hong Kong Listing Rules, Guotai Junan Capital is only required to opine on
the continuing connected transactions relating to the purchase of coal and
transportation services (including the proposed cap) contemplated under the
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the
establishment of Shidaowen Nuclear Power Plant as contemplated under the Capital
Contribution Agreement and, in which case, Guotai Junan Capital will not provide
opinion on the other transactions contemplated under the Huaneng Group Framework
Agreement (the “Other Transactions”). Notwithstanding such arrangement, the
Company still includes details of the Other Transactions in this circular so
that the Shareholders can have a full picture of all transactions as
contemplated under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement. The Company believes
that on such basis, the Independent Shareholders have been provided with
sufficient information so as to make an informed decision in the voting of the
relevant proposed resolutions.
The
purposes of this circular are:
(i) to
provide you with further information in relation to the transactions as
contemplated by the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the Capital
Contribution Agreement;
(ii) to
set out the letter of advice from Guotai Junan Capital to the Independent Board
Committee and the Independent Shareholders and the recommendation of the
Independent Board Committee as advised by Guotai Junan Capital; and
(iii) to
seek your approval of the ordinary resolution in relation to the transactions as
contemplated by the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement (and the proposed cap
thereof) and the Capital Contribution Agreement, which are set out in the notice
of the EGM.
2. Relationship
between the Company, Huaneng Group and HIPDC
The
Company and its subsidiaries mainly develop, construct, operate and manage
large-scale power plants in China nationwide. It is one of the largest
independent electricity power suppliers in China, currently owning a generation
capacity of 40,975 MW on equity basis.
Huaneng
Group is principally engaged in the development, investment, construction,
operation and management of power source; organizing the generation and sale of
power (and heat); and the development, investment, construction, production and
sale of products in relation to energy, transportation, new energy and
environmental protection industries.
HIPDC
was established as a sino-foreign joint venture company with the approval of the
State Council. Its principal scope of business includes developing, constructing
and operating power plants in China.
Huaneng
Group is the controlling shareholder of HIPDC, holding a 51.98% direct interest
and a 5% indirect interest in HIPDC. At the same time, Huaneng Group holds a
8.75% direct interest in the issued shares of the Company. Through its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Hua Neng Group HK, Huaneng Group indirectly holds
certain H shares of the Company, representing 0.17% of the issued shares of the
Company. As at the Latest Practicable Date, HIPDC was the controlling
shareholder of the Company, holding 42.03% of the issued shares of the
Company.
The
relationship between the Company, Huaneng Group and HIPDC is illustrated as
follows:
* Huaneng
Group, through Hua Neng Group HK, indirectly holds a 100% interest in Pro-Power
Investment Limited which in turns holds a 5% interest in HIPDC. Therefore,
Huaneng Group holds a 5% indirect interest in HIPDC.
# Of the
8.92% interest, 0.17% represents the interest in the H shares of the Company
held by Huaneng Group through Hua Neng Group HK.
Under
the Hong Kong Listing Rules, Huaneng Group and HIPDC are connected persons of
the Company while the transactions between the Company and any of Huaneng Group
and/or HIPDC (each include their respective subsidiaries and associates)
constitute connected transactions of the Company, subject to the compliance with
the relevant disclosures and/or independent shareholders approval requirements
as stipulated in the Hong Kong Lising Rules (as the case may be).
3. Huaneng
Group Framework Agreement
The
Company has entered into a framework agreement with Huaneng Group’s subsidiaries
on 21 October 2008 for the purpose of governing the conduct of certain
continuing connected transactions between the Company and Huaneng Group (and its
subsidiaries and associates) in 2009. Such agreement will expire on 31 December
2009. In order to continue such transactions, the Company, as approved by the
Board, entered into the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement with Huaneng Group on
20 October 2009 for a term commencing on 1 January 2010 and expiring on 31
December 2010. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company will conduct the following
transactions with Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates on an
on-going basis:
(1) Purchase
of ancillary equipment and parts
Due
to operational needs, the Company has to outsource ancillary equipment and parts
(mainly including the raw materials and equipment for the infrastructure
construction work for power plants) for the purpose of renovation and
maintenance. Pursuant to the framework agreement endered into on 21 October 2008
with respect to the purchase of ancillary equipment and parts in 2009 by the
Company from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates, the annual cap
of such transactions for 2009 was set at RMB 1.12 billion (please refer to the
announcement of the Company dated 22 October 2008). During the period from 1
January 2009 to 30 September 2009, the aggregate transaction amount (unaudited)
in respect of the purchase of ancillary equipment and parts by the Company from
Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates was approximately RMB 750
million. It is estimated that at the end of 2009, the actual aggregate
transaction amount will not exceed the anticipated transaction amount of 2009.
According to the management policy of the Company and its subsidiaries, the
Company will through tender process enter into arrangement with entities which
can offer the lowest prices/most favorable terms to the Company for the purchase
of ancillary equipment and parts. As such, Company and its subsidiaries
purchased part of the ancillary equipment and parts during 2009 from independent
third parties at prices which were relatively lower than the prices offered by
Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates. For 2010, the aggregate
transaction amount with respect to the purchase of ancillary equipment and parts
by the Company from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates under the
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement is estimated not to exceed RMB537 million,
lower than the anticipated transaction amount of 2009. Such cap is estimated on
the basis of the existing overall business scale and operation of the power
plants of the Company, the anticipated development and growth of such power
plants as deemed reasonable by the Company, as well as taking into account the
benefit of offering favorable prices on bulk purchases by Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates.
The
competitive advantage of Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates in
the supply of ancillary equipment and parts is that they are able to offer more
favorable prices for bulk purchase of ancillary equipment and parts. Taking into
consideration the ability of Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates
to offer more favorable prices for ancillary equipment and parts, and owing to
their close relationships with the Company, Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries
and associates are able to provide the Company with the ancillary equipment and
parts in a timely and reliable manner, thereby minimizing the management and
operational costs of the Company.
Pursuant
to the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement, the terms and the prices with respect
to the purchase of ancillary equipment and parts by the Company from Huaneng
Group and its subsidiaries and associates are negotiated at arm’s length terms,
taking into account the then prevailing market conditions; but in any event at
the terms and prices no less favorable than those offered to the Company by an
independent third party for the same or similar type of ancillary equipment and
parts. In addition, the payment of such purchases will be settled in cash in
arrears, or in accordance with the payment terms agreed by the relevant parties
in the contracts to be entered into pursuant to such framework
agreement.
The
Board (including the independent non-executive Directors) is of the view that
the transactions for the purchase of ancillary equipment and parts as
contemplated by the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement were entered into: (1) in
the ordinary and usual course of business of the Company; (2) on normal
commercial terms (on arm’s length basis or on terms no less favorable to the
Company than terms available from independent third parties); and (3) on terms
and the proposed cap that are fair and reasonable and in the interest of the
Company and its shareholders as a whole.
As
the applicable percentage ratios relating to the scale of the transactions in
question calculated in accordance with Rule 14.07 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules
do not exceed 2.5%, such transactions are therefore only subject to the
reporting and announcement requirements under Rules 14A.45 to 14A.47 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules but are exempt from the Independent Shareholders’ approval
requirements. In addition, the Company will, with respect to the transactions in
question, comply with the requirements under Rule 14A.37 to 14A.40 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules in respect of the annual review of these continuing connected
transactions. If the actual aggregate amount of such transactions during the
year ending 31 December 2010 exceeds the above cap (i.e. RMB537 million), the
Company will further comply with the requirements under Rule 14A.36 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules.
(2) Purchase
of coal and transportation services
Coal
is the major raw material of the Company for power generation. Pursuant to the
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement, the Company will purchase coal and coal
transportation services from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates
at prices and charges calculated by reference to RMB/ton and the actual weight
of carriage, with arm’s length terms taking into account the then market
conditions, and in any event the terms of the purchases of coal and the
transportation service shall be no less favorable than those offered by
independent third parties to the Company for the same or similar type of coal
supply or transportation services.
Pursuant
to the framework agreement entered into on 22 October 2008 with respect to the
purchase of coal and transportation services in 2009 by the Company from Huanang
Group and its subsidiaries and associates, the cap of the aggregate transaction
amount for 2009 was set at RMB8.39 billion (please refer to the announcement
dated 22 October 2008 and the circular dated 7 November 2008 issued by the
Company). During the period from 1 January 2009 to 30 September 2009, the
aggregate transaction amount (unaudited) for purchase of coal and transportation
services by the Company from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates
was approximately RMB2.76 billion. It is estimated that at the end of 2009, the
actual aggregate transaction amount will not exceed the anticipated transaction
amount of 2009. The cap of the transaction amount for purchase of coal and
transportation services by the Company from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries
and associates pursuant to the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement in 2010 is
estimated to be RMB8.347 billion, which is close to the anticipated transaction
amount of 2009. The payment of the consideration will be settled in cash in
arrears, or in accordance with the payment terms agreed by the relevant parties
in the contracts to be entered into pursuant to the framework agreement. The cap
of such amount is set on the basis of the prevailing overall business scale and
operation of the power plants of the Company, and the anticipated development
and growth of such power plants as deemed reasonable by the Company, taking into
account the benefit of offering favorable terms on bulk purchase by Huaneng
Group and its subsidiaries and associates.
The
competitive advantage of Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates in
the supply of coal and transportation services is that they can offer more
favorable terms for bulk purchase of coal and transportation services. Taking
into consideration the ability of Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and
associates to offer more favorable terms for purchases of coal and
transportation services, and owing to their close relationships with the
Company, Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates are able to provide
the Company with coal and transportation in a timely and reliable manner,
thereby minimizing the management and operational costs of the Company. In
addition, Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates operate a sizeable
fleet specializing in the provision of domestic maritime transportation services
in China. Given that the reliability and the relative high quality of management
and transportation services provided by Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and
associates could reduce operational risks
and
enhance the efficiency of the daily operation of the Company, the Board
(including the independent non-executive Directors) is of the view that the
transactions for the purchase of coal and transportation services from Huaneng
Group and its subsidiarties and associates contemplated under the Huaneng Group
Framework Agreement were entered into: (1) in the ordinary and usual course of
business of the Company; (2) on normal commercial terms (on arm’s length basis
or on terms no less favorable to the Company than terms available from
independent third parties); and (3) on terms and the proposed cap that are fair
and reasonable and in the interest of the Company and its shareholders as a
whole.
As
the applicable percentage ratios relating to the transaction scale for the
purchase of coal and transportation services from Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates calculated in accordance with Rule 14.07 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules exceed 2.5%, such transactions are therefore subject to the
reporting, announcement and Independent Shareholders’ approval requirements
under Rules 14A.45 to 14A.48 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules.
(3) Sale
of products
To
be more cost-efficient in management, the Company’s subsidiary(ies) will be
engaging in centralising the purchase of fuel and other related products for
certain power plants of Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates. The
products sold by the Company to Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and
associates are mainly imported coal, the prices and charges of which are
calculated by reference to RMB/ton and the actual weight of carriage, with arm’s
length terms taking into account the then market conditions, and in any event
the terms of the purchases of coal and the related products shall be no less
favourable than those offered by independent third parties to the Company for
the same or similar type of coal supply and the related products services. The
Company has not conducted similar transactions with Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates in 2006, 2007 and 2008. During the period from 1
January 2009 to 30 September 2009, the transaction amount for sale of products
between the Company and Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates was
RMB0. The payment of the consideration will be settled in cash in arrears, or in
accordance with the payment terms agreed by the relevant parties pursuant to the
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement. For 2010, the transaction amount with respect
to the sale of products between the Company and Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates is estimated to be RMB1.28 billion. Such cap is
based on the estimation of the coal and other related products required by four
power plants of Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates for 2010.
These four power plants together have a generation capacity over 2,730 MW. In
anticipation of the existing overall business scale and operation of the
relevant parties, the Company considers the above cap is necessary in order to
optimize the development opportunities.
The
Company is of the view that sale of products to the power plants of Huaneng
Group and its subsidiaries and associates can bring about operation benefits for
the Company. The Board (including the independent non-executive Directors) is of
the view that the transactions for sale of products to Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates pursuant to the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement
were entered into: (1) in the ordinary and usual course of business of the
Company; (2) on normal commercial terms (on arm´s length basis or on terms no
less favorable to the Company than terms available from independent third
parties); and (3) on terms and the proposed cap that are fair and reasonable and
in the interest of the Company and its shareholders as a whole.
As
the applicable percentage ratios relating to the scale of the transactions in
question calculated in accordance with Rule 14.07 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules
do not exceed 2.5%, such transactions are therefore only subject to the
reporting and announcement requirements under Rules 14A.45 to 14A.47 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules but are exempt from the Independent Shareholders´ approval
requirements. In addition, the Company will, with respect to the transactions in
question, comply with the requirements under Rule 14A.37 to 14A.40 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules in respect of the annual review of these continuing connected
transactions. If the actual aggregate amount of such transactions during the
year ending 31 December 2010 exceeds the above cap (i.e. RMB1.28 billion), the
Company will further comply with the requirements under Rule 14A.36 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules.
(4) Leasing
of facilities, land and office spaces
For
operational needs, the Company has to rent facilities, land and office spaces
(mainly power transmission and transformation assets, power plants land and
power office spaces) from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates.
Pursuant to the framework agreement entered into on 21 October 2008 with respect
to the leasing of power transmission and transformation assets, power plant land
and office spaces in 2009 by the Company from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries
and associates, thecap of the relevant transaction amount for 2009 was set at
RMB169 million (please refer to the announcement dated 22 October 2008 issued by
the Company). During the period from 1 January 2009 to 30 September 2009, the
aggregate fee (unaudited) which has already been paid by the Company to
Huaneng
Group and its subsidiaries and associates for leasing of the power transmission
and transformation facilities, land and office was RMB126 million. It is
estimated that at the end of 2009, the actual aggregate transaction amount will
not exceed the anticipated transaction amount of 2009. Pursuant to the Huaneng
Group Framework Agreement, the aggregate transaction amount with respect to the
leasing of facilities, land and office spaces by the Company from Huaneng Group
and its subsidiaries and associates to the Company in 2010 is estimated not to
exceed RMB216 million, higher than the anticipated transaction amount of 2009.
Following the completion of acquisition of several power plants from Huaneng
Group and its subsidiaries and associates during the year, the operational scale
of the Company has increased accordingly. It is anticipated that the Company
will continue to require extra facilities, land and office spaces to satisfy its
operational needs. The estimate of such cap amount is based on the prevailing
overall business scale and operation of the power plants of the Company, the
anticipated development and growth of such power plants as deemed reasonable by
the Company, taking into account the benefit of favorable prices offered by
Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates.
In
respect of leasing facilities, land and office space, taking into consideration
the ability of Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates to offer more
favorable prices for leasing facilities, land and office spaces, and owing to
their close relationships with the Company, Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries
and associates are able to provide the Company with the facilities, land and
office spaces in a timely and reliable manner, thereby minimizing the management
and operational costs of the Company.
Pursuant
to the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement, the terms and the prices with respect
to the leasing of power transmission and transformation facilities, land and
office spaces to the Company by Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and
associates are negotiated at arm’s length terms, taking into account the then
prevailing market conditions; but in any event at the leasing terms and prices
no less favourable than those offered to the Company by independent third
parties for the same or similar types of facilities, land and office spaces. In
addition, the payment will be settled in cash in arrears, or in accordance with
the payment terms agreed by the relevant parties in the contracts to be entered
into pursuant to the framework agreement.
The
Board (including the independent non-executive Directors) is of the view that
the transactions for the leasing of power transmission and transformation
facilities, land and office spaces contemplated under the Huaneng Group
Framework Agreement were entered into: (1) in the ordinary and usual course of
business of the Company; (2) on normal commercial terms (on arm’s length basis
or on terms no less favorable to the Company than terms available from
independent third parties); and (3) on terms and the proposed cap that are fair
and reasonable and in the interest of the Company and its shareholders as a
whole.
As
the applicable percentage ratios relating to the scale of the subject
transactions calculated in accordance with Rule 14.07 of the Hong Kong Listing
Rules do not exceed 2.5%, such transactions are therefore only subject to the
reporting and announcement requirements under Rules 14A.45 to 14A.47 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules but are exempt from the Independent Shareholders’ approval
requirements. In addition,the Company will, with respect to the transactions in
question, comply with the requirements under Rule 14A.37 to 14A.40 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules in respect of conducting annual reviews of these continuing
connected transactions. If the actual aggregate amount of such transactions
during the year ending 31 December 2010 exceeds the above cap (i.e. RMB216
million), the Company will further comply with the requirements under Rule
14A.36 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules.
(5) Purchase
of technical services and engineering contracting services
As
a power company, the Company has to outsource information technology services
and industry-specific technical and engineering contracting services to meet its
operation and production needs. Such services mainly include maintenance of
power plants monitoring system, real-time consolidation of project data, trial
run of generating units, monitoring of facilities construction work of power
plants and other ancillary services relating to operation. Pursuant to the
relevant framework agreement entered into on 22 October 2008 with respect to the
purchase of technical services and engineering contracting services by the
Company from Huanang Group and its subsidiaries and associates, the cap for the
aggregate transaction amount for 2009 was set at RMB237 million (please refer to
the announcement of the Company dated 22 October 2008). During the period from 1
January 2009 to 30 September 2009, the aggregate transaction amount (unaudited)
for the purchase of technical services and engineering contracting services by
the Company from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates was
approximately RMB142 million. It is estimated that at the end of 2009, the
actual aggregate transaction amount will not exceed the anticipated transaction
amount of 2009. Pursuant to the Huaneng Framework Agreement, the transaction
amount with respect to the purchase of technical services and engineering
contracting services by the Company from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and
its associates in 2010 is estimated not to exceed RMB505 million, higher than
the anticipated transaction amount of 2009. The estimate of such cap is based on
the prevailing overall business scale and operation of the power plants of the
Company
as well as the anticipated development and growth of such power plants as deemed
reasonable by the Company, having taken into account the benefit of favorable
prices for the purchase of technical services and engineering contracting
services offered by Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and
associates.
The
competitive advantage of Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates in
the provision of technical services and engineering contracting services is that
they can offer more favorable prices for the provision of technical services and
engineering contracting services. Taking into consideration the ability of
Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates to offer more favorable prices
for the provision of technical services and engineering contracting services,
and owing to their close relationships with the Company, Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates are able to provide the Company with the technical
services and engineering contracting services in a timely and reliable manner,
thereby minimizing the management and operational costs of the Company. In
addition, certain subsidiaries and associates of Huaneng Group specialize in the
research of information technology and domestic renewable energy technology, as
well as the installation of thermal power facilities in the PRC. Given the
ability of Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associate to provide reliable
and efficient information technology services, and advanced and comprehensive
industry-specific technology services and engineering contracting services, the
operation costs of the Company can thus be reduced.
Pursuant
to the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement, the terms and the prices with respect
to the purchase of technical services and engineering contracting services by
the Company from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates are
negotiated at arm’s length terms, taking into account the then prevailing market
conditions; but in any event at the terms and prices no less favorable than
those offered to the Company by independent third parties for the same or
similar types of technical services and engineering contracting services. In
addition, the payment of consideration will be settled in cash in arrears, or in
accordance with the payment terms agreed by the relevant parties in the
contracts to be entered into pursuant to the framework agreement.
The
Board (including the independent non-executive Directors) is of the view that
the transactions for the purchase of technical services and engineering
contracting services as contemplated under the Huaneng Framework Agreement were
entered into: (1) in the ordinary and usual course of business of the Company;
(2) on normal commercial terms (on arm’s length basis or on terms no less
favourable to the Company than terms available from independent third parties);
and (3) on terms and the proposed cap that are fair and reasonable and in the
interest of the Company and its shareholders as a whole.
As
the applicable percentage ratios relating to the scale of the subject
transactions calculated in accordance with Rule 14.07 of the Hong Kong Listing
Rules do not exceed 2.5%, such transactions are therefore only subject to the
reporting and announcement requirements under Rules 14A.45 to 14A.47 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules but are exempt from the Independent Shareholders’ approval
requirements. In addition, the Company will, with respect to the transactions in
question, comply with the requirements under Rule 14A.37 to 14A.40 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules in respect of conducting annual reviews of these continuing
connected transactions. If the actual aggregate amount of such transactions
during the year ending 31 December 2010 exceeds the above cap (i.e. RMB505
million), the Company will further comply with the requirements under Rule
14A.36 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules.
(6) Provision
of entrusted sale services
The
“provision of entrusted sale services” by the Company from Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates involve mainly the use of power generation quota of
Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates for substituted power
generation by the Company. The Company has not conducted similar transactions
with Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
During the period from 1 January 2009 to 30 September 2009, the transaction
amount was RMB0. For 2010, the transaction amount with respect to the such
services between the Company and Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and
associates is estimated to be RMB67 million. Such cap is estimated on the basis
of the existing overall business scale and operation of the relevant parties and
the anticipated development of such transaction as deemed reasonable by the
Company. As the Company owns relatively advanced power generating units, the use
by the Company of the power generation quota of Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates for substituted power generation can bring about
higher revenues for both parties.
Pursuant
to the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement, the terms and prices with respect to
the provision of aforesaid entrusted sale services between the Company and
Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates are negotiated at arm´s length
terms, taking into account the then prevailing market conditions; but in any
event at the terms and prices no less favorable than those offered to the
Company by an independent third party for the same or similar type of services.
In addition, payment will be settled in cash in arrears, or in accordance with
the payment terms agreed by the relevant parties in the contracts to be entered
into pursuant to the framework agreement.
The
Board (including the independent non-executive Directors) is of the view that
the transactions for purchase of generation quota services pursuant to the
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement were entered into (1) in the ordinary and
usual course of business of the Company; (2) on normal commercial terms (on
arm´s length basis or on terms no less favorable than terms offered by the
Company to independent third parties); and (3) on terms and the proposed cap
that are fair and reasonable and in the interest of the Company and its
shareholders as a whole.
As
the applicable percentage ratios relating to the scale of the subject
transactions calculated in accordance with Rule 14.07 of the Hong Kong Listing
Rules do not exceed 2.5%, such transactions are therefore only subject to the
reporting and announcement requirements under Rules 14A.45 to 14A.47 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules but are exempt from the Independent Shareholders´ approval
requirements. In addition, the Company will, with respect to the transactions in
question, comply with the requirements under Rule 14A.37 to 14A.40 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules in respect of the annual review of these continuing connected
transactions. If the actual aggregate amount of such transactions during the
year ending 31 December 2010 exceeds the above cap (i.e. RMB67 million), the
Company will further comply with the requirements under Rule 14A.36 of the Hong
Kong Listing Rules.
4. CAPITAL
CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SHIDAOWAN NUCLEAR POWER
PLANT
On
20 October 2009, the Company entered into the Capital Contribution Agreement
with Huaneng Group and HIPDC.
Major
terms of the Capital Contribution Agreement are set out below:
(1)
|
Registered
Capital:
|
RMB1
billion
|
(2)
|
Ratio
of capital contribution:
|
Huaneng
Group (40%) (i.e. RMB400 million, HIPDC (30%) (i.e. RMB300 million) and
the Company (30%) (i.e. RMB300 million)
|
(3)
|
Method
of contribution:
|
Cash
payment
|
(4)
|
Timeframe
for capital contribution:
|
The
first payment of capital contribution in the amount of RMB500 million
shall be paid by all parties according to their respective ratios of
capital contribution within five (5) working days upon the convening of
the first shareholders’ meeting of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant by
depositing the relevant amount of capital contribution into a capital
verification account. The balance of the capital contribution shall be
paid before 31 December 2009. The Company will fund such capital
contribution by way of its internal cash surplus.
|
(5)
|
Arrangement
for project financing:
|
Total
investment of the project shall be the amount as approved by the State.
The amount of capital for the project shall be 20% of the total investment
amount of the project (on the basis that the registered capital being RMB
1 billion, the total investment of the project is estimated to be RMB 5
billion). Pursuant to the needs of the progress of the project, each party
shall contribute additional capital on a pro-rated basis in accordance
with the stipulations of the State. Each party shall follow its ratio of
capital contribution stipulated in this agreement, and contribute in full
the increased amount of capital contribution within such timeframe
according to the resolution of the shareholders’ meeting.
The
project company shall raise finance with respect to the difference of
amount between the total investment amount of the project and the amount
of capital. In accordance with the needs of the finance, each party shall
provide guarantee for such amount of finance according to its ratio of
capital contribution.
|
Pursuant
to the Capital Contribution Agreement, Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant shall
comprise a board of directors with nine (9) directors, among whom Huaneng Group
shall be entitled to nominate three (3) directors, HIPDC shall be entitled to
nominate two (2) directors and the Company shall be entitled to nominate two (2)
directors. There will be two (2) employee directors. Shidaowan Nuclear Power
Plant will mainly be engaged in the development, construction, operation and
management of four AP1000 pressurized water reactors, and for the production and
sale of electricity and
related
products.
REASONS
FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JOINT VENTURE
Pursuant
to the relevant arrangement for the State’s energy development, nuclear power
will be one of the focus areas for future energy construction by the State. In
accordance with the Company’s “Twelfth Five-year Plan” and long-term strategic
development plan, the development and construction of nuclear power has an
irreplaceable effect for the competitiveness enhencement, structural adjustment
and long-term development of the Company. Entering the nuclear power sector is
consistent with the strategic perspective of the Company. Against the background
of the State’s ardent development of clean energy like nuclear power, there is a
pressing need for the Company to optimize its structure, thereby lowering the
operational risk as a whole and maintaining a healthy, sustainable development.
It becomes essential that the Company enters the nuclear power sector as soon as
possible.
This
capital contribution is part of the ordinary investment development by the
Company. It does not have any adverse impact to the financial position of the
Company. From the current and long-term perspectives, a nuclear project has a
relatively better return. This capital contribution provides a good opportunity
for the Company to enter the nuclear sector, which is consistent with the
development strategy and long-term benefit of the Company and will create a
positive effect to the production operation and long-term development of the
Company.
The
Directors is of the view that the transaction contemplated under the Capital
Contribution Agreement was entered into (1) on normal commercial terms (on arm’s
length basis or on terms no less favorable to the Company than terms available
from independent third parties); (2) on terms that are fair and reasonable and
in the interest of the Company and its shareholders as a whole; and (3) in the
ordinary and usual course of business of the Company.
THE
CONNECTED TRANSACTION UNDER THE HONG KONG LISTING RULES
Given
that Huaneng Group and HIPDC are connected persons of the Company, the
establishment of the joint venture company by the Company with Huaneng Group and
HIPDC constitutes a connected transaction of the Company under Rule 14A.13(6) of
the Hong Kong Listing Rules. Since the relevant percentage ratios as calculated
in accordance with Rule 14.07 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules exceed 2.5%, the
transaction contemplated under the Capital Contribution Agreement shall be
subject to the reporting, announcement and Independent Shareholders’ approval
requirements under Rules 14A.45 to 14A.48 of the Hong Kong Listing
Rules.
5. THE
EGM
Under
the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the purchase of coal and transportation services
under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the
establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution
Framework Agreement constitute continuing connected transactions and connected
transaction to the Company, respectively. The aggregate of the transaction scale
of each of such type of transactions exceeds 2.5% of the applicable percentage
ratios as calculated pursuant to Rule 14.07 of the Listing Rules. Pursuant to
Rule 14A.18 of the Listing Rules, the Company shall obtain the Independent
Shareholders’ approvals for the conduct of the transactions of purchase of coal
and transportation services (including the proposed cap) under the Huaneng Group
Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan
Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution Agreement. On the other hand,
pursuant to the Shanghai Listing Rules, the conduct of all transactions with
Huaneng Group (together with its subsidiaries and associates, all being treated
as the concerted related parties of the Company under the Shanghai Listing
Rules) as set out in this circular shall be approved by the Independent
Shareholders of the Company. The EGM will be held for considering and approving
for the conduct of the continuing connected transactions contemplated by the
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement (and the proposed cap thereof) and the
transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant
contemplated under the Capital Contribution Agreement by the Independent
Shareholders. Huaneng Group, HIPDC and their respective associates and
Shareholders who are involved in, or interested in the transactions contemplated
by the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the Capital Contribution Agreement
(holding an aggregate of 6,141,786,667 shares in the Company, representing
approximately 50.95% of the total issue shares of the Company as at the Latest
Practicable Date) will abstain from voting in the resolution with respect to the
conduct of the continuing connected transaction (including the relevant proposed
caps) contemplated under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement at the EGM, at
which the proposed resolution will be passed by way of ordinary resolution and
voting will be taken by way of a poll in accordance with the requirements of the
Listing Rules. The Notice of EGM is set out on pages 34 to 36 of this
circular.
A
reply slip and a form of proxy for use by the Independent Shareholders at the
EGM are enclosed with this circular. Whether or not you intend to attend the
meeting in person, you are requested to complete and return the reply slip in
accordance
with the instructions printed thereon to the registered office of the Company at
West Wing, Building C, Tianyin Mansion, 2C, Fuxingmennan Street, Xicheng
District, Beijing, PRC as soon as possible but in any event not later than 1
December 2009. The enclosed form of proxy should be completed and returned to
the Company’s H Share Registrar, Hong Kong Registrars Limited, at Rooms 1806-07,
18th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong or the registered
office of the Company in accordance with the instructions printed thereon as
soon as practicable and in any event by not later than 24 hours before the time
appointed for the holding of the EGM. Completion and return of the form of proxy
will not preclude you from attending and voting in person at the meeting should
you so wish.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
Your
attention is drawn to the letter from the Independent Board Committee to the
Independent Shareholders of the Company, which is set out on pages 19 to 20 of
this circular, and which contains their recommendation in respect of the
transactions relating to the purchase of coal and transportation services
(including the proposed cap) under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the
transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant under
the Capital Contribution Agreement.
The
letter of advice from Guotai Junan Capital to the Independent Board Committee
and the Independent Shareholders on the fairness and reasonableness of the terms
of the transactions relating to the purchase of coal and transportation services
(including the proposed cap) under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the
transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant under
the Capital Contribution Agreement and whether the transactions relating to the
purchase of coal and transportation services (including the proposed cap) under
the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the
establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution
Agreement are in the interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole is
set out on pages 21 to 28 of this circular.
The
Independent Board Committee, having taken into account the advice of Guotai
Junan Capital, considers that the terms of the transactions relating to the
purchase of coal and transportation services (including the proposed cap) under
the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the
establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution
Agreement are fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are
concerned and that the transactions relating to the purchase of coal and
transportation services (including the proposed cap) under the Huaneng Group
Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan
Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution Agreement are in the
interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, it
recommends that the Independent Shareholders vote in favour of the relevant
resolutions to approve the transactions relating to the purchase of coal and
transportation services (including the proposed cap) under the Huaneng Group
Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan
Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution Agreement.
7. OTHER
INFORMATION
Your
attention is drawn to the general information set out in the appendix to this
circular.
|
Yours
faithfully
By
order of the Board
Huaneng Power International,
Inc.
Cao Peixi
Chairman
|
LETTER
FROM THE INDEPENDENT BOARD COMMITTEE
(a
sino foreign joint stock limited company incorporated in the People’s Republic
of China)
(Stock
Code: 902)
|
Registered
office:
West
Wing, Building C
Tianyin
Mansion
2C
Fuxingmennan Street
Xicheng
District
Beijing
100031
The
People’s Republic of China
|
6
November 2009
|
|
To
the Independent Shareholders
Dear
Sir or Madam,
CONTINUING
CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS
AND
CONNECTED
TRANSACTION REGARDING
THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF SHIDAOWAN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
We,
the Independent Board Committee of Huaneng Power International, Inc., are
advising the Independent Shareholders in connection with the transactions
relating to the purchase of coal and transportation services (including the
proposed cap) under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the transaction
regarding the establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital
Contribution Agreement, details of which are set out in the letter from the
Board contained in the circular (“Circular”) of the Company to the Shareholders
dated 6 November 2009, of which this letter forms a part. Terms defined in the
Circular shall have the same meanings when used herein unless the context
otherwise requires.
Under
the Listing Rules, the transactions relating to the purchase of coal and
transportation services under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the
transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant under
the Capital Contribution Agreement constitute connected transactions to the
Company. Accordingly, the conduct of the transactions relating to the purchase
of coal and transportation services (including the proposed cap) under the
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the
establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution
Agreement will require the approval of the Independent Shareholders at the
EGM.
We
wish to draw your attention to the letter of advice from Guotai Junan Capital
set out on pages 21 to 28 of the Circular. We have discussed the letter and the
opinion contained therein with Guotai Junan Capital.
Having
considered, inter alia, the factors and reasons considered by, and the opinion
of, Guotai Junan Capital, as stated in its aforementioned letter, we consider
the terms of the transactions relating to the purchase of coal and
transportation services (including its proposed cap) under the Huaneng Group
Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan
Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution Agreement to be fair and
reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned. We are of the
view that the transactions relating to the purchase of coal and transportation
services (including its proposed cap) under the Huaneng Group Framework
Agreement and the transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear
Power Plant under the Capital Contribution Agreement are in the interests of the
Company and its shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, we recommend that the
Independent Shareholders vote in favour of the ordinary resolutions in the
Notice of EGM set out at the end of the Circular to be proposed at the EGM to be
held on 22 December 2009 and thereby approve the transactions relating to the
purchase of coal and transportation services (including its proposed cap) under
the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the transaction regarding the
establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution
Agreement.
|
Yours
faithfully,
Liu JipengYu NingShao
ShiweiZheng JianchaoWu Liansheng
Independent
Directors
|
LETTER
FROM GUOTAI JUNAN CAPITAL
The
following is the text of the letter of advice from Guotai Junan Capital, the
independent financial adviser to the Independent Board Committee and the
Independent Shareholders, in relation to the continuing connected transactions
under the Huaneng Framework Agreement and the connected transaction under the
Capital Contribution Agreement, which has been prepared for the purpose of
inclusion in this circular.
Guotai Junan Capital
Limited
|
27th
Floor
Grand
Millennium Plaza
181
Queen’s Road Central
Hong
Kong
|
|
6
November 2009
|
To
the Independent Board Committee and
the Independent
Shareholders
Dear
Sirs,
CONNECTED
TRANSACTION
AND
CONTINUING
CONNECTED TRANSACTION
INTRODUCTION
We
refer to our appointment as the independent financial adviser to advise the
Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders in connection with
(i) the connected transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear
Power Plant by the Company with Huaneng Group and HIPDC as contemplated under
the Capital Contribution Agreement (the “Establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear
Power Plant” or the “Connected Transaction”); and (ii) the continuing connected
transaction regarding the purchase of coal and transportation services
(including the proposed cap) by the Company from Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement (the
“Coal Purchase” or the “Continuing Connected Transaction”). Details of the
Capital Contribution Agreement and the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereunder are contained in the “Letter from the
Board” of the circular to the shareholders of the Company (the “Shareholders”)
dated 6 November 2009 (the “Circular”) of which this letter forms part. Unless
the context requires otherwise, terms used in this letter shall have the same
meanings as those defined in the Circular.
On
20 October 2009, the Board made an announcement regarding the Board approved the
entering into the Capital Contribution Agreement with Huaneng Group and HIPDC.
Pursuant to the Capital Contribution Agreement, Huaneng Group, HIPDC and the
Company agreed to make capital contribution in the ratios of 40%, 30% and 30%,
respectively, for the joint establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant with
a registered capital of RMB1 billion for the development, construction,
operation and management of four AP1000 pressurized water reactors, and for the
production and sale of electricity and related products.
On
21 October 2009, the Board made another announcement regarding entering into the
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement on 20 October 2009 with Huaneng Group in
relation to, amongst other things, the Coal Purchase.
As
stated in the above announcements, since the transaction scales in relation to
the Establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant and the Coal Purchase exceed
2.5% of applicable percentage ratios as calculated in accordance with Rule 14.07
of the Hong Kong Listing Rules respectively, the conduct of such transactions
shall be subject to the reporting, announcement and Independent Shareholders’
approval requirements under Rules 14A.45 to 14A.48 of the Hong Kong Listing
Rules.
The
Company will convene an extraordinary general meeting on 22 December 2009 to
prepare the relevant resolutions for obtaining the approval from the Independent
Shareholders for the conduct of the Connected Transaction and the Continuing
Connected Transaction (including the relevant proposed cap). This letter set out
our recommendations as to whether the terms of the Connected Transaction and the
Continuing Connected Transaction are on normal commercial terms, in the ordinary
and usual course of business and are fair and reasonable so far as the
Independent Shareholders are concerned and in the interests of the Company and
the Shareholders as a whole for the Independent Board Committee’s consideration
when making their recommendation to the Independent Shareholders.
THE
INDEPENDENT BOARD COMMITTEE
The
Independent Board Committee comprising the independent non-executive directors
of the Company, namely Mr. Liu Jipeng, Mr. Yu Ning, Mr. Shao Shiwei, Mr. Zheng
Jianchao and Mr. Wu Liansheng, has been established to consider the conduct of
the Connected Transaction and the Continuing Connected Transaction (including
the relevant proposed cap).
BASIS
AND ASSUMPTIONS OF THE ADVICE OF OUR OPINION
In
formulating our advice, we have relied solely on the statements, information,
opinions and representations for matters relating to the Company contained in
the Circular and the information and representations provided to us by the
Company and/or its senior management staff and/or the Directors. We have assumed
that all such statements, information, opinions, and representations for matters
relating to the Company contained or referred to in the Circular or otherwise
provided or made or given by the Company and/or its senior management staff
and/or the Directors and for which it is/they are solely responsible were true
and accurate and valid at the time they were made and given and continue to be
true and valid as at the date of the Circular. We have assumed that all the
opinions and representations for the matters relating to the Company made or
provided by the Company and/or its senior management staff and/or the Directors
contained in the Circular have been reasonably made after due and careful
enquiry. We have also sought and obtained confirmation from the Company and/or
its senior management staff and/or the Directors that no material facts have
been omitted from the information provided and referred to in the
Circular.
We
consider that we have reviewed all currently available information and documents
which are available to enable us to reach an informed view and to justify our
reliance on the information provided so as to provide a reasonable basis for our
opinions. We have no reason to doubt the truth, accuracy and completeness of the
statements, information, opinions and representations provided to us by the
Company and/or its senior management staff and/or the Directors and their
respective advisers or to believe that material information has been withheld or
omitted from the information provided to us or referred to in the aforesaid
documents. We have not, however, carried out an independent verification of the
information provided, nor have we conducted an independent investigation into
the business and affairs of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
PRINCIPAL
FACTORS AND REASONS CONSIDERED
In
arriving at our recommendation, we have considered the following principal
factors and reasons:
I. Background
of the parties involved
1. Information
on the Company
The
Company and its subsidiaries mainly develop, construct, operate and manage
large-scale power plants in China nationwide. It is one of the largest
independent electricity power suppliers in China, currently owning a generation
capacity of 40,975 MW on equity basis.
2. Information
on Huaneng Group
Huaneng
Group is principally engaged in the development, investment, construction,
operation and management of power source; organizing the generation and sale of
power (and heat); and the development, investment, construction, production and
sale of products in relation to energy, transportation, new energy and
environmental protection industries.
3. Information
on HIPDC
HIPDC
was established as a sino-foreign joint venture company with the approval of the
State Council. Its principal scope of business includes developing, constructing
and operating power plants in China.
4. Relationships
between the Company, Huaneng Group and HIPDC
Huaneng
Group is the controlling shareholder of HIPDC, holding a 51.98% direct interest
and a 5% indirect interest in HIPDC. At the same time, Huaneng Group holds a
8.75% direct interest in the issued shares of the Company. Through its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Hua Neng Group HK, Huaneng Group indirectly holds
certain H shares of the company,
representing
0.17% of the issued shares of the Company. As at the Latest Practicable Date,
HIPDC is the controlling shareholder of the Company, holding 42.03% of the
issued shares of the Company. Under the Hong Kong Listing Rules, Huaneng Group
and HIPDC are connected persons of the Company.
II. Establishment
of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant
1. Reasons
for the Establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant
Pursuant
to the relevant arrangement for the State’s energy development, nuclear power
will be one of the focus areas for future energy construction by the State. In
accordance with the Company’s “Twelfth Five-year Plan” and long-term strategic
development plan, the development and construction of nuclear power has an
irreplaceable effect for the competitiveness enhancement, structural adjustment
and long-term development of the Company. Entering the nuclear power sector is
consistent with the strategic perspective of the Company. Against the background
of the State’s ardent development of clean energy like nuclear power, there is a
pressing need for the Company to optimize its structure, thereby lowering the
operational risk as a whole and maintaining a healthy and sustainable
development.
As
advised by the Directors, the Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant is the first project
of the Company entering into the nuclear power sector. The Company will obtain
useful experience to operate nuclear plant through the Establishment of
Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant. The Directors believe that this will help the
Company to develop nuclear power business in the future. Moreover, due to the
restriction of site selection for nuclear power plant, the Directors believe
that Shidaowan is a suitable place for the establishment of nuclear power
plant.
Furthermore,
as advised by the Company, due to the government encouraging policy on nuclear
power industry, the Company believes that Establishment of Shidaowan Nuclear
Power Plant is a strategic project and will improve the profitability of the
Company.
Based
on the above, we concur with the Company’s view that the Establishment of
Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant is in line with the expansion plan and business
strategy of the Company and falls within the ordinary and usual course of
business of the Group and is in the interests of the Company and the Independent
Shareholders as a whole.
2. Principal
terms of the Capital Contribution Agreement
a. Shareholding
structure
Pursuant
to the Capital Contribution Agreement, Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant will be
owned as to 40% by Huaneng Group, 30% by HIPDC, 30% by the Company.
b. Business
scope and management of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant
Shidaowan
Nuclear Power Plant will engaged in the development, construction, operation and
management of four AP1000 pressurized water reactors, and for the production and
sale of electricity and related products.
As
set out in the Capital Contribution Agreement, Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant
shall comprise a board of directors with nine directors, among whom Huaneng
Group shall be entitled to nominate three directors, HIPDC shall be entitled to
nominate two directors and the Company shall be entitled to nominate two
directors. There will be two employee directors.
c. Registered
capital, total investment and funding arrangements
Pursuant
to the Capital Contribution Agreement, the registered capital of Shidaowan
Nuclear Power Plant will be RMB1 billion (based on the registered capital, the
total investment is estimated to be RMB5 billion). Huaneng Group will contribute
RMB400 million and each of HIPDC and the Company will contribute RMB300 million
as the registered capital of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant, which represent
their respective equity interests in Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant. Total
investment of the project shall be approved by the State. The amount of capital
for the project shall be 20% of the total investment amount of the project.
Pursuant to the needs of the progress of the project, each party shall
contribute additional capital on a pro-rated basis in accordance with the
stipulations of the State. Each party shall follow its ratio of capital
contribution stipulated in the Capital Contribution Agreement, and contribute in
full the increased amount of capital contribution within such timeframe
according to the resolution of the shareholders’ meeting.
The
project company shall raise finance with respect to the difference of amount
between the total investment amount of the project and the amount of capital. In
accordance with the needs of the finance, each party shall provide guarantee for
such amount of finance according to its ratio of capital
contribution.
The
first payment of capital contribution in the amount of RMB500 million shall be
paid by all parties according to their respective ratios of capital contribution
within five working days upon the convening of the first shareholders’ meeting
of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant by depositing the relevant amount of capital
contribution into a capital verification account. The balance of the capital
contribution (i.e. RMB500 million) shall be paid before 31 December 2009. The
Company will fund such capital contribution by way of its internal cash
surplus.
d. Profit
sharing
As
advised by the Directors, the profit of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant will be
distributed to Huaneng Group, HIPDC and the Company in proportion to their
respective capital contributions to the registered capital of Shidaowan Nuclear
Power Plant, which is 40%, 30% and 30% respectively.
Having
considered the above principal terms of the Capital Contribution Agreement, we
note that it regulates the rights and obligations of the joint venture parties
of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant and their economic risk and return are
distributed among them in accordance to their respective ratios of capital
contribution, we are of the view that the terms of the Capital Contribution
Agreement are on normal commercial terms, fair and reasonable so far as the
Company and the Independent Shareholders are concerned and in the interests of
the Company and Independent Shareholders as a whole.
III. Coal
Purchase
1. Reasons
for and benefits of the Coal Purchase
As
stated in the “Letter from the Board” contained in the Circular, Huaneng Group
and its subsidiaries and associates have a competitive advantage of quoting
favorable terms for bulk purchase of coal and transportation services.
Furthermore, since coal is the major raw material of the company for power
generation, a reliable source of coal is important to the operations of the
Company. According to the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement, the Company will
purchase coal and transportation services from Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates on terms that shall be no less favorable than those
offered by independent third parties to the Company for the same or similar type
of coal supply or transportation services. Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries
and associates are able to provide the Company with coal and transportation in a
timely and reliable manner with greater flexibility afforded to the Company and
its subsidiaries in terms of ordering and receiving coal as compared to
independent third party coal suppliers. In addition, the quality of the coal
meets the requirements of the Company and its subsidiaries and the location of
the coal supply has the advantage of greater proximity to the relevant power
plants of the Company and its subsidiaries. All these factors serve to minimize
the management and operational costs of the Company. In addition, Huaneng Group
and its subsidiaries and associates operate a sizable fleet specializing in the
provision of domestic maritime transportation services in China which enhance
the efficiency of the transportation.
Since
the reliability and the relative high quality of management and transportation
services provided by Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates could
reduce the operational risks and enhance the efficiency of daily operation of
the Company, the Directors are of the opinion that the transactions for the
purchase of coal and transportation services from Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates under the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement were
entered into (i) in the ordinary and usual course of business of the Company;
(ii) on normal commercial terms; and (iii) on terms that are fair and reasonable
and in the interests of the Company and its shareholders as a
whole.
2. Terms
of the Coal Purchase
Pursuant
to the Huaneng Group Framework Agreement, the Company will purchase coal and
transportation services from Huaneng Group and its subsidiaries and associates
at prices and charges calculated with reference to RMB/ton and the actual weight
of carriage, with arm’s length terms taking into account the then market
conditions, and in any event the terms of the Coal Purchase shall be no less
favorable than those offered by independent third parties to the Company for the
same or similar type of coal supply or transportation services.
Having
discussed with the management of the Company and reviewed the relevant coal and
transportation services contracts and samples of coal delivery notes, we noted
that the past transactions between the Company and Huaneng
Group
and its subsidiaries and associates were on normal commercial terms and on terms
no less favorable to the Company than those available from independent third
parties.
3. Proposed
Cap for the Coal Purchase
Pursuant
to the framework agreement entered into on 22 October 2008 with respect to the
purchase of coal and transportation services for a term commencing on 1 January
2009 and expiring on 31 December 2009 by the Company from Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates, the cap of the aggregate transaction amount for
2009 was set at RMB8.39 billion. During the period from 1 January 2009 to 30
September 2009, the aggregate transaction amount (unaudited) for purchase of
coal and transportation services by the Company from Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates was approximately RMB2.76 billion which represented
32.9% of the cap for 2009.
The
estimated annual cap amount for the Coal Purchase for the year ending 31
December 2010 shall not exceed RMB8.347 billion, which is close to the
anticipated transaction amount of 2009. The proposed cap for the Coal Purchase
in 2010 is set on the basis of the prevailing overall business scale and
operation of the power plants of the Company, and the anticipated development
and growth of such power plants as deemed reasonable by the Company, taking into
account the benefit of favorable terms on bulk purchase offered by Huaneng Group
and its subsidiaries and associates. As advised by the Company, the estimated
coal price for 2010 is expected to be similar as 2009 or even lower than 2009;
however, with the increase in total demand of coal due to more connected parties
under Huaneng Group in respect of Coal Purchase will be involved in 2010 as
compared to 2009, the estimated total cap amount of Coal Purchase for the year
2010 is expected to be close to the cap amount of Coal Purchase for the year
2009.
The
Directors advised that after considering (i) the ability of Huaneng Group and
its subsidiaries and associates to provide coal and transportation services to
the Company in a timely and reliable manner; (ii) the fact that the Company will
purchase coal and transportation services from Huaneng Group and its
subsidiaries and associates on terms no less favorable than those offered by
independent third parties to the Company for the same or similar type of coal
purchase or transportation services; and (iii) the expected total demand of coal
in 2010, the Company expects to continue the Coal Purchase from Huaneng Group
and its subsidiaries and associates.
Having
considered the reasons above in determining the cap of the Coal Purchase, we are
of the view that the estimated cap amount of RMB8.347 billion for the year
ending 31 December 2010 is fair and reasonable.
RECOMMENDATION
Taking
into consideration of the above principal factors and reasons, we are of the
opinion that the Connected Transaction and the Continuing Connected Transaction
are in the ordinary and usual course of business of the Company, on normal
commercial terms, fair and reasonable so far as the Company and the Independent
Shareholders are concerned and in the interests of the Company and the
Independent Shareholders as a whole.
Accordingly,
we advise the Independent Board Committee to recommend the Independent
Shareholders to vote in favour of the the Connected Transaction and the
Continuing Connected Transaction at the EGM.
|
Yours
faithfully,
For
and on behalf of
Guotai Junan Capital
Limited
Wilson Lo
Executive
Director
|
APPENDIX
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. RESPONSIBILITY
STATEMENT
This
circular includes particulars given in compliance with the Hong Kong Listing
Rules for the purpose of giving information with regard to the Company. The
Directors collectively and individually accept full responsibility for the
accuracy of the information contained in this circular and confirm, having made
all reasonable enquiries, that to the best of their knowledge and belief there
are no other facts the omission of which would make any statement herein
misleading.
2. DISCLOSURE
OF INTEREST
(a) Directors
and Supervisors of the Company
As
at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors, chief executive or
Supervisors of the Company has interests or short positions in the shares and
underlying shares of the Company or any of its associated corporations (within
the meaning of Part XV of the SFO) which are required to be notified to the
Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of Part XV of the
SFO (including interests and short positions which they are taken or deemed to
have under such provisions of the SFO) or which are required, pursuant to
section 352 of the SFO, to be entered in the register referred to therein, or
which are required, pursuant to the Model Code for Securities Transactions by
Directors of Listed Companies to be notified to the Company and the Stock
Exchange.
(b) Substantial
Shareholders
As
at the Latest Practicable Date, save as disclosed below, so far as is known to
the Board, no persons (not being a Director, chief executive or Supervisor of
the Company) had an interest or short position in the shares or underlying
shares of the Company which would fall to be disclosed to the Company under the
provisions of Divisions 2 and 3 of Part XV of the SFO, or, who is directly or
indirectly, interested in 10% or more of the nominal value of any class of share
capital carrying rights to vote in all circumstances at the general meeting of
any other member of the Company:
Name
of shareholder
|
Class
of shares
|
Number
of shares held
|
Capacity
|
Approximate
percentage of shareholding in the Company’s total issued share
capital
|
Approximate
percentage of shareholding in the Company’s total issued domestic
shares
|
Approximate
percentage of shareholding in the Company’s total issued H
shares
|
Huaneng
International Power Development Corporation#
|
Domestic
shares
|
5,066,662,118(L)
|
Beneficial
owner
|
42.03%(L)
|
56.30%(L)
|
—
|
China
Huaneng Group#
|
Domestic
shares
|
1,055,124,549(L)
|
Beneficial
owner
|
8.75%(L)
|
11.72%(L)
|
—
|
China
Huaneng Group#
|
H
shares
|
20,000,000(L)
|
Beneficial
owner
|
0.17%(L)
|
—
|
0.65%(L)
|
Hebei
Provincial Construction Investment Company
|
Domestic
shares
|
603,000,000(L)
|
Beneficial
owner
|
5.00%(L)
|
6.7%(L)
|
—
|
Barclays
PLC
|
H
Shares
|
232,934,488(L)
|
Interest
of controlled corporations
|
1.93%(L)
|
—
|
7.62%(L)
|
3,880,000(S)
|
Interest
of controlled corporations
|
0.03%(S)
|
—
|
0.13%(S)
|
|
Notes:
(1) The
letter “L” denotes a long position. The letter “S” denotes a short position. The
letter “P” denotes interest in a lending pool.
# As of
date of this circular, Huaneng Group holds 51.98% direct interests and an
additional 5% indirect interests in HIPDC.
# China
Huaneng Group held 20,000,000 H shares through its wholly owned subsidiary,
China Hua Neng Group Hong Kong Limited.
Save
as disclosed above, the Company is not aware of any other person (other than the
directors, supervisors and senior executives of the Company) having any
interests or short positions in the shares and underlying shares of the Company
as at the Latest Practicable Date as recorded in the register required to be
kept by the Company pursuant to Section 336 of the SFO.
As
at the Latest Practicable Date, save as disclosed below, so far as is known to
the Board, no director is a director or employee of a company which has an
interest or short position in the shares and underlying shares of the Company
which would fall to be disclosed to the Company under provisions of Divisions 2
and 3 of Part XV of the SFO:
(i) Mr.
Cao Peixi is the president of China Huaneng Group and the chairman of
HIPDC;
(ii) Mr.
Huang Long is the vice president of China Huaneng Group and a director of
HIPDC;
(iii) Mr.
Wu Dawei is the president of HIPDC; and
(iv) Mr.
Huang Jian is the deputy chief economist and chief of Financial Planning of
China Huaneng Group.
3. MATERIAL
ADVERSE CHANGE
The
Directors are not aware of any material adverse change in the financial or
trading position of the Company and its subsidiaries since 31 December 2008,
being the date to which the latest published audited accounts of the Company and
its subsidiaries were made up to.
4. LITIGATION
None
of the Company and its subsidiaries was at present engaged in any litigation or
arbitration of material importance and there was no litigation or claim of
material importance known to the Directors to be pending or threatened by or
against the Company and its subsidiaries as at the Latest Practicable
Date.
5. CONSENT
OF EXPERT
The
following expert has given and has not withdrawn its written consent to the
issue of this circular with the inclusion of its letter or statements and
references to its name in the form and context in which they
appear:
Name
|
Qualification
|
Guotai
Junan Capital
|
a
licensed corporation to carry on type 6 (advising on corporate finance)
regulated activity as defined under the SFO, acting as the independent
financial adviser to the Independent Board Committee and the Independent
Shareholders in respect of the purchase of coal and transportation
services (and the proposed caps) under the Huaneng Group Framework
Agreement and the transaction regarding the establishment of Shidaowan
Nuclear Power Plant under the Capital Contribution
Agreement
|
As
at the Latest Practicable Date, the above expert was not beneficially interested
in the share capital of the Company and its subsidiaries nor did it have any
right, whether legally enforceable or not, to subscribe for or to nominate
persons to subscribe for securities in the Company and its
subsidiaries.
As
at the Latest Practicable Date, the above expert did not have any direct or
indirect interest in any assets which had been since 31 December 2008 (being the
date to which the latest published audited accounts of the Company were made up)
acquired or disposed of by or leased to the Company and its subsidiaries, or
were proposed to be acquired or disposed of by or leased to the Company and its
subsidiaries.
6. SERVICE
CONTRACTS
As
at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors had entered into, or
proposed to enter into, a service contract with the Company or its subsidiaries
which does not expire or is not terminable by the Company and its subsidiaries
within one year without payment of compensation, other than statutory
compensation.
7. DIRECTORS’
INTERESTS IN THE COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES’ ASSETS OR CONTRACTS
As
at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors or Supervisors of the
Company had any interest in any assets which have been since 31 December 2008
(being the date to which the latest published audited accounts of the Company
were made up) acquired or disposed of by or leased to the Company and its
subsidiaries, or were proposed to be acquired or disposed of by or leased to the
Company and its subsidiaries.
As
at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors or Supervisors was
materially interested in any contract or arrangement subsisting at the Latest
Practicable Date which was significant in relation to the business of the
Company.
8. DIRECTORS’
INTERESTS IN COMPETING BUSINESS
As
at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors or their respective
associates has interests in the businesses, other than being a Director, which
compete or are likely to compete, either directly or indirectly, with the
businesses of the Company (as would be required to be disclosed under Rule 8.10
of the Hong Kong Listing Rules if each of them were a controlling
shareholder).
9. MATERIAL
CONTRACTS
The
following contracts (including contracts not entered into in the ordinary course
of business) have been entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries within
the two years immediately preceding the date of this circular, and are or may be
material:
(a) Huaneng
Group Framework Agreement as defined in this circular;
(b) Capital
Contribution Agreement as defined in this circular;
(c) YLQ
Co-generation Transfer Agreement as defined in the circular dated 4 May
2009;
(d) Beijing
Co-generation Transfer Agreement as defined in the circular dated 4 May
2009;
(e) Huaneng
Group Framework Agreement as defined in the circular dated 7 November 2008 of
the Company;
(f) Huaneng
Finance Framework Agreement as defined in the circular dated 7 November 2008 of
the Company;
(g) Transfer
Agreement as defined in the circular dated 10 May 2008 of the
Company;
(h) An
agreement regarding the acquisition of interests in Huaneng Nanjing Jinling
Power Limited Company entered into between the Company and HIPDC on 3 December
2007, details of which were set out in the Company’s announcement dated 3
December 2007; and
(i) An
agreement regarding the subscription of new equity interests in China Huaneng
Finance Corporation entered into between the Company and China Huaneng Finance
Corporation on 23 October 2007, details of which were set out in the Company’s
announcement dated 23 October 2007.
10. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) Mr.
Gu Biquan is the Company Secretary and Board Secretary of the Company. Pursuant
to a waiver granted by the Stock Exchange to the Company from strict compliance
with Rules 8.17 and 19A.16 of the Listing Rules in relation to the appointment
of Mr. Gu Biquan as the Company secretary of the Company dated 20 December 2007,
the Company has arranged Mr. Zhang Xinmin, a fellow member of the Association of
Chartered Certified Accountants, to provide assistance to Mr. Gu Biquan in the
discharge of his duties as the Company Secretary under the Listing
Rules.
(b) The
head office and legal address of the Company is West Wing, Building C, Tianyin
Mansion, No. 2C, Fuxingmennan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC. The H
Share registrar of the Company in Hong Kong is Hong Kong Registrars Limited at
46/F Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong
Kong.
(c) In
the case of any discrepancy, the English text of this circular and form of proxy
shall prevail over the Chinese text.
11. DOCUMENTS
FOR INSPECTION
Copies
of the following documents will be available for inspection at the office of
Herbert Smith at 23/F., Gloucester Tower, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
during normal business hours on any weekday (except public holidays) from the
date of this circular up to and including 22 December 2009:
(a) the
Articles of Association of the Company;
(b) the
letter from the Independent Directors Committee, as set out in this
circular;
(c) the
letter from Guotai Junan Capital, the independent financial adviser, as set out
in this circular;
(d) the
written consent of Guotai Junan Capital referred to in this
appendix;
(e) the
material contracts referred to in paragraph 9 of this appendix;
(f) the
annual report of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2008;
(g) the
Huaneng Group Framework Agreement; and
(h) the
Capital Contribution Agreement.
NOTICE
OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
(a
sino foreign joint stock limited company incorporated in the People’s Republic
of China)
(Stock
Code: 902)
Notice is hereby given that an
extraordinary general meeting of Huaneng Power International, Inc. (the
“Company”) will be held at 9:00 a.m. on 22 December 2009 at the headquarters of
the Company at West Wing, Building C, Tianyin Mansion, 2C Fuxingmennan Street,
Xicheng District, Beijing, the People’s Republic of China for the purpose of
considering and, if thought fit, passing the following resolutions:
Ordinary
Resolutions:
1. To
consider and approve the framework agreement on the continuing connected
transactions (for 2010) between Huaneng Power International Inc. and China
Huaneng Group, the continuing connected transactions as contemplated thereby and
the transaction caps thereof (note 1)
2. To
consider and approve the capital contribution agreement among Huaneng Power
International Inc., China Huaneng Group and HIPDC, and the transaction as
contemplated thereby (note
1)
|
By
Order of the Board
Gu Biquan
Company
Secretary
|
6
November 2009
Registered
address of the Company:
West
Wing, Building C,
Tianyin
Mansion,
2C
Fuxingmennan Street,
Xicheng
District,
Beijing
100031,
The
People’s Republic of China
Notes:
1. For
definitions and details, please refer to the circular dated 6 November 2009
issued by the Company.
2. Eligibility
for attending the Extraordinary General Meeting
Holders
of the Company’s foreign Shares whose names appear on the HK$ Dividend foreign
Shares Register and/or the US$ Dividend foreign Shares Register maintained by
Hong Kong Registrars Limited and holders of domestic shares whose names appear
on the domestic shares register maintained by the Company at 4:30 p.m. on 20
November 2009 are eligible to attend the Extraordinary General
Meeting.
3. Proxy
(i) A
member eligible to attend and vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting is
entitled to appoint, in written form, one or more proxies to attend and vote on
behalf of him. A proxy needs not be a shareholder.
(ii) A
proxy should be appointed by a written instrument signed by the appointor or its
attorney duly authorised in writing. If the form of proxy is signed by the
attorney of the appointor, the power of attorney authorising that attorney to
sign or other authorisation document(s) shall be notarised.
(iii) To
be valid, the power of attorney or other authorisation document(s) which have
been notarised together with the completed form of proxy must be delivered, in
the case of holders of domestic shares, to the Company and, in the case of
holders of foreign Shares, to Hong Kong Registrars Limited, not less than 24
hours before the time designated for
holding
of the Extraordinary General Meeting.
(iv) A
proxy may exercise the right to vote by a show of hands or by poll. However, if
more than one proxy is appointed by a shareholder, such proxies shall only
exercise the right to vote by poll.
4. Registration
procedures for attending the Extraordinary General Meeting
(i) A
shareholder or his proxy shall provide proof of identity when attending the
meeting. If a shareholder is a legal person, its legal representative or other
persons authorised by the board of directors or other governing body of such
shareholder may attend the Extraordinary General Meeting by producing a copy of
the resolution of the board of directors or other governing body of such
shareholder appointing such persons to attend the meeting.
(ii) Holders
of foreign Shares and domestic shares intending to attend the Extraordinary
General Meeting should return the reply slip for attending the Extraordinary
General Meeting to the Company on or before 1 December 2009.
(iii) Shareholders
may send the above reply slip to the Company in person, by post or by fax (Attn:
The Securities Department).
5. Closure
of Register of Members
The
register of members of the Company will be closed from 20 November 2009 to 21
December 2009 (both days inclusive).
6. Other
Businesses
(i) The
Extraordinary General Meeting will not last for more than half day. Shareholders
who attend shall bear their own travelling and accommodation
expenses.
(ii) The
address of the share registrar for Foreign Shares of the Company, Hong Kong
Registrars Limited is at:
46th
Floor Hopewell Centre
183
Queen’s Road East,
Hong
Kong
(iii) The
registered address of the Company is at:
West
Wing, Building C,
Tianyin
Mansion,
2C
Fuxingmennan Street,
Xicheng
District,
Beijing
100031,
The
People’s Republic of China
Telephone
No.: (+86)-10-66491999
Facsimile
No.:
(+86)-10-66491860
(a
sino foreign joint stock limited company incorporated in the People’s Republic
of China)
(Stock
Code: 902)
Proxy
Form for Extraordinary General Meeting
|
Number
of Shares related to this proxy form (Note
1)
|
H
Shares/Domestic Shares*
|
Shareholders’
Account: |
|
and I.D.
No.: |
,
|
H
Share(s)/Domestic Share(s)* (Note
1) of Huaneng Power International, Inc. (the “Company”) now
appoint(Note
3)
|
,
|
or
failing him the Chairman of the meeting as my(our) proxy to attend and vote for
me(us) on the following resolutions in accordance with the instruction(s) below
and on my(our) behalf at the Extraordinary General Meeting to be held at 9:00
a.m. on 22 December 2009 at the headquarters of the Company at West Wing,
Building C, Tianyin Mansion, 2C Fuxingmennan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing,
the People’s Republic of China for the purpose of considering and, if thought
fit, passing the resolution as set out in the notice convening the said meeting.
In the absence of any indication, the proxy may vote for or against the
resolutions at his own discretion.(Note
6)
|
Ordinary
Resolutions:—
|
For
(Note
4)
|
Against
(Note
4)
|
1.
|
To
consider and approve the framework agreement on the continuing connected
transactions (for 2010) between Huaneng Power International Inc. and China
Huaneng Group, the continuing connected transactions as contemplated
thereby and the transaction caps thereof
|
|
|
2.
|
To
consider and approve the capital contribution agreement among Huaneng
Power International Inc., China Huaneng Group and HIPDC and the
transaction as contemplated thereby
|
|
|
Date:
|
|
2009
|
Signature:
|
|
(Note
5)
|
Notes:
1. Please
insert the number of Share(s) registered in your name(s) relating to this form
of proxy. If no number is inserted, this form of proxy will be deemed to relate
to all of the shares in the capital of the Company registered in your
name(s).
2. Please
insert full name(s) and address(es) in BLOCK LETTERS.
3. Please
insert the name and address of your proxy. If this is left blank, the chairman
of the Extraordinary General Meeting will act as your proxy. One or more
proxies, who may not be member(s) of the Company, may be appointed to attend and
vote in the meeting provided that such proxies must attend the meeting in person
on your behalf. Any alteration made to this proxy form must be signed by the
signatory.
4. Attention:
If you wish to vote FOR any resolution, please indicate with a “√” in the
appropriate space under “For”. If you wish
to vote AGAINST any resolution, please indicate with a “√” in the
appropriate space under “Against”. In the
absence of any such indication, the proxy will vote or abstain at his
discretion.
5. This
form of proxy must be signed underhand by you or your attorney duly authorised
in that behalf. If the appointer is a corporation, this form must be signed
under its common seal or under hand by any directors or agents duly appointed by
such corporation.
6. This
form of proxy together with the power of attorney or other authorisation
document(s) which have been notarised, must be delivered, in the case of a
holder of Domestic Share(s), to the Company and in the case of a holder of H
Share(s), to Hong Kong Registrar Limited, at least 24 hours before the time
designated for the holding of the Extraordinary General Meeting.
* Please
delete as appropriate.
(a
sino foreign joint stock limited company incorporated in the People’s Republic
of China)
(Stock
Code: 902)
Reply
Slip for Extraordinary General Meeting
Telephone number: |
|
and Fax
number: |
,
|
H
Share(s)/Domestic Share(s)* of Huaneng Power International, Inc. (the “Company”)
hereby reply that I/(We) wish to attend or appoint a proxy to attend (on my/our
behalf) the extraordinary general meeting (the “EGM”) to be held at 9:00 a.m. on
22 December 2009 at the headquarters of the Company at West Wing, Building C,
Tianyin Mansion, 2C Fuxingmennan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, the People’s
Republic of China.
Note: Eligible
shareholders who wish to attend the EGM are advised to complete and return this
reply slip to the Company at West Wing, Building C, Tianyin Mansion, 2C,
Fuxingmennan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100031, the PRC by post or by
facsimile (Fax no.: (+86)-10-66491860). Failure to sign and return this reply
slip, however, will not preclude an eligible shareholder from attending the
EGM.
* Please
delete as appropriate.
29