-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, SM2D3f/2xj7UEuvj1Fn9gS/9vnXOn/5jQy9S5z3NpenB3vRAsnpGFjifubYzrRq5 us8nXSeZ6u2HKN3f1u5zXg== 0001144204-05-024363.txt : 20060609 0001144204-05-024363.hdr.sgml : 20060609 20050809173220 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-05-024363 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 20FR12G/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 15 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050810 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20051103 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001023549 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 20FR12G/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-51310 FILM NUMBER: 051011191 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: KIRYAT WEIZMANN BUILDING 3 CITY: REHOVOT76100 ISRAEL STATE: L3 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: KIRYAT WEIZMANN BUILDING 3 CITY: REHOVOT76100 ISRAEL STATE: L3 ZIP: 00000 20FR12G/A 1 v022798_20fr12ga.htm Unassociated Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 

AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM 20-F
 
 (Mark One)
 x REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
 OR
   
 o ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the fiscal year ended ______________
   
 OR
   
 o TRANSITIONAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number _________________________________________________________
 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Israel
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Kiryat Weizmann Science Park
3 Hasapir Street, Building 3, PO Box 370
Rehovot 76100, Israel
(Address of principal executive offices)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None.
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
American Depositary Shares,
each representing ten Ordinary Shares, par value NIS 0.02
(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None.

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
168,079,196 ordinary shares
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes o   No x
Indicate by a check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
 
o Item 17     x Item 18
 



XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM 20-F

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
Page
     
SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
2
     
PART I
ITEM 1
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers 
3
ITEM 2
Offer Statistics And Expected Timetable 
3
ITEM 3
Key Information 
4
ITEM 4
Information on the Company 
19
ITEM 5
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects 
34 
ITEM 6
Directors, Senior Management and Employees 
48 
ITEM 7
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions 
57 
ITEM 8
Financial Information 
57 
ITEM 9
The Offer and Listing 
59 
ITEM 10
Additional Information 
60 
ITEM 11
Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
79 
ITEM 12
Description of Securities other than Equity Securities 
80 
 
PART II
ITEM 13
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies 
85 
ITEM 14
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds 
85 
ITEM 15
Controls and Procedures 
85 
ITEM 16
Reserved 
85 
ITEM 16A
Audit Committee Financial Expert 
85 
ITEM 16B
Code of Ethics 
85 
ITEM 16C
Principal Accountant Fees And Services 
85 
ITEM 16D
Exemptions From The Listing Standards For Audit Committees 
85 
ITEM 16E
Purchases Of Equity Securities By The Issuer And Affiliated Purchasers 
85 
     
PART III
ITEM 17
Financial Statements 
86 
ITEM 18
Financial Statements 
86 
ITEM 19
Exhibits 
86 
     
SIGNATURES
 
87 
 

This Registration Statement on Form 20-F contains trademarks and trade names of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., including our name and logo. The following are registered trademarks of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.: “XTL,” XTLbio,” HepeX,”“HepeX-B,”“HepeX-C,” and “Trimera.”



i



SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain matters discussed in this report, including matters discussed under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” may constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words “expect,”“anticipate,”“intend,”“plan,”“believe,”“seek,”“estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation, those discussed under “Item 3 - Key Information-Risk Factors,”“Item 4 - Information on the Company,”“Item 5 - Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” and elsewhere in this report, as well as factors which may be identified from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or in the documents where such forward-looking statements appear. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
 
The forward-looking statements contained in this report reflect our views and assumptions only as of the date this report is signed. Except as required by law, we assume no responsibility for updating any forward-looking statements.
 

 
2


PART I

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to “XTLbio,” the “Company,”“we,”“us” and “our” refer to XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. and our wholly-owned subsidiary, XTL Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.
 
We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in United States dollars and in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. All references herein to "dollars" or "$" are to United States dollars, and all references to "Shekels" or "NIS" are to New Israeli Shekels.
 
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
 
Directors and Senior Management
 
The following table presents certain information regarding our directors and executive officers as of August 1, 2005.
 
Name1
 
Age
 
Position
Michael S. Weiss2
 
39
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
William J. Kennedy, Ph.D
 
60
 
Non Executive Director
Ido Seltenreich
 
33
 
Non Executive Director3
Vered Shany, D.M.D
 
40
 
Non Executive Director3
Jonathan R. Spicehandler, M.D4
 
56
 
Non executive Director
Ben Zion Weiner, Ph.D5
 
61
 
Non executive Director
Jonathan Burgin
 
44
 
Chief Financial Officer
Shlomo Dagan, Ph.D
 
54
 
Chief Scientific Officer

1
Unless otherwise indicated, the business address for such director or officer is at the Company’s headquarters: XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Kiryat Weizmann Science Park, 3 Hasapir Street, Building 3, PO Box 370, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
2
Mr. Weiss’s business address is c/o Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., 750 Lexington Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10022, U.S.A.
3
Designated as an External Director under the Israeli Companies Act.
4
Dr. Spicehandler’s business address is c/o Schering-Plough Research Institute, 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ  07033, U.S.A.
5
Dr. Weiner’s business address is c/o Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., 5 Basel St. Petah-Tikva 49131, Israel.
 
Auditors
 
Kesselman & Kesselman, a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, has acted as our auditor since 2001. Kesselman & Kesselman’s offices are located at Trade Tower, 25 Hamered Street, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel.
 
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
 
Not applicable
 

3

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
 
Selected Financial Data 
 
The table below presents selected statement of operations and balance sheet data for the fiscal years ended and as of December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000. We have derived the selected financial data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, and as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, from our audited financial statements, included with this registration statement at “Item 18 - Financial Statements.” We have derived the selected financial data for fiscal years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, and as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, from other audited financial statements not appearing in this report, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. You should read the selected financial data in conjunction with “Item 5 - Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,”“Item 8 - Financial Information” and “Item 18 - Financial Statements.”
 
   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
2000
 
   
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                     
Revenues
                     
Reimbursed out of pocket expenses
 
$
3,269
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
License
   
185
   
   
   
   
 
     
3,454
   
   
   
   
 
Cost of revenues
                               
Reimbursed out of pocket expenses
   
3,269
   
   
   
   
 
License
   
32
   
   
   
   
 
     
3,301
   
   
   
   
 
                                 
Gross margin
   
153
   
   
   
   
 
                                 
Research and development
                               
Research and development costs
   
11,985
   
13,668
   
13,231
   
12,187
   
6,002
 
Less participations
   
   
3,229
   
75
   
1,133
   
1,821
 
     
11,985
   
10,439
   
13,156
   
11,054
   
4,181
 
                                 
General and administrative
   
4,134
   
3,105
   
3,638
   
3,001
   
2,334
 
Business development costs
   
810
   
664
   
916
   
1,067
   
486
 
Impairment of asset held for sale
   
   
354
   
   
   
 
                                 
Operating loss
   
(16,776
)
 
(14,562
)
 
(17,710
)
 
(15,122
)
 
(7,001
)
                                 
Other income (expense)
                               
Financial income, net
   
352
   
352
   
597
   
2,448
   
1,517
 
Taxes on income
   
(49
)
 
(78
)
 
(27
)
 
   
(7
)
                                 
Net loss
 
$
(16,473
)
$
(14,288
)
$
(17,140
)
$
(12,674
)
$
(5,491
)
                                 
Net loss per ordinary share
                               
Basic and diluted
 
$
(0.12
)
$
(0.13
)
$
(0.15
)
$
(0.11
)
$
(0.13
)* 
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
134,731,766
   
111,712,916
   
111,149,292
   
110,941,014
   
40,871,338
*
 

* Restated
                               
 
4

 
   
                                   As of December 31,                                    
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
2000
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Balance Sheet Data:
                     
Cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits and
marketable
securities
 
$
22,924
 
$
22,262
 
$
35,706
 
$
52,188
 
$
64,969
 
Working capital
   
20,240
   
19,967
   
33,396
   
50,433
   
53,752
 
Total assets
   
25,624
   
24,853
   
38,423
   
55,106
   
67,876
 
Long-term obligations
   
2,489
   
1,244
   
1,017
   
526
   
707
 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
19,602
   
20,608
   
34,830
   
51,953
   
64,586
 
 
Capitalization and Indebtedness
 
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2004. You should read this table in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes set forth elsewhere in this registration statement.
 
   
December 31, 2004
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Shareholders’ equity
     
Ordinary shares, par value NIS 0.02, 300,000,000 shares authorized, 168,079,196 shares issued and outstanding
 
$
841
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
104,537*
 
Deferred share-based compensation
   
—*
 
Deficit accumulated during the development stage
   
(85,776
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
19,602
 
Total capitalization
 
$
19,602
 

* Reclassified
       
 
Risk Factors
 
You should carefully consider the following risks and uncertainties. If any of the following occurs, our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially harmed. These factors could cause the trading price of our ordinary shares and ADRs to decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business
 
We have a limited operating history and have incurred substantial operating losses since our inception. We expect to continue to incur losses in the future and may never become profitable.
 
We have a limited operating history. You should consider our prospects in light of the risks and difficulties frequently encountered by development stage companies. In addition, we have incurred operating losses since our inception and expect to continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2004, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $85.8 million. We may continue to incur substantial operating losses even if we begin to generate revenues from our drug candidates or technologies. Consequently, if those revenues are insufficient to cover development and other expenditures we may incur, we may never become profitable.
 
 
5


We have not received approval for the sale of any of our products in any market and, therefore, have not generated any commercial revenues from the sales of our products. We have relied on equity financings to fund our operations.
 
We have not yet commercialized any of our drug candidates or technologies and cannot be sure we will ever be able to do so. Even if we commercialize one or more of our drug candidates or technologies, we may not become profitable. Our ability to achieve profitability depends on a number of factors, including our ability to complete our development efforts, obtain regulatory approval for our drug candidates and technologies and successfully commercialize them. Moreover, we have relied on equity financings to fund our operations, and we expect to use, rather than generate, funds from operations for the foreseeable future.
 
If we are unable to successfully complete our clinical trial programs for our drug candidates, or if such clinical trials take longer to complete than we project, our ability to execute our current business strategy will be adversely affected.
 
Whether or not and how quickly we complete clinical trials is dependent in part upon the rate at which we are able to engage clinical trial sites and, thereafter, the rate of enrollment of patients. Patient enrollment is a function of many factors, including the size of the patient population, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility criteria for the study and the existence of competitive clinical trials. If we experience delays in identifying and contracting with sites and/or in patient enrollment in our clinical trial programs, we may incur additional costs and delays in our development programs and may not be able to complete our clinical trials on a cost-effective basis.
 
If third parties on which we rely for clinical trials do not perform as contractually required or as we expect, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize our products.
 
We depend on independent clinical investigators, contract research organizations and other third-party service providers to conduct the clinical trials of our drug candidates and technologies and expect to continue to do so. We rely heavily on these parties for successful execution of our clinical trials, but we do not control many aspects of their activities. Nonetheless, we are responsible for confirming that each of our clinical trials is conducted in accordance with the general investigational plan and protocol. Our reliance on these third parties that we do not control does not relieve us of our responsibility to comply with the regulations and standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, relating to good clinical practices. Third parties may not complete activities on schedule or may not conduct our clinical trials in accordance with regulatory requirements or the applicable trial’s plans and protocols. The failure of these third parties to carry out their obligations could delay or prevent the development, approval and commercialization of our products or result in enforcement action against us.
 
If the clinical data related to our drug candidates and technologies do not track positive preclinical or early clinical data, our corporate strategy and financial results will be adversely impacted.
 
All of our drug candidates and technologies are in preclinical or early clinical stages. Specifically, one of our drug candidates, HepeX-B, was recently studied in a Phase IIb trial, and two of our products under development, XTL-6865 and XTL-2125, have not yet been tested in humans. We submitted a U.S. investigational new drug application, known as an IND, to the FDA in order to commence a Phase Ia/Ib clinical trial for XTL-6865 later this year. In order for our candidates to proceed to later stage clinical testing, they must show positive preclinical or early clinical data. While HepeX-B and XTL-6865 have shown promising preclinical data and Hepex-B has shown promising early clinical data, preliminary results of pre-clinical or clinical tests do not necessarily predict the final results, and promising results in pre-clinical or early clinical testing might not be obtained in later clinical trials. Drug candidates in the later stages of clinical development may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy traits despite having progressed through initial clinical testing. Any negative results from future tests may prevent us from proceeding to later stage clinical testing which would materially impact our corporate strategy and our financial results may be adversely impacted.
 
6

We have limited experience in conducting and managing clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approvals. If our drug candidates and technologies do not receive the necessary regulatory approvals, we will be unable to commercialize our products.
 
We have not received, and may never receive, regulatory approval for commercial sale for any of our products. We currently do not have any drug candidates or technologies pending approval with the FDA or with regulatory authorities of other countries. We will need to conduct significant additional research and human testing before we can apply for product approval with the FDA or with regulatory authorities of other countries. Pre-clinical testing and clinical development are long, expensive and uncertain processes. Satisfaction of regulatory requirements typically depends on the nature, complexity and novelty of the product and requires the expenditure of substantial resources. Regulators may not interpret data obtained from pre-clinical and clinical tests of our drug candidates and technologies the same way that we do, which could delay, limit or prevent our receipt of regulatory approval. It may take us many years to complete the testing of our drug candidates and technologies, and failure can occur at any stage of this process. Negative or inconclusive results or medical events during a clinical trial could cause us to delay or terminate our development efforts.
 
Clinical trials also have a high risk of failure. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical industry, including biotechnology companies, have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials, even after achieving promising results in earlier trials. If we experience delays in the testing or approval process or if we need to perform more or larger clinical trials than originally planned, our financial results and the commercial prospects for our drug candidates and technologies may be materially impaired. In addition, we have limited experience in conducting and managing the clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approval in the United States and abroad and, accordingly, may encounter unforeseen problems and delays in the approval process.
 
Even if regulatory approval is obtained, our products and their manufacture will be subject to continual review, and there can be no assurance that such approval will not be subsequently withdrawn or restricted. Changes in applicable legislation or regulatory policies, or discovery of problems with the products or their manufacture, may result in the imposition of regulatory restrictions, including withdrawal of the product from the market, or result in increased costs to us.
 
Because we license some of our proprietary technologies from third-parties, some of these third-parties could prevent us from licensing our drug candidates.
 
We do not own all of our drug candidates and technologies. We have licensed the patent rights to some of our drug candidates and/or the technologies on which they are based from others. Specifically, we have licensed the two human monoclonal antibodies comprising XTL-6865 from Stanford University and DRK-Blutspendedienst Baden-Wurttemberg, and we have licensed XTL-2125 from B&C Biopharm Co. Ltd. We have also licensed the Trimera technology upon which all of our current product candidates are based from the Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd., which we refer to as Yeda. These license agreements require us to meet development or financing milestones and impose development and commercialization due diligence requirements on us. In addition, under these agreements, we must pay royalties on sales of products resulting from licensed drugs and technologies and pay the patent filing, prosecution and maintenance costs related to the licenses. While we have the right to defend patent rights related to our licensed drug candidates and technologies, we are not obligated to do so. In the event that we decide to defend our licensed patent rights, we will be obligated to cover all of the expenses associated with that effort. If we do not meet our obligations in a timely manner or if we otherwise breach the terms of our agreements, our licensors could terminate the agreements, and we would lose the rights to our drug candidates and technologies. For a further discussion on our license agreements, the patent rights related to those licenses, and the expiration dates of those patent rights, see “Item 4: Information on the Company - Business Overview - Intellectual Property and Patents” and “Item 4: Information on the Company - Business Overview - Licensing Agreements and Collaborations” below. In addition, see “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property” below regarding potential issues related to the use of patents owned by third-parties.
 
7

In addition, under the terms of our license agreement with Yeda, we are required to obtain their approval under the license, in order to grant sub-licenses to collaborative partners to develop or commercialize products or products derived from technologies under the license. The requirement of obtaining these approvals, and any conditions that Yeda may impose upon such approvals, could have the effect of delaying or impeding our ability to enter into agreements with collaborative partners or result in our having to accept terms and conditions that might not be favorable to us. For a discussion of further required approvals, see “Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Operations in Israel” below regarding potential restrictions from the Office of the Chief Scientist regarding the manufacture of our drug candidates outside the State of Israel.
 
If we do not establish or maintain drug development and marketing arrangements with third parties, we may be unable to commercialize our drug candidates and technologies into products.
 
We are an emerging company and do not possess all of the capabilities to fully commercialize our drug candidates and technologies on our own. From time to time, we may need to contract with third parties to:
 
·  
assist us in developing, testing and obtaining regulatory approval for some of our compounds and technologies;
 
·  
manufacture our drug candidates; and
 
·  
market and distribute our products.
 
We can provide no assurance that we will be able to successfully enter into agreements with such third-parties on terms that are acceptable to us. If we are unable to successfully contract with third parties for these services when needed, or if existing arrangements for these services are terminated, whether or not through our actions, or if such third parties do not fully perform under these arrangements, we may have to delay, scale back or end one or more of our drug development programs or seek to develop or commercialize our drug candidates and technologies independently, which could result in delays. Further, such failure could result in the termination of license rights to one or more of our drug candidates and technologies. Moreover, if these development or marketing agreements take the form of a partnership or strategic alliance, such arrangements may provide our collaborators with significant discretion in determining the efforts and resources that they will apply to the development and commercialization of our products. Accordingly, to the extent that we rely on third parties to research, develop or commercialize our products, we are unable to control whether such products will be scientifically or commercially successful.
 
If our products fail to achieve market acceptance, we will never record meaningful revenues.
 
Even if our products are approved for sale, they may not be commercially successful in the marketplace. Market acceptance of our product candidates will depend on a number of factors, including:
 
·  
perceptions by members of the health care community, including physicians, of the safety and efficacy of our products;
 
·  
the rates of adoption of our products by medical practitioners and the target populations for our products;
 
·  
the potential advantages that our products offer over existing treatment methods or other products that may be developed;
 
·  
the cost-effectiveness of our products relative to competing products;
 
·  
the availability of government or third-party payor reimbursement for our products;
 
·  
the side effects or unfavorable publicity concerning our products or similar products; and
 
·  
the effectiveness of our sales, marketing and distribution efforts.
 
8

Because we expect sales of our products to generate substantially all of our revenues in the long-term, the failure of our products to find market acceptance would harm our business and could require us to seek additional financing or other sources of revenue.
 
If the third parties upon whom we rely to manufacture our products do not successfully manufacture our products, our business will be harmed.
 
We do not currently have the ability to manufacture ourselves the compounds that we need to conduct our clinical trials and rely upon a limited number of manufacturers to supply our drug candidates. We have no experience in manufacturing compounds for clinical or commercial purposes and do not have any manufacturing facilities. We rely upon, and intend to continue to rely upon, third parties to manufacture our drug candidates for use in clinical trials and for future sales. In order to commercialize our products, such products will need to be manufactured in commercial quantities while adhering to all regulatory and other requirements, all at an acceptable cost. We may not be able to enter into future third-party contract manufacturing agreements on acceptable terms, if at all.
 
We expect to continue to rely on contract manufacturers and other third parties to produce sufficient quantities of our drug candidates for use in our clinical trials. See “Item 4: Information on the Company - Business Overview - Supply and Manufacturing” below. We believe that our existing manufacturing arrangements with these parties will be adequate to satisfy our planned clinical supply needs for XTL-6865 and our current pre-clinical supply needs for XTL-2125. Future supply of the HepeX-B clinical material will be manufactured by a contract manufacturer to be selected by our partner Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. If our contract manufacturers or other third parties fail to deliver our product candidates for clinical use on a timely basis, with sufficient quality, and at commercially reasonable prices, and we fail to find replacement manufacturers, we may be required to delay or suspend clinical trials or otherwise discontinue development and production of our drug candidates.
 
Our contract manufacturers are required to produce our drug candidates in strict compliance with current good manufacturing practices in order to meet acceptable standards for our clinical trials. If such standards change, the ability of contract manufacturers to produce our drug candidates on the schedule we require for our clinical trials may be affected. In addition, contract manufacturers may not perform their obligations under their agreements with us or may discontinue their business before the time required by us to successfully produce and market our drug candidates. Any difficulties or delays in our contractors’ manufacturing and supply of drug candidates could increase our costs, cause us to lose revenue or make us postpone or cancel clinical trials.
 
In addition, our contract manufacturers will be subject to ongoing periodic, unannounced inspections by the FDA and corresponding foreign governmental agencies to ensure strict compliance with, among other things, current good manufacturing practices, in addition to other governmental regulations and corresponding foreign standards. We will not have control over, other than by contract, third-party manufacturers’ compliance with these regulations and standards. No assurance can be given that our third-party manufacturers will comply with these regulations or other regulatory requirements now or in the future.
 
In the event that we are unable to obtain or retain third-party manufacturers, we will not be able to commercialize our products as planned. If third-party manufacturers fail to deliver the required quantities of our products on a timely basis and at commercially reasonable prices, our ability to develop and deliver products on a timely and competitive basis may be adversely impacted and our business, financial condition or results of operations will be materially harmed.
 
9

If our competitors develop and market products that are less expensive, more effective or safer than our products, our commercial opportunities may be reduced or eliminated.
 
The pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive. Our commercial opportunities may be reduced or eliminated if our competitors develop and market products that are less expensive, more effective or safer than our products. Other companies have drug candidates in various stages of pre-clinical or clinical development to treat diseases for which we are also seeking to discover and develop drug candidates. For a discussion of these competitors and their drug candidates, see “Item 4: Information on the Company - Business Overview - Competition” below. Some of these potential competing drugs are further advanced in development than our drug candidates and may be commercialized earlier. Even if we are successful in developing safe, effective drugs, our products may not compete successfully with products produced by our competitors, who may be able to more effectively market their drugs.
 
Our competitors include pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies, as well as universities and public and private research institutions. In addition, companies that are active in different but related fields represent substantial competition for us. Many of our competitors have significantly greater capital resources, larger research and development staffs and facilities and greater experience in drug development, regulation, manufacturing and marketing than we do. These organizations also compete with us to recruit qualified personnel, attract partners for joint ventures or other collaborations, and license technologies that are competitive with ours. As a result, our competitors may be able to more easily develop products that could render our technologies or our drug candidates obsolete or noncompetitive.
 
If we lose our key personnel or are unable to attract and retain additional personnel, our business could be harmed.
 
As of June 30, 2005, we have 43 full-time employees. To successfully develop our drug candidates and technologies, we must be able to attract and retain highly skilled personnel. The retention of their services cannot be guaranteed. In particular, if we lose the services of Michael S. Weiss, our Chairman, our ability to continue to execute on our business plan could be materially impaired. Our agreement with Mr. Weiss provides that he may terminate his agreement with us upon 30 days’ prior written notice if he is not re-elected as Chairman of our Board, his fees for service as Chairman are reduced by more than 10%, we breach any material term of his agreement, or there is a change of control or reorganization of our company. We do not maintain a key man life insurance policy covering Mr. Weiss.
 
Any acquisitions we make may dilute your equity or require a significant amount of our available cash and may not be scientifically or commercially successful.
 
As part of our business strategy, we may effect acquisitions to obtain additional businesses, products, technologies, capabilities and personnel. If we make one or more significant acquisitions in which the consideration includes our ordinary shares or other securities, your equity in us may be significantly diluted. If we make one or more significant acquisitions in which the consideration includes cash, we may be required to use a substantial portion of our available cash.
 
Acquisitions involve a number of operational risks, including:
 
·  
difficulty and expense of assimilating the operations, technology and personnel of the acquired business;
 
·  
our inability to retain the management, key personnel and other employees of the acquired business;
 
·  
our inability to maintain the acquired company’s relationship with key third parties, such as alliance partners;
 
·  
exposure to legal claims for activities of the acquired business prior to the acquisition;
 
·  
the diversion of our management’s attention from our core business; and
 
·  
the potential impairment of substantial goodwill and write-off of in-process research and development costs, adversely affecting our reported results of operations.
 
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If any of these risks occur, it could have an adverse effect on both the business we acquire and our existing operations.
 
We face product liability risks and may not be able to obtain adequate insurance.
 
The use of our drug candidates and technologies in clinical trials, and the sale of any approved products, exposes us to liability claims. Although we are not aware of any historical or anticipated product liability claims against us, if we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to cease clinical trials of our drug candidates and technologies or limit commercialization of any approved products.
 
We believe that we have obtained sufficient product liability insurance coverage for our clinical trials. We intend to expand our insurance coverage to include the commercial sale of any approved products if marketing approval is obtained; however, insurance coverage is becoming increasingly expensive. We may not be able to maintain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost. We may not be able to obtain additional insurance coverage that will be adequate to cover product liability risks that may arise. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, product liability claims may result in:
 
·  
decreased demand for a product;
 
·  
injury to our reputation;
 
·  
inability to continue to develop a drug candidate or technology;
 
·  
withdrawal of clinical trial volunteers; and
 
·  
loss of revenues.
 
Consequently, a product liability claim or product recall may result in material losses.
 
Risks Related to Our Financial Condition
 
If we are unable to obtain additional funds on terms favorable to us, or at all, we may not be able to continue our operations.
 
We expect to use, rather than generate, funds from operations for the foreseeable future, with an average projected cash burn rate of approximately $900,000 per month through the end of 2006. Based on our current plans, we believe our existing cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital requirements through the end of 2006; however, the actual amount of funds that we will need prior to or after that date will be determined by many factors, some of which are beyond our control. As a result, we may need funds sooner or in different amounts than we currently anticipate. These factors include:
 
 
·  
the progress of our development activities;
 
·  
the progress of our research activities;
 
·  
the number and scope of our development programs;
 
·  
our ability to establish and maintain current and new licensing or acquisition arrangements;
 
·  
our ability to achieve our milestones under our licensing arrangements;
 
·  
the costs involved in enforcing patent claims and other intellectual property rights; and
 
·  
the costs and timing of regulatory approvals.
 
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Based on our current business plan, we will have to raise additional funds within the next 18 months in order to fund our operations beyond 2006. We may seek additional capital through a combination of public and private equity offerings, debt financings and collaborative, strategic alliance and licensing arrangements. We have made no determination at this time as to the amount, method or timing of any such financing. Such additional financing may not be available when we need it. If we are unable to obtain additional funds on terms favorable to us or at all, we may be required to cease or reduce our operating activities or sell or license to third parties some or all of our technology. If we raise additional funds by selling additional shares of our capital stock, the ownership interests of our shareholders will be diluted. If we need to raise additional funds through the sale or license of our drug candidates or technology, we may be unable to do so on terms favorable to us.
 
Our current restructuring plan may not achieve the results we intend and may harm our business.
 
In March 2005, we initiated a restructuring plan for our company, which included a workforce reduction of approximately 20 individuals, principally of research personnel and certain managerial and administrative staff, and a streamlining of operations across the business. As of June 30, 2005, we had 43 full time employees. The restructuring plan includes the deferral of all research and development activity not supporting the lead clinical programs, until proof of concept has been achieved in at least one of the two lead programs. For a further discussion of the restructuring plan, see “Item 8: Financial Information - Significant Changes” below. If we are unable to complete our restructuring plan effectively, we may not successfully achieve our business strategy or reduce our costs. We are likely to further reduce our headcount within the next 12 months, which could require us to further scale back or abandon any of our development activities, or license to others products or technologies we would otherwise have sought to commercialize ourselves.
 
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
 
If we are unable to adequately protect our intellectual property, third parties may be able to use our technology, which could adversely affect our ability to compete in the market.
 
Our commercial success will depend in part on our ability and the ability of our licensors to obtain and maintain patent protection on our drug products and technologies and successfully defend these patents and technologies against third-party challenges. As part of our business strategy, our policy is to actively file patent applications in the U.S. and internationally to cover methods of use, new chemical compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and dosing of the compounds and composition and improvements in each of these. See “Item 4: Information on the Company - Business Overview - Intellectual Property and Patents” below regarding our patent position with regard to our product candidates.
 
The patent positions of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies can be highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. No consistent policy regarding the breadth of claims allowed in biotechnology patents has emerged to date. Accordingly, the patents we use may not be sufficiently broad to prevent others from practicing our technologies or from developing competing products. Furthermore, others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or design around our patented technologies. The patents we use may be challenged or invalidated or may fail to provide us with any competitive advantage. Moreover, in certain parts of the world, such as in China, western companies are adversely affected by poor enforcement of intellectual property rights. See “Item 4: Information on the Company - Business Overview - License Agreements and Collaborations” below regarding our license to Ab-65, a component of XTL-6865.
 
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Generally, patent applications in the U.S. are maintained in secrecy for a period of 18 months or more. Since publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature often lag behind actual discoveries, we are not certain that we were the first to make the inventions covered by each of our pending patent applications or that we were the first to file those patent applications. We cannot predict the breadth of claims allowed in biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents, or their enforceability. Third parties or competitors may challenge or circumvent our patents or patent applications, if issued. If our competitors prepare and file patent applications in the United States that claim compounds or technology also claimed by us, we may choose to participate in interference proceedings declared by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to determine priority of invention, which could result in substantial cost, even if the eventual outcome is favorable to us. While we have the right to defend patent rights related to the licensed drug candidates and technologies, we are not obligated to do so. In the event that we decide to defend our licensed patent rights, we will be obligated to cover all of the expenses associated with that effort. Because of the extensive time required for development, testing and regulatory review of a potential product, it is possible that before we commercialize any of our products, any related patent may expire or remain in existence for only a short period following commercialization, thus reducing any advantage of the patent.
 
Moreover, we rely on trade secrets to protect technology where we believe patent protection is not appropriate or obtainable. Trade secrets are difficult to protect. While we require our employees, collaborators and consultants to enter into confidentiality agreements, this may not be sufficient to adequately protect our trade secrets or other proprietary information. In addition, we share ownership and publication rights to data relating to some of our drug candidates and technologies with our research collaborators and scientific advisors. If we cannot maintain the confidentiality of this information, our ability to receive patent protection or protect our proprietary information will be at risk.
 
Specifically, we intend to apply for patent protection for each new monoclonal antibody produced. Such patents may include claims relating to novel human monoclonal antibodies directed at targets for which other human monoclonal antibodies already exist, or at targets which are protected by patents or patent applications filed by third parties. No assurance can be given that any such patent application by a third-party will not have priority over patent applications filed by us.
 
Several groups are attempting to produce and patent a chimeric mouse with human tissue. To the extent any patents issued to other parties claiming, in general, mouse-human chimeras, the risk increases that the potential products and processes of our or our future strategic partners may give rise to claims of patent infringement.
 
We plan to use the recombinant production of antibodies in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, or CHO cells, in the development and production of some of our products. Patents relating to this method of antibody production are owned by third-parties. We are also aware that third parties have patent protection covering hepatitis C antigens and antibodies, which will be needed in order to commercialize XTL-6865. If we or our collaborative partners are unable to license such patent rights on commercially acceptable terms, the ability to develop, manufacture and sell these products could be impaired. Further, royalties payable to third parties may reduce the payments we will receive from our licensees or development partners.
 
In addition to patent protection, we may utilize orphan drug regulations to provide market exclusivity for certain of our drug candidates. The orphan drug regulations of the FDA provide incentives to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop and manufacture drugs for the treatment of rare diseases, currently defined as diseases that exist in fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States, or, diseases that affect more than 200,000 individuals in the United States but that the sponsor does not realistically anticipate will generate a net profit. Under these provisions, a manufacturer of a designated orphan drug can seek tax benefits, and the holder of the first FDA approval of a designated orphan product will be granted a seven-year period of marketing exclusivity for such FDA-approved orphan product. We believe that certain of the indications for our drug candidates will be eligible for orphan drug designation. However, we cannot guarantee that any drug candidates will qualify, and, if any do qualify, that we will be the holder of the first FDA approval of such qualifying drug candidates.
 
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Litigation or third-party claims of intellectual property infringement could require us to spend substantial time and money defending such claims and adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize our products.
 
Third parties may assert that we are using their proprietary technology without authorization. In addition, third parties may have or obtain patents in the future and claim that our products infringe their patents. If we are required to defend against patent suits brought by third parties, or if we sue third parties to protect our patent rights, we may be required to pay substantial litigation costs, and our management’s attention may be diverted from operating our business. In addition, any legal action against our licensors or us that seeks damages or an injunction of our commercial activities relating to the affected products could subject us to monetary liability and require our licensors or us to obtain a license to continue to use the affected technologies. We cannot predict whether our licensors or we would prevail in any of these types of actions or that any required license would be made available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.
 
In addition, there can be no assurance that our patents or patent applications or those licensed to us will not become involved in opposition or revocation proceedings instituted by third parties. If such proceedings were initiated against one or more of our patents, or those licensed to us, the defense of such rights could involve substantial costs and the outcome could not be predicted.
 
Competitors or potential competitors may have filed applications for, may have been granted patents for, or may obtain additional patents and proprietary rights that may relate to compounds or technologies competitive with ours. If patents are granted to other parties that contain claims having a scope that is interpreted to cover any of our products (including the manufacture thereof), there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain licenses to such patents at reasonable cost, if at all, or be able to develop or obtain alternative technology.
 
Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares and ADRs
 
Our stock price can be volatile, which increases the risk of litigation and may result in a significant decline in the value of your investment.
 
The trading price of the ADRs representing our ordinary shares is likely to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include:
 
·  
developments concerning our drug candidates;
 
·  
announcements of technological innovations by us or our competitors;
 
·  
introductions or announcements of new products by us or our competitors;
 
·  
announcements by us of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
 
·  
changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
 
·  
actual or anticipated variations in interim operating results;
 
·  
expiration or termination of licenses, research contracts or other collaboration agreements;
 
·  
conditions or trends in the regulatory climate and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries;
 
·  
changes in the market valuations of similar companies; and
 
·  
additions or departures of key personnel.
 
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In addition, equity markets in general, and the market for biotechnology and life sciences companies in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies traded in those markets. These broad market and industry factors may materially affect the market price of our ordinary shares, regardless of our development and operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against that company. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could cause us to incur substantial costs to defend such claims and divert management’s attention and resources even if we prevail in the litigation, all of which could seriously harm our business.
 
Our ordinary shares and ADRs will trade on more than one market, and this may result in price variations.
 
Our ordinary shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and ADRs representing our ordinary shares will be traded on the Nasdaq National Market. Trading in our securities on these markets will be made in different currencies and at different times, including as a result of different time zones, different trading days and different public holidays in the United States, Israel and the United Kingdom. Consequently, the effective trading prices of our shares on these three markets may differ. Any decrease in the trading price of our shares on one of these markets could cause a decrease in the trading price of our shares on the other market.
 
Holders of our ordinary shares who are United States residents may be required to pay additional income taxes.
 
There is a risk that we will be classified as a Passive Foreign Investment Company, or PFIC. If we are classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of our ordinary shares or ADRs representing our ordinary shares will be subject to special federal income tax rules that determine the amount of federal income tax imposed on income derived with respect to the PFIC shares. We will be a PFIC if either 75% or more of our gross income in a tax year is passive income or the average percentage of our assets (by either value or adjusted basis, depending on the circumstances) that produce or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50%. The risk that we will be classified as a PFIC arises because under applicable rules issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, cash balances, even if held as working capital, are considered to be assets that produce passive income. Therefore, any determination of PFIC status will depend upon the sources of our income and the relative values of passive and non- passive assets, including goodwill. A determination as to a corporation’s status as a PFIC must be made annually. We believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable years ended 2002, 2003 and 2004. Although such a determination is fundamentally factual in nature and generally cannot be made until the close of the applicable taxable year, based on our current operations, we believe that there is a significant likelihood that we will be classified as a PFIC in the 2005 taxable year and possibly in subsequent years.
 
If we are classified as a PFIC at any time during the U.S. holder’s holding period for our stock, the federal income tax imposed on a U.S. holder with respect to income derived from our stock will be determined under a special regime, which applies upon (a) the receipt of any “excess distribution” from us (generally, distributions in any year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by such U.S. holder in the three preceding years or its holding period, if shorter) and (b) the sale or disposition of our stock. Under this special regime, the excess distribution or realized gain is treated as ordinary income. The federal income tax on such ordinary income is determined under the following steps: (i) the amount of the excess distribution or gain is allocated ratably over the U.S. holder's holding period; (ii) tax is determined for amounts allocated to the first such year in which we qualified as a PFIC and all subsequent years (except the year in which the excess distribution or the sale occurred) by applying the highest applicable tax rate in effect in the year to which the income was allocated; (iii) an interest charge is added to this tax calculated by applying the underpayment interest rate to the tax for each year determined under the preceding sentence for the period from the due date of the income tax return for such year to the due date of the return for the year in which in which the excess distribution or the disposition occurred; and (iv) amounts allocated to a year prior to the first year in the U.S. holder’s holding period in which we were a PFIC or to the year in which the excess distribution or the disposition occurred are taxed as ordinary income.
 
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A U.S. holder may generally avoid this regime by electing to treat its PFIC shares as a “qualified electing fund.” If a U.S. holder elects to treat PFIC shares as a qualified electing fund, the U.S. holder must include annually in gross income (for each year in which PFIC status is met) his pro rata share of the PFIC’s ordinary earnings and net capital gains, whether or not such amounts are actually distributed to the U.S. holder. From fiscal 2005, we plan to comply with the record-keeping and reporting requirements that are a prerequisite to making a “qualified electing fund” election. However, if meeting those record-keeping and reporting requirements becomes onerous, we may decide, in our sole discretion, that such compliance is impractical and will so notify U.S. holders.
 
In view of the complexity of the issues regarding our treatment as a PFIC, U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors for guidance as to our status as a PFIC.
 
For further discussion of tax consequences if we are a PFIC, see “Item 10: Additional Information - Taxation - United States Federal Income Tax Considerations - Tax Consequences If We Are A Passive Foreign Investment Company” below.
 
Provisions of Israeli corporate law may delay, prevent or affect a potential acquisition of all or a significant portion of our shares or assets and therefore depress the price of our stock.
 
Israeli corporate law regulates acquisitions of shares through tender offers. It requires special approvals for transactions involving significant shareholders and regulates other matters that may be relevant to these types of transactions. The provisions of Israeli law may delay or prevent an acquisition, or make it less desirable to a potential acquirer and therefore depress the price of our shares. Further, Israeli tax considerations may make potential transactions undesirable to us or to some of our shareholders.
 
Israeli corporate law provides that an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer if, as a result of such acquisition, the purchaser would become shareholder with over 25% of the voting rights in the company. This rule does not apply if there is already another shareholder of the company with 25% or more of the voting rights. Similarly, Israeli corporate law provides that an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer if, as a result of the acquisition, the purchaser's shareholdings would entitle the purchaser to over 45% of the voting rights in the company, unless there is a shareholder with 50% or more of the voting rights in the company. These rules do not apply if the acquisition is made by way of a merger. Regulations promulgated under Israeli corporate law provide that these tender offer requirements do not apply to companies whose shares are listed for trading outside of Israel if, according to the law in the country in which the shares are traded, including the rules and regulations of the stock exchange or which the shares are traded, either:
 
·  
there is a limitation on acquisition of any level of control of the company; or
 
·  
the acquisition of any level of control requires the purchaser to do so by means of a tender offer to the public.
 
Finally, in general, Israeli tax law treats specified acquisitions less favorably than does U.S. tax law. See "Item 10. Additional Information - Anti-Takeover Provisions under Israeli Law" below.
 
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Risks Relating to Operations in Israel
 
Conditions in the Middle East and in Israel may harm our operations.
 
Our headquarters, research and development facilities and some of our suppliers are located in Israel. Political, economic and military conditions in Israel directly affect our operations. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors, as well as incidents of civil unrest, military conflicts and terrorist actions. There has been a significant increase in violence since September 2000, which has continued with varying levels of severity through to the present. This state of hostility has caused security and economic problems for Israel. To date, we do not believe that the political and security situation has had a material adverse impact on our business, but we cannot give you any assurance that this will continue to be the case. Any hostilities involving Israel or the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its present trading partners could adversely affect our operations and could make it more difficult for us to raise capital.
 
Our commercial insurance does not cover losses that may occur as a result of events associated with the security situation in the Middle East. Although the Israeli government currently covers the reinstatement value of direct damages that are caused by terrorist attacks or acts of war, we cannot assure you that this government coverage will be maintained. Any losses or damages incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business. Any armed conflicts or political instability in the region would likely negatively affect business conditions and could harm our results of operations.
 
Further, in the past, the State of Israel and Israeli companies have been subjected to an economic boycott. Several countries still restrict business with the State of Israel and with Israeli companies. These restrictive laws and policies may have an adverse impact on our operating results, financial condition or the expansion of our business.
 
Our results of operations may be negatively affected by the obligation of our employees to perform military service.
 
Under Israeli law, some of our employees are obligated to perform military reserve duty and are subject to being called to active duty for extended periods of time under emergency conditions. To date, calls to active duty have not affected us materially. However, it is possible that there will be additional call-ups in the future, which may have a material effect on us. The absence of many of our employees concurrently for an extended period of time due to military service could disrupt our operations and may have an adverse impact on our business.
 
Our results of operations may be adversely affected by inflation and foreign currency fluctuations.
 
We generate all of our revenues and hold most of our cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits and marketable securities in U.S. dollars. While a substantial amount of our operating expenses are in U.S. dollars, we incur a portion of our expenses in New Israeli Shekels (approximately 20% in 2004). In addition, we also pay for some of our services and supplies in the local currencies of our suppliers. As a result, we are exposed to the risk that the U.S. dollar will be devalued against the New Israeli Shekel or other currencies, and as result our financial results could be harmed if we are unable to guard against currency fluctuations in Israel or other countries in which services and supplies are obtained in the future. Accordingly, we may in the future enter into currency hedging transactions to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rates of currencies. These measures, however, may not adequately protect us from the adverse effects of inflation in Israel. In addition, we are exposed to the risk that the rate of inflation in Israel will exceed the rate of devaluation of the New Israeli Shekel in relation to the dollar or that the timing of any devaluation may lag behind inflation in Israel.
 
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The Office of the Chief Scientist may refuse to approve the manufacture of our products outside the State of Israel.
 
We have in the past participated in programs offered by the Office of the Chief Scientist under the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry of Israel that supports research and development activities. Through December 31, 2004, we have received $7.8 million in grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist for several projects, some of which are currently under development. Israeli law requires that the manufacture of products developed with government grants be carried out in Israel, unless the Office of the Chief Scientist provides a special approval to the contrary. This approval, if provided, is generally conditioned on an increase in the total amount to be repaid to the Office of the Chief Scientist to between 120% and 300% of the amount of funds granted. While we believe that the Office of the Chief Scientist does not unreasonably withhold approval if the request is based upon commercially justified circumstances and any royalty obligations to the Office of the Chief Scientist are sufficiently assured, the matter is solely within its discretion. We cannot be sure that such approval, if requested, would be granted upon terms satisfactory to us or granted at all. Without such approval, we would be unable to manufacture any products developed by this research outside of Israel, which may greatly restrict any potential revenues from such products.
 
We may not continue to be entitled to certain tax benefits from the Israeli government.
 
We are entitled to receive certain tax benefits as a result of the Approved Enterprise status of our existing facilities in Israel. The Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investment, 1959, as amended, provides that a proposed capital investment in eligible facilities may, upon application to the Investment Center of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the State of Israel, permit a company to recognize taxable income attributable to the Approved Enterprise subject to company tax at the maximum rate of 25% rather than the usual rate in 2005 of 34%. This usual rate is currently scheduled to decrease as follows: in 2006 - 31%, 2007 - 29%, 2008 - 27%, 2009 - 26%, 2010 and after - 25%. For further discussion of these tax benefits, see “Item 10: Additional Information - Taxation - Israeli Tax Considerations - Tax Benefits Under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959” below. To date we have not received any such tax benefits because we have not generated any taxable income to date. To maintain our eligibility for these tax benefits, we must continue to meet certain reporting requirements. If we cease to become entitled to tax benefits, we may be required to pay increased taxes on the taxable income that we may generate in the future.
 
It may be difficult to enforce a U.S. judgment against us, our officers or our directors or to assert U.S. securities law claims in Israel.
 
Service of process upon us, since we are incorporated in Israel, and upon our directors and officers and our Israeli auditors, some of whom reside outside the United States, may be difficult to obtain within the United States. In addition, because substantially all of our assets and some of our directors and officers are located outside the United States, any judgment obtained in the United States against us or any of our directors and officers may not be collectible within the United States. There is a doubt as to the enforceability of civil liabilities under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act pursuant to original actions instituted in Israel. Subject to particular time limitations and provided certain conditions are met, executory judgments of a United States court for monetary damages in civil matters may be enforced by an Israeli court. For more information regarding the enforceability of civil liabilities against us, our directors and our executive officers, see “Item 10: Additional Information - Memorandum and Articles of Association - Enforceability of Civil Liabilities” below.
 
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ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
 
History and Development of the Company
 
Our legal and commercial name is XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. We were established as a private company limited by shares under the laws of the State of Israel on March 9, 1993, under the name Xenograft Technologies Ltd. We re-registered as a public company on June 7, 1993, in Israel, and changed our name to XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. on July 3, 1995. Our ordinary shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol “XTL,” and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol “XTL.” We operate under the laws of the State of Israel, under the Israeli Companies Act and the regulations of the United Kingdom Listing Authority, which governs our listing on the London Stock Exchange. Our principal offices are located at the Kiryat Weizmann Science Park, Building 3, 3 Hasapir Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel, and our telephone number is +972-8-930-4444. The principal offices of XTL Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary and agent for service of process in the U.S., are located at 275 Grove Street, Suite 2-400, Newton, MA 02466, U.S.A., and its telephone number is 1-617-663-4789. Our primary internet address is www.xtlbio.com. None of the information on our website is incorporated by reference into this registration statement.
 
We were established to use the Trimera technology for discovering, developing and commercializing therapeutic drugs. The Trimera technology, developed at the Weizmann Institute, in Rehovot, Israel, was exclusively licensed to us by Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd., the commercialization arm of the Weizmann Institute. The Trimera technology is a method to introduce functional human tissue into a mouse, which can then be used to generate fully human monoclonal antibodies, or hMAbs, and as an animal model of human disease. Until 1999, our therapeutic focus was on the development of human monoclonal antibodies to treat viral, autoimmune and oncological diseases. Our first therapeutic programs focused on antibodies against the hepatitis B virus, interferon - γ and the hepatitis C virus.
 
We are currently engaged in the acquisition, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of infectious diseases, particularly the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and C. One of our products, HepeX-B, is designed to prevent re-infection with hepatitis B in liver transplant patients, and was recently studied in a Phase IIb trial in liver transplant patients. In August 2005, we announced that the dosing portion of the study ended. Worldwide rights for HepeX-B were licensed to Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc., or Cubist, in exchange for certain milestone payments and future royalties on Cubist’s net sales. Cubist plans to review data from this trial with the FDA as part of a discussion of design elements of a Phase III clinical trial. Another of our drug candidates, XTL-6865, is being developed to prevent hepatitis C re-infection following a liver transplant and for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Following a pilot clinical program with one monoclonal antibody, or MAb, the program is now in the second stage of the development strategy - evaluation of a dual-MAb product in clinical trials. In July 2005, we announced that the FDA granted XTL-6865 “Fast-Track” designation for the treatment of hepatitis C re-infection following a liver transplant. We also have a small molecule development program, which is currently targeted at treating chronic hepatitis C utilizing novel non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitors.
 
In September-October 2000, we raised net proceeds of $45.7 million in an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange, in which we sold 23,750,000 of our ordinary shares, including the exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option, at a price of 150 British pence per share. In August 2004, we raised net proceeds of $15.4 million in a placing and open offer transaction of our ordinary shares, resulting in the sale of 56,009,732 ordinary shares at a price of 17.5 British pence per share. Since September 2000, our ordinary shares have been listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and are traded on the London Stock Exchange's market for listed securities under the symbol “XTL.” Since July 12, 2005, our ordinary shares have been listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol “XTL.”
 
Since inception, we raised net proceeds of approximately $104.4 million to fund our activities, including net proceeds of $45.7 million from our initial public offering and $15.4 million in a placing and open offer transaction.
 
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For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 our capital expenditures were $180,000, $81,000 and $659,000, respectively. Our capital expenditures were primarily associated with the purchase of lab equipment for our research and development activities. There were no material divestitures during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002.
 
Business Overview
 
Introduction
 
We are a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the acquisition, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of infectious diseases, particularly the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and C.
 
We currently have three products/programs under development:
 
·  
HepeX-B is being developed to prevent re-infection with hepatitis B, known as HBV, in liver transplant patients. HepeX-B is a mixture of two fully human monoclonal antibodies, which bind to the HBV surface antigen, or HBsAg. HepeX-B was recently studied in a Phase IIb trial in liver transplant patients. In August 2005, we announced that the dosing portion of the study ended. Worldwide rights for HepeX-B were licensed to Cubist in 2004, in exchange for certain milestone payments and future royalties on Cubist’s net sales. Cubist plans to review data from this trial with the FDA as part of a discussion of design elements of a Phase III clinical trial.
 
·  
XTL-6865 is being developed to prevent hepatitis C, known as HCV, re-infection following a liver transplant and for the treatment of chronic HCV. XTL-6865 (formerly known as the HepeX-C program) is a combination of two fully human monoclonal antibodies (Ab68 and Ab65) against the hepatitis C virus E2 envelope protein. A single antibody version of this product was tested in a pilot clinical program that included both Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. In April 2005, we submitted an IND to the FDA in order to commence a Phase Ia/Ib clinical trial later this year for XTL-6865, the dual-MAb product. In July 2005, we announced that the FDA granted XTL-6865 “Fast-Track” designation for the treatment of hepatitis C re-infection following a liver transplant.

·  
Small Molecule Development Program. We currently have a small molecule development program, which is targeted at treating chronic hepatitis C utilizing novel non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitors. The current program is focused on developing synthetic small molecules to be orally-administered to patients for the inhibition of HCV viral RNA replication. We have identified two lead candidates from two distinct chemical series of compounds, which we licensed from B&C Biopharm Co., Ltd. XTL-2125, the lead product candidate from our hepatitis C small molecule development program, is a small molecule non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitor for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. XTL-2125 is currently in pre-clinical testing.

To date, we have not received approval for the sale of any of our drug candidates in any market and, therefore, have not generated any commercial revenues from the sales of our drug candidates. Moreover, preliminary results of our pre-clinical or clinical tests do not necessarily predict the final results, and acceptable results in early preclinical or clinical testing might not be obtained in later clinical trials. Drug candidates in the later stages of clinical development may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy traits despite having progressed through initial clinical testing. We have received license and reimbursed out of pocket expense revenue pursuant to our agreement with Cubist with respect to HepeX-B, although HepeX-B has not yet been commercialized.


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Our Strategy

Under our current strategy, we plan to:

·  
continue the clinical development of XTL-6865 and our small molecule development efforts; and
 
·  
seek to in-license or acquire additional clinical stage compounds, or compounds in advanced pre-clinical development.
 
Products Under Development
 
HepeX-B (Product for the Prevention of Re-Infection of Hepatitis B)

HepeX-B is being developed to prevent re-infection with HBV in liver transplant patients. Protection of the transplanted liver from recurrent HBV infection is critical to preserving graft function. Life-long HBV prophylactic treatment is typically necessary, since the virus remains in several other body compartments following removal of the infected liver. Without treatment, Hepatitis B infection of the transplanted liver reoccurs rapidly resulting in progressive disease, graft failure, and death.

HepeX-B is a mixture of two fully human monoclonal antibodies which bind to the HBV surface antigen, or HBsAg. HepeX-B is being developed as an alternative to the present standard-of-care, hepatitis B Immunoglobulin, or HBIg, which has several disadvantages, among them complicated and uncomfortable patient administration (intravenous or painful intra-muscular injection). In addition, as HepeX-B is not isolated from human blood, risk of infection from blood-borne organisms is minimal. The present market size of HBIg is estimated to be about $100 million per year worldwide.

HepeX-B was recently studied in a Phase IIb clinical trial in liver transplant patients. In August 2005, we announced that the dosing portion of the study ended. In November 2004, we announced the completion of the first scheduled review of the first 15 patients enrolled in the study by an Independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board, or DSMB. The DSMB recommended the continuation of the trial. Cubist plans to review data from this trial with the FDA as part of a discussion of design elements of a Phase III clinical trial.

Prior to the initiation of the Phase IIb study in liver transplant patients, we conducted a Phase I clinical study in twelve healthy volunteers to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of HepeX-B. The study evaluated a single intravenous infusion of 10mg or 40mg of HepeX-B with subsequent follow-up over a 12-week period. HepeX-B was well tolerated by all subjects. Although our study did not directly compare Hepex-B to HBIg, the trough antibody concentrations achieved with 10mg and 40mg doses of HepeX-B were similar to or higher than concentrations achieved with standard doses of HBIg used in current treatment protocols (10,000mg), thus enabling the development of a low volume, “patient friendly” formulation.

In June 2004, we announced the completion of a license agreement with Cubist for the worldwide development and commercialization of HepeX-B. Under this agreement, as amended, we were responsible for certain clinical and product development activities of HepeX-B through August 2005, at the expense of Cubist. We have transferred full responsibility for completing the development of HepeX-B to Cubist. Cubist will be responsible for completing the development and for registration and commercialization of the product worldwide.

Under the terms of the agreement, as amended, Cubist paid us an initial up-front payment of $1 million upon the signing of the agreement, a further aggregate amount of $1 million as collaboration support was paid in 2004, and an additional amount of up to $3 million will be paid upon achievement of certain regulatory milestones. Under the agreement, we are entitled to receive royalties from net sales by Cubist, generally ranging from 10% to 17%.

In the event that the actual costs incurred in conducting activities that Cubist determines are necessary or advisable to obtain regulatory approval for HepeX-B for the prevention of recurrent hepatitis B infections in liver transplant patients exceed $33.9 million, any costs in excess shall be borne in equal share by us and Cubist.

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Orphan drug status, a regulatory designation that provides exclusive marketing rights to drug candidates that would not otherwise be commercially viable, has been granted for HepeX-B in the U.S. and Europe.

XTL-6865 and Small Molecule Development Program (Programs for Prevention of Re-Infection and Treatment for Hepatitis C)

Preventing Re-infection following Liver Transplant

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S. It is estimated that in 2004, over 2,000 liver transplants were performed in the U.S. in HCV positive patients, based upon data of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, as of June 2005. Although the HCV infected liver is removed during the transplant procedure, the newly transplanted healthy liver is re-infected with HCV from the patient’s serum. Re-infection occurs in all patients within days following the transplant. Recurrent HCV infection is a leading cause of graft failure. According to Dr. M. Charlton, Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic Foundation, 10% of patients will die (or be re-transplanted) by year five due to recurrent HCV disease, and a further 30% of patients will have cirrhosis at the end of year five.

There is no therapy available to prevent re-infection following a liver transplant. Once the liver has been re-infected, clinicians attempt to treat the recurrent disease. Response rate to this treatment is low (ranging from 8% to 25%), according to studies done at the Indiana University Medical Center and the Universite Paris-Sud, Hopital Paul Brousse. Therefore, re-infection following a liver transplant represents a significant unmet medical need.

One of the potential indications of XTL-6865 is preventing re-infection following a liver transplant. We estimate that a successful therapy for preventing re-infection with HCV following liver transplantation could reach annual worldwide sales of approximately $400 million.

Treating Chronic HCV

Chronic hepatitis C is a serious life-threatening disease, which affects around 170 to 200 million people worldwide, according to a Datamonitor report from April 2005. We estimate that between eight to 10 million of these people reside in the U.S., Europe and Japan. According to the BioSeeker Group, 20% to 30% of chronic hepatitis patients will eventually develop progressive liver disease that may lead to decomposition of the liver or hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House (NDDIC), each year 10,000 to 12,000 people die from HCV in the U.S. alone. The CDC predicts, that by the end of this decade, the number of deaths due to HCV in the U.S. will surpass the number of deaths due to AIDS.

According to the BioSeeker Group, the present worldwide market for the treatment of chronic HCV is estimated at $3 billion and represents Interferon-based treatments. Interferon alpha was first approved for use against chronic hepatitis C in 1991. At present, the optimal regimen appears to be a 24 or 48 week course of the combination of Pegylated-Interferon and Ribavirin. In studies done at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, a 24 week course of this combination therapy yields a sustained response rate of approximately 40% to 45% in patients with genotype 1 (the most prevalent genotype in the western world according to the CDC) and a better sustained response with a 48 week course. Despite this improvement in response rates, approximately half of today's patient population in the U.S. and Europe does not respond to therapy and has no therapeutic alternative. Therefore, there is a significant unmet medical need in the treatment of HCV.

XTL-6865

XTL-6865 is being developed to prevent hepatitis C re-infection following a liver transplant and for the treatment of chronic HCV. XTL-6865 is a combination of two fully human monoclonal antibodies (Ab68 and Ab65) against the hepatitis C virus E2 envelope protein. A single antibody version of this product, then referred to as HepeX-C, was tested in a pilot clinical program that included both Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. In April 2005, we submitted an IND to the FDA in order to commence a Phase Ia/Ib clinical trial later this year for XTL-6865, the dual-MAb product. In July 2005, we announced that the FDA granted XTL-6865 “Fast-Track” designation for the treatment of hepatitis C re-infection following a liver transplant.

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The two antibodies comprising XTL-6865 were selected by screening a large panel of candidates based on their high level of activity against the virus in our proprietary HCV models. We believe that a combination of two antibodies that bind to different epitopes is essential to provide broad coverage of virus quasispecies, and to minimize the probability for escape from therapy. We have shown that the two antibodies chosen (Ab68 and Ab65) specifically bind and immunoprecipitate viral particles from infected patients’ sera with different HCV genotypes. In addition, both antibodies reduced mean viral load in HCV-Trimera mice. We have also shown that incubation of an infectious human serum with Ab68 or Ab65 prevented the serum’s ability to infect human liver cells and human liver tissue.

The single antibody Hepex-C product candidate (Ab68) was tested in a pilot clinical program, which included:

·  
A Phase Ia/Ib Clinical Program in Patients with Chronic HCV, which demonstrated the safety and tolerability of using single and multi-doses of Ab 68 up to 120mg for a 28 day dosing period. In terms of efficacy, eight out of 25 patients had at least a 90% reduction in HCV-RNA levels from pre-treatment levels following administration of Ab68. These trials provided safety data, as well as a preliminary indication of anti-viral activity in humans.

·  
A Phase IIa Clinical Trial with Ab68 Following Liver Transplant, which demonstrated the safety and tolerability of Ab68 up to 240mg for a 12 week dosing period. The study was planned as a blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating study in a total of 24 liver transplant patients receiving six different doses of Ab68 (20mg, 40mg, 80mg, 120mg, 240mg, and 480mg). The 480mg dose level was not tested due to a clinical hold as a result of an intraoperative death of the first patient tested at the 480mg dose level (later determined by the medical examiner to be related to pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lung)). The FDA later cleared the clinical hold, but we decided to discontinue the study and focus further development efforts on the dual anti-body product, XTL-6865. No other drug-related serious adverse events were reported during this study. The 120mg and 240mg dose groups had a greater reduction in viral load than the placebo group during the first week when dosed daily. This effect was less evident when dosed less frequently than daily. This data provided additional evidence of anti-viral activity in immunosuppressed patients. It should be noted that the small number of patients in this pilot study did not allow us to draw statistical analysis.

Based on this information, we had a pre-IND meeting with the FDA in October 2004 regarding XTL-6865, at which we presented data on Ab68 and Ab65, which had just successfully completed pre-clinical development. In April 2005, we submitted an IND to the FDA in order to commence a Phase Ia/Ib clinical trial later this year for XTL-6865, the dual-MAb product. In July 2005, we announced that the FDA granted XTL-6865 “Fast Track” designation for the treatment of hepatitis C re-infection following a liver transplant.

Small Molecule Development Program

We currently have a small molecule development program, which is targeted at treating chronic hepatitis C utilizing novel non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitors. The current program is focused on developing synthetic small molecules to be orally-administered to patients for the inhibition of HCV viral RNA replication. We have identified two lead candidates from two distinct chemical series of compounds, which we licensed from B&C Biopharm Co., Ltd. Each candidate has exhibited activity against HCV in our proprietary in vitro and in vivo preclinical drug validation systems. In preliminary in vivo animal studies, acceptable toxicity profiles and oral absorption have been shown.

XTL-2125 is a small molecule non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitor for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C that is currently in pre-clinical testing.

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Proprietary Technology

Our proprietary Trimera technology is a method for introducing functional human cells or tissue into a mouse. The Trimera technology is a patented tool whereby murine immune systems are ablated by radiation, and bone marrow is transplanted from genetically immuno-deficient mice to re-enable red blood cell production. The result is the production of “radiation chimeras.” As these chimeras have no immune system, they are able to accept implanted human cells, without rejection, thereby creating a “Trimera.” The resulting mouse can be used:
 
·  
to generate humanized monoclonal antibodies, or hMAbs (the “Trimera hMAb Technology”); and/or

·  
as an animal model of human disease (the “Trimera Model Technology”).

These models can be used for testing various approaches to treat human disease, including the development of new prophylactic and therapeutic products and have been used to discover the HepeX-B product and to screen the activity of XTL-6865 and our potential candidates from our small molecule development program.

Intellectual Property and Patents

General

Patents and other proprietary rights are very important to the development of our business. We will be able to protect our proprietary technologies from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that our proprietary rights are covered by valid and enforceable patents or are effectively maintained as trade secrets. It is our intention to seek and maintain patent and trade secret protection for our drug candidates and our proprietary technologies. As part of our business strategy, our policy is to actively file patent applications in the U.S. and internationally to cover methods of use, new chemical compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and dosing of the compounds and compositions and improvements in each of these. We also rely on trade secret information, technical know-how, innovation and agreements with third parties to continuously expand and protect our competitive position.

Generally, patent applications in the U.S. are maintained in secrecy for a period of 18 months or more. Since publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature often lag behind actual discoveries, we are not certain that we were the first to make the inventions covered by each of our pending patent applications or that we were the first to file those patent applications. The patent positions of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. Therefore, we cannot predict the breadth of claims allowed in biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents, or their enforceability. To date, there has been no consistent policy regarding the breadth of claims allowed in biotechnology patents. Third parties or competitors may challenge or circumvent our patents or patent applications, if issued. Granted patents can be challenged and ruled invalid at any time, therefore the grant of a patent is not of itself sufficient to demonstrate our entitlement to a proprietary right. The disallowance of a claim or invalidation of a patent in any one territory can have adverse commercial consequences in other territories.

If our competitors prepare and file patent applications in the United States that claim technology also claimed by us, we may choose to participate in interference proceedings declared by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to determine priority of invention, which could result in substantial cost, even if the eventual outcome is favorable to us. While we have the right to defend patent rights related to our licensed drug candidates and technologies, we are not obligated to do so. In the event that we decide to defend our licensed patent rights, we will be obligated to cover all of the expenses associated with that effort. Because of the extensive time required for development, testing and regulatory review of a potential product, it is possible that before we commercialize any of our products, any related patent may expire or remain in existence for only a short period following commercialization, thus reducing any commercial advantage or financial value attributable to the patent.

If patents are issued to others containing preclusive or conflicting claims and these claims are ultimately determined to be valid, we may be required to obtain licenses to these patents or to develop or obtain alternative technology. Our breach of an existing license or failure to obtain a license to technology required to commercialize our products may seriously harm our business. We also may need to commence litigation to enforce any patents issued to us or to determine the scope and validity of third-party proprietary rights. Litigation would create substantial costs. An adverse outcome in litigation could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties and require us to seek licenses of the disputed rights from third parties or to cease using the technology if such licenses are unavailable.

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HepeX-B

Three patent families presently cover HepeX-B, including the two human monoclonal antibodies comprising HepeX-B and its use to treat HBV infection. The patents cover both the treatment of chronic HBV patients with the antibodies and the prevention of liver re-infection in liver transplant recipients. Two of the families correspond each to a separate antibody comprising HepeX-B, with one family owned by us, and the second family jointly owned by Yeda and us. A third family concerns treatment of HBV patients with the combination of the antibodies and is owned by us.

Currently, HepeX-B and its use to treat hepatitis B infection is covered by several issued patents that will expire in 2017. The patents covering the combination of antibodies, if issued, will expire in 2021. Based on the provisions of the Patent Term Extension Act, we currently believe that we would qualify for certain patent term extensions. We believe that we will have sufficient time to commercially utilize the inventions directed to the treatment and prevention of hepatitis B infection in liver transplant patients.

XTL-6865

XTL-6865 is a combination of two human monoclonal antibodies against HCV, Ab68 and Ab65. Three patent families presently cover XTL-6865, including the two human monoclonal antibodies comprising XTL-6865 and its use to treat HCV infection. The patents cover both the treatment of chronic HCV patients with the antibodies and the prevention of liver re-infection in liver transplant recipients. One family concerns one antibody comprising XTL-6865, Ab68. Two families concern the second antibody comprising XTL-6865, Ab65.

The patents covering Ab68 are exclusively licensed to us from the DRK-Blutspendedienst Baden-Wurttemberg (Ulm University).

The patents covering Ab65 are exclusively licensed to us from Stanford University, California in all territories outside China, and in China, it is co-exclusively licensed to us and Applied Immunogenetics.

Currently, XTL-6865 and its use to treat hepatitis C infection is covered by one issued U.S. patent that will expire in 2019. Additional patents, if issued, will expire between 2019 and 2021. Based on the provisions of the Patent Term Extension Act, we currently believe that we would qualify for certain patent term extensions. We believe that we will have sufficient time to commercially utilize the inventions directed to the treatment and prevention of hepatitis C infection.

Small Molecule Development Program

Two patent families presently cover our in-licensed anti-HCV small molecules. Each patent family concerns a different compound and covers both the structure of the compound and its use for the treatment of chronic HCV patients. The patent applications cover the unique structure of the molecules and their use as a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of HCV. The patents covering XTL-2125 are exclusively licensed to us by B&C Biopharm Co., Ltd.

Currently, XTL-2125 and its use to treat the hepatitis C infection are covered by two patent families that, if issued, will expire in 2023. Based on the provisions of the Patent Term Extension Act, we currently believe that we would qualify for certain patent term extensions. We believe that we will have sufficient time to commercially utilize the inventions directed to the treatment and prevention of hepatitis C infection.

Trimera Technology

Three patent families presently cover the Trimera technology, each covering a different use of the basic technology. The patents cover the Trimera mouse, a method for its production, and its various applications. The patents are exclusively licensed to us by Yeda.

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Currently, the Trimera mouse and its various applications are covered by several issued patents that will expire between 2010 and 2015. The patents covering the hepatitis animal model will expire between 2012 and 2016. We believe that we will have sufficient time to commercially utilize the inventions directed to the Trimera technology.

Other Intellectual Property Rights

We depend upon trademarks, trade secrets, know-how and continuing technological advances to develop and maintain our competitive position. To maintain the confidentiality of trade secrets and proprietary information, we require our employees, scientific advisors, consultants and collaborators, upon commencement of a relationship with us, to execute confidentiality agreements and, in the case of parties other than our research and development collaborators, to agree to assign their inventions to us. These agreements are designed to protect our proprietary information and to grant us ownership of technologies that are developed in connection with their relationship with us. These agreements may not, however, provide protection for our trade secrets in the event of unauthorized disclosure of such information.

In addition to patent protection, we may utilize orphan drug regulations to provide market exclusivity for certain of our drug candidates. The orphan drug regulations of the FDA provide incentives to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop and manufacture drugs for the treatment of rare diseases, currently defined as diseases that exist in fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States, or, diseases that affect more than 200,000 individuals in the United States but that the sponsor does not realistically anticipate will generate a net profit. Under these provisions, a manufacturer of a designated orphan drug can seek tax benefits, and the holder of the first FDA approval of a designated orphan product will be granted a seven-year period of marketing exclusivity for such FDA-approved orphan product. We believe that certain of the indications for our drug candidates will be eligible for orphan drug designation.

Licensing Agreements and Collaborations
 
We have formed strategic alliances with a number of companies for the manufacture and commercialization of our products. Our current key strategic alliances are discussed below. See “Item 5: Operating and Financial Review And Prospects - Obligations and Commitments” which describes contingent milestone payments we have undertaken to make to certain licensors over the life of the licenses described below.

Cubist License

We have entered into a licensing agreement with Cubist dated June 2, 2004, as amended, under which we granted to Cubist an exclusive, worldwide license (with the right to sub-license) to commercialize HepeX-B and any other product containing a hMAb or humanized monoclonal antibody or fragment directed at the hepatitis B virus owned or controlled by us. Under this agreement, as amended, we were responsible for certain clinical and product development activities of HepeX-B through August 2005, at the expense of Cubist. We have transferred full responsibility for completing the development of HepeX-B to Cubist. Cubist will be responsible for completing the development and for registration and commercialization of the product worldwide.
 
In the event that the actual costs incurred in conducting activities that Cubist determines are necessary or advisable to obtain regulatory approval for HepeX-B for the prevention of recurrent hepatitis B infections in liver transplant patients exceed $33.9 million, any costs in excess shall be borne in equal share by us and Cubist.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, as amended, Cubist paid us an initial up-front payment of $1 million upon the signing of the agreement, a further aggregate amount of $1 million as collaboration support was paid in 2004, and an additional amount of up to $3 million will be paid upon achievement of certain regulatory milestones.
 
Under the agreement, we are entitled to receive royalties from net sales by Cubist, generally ranging from 10% to 17%, depending on levels of net sales achieved by Cubist, subject to certain deductions based on patent protection of HepeX-B in that territory, total costs of HepeX-B development, third party license payments and indemnification obligations.
 
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Cubist has the right to sub-license HepeX-B. The sub-licensee fees we will receive in such cases will vary according to the territory, the subject of the sub-license, the patent protection of HepeX-B in that territory, total costs of HepeX-B development, third party license payments, indemnification obligations and local competition. For example, where HepeX-B is not patent protected and a competing product obtains more than an agreed percentage of the local market, we would receive no royalties on sales of HepeX-B.
 
Cubist has granted us the non-exclusive right of negotiation during the term of the agreement to obtain all or any portion of the rights to manufacture and supply HepeX-B or any other product containing an hMAb or humanized monoclonal antibody or fragment directed at the hepatitis B virus owned or controlled by us. Furthermore, in certain circumstances, we have the exclusive right to negotiate with Cubist to obtain from Cubist a sub-license to market and sell the HepeX-B or such other product in certain territories.
 
We agreed that during the term of the agreement and for one year thereafter, we will not research, develop or commercialize any competitive product containing a human or humanized monoclonal antibody or fragment that is directed to and binds with the hepatitis B virus.
 
The agreement expires on the later of the last valid patent claim covering HepeX-B to expire or 10 years after the first commercial sale of HepeX-B on a country-by-country basis.
 
XTL-6865 License

XTL-6865 is a combination of two human monoclonal antibodies against HCV, Ab68 and Ab65.

In April 2000, we licensed Ab68 under an exclusive worldwide license from the DRK-Blutspendedienst Baden-Wurttemberg (Ulm University, Germany, or Ulm). Under the terms of this agreement, we are obligated to pay Ulm a specified royalty rate on sales of product incorporating Ab68. We can deduct certain payments that are made to third parties from these royalties, subject to a minimum royalty rate. We are also obligated to pay Ulm a specified percentage of any milestone payments we may receive from any sublicensee to whom we may grant a license or sublicense of Ab68 or technology related to the production of Ab68. We can deduct certain of these payments that are made to third parties from the percentage of milestone payments owed to Ulm, subject to a minimum milestone payment amount. Either party may terminate the agreement, by written notice, upon or after the winding up or insolvency of the other party, or upon or after commitment of a material breach by the other party that cannot be cured, or if curable, has not been cured, within 60 days after receipt of notice. In the absence of such termination, the agreement shall expire upon the expiration of the license granted under the agreement. To date we have made $150,000 in license and milestone payments to Ulm.

In September 2003, we licensed Ab65 from Stanford University under an exclusive license agreement. Under the terms of this agreement, we have exclusive rights to Ab65 worldwide, excluding China. In China, we have co-exclusive rights with Applied Immunogenetics LLC. Under the terms of this agreement, we must use commercially reasonable efforts to commercialize and market Ab65. We are obligated to make royalty payments to Stanford University on sales of product incorporating Ab65, and we are also obligated to make milestone payments upon the occurrence of certain specified events. To date we have made $172,000 in license and milestone payments to Stanford University, and we have undertaken to make contingent milestone payments of up to approximately $200,000 over the life of the license, all of which will be due upon or following regulatory approval of the drug. The license terminates upon the later of the expiration of last of the licensed patents or at the time of our last royalty payment. Notwithstanding the above, we may terminate this agreement upon specified notice to Stanford University. In addition, should we fail to meet certain developmental milestones for Ab65, our rights to the use of Ab65 become non-exclusive upon notice to that effect to us by Stanford University.

In addition, under an agreement entered into in September 2003, we are obligated to make royalty payments on sales of product incorporating Ab65 to Applied Immunogenetics LLC, a company that previously held non-exclusive rights to Ab65 and returned them to Stanford University, enabling us to gain exclusive rights to Ab65 from Stanford University. Our agreement with Applied Immunogenetics LLC expires on the expiration or termination of our exclusive agreement with Stanford University, as described above. To date we have made $183,000 in license and milestone payments to Applied Immunogenetics LLC. There are no additional contingent milestone payments.

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Small Molecule Development Program

XTL-2125 has been licensed from B&C Biopharm Co., Ltd., or B&C, since February 2003. Under the terms of the agreement, we have exclusive rights to XTL-2125 worldwide, with the exception of Asia, which is shared between the two companies, and Korea, for which B&C retains exclusive rights. Under the terms of the agreement, we are obligated to make certain milestone payments in addition to royalties on product sales. To date we have made $1.1 million in license and milestone payments to B&C, and we have undertaken to make contingent milestone payments of up to approximately $13.4 million over the life of the license, of which $8.0 million will be due upon or following regulatory approval of the drug. The license terminates upon the expiration of the last of the licensed patents. Notwithstanding the above, we may terminate this agreement upon specified notice to B&C.

Yeda License

In April of 1993, we entered into a research and license agreement with Yeda, which we refer to as the Yeda Agreement, under which Yeda granted us an exclusive worldwide license to use the Trimera patent portfolio and to exclusively use the information derived from the performance of certain research for the purposes specified in the agreement in any country where a licensed patent covers a product sold under the license or other licensed activity until the date on which the last licensed patent expires or until 12 years from the later of the first commercial sale of a product (or first receipts to us from other licensed activity) in such country, and in any other country until 12 years from the first commercial sale of a product (or first receipts to us from other licensed activity) in that country. Under the agreement, any assignment of the license granted by Yeda requires Yeda's prior written consent.
 
The Yeda Agreement has undergone a number of amendments, one of the end results of which is that we shall pay to Yeda the following fees: a royalty of 3% of all net sales received by us; 25% of amounts received by us on net sales of third parties (less certain royalties payable by us to third parties), but no more than 3% and no less than 1.5% of such net sales; and a royalty ranging between 20% to 40% on any receipts to us other than our net sales or receipts on net sales made by third parties. Furthermore, such amendments have also changed the termination provisions relating to Yeda’s entitlement to terminate the agreement if we do not pay Yeda a certain minimum amount of annual royalties of $100,000 or $200,000, depending on the year.
 
In the most recent amendment of the Yeda Agreement, in order to facilitate the grant of the license by us to Cubist under the terms of the HepeX-B collaboration, Yeda received the right to receive at least 1.5% of net sales of HepeX-B by Cubist sub-licensees, regardless of the amount received by us from Cubist in respect of such sales.
 
Competition

Competition in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries is intense. Our competitors include pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies, as well as universities and public and private research institutions. In addition, companies that are active in different but related fields represent substantial competition for us. Many of our competitors have significantly greater capital resources, larger research and development staffs and facilities and greater experience in drug development, regulation, manufacturing and marketing than we do. These organizations also compete with us to recruit qualified personnel, attract partners for joint ventures or other collaborations, and license technologies that are competitive with ours. To compete successfully in this industry we must identify novel and unique drugs or methods of treatment and then complete the development of those drugs as treatments in advance of our competitors.
 
The drugs that we are attempting to develop will have to compete with existing therapies. In addition, a large number of companies are pursuing the development of pharmaceuticals that target the same diseases and conditions that we are targeting. Other companies have products or drug candidates in various stages of pre-clinical or clinical development to treat diseases for which we are also seeking to discover and develop drug candidates. Some of these potential competing drugs are further advanced in development than our drug candidates and may be commercialized earlier.
 
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Competing Products for Preventing Re-Infection with Hepatitis B in Liver Transplant Patients

The present standard-of-care for preventing hepatitis B in liver transplant patients is HBIg. Our strategy is to replace the existing standard of care with HepeX-B.
 
Key producers of HBIg in the U.S. are NABI Biopharmaceuticals Inc. and Bayer Biological Products, a division of Bayer Healthcare. Key HBIg producers in the European Union, or E.U., are Biotest AG, ZLB Behring, a subsidiary of CSL Ltd., and Berna Biotech AG. We are not aware of any competing monoclonal antibody against HBV currently in clinical development.
 
Several small molecules against HBV are presently being used in liver transplant patients. They presently include Lamivudine, a product of Glaxo Smith Kline PLC, and Hepsera, a product of Gilead Sciences Inc., and may include additional small molecule drugs presently in Phase III clinical trials. These drugs are commonly prescribed in combination with HBIg, and not as a replacement. However, several centers have terminated HBIg use and maintain patients on small molecule therapy alone. To our knowledge, the impact of this approach on efficacy has not been established.

Competing Products for Preventing Re-Infection with Hepatitis C Following Liver Transplants
 
There is no approved therapy for preventing re-infection with HCV following liver transplants. Other companies that may be developing competing treatments to XTL-6865 are:
 
·  
NABI, which develops a hepatitis C immunoglobulin (polyclonal antibody preparation). This therapeutic did not prevent re-infection in Phase I/II trials in liver transplant patients.
 
·  
GenMab A/S, which is developing a single MAb against HCV. This antibody is presently in pre-clinical development.

Competing Products for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C

We believe that a significant number of drugs are currently under development that will become available in the future for the treatment of hepatitis C.
 
At present, the only approved therapies for treatment of chronic HCV are Interferon-based. There are multiple drugs presently under development for the treatment of HCV, most of which are in the pre-clinical or Phase I stage of development. These compounds are developed by both established pharmaceutical companies, as well as by biotech companies. Examples of such companies are: Abbott Laboratories, Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, F. Hoffman-LaRoche & Co., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc., Schering-Plough Corporation, Chiron Corporation, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Human Genome Sciences, Inc., Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., InterMune, Inc., Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. Many of these companies and organizations, either alone or with their collaborative partners, have substantially greater financial, technical and human resources than we do. In addition, our competitors also include smaller private companies such as Pharmasset, Ltd.

Supply and Manufacturing

We currently have no manufacturing capabilities and do not intend to establish any such capabilities.

HepeX-B

Future supply of the HepeX-B clinical material will be manufactured by a contract manufacturer to be selected by our partner Cubist.

XTL-6865

In 2000, we entered into a contract manufacturing agreement with a U.S.-based manufacturer for the supply of the HepeX-C drug product, the single antibody version of XTL-6865, and subsequently under that master agreement for the supply of XTL-6865, the dual-MAb product. We believe that this contract manufacturer will be adequate to satisfy our planned clinical supply needs. For commercial supply of XTL-6865, we intend to contract with a manufacturer to develop a production process for high scale drug supply.

29

Small Molecule Development Program

In 2003, we entered into a contract manufacturing agreement with an Israeli-based manufacturer for the supply of XTL-2125. We believe that this contract manufacturer will be adequate to satisfy our current pre-clinical supply needs. For future clinical supply needs, we intend to contract with a manufacturer to produce our clinical supply needs. For commercial supply of XTL-2125, we intend to contract with a manufacturer to develop a production process for high scale drug supply.

General

At the time of commercial sale, to the extent possible and commercially practicable, we plan to engage a back-up supplier for each of our product candidates. Until such time, we expect that we will rely on a single contract manufacturer to produce each of our product candidates under current good manufacturing practice, or cGMP, regulations. Our third-party manufacturers have a limited numbers of facilities in which our product candidates can be produced and will have limited experience in manufacturing our product candidates in quantities sufficient for conducting clinical trials or for commercialization. Our third-party manufacturers will have other clients and may have other priorities that could affect our contractor’s ability to perform the work satisfactorily and/or on a timely basis. Both of these occurrences would be beyond our control.  We anticipate that we will similarly rely on contract manufacturers for our future proprietary product candidates.

We expect to similarly rely on contract manufacturing relationships for any products that we may in-license or acquire in the future. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully contract with such manufacturers on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Contract manufacturers are subject to ongoing periodic inspections by the FDA, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and corresponding state agencies to ensure strict compliance with cGMP and other state and federal regulations. Our contractor in Israel faces similar inspections from Israeli regulatory agencies and from the FDA. We do not have control over third-party manufacturers’ compliance with these regulations and standards, other than through contractual obligations.

If we need to change manufacturers, the FDA and corresponding foreign regulatory agencies must approve these new manufacturers in advance, which will involve testing and additional inspections to ensure compliance with FDA regulations and standards and may require significant lead times and delay. Furthermore, switching manufacturers may be difficult because the number of potential manufacturers is limited. It may be difficult or impossible for us to find a replacement manufacturer quickly or on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Government and Industry Regulation

Numerous governmental authorities, principally the FDA and corresponding state and foreign regulatory agencies, impose substantial regulations upon the clinical development, manufacture and marketing of our drug candidates and technologies, as well as our ongoing research and development activities. None of our drug candidates have been approved for sale in any market in which we have marketing rights. Before marketing in the United States, any drug that we develop must undergo rigorous pre-clinical testing and clinical trials and an extensive regulatory approval process implemented by the FDA, under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938, as amended. The FDA regulates, among other things, the pre-clinical and clinical testing, safety, efficacy, approval, manufacturing, record keeping, adverse event reporting, packaging, labeling, storage, advertising, promotion, export, sale and distribution of biopharmaceutical products.

The regulatory review and approval process is lengthy, expensive and uncertain. We are required to submit extensive pre-clinical and clinical data and supporting information to the FDA for each indication or use to establish a drug candidate’s safety and efficacy before we can secure FDA approval. The approval process takes many years, requires the expenditure of substantial resources and may involve ongoing requirements for post-marketing studies or surveillance. Before commencing clinical trials in humans, we must submit an IND to the FDA containing, among other things, pre-clinical data, chemistry, manufacturing and control information, and an investigative plan. Our submission of an IND may not result in FDA authorization to commence a clinical trial.

30

The FDA may permit expedited development, evaluation, and marketing of new therapies intended to treat persons with serious or life-threatening conditions for which there is an unmet medical need under its fast track drug development programs. A sponsor can apply for fast track designation at the time of submission of an IND, or at any time prior to receiving marketing approval of the new drug application, or NDA. To receive fast track designation, an applicant must demonstrate that the drug:
 
·  
is intended to treat a serious or life-threatening condition;
 
·  
is intended to treat a serious aspect of the condition; and
 
·  
has the potential to address unmet medical needs, and this potential is being evaluated in the planned drug development program.
 
Clinical testing must meet requirements for institutional review board oversight, informed consent and good clinical practices, and must be conducted pursuant to an IND, unless exempted.
 
The FDA must respond to a request for fast track designation within 60 calendar days of receipt of the request. Over the course of drug development, a product in a fast track development program must continue to meet the criteria for fast track designation. Sponsors of products in fast track drug development programs must be in regular contact with the reviewing division of the FDA to ensure that the evidence necessary to support marketing approval will be developed and presented in a format conducive to an efficient review. Sponsors of products in fast track drug development programs ordinarily are eligible for priority review and also may be permitted to submit portions of an NDA to the FDA for review before the complete application is submitted.

For purposes of NDA approval, clinical trials are typically conducted in the following sequential phases:
 
·  
Phase I: The drug is administered to a small group of humans, either healthy volunteers or patients, to test for safety, dosage tolerance, absorption, metabolism, excretion, and clinical pharmacology.
 
·  
Phase II: Studies are conducted on a larger number of patients to assess the efficacy of the product, to ascertain dose tolerance and the optimal dose range, and to gather additional data relating to safety and potential adverse events.
 
·  
Phase III: Studies establish safety and efficacy in an expanded patient population.
 
·  
Phase IV: The FDA may require a Phase IV to conduct post-marketing studies for purposes of gathering additional evidence of safety and efficacy.
 
The length of time necessary to complete clinical trials varies significantly and may be difficult to predict. Clinical results are frequently susceptible to varying interpretations that may delay, limit or prevent regulatory approvals. Additional factors that can cause delay or termination of our clinical trials, or that may increase the costs of these trials, include:
 
·  
slow patient enrollment due to the nature of the clinical trial plan, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility criteria for participation in the study or other factors;
 
·  
inadequately trained or insufficient personnel at the study site to assist in overseeing and monitoring clinical trials or delays in approvals from a study site’s review board;
 
·  
longer treatment time required to demonstrate efficacy or determine the appropriate product dose;
 
31

·  
insufficient supply of the drug candidates;
 
·  
adverse medical events or side effects in treated patients; and
 
·  
ineffectiveness of the drug candidates.
 
In addition, the FDA may place a clinical trial on hold or terminate it if it concludes that subjects are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk. Any drug is likely to produce some toxicity or undesirable side effects in animals and in humans when administered at sufficiently high doses and/or for a sufficiently long period of time. Unacceptable toxicity or side effects may occur at any dose level at any time in the course of studies in animals designed to identify unacceptable effects of a drug candidate, known as toxicological studies, or clinical trials of drug candidates. The appearance of any unacceptable toxicity or side effect could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, limit, delay or abort the development of any of our drug candidates and could ultimately prevent approval by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities for any or all targeted indications.

Before receiving FDA approval to market a product, we must demonstrate that the product is safe and effective for its intended use by submitting to the FDA an NDA containing the pre-clinical and clinical data that have been accumulated, together with chemistry and manufacturing and controls specifications and information, and proposed labeling, among other things. The FDA may refuse to accept an NDA for filing if certain content criteria are not met and, even after accepting an NDA, the FDA may often require additional information, including clinical data, before approval of marketing a product.

As part of the approval process, the FDA must inspect and approve each manufacturing facility. Among the conditions of approval is the requirement that a manufacturer’s quality control and manufacturing procedures conform to cGMP. Manufacturers must expend time, money and effort to ensure compliance with cGMP, and the FDA conducts periodic inspections to certify compliance. It may be difficult for our manufacturers or us to comply with the applicable cGMP and other FDA regulatory requirements. If we or our contract manufacturers fail to comply, then the FDA will not allow us to market products that have been affected by the failure.

If the FDA grants approval, the approval will be limited to those disease states, conditions and patient populations for which the product is safe and effective, as demonstrated through clinical studies. Further, a product may be marketed only in those dosage forms and for those indications approved in the NDA. Certain changes to an approved NDA, including, with certain exceptions, any changes to labeling, require approval of a supplemental application before the drug may be marketed as changed. Any products that we manufacture or distribute pursuant to FDA approvals are subject to continuing regulation by the FDA, including compliance with cGMP and the reporting of adverse experiences with the drugs. The nature of marketing claims that the FDA will permit us to make in the labeling and advertising of our products will be limited to those specified in an FDA approval, and the advertising of our products will be subject to comprehensive regulation by the FDA. Claims exceeding those that are approved will constitute a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or regulatory requirements at any time during the product development process, approval process, or after approval may result in agency enforcement actions, including withdrawal of approval, recall, seizure of products, injunctions, fines and/or civil or criminal penalties. Any agency enforcement action could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Should we wish to market our products outside the U.S., we must receive marketing authorization from the appropriate regulatory authorities. The requirements governing the conduct of clinical trials, marketing authorization, pricing and reimbursement vary widely from country to country. At present, companies are typically required to apply for foreign marketing authorizations at a national level. However, within the E.U., registration procedures are available to companies wishing to market a product in more than one E.U. member state. If the regulatory authority is satisfied that a company has presented adequate evidence of safety, quality and efficacy, the regulatory authority will grant a marketing authorization. This foreign regulatory approval process involves all of the risks associated with FDA approval discussed above. Our current strategy does call for us to market our drug candidates outside the U.S.

32

Failure to comply with applicable federal, state and foreign laws and regulations would likely have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, federal, state and foreign laws and regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of new drugs are subject to future changes. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature, effect or extent of adverse governmental regulation that might arise from future legislative or administrative action, either in the U.S. or abroad.

Organizational structure
 
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, XTL Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., is incorporated in Delaware and has its principal place of business in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
 
Property, Plants and Equipment
 
We lease an aggregate of approximately 1,870 square meters of office and laboratory facilities in Rehovot, Israel. The lease in Rehovot expires in December 2006, with an option to extend for an additional year through December 31, 2007.
 
In addition, XTL Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. currently leases approximately 60 square meters (approximately 30 square meters after September 1, 2005) of office space in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.A. and approximately 145 square meters in Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A. The lease in Newton expires on February 28, 2006, and the lease in Durham expires on April 30, 2006. We have an option to renew our lease agreements, as needed.
 
We anticipate that these facilities will be sufficient for our needs through 2006. To our knowledge, there are no environmental issues that affect our use of the properties that we lease.
 
There are no encumbrances on our rights in these leased properties or on any of the equipment that we own. However, to secure the lease agreements in Israel, we provided a bank guarantee. As of December 31, 2004, the guarantee is secured by pledge on a long-term deposit amounting to $113,000 linked to the Israeli Consumer Price Index (“CPI”), which is included in the balance sheet as a restricted long-term deposit.
 
33

 
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
 
The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements about our plans and expectations of what may happen in the future. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and our results could differ materially from the results anticipated by our forward-looking statements as a result of many known or unknown factors, including, but not limited to, those factors discussed in “Item 3 - Key Information-Risk Factors” and “Item 4 - Information on the Company.” See also the “Special Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” set forth at the beginning of this registration statement.
 
You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, and as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, contained in “Item 18 - Financial Statements” and with any other selected financial data included elsewhere in this registration statement.
 
Selected Financial Data
 
The table below presents selected statement of operations and balance sheet data for the fiscal years ended and as of December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000. We have derived the selected financial data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, and as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, from our audited financial statements, included with this registration statement at “Item 18 - Financial Statements.” We have derived the selected financial data for fiscal years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 and as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, from other audited financial statements not appearing in this report, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. You should read the selected financial data in conjunction with “Item 5 - Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,”“Item 8 - Financial Information” and “Item 18 - Financial Statements.”
 
   
Years ended December 31,
 
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
   
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                     
Revenues
                     
Reimbursed out of pocket expenses
 
$
3,269
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
License
   
185
   
   
   
   
 
   
3,454
   
   
   
   
 
Cost of revenues
                               
Reimbursed out of pocket expenses
   
3,269
   
   
   
   
 
License
   
32
   
   
   
   
 
     
3,301
   
   
   
   
 
                                 
Gross margin
   
153
   
   
   
   
 
                                 
Research and development
                               
Research and development costs
   
11,985
   
13,668
   
13,231
   
12,187
   
6,002
 
Less participations
   
   
3,229
   
75
   
1,133
   
1,821
 
     
11,985
   
10,439
   
13,156
   
11,054
   
4,181
 
                                 
General and administrative
   
4,134
   
3,105
   
3,638
   
3,001
   
2,334
 
Business development costs
   
810
   
664
   
916
   
1,067
   
486
 
Impairment of asset held for sale
   
   
354
   
   
   
 
                                 
Operating loss
   
(16,776
)
 
(14,562
)
 
(17,710
)
 
(15,122
)
 
(7,001
)
                                 
Other income (expense)
                               
Financial income, net
   
352
   
352
   
597
   
2,448
   
1,517
 
Taxes on income
   
(49
)
 
(78
)
 
(27
)
 
   
(7
)
                                 
Net loss
 
$
(16,473
)
$
(14,288
)
$
(17,140
)
$
(12,674
)
$
(5,491
)
                                 
Net loss per ordinary share
                               
Basic and diluted
 
$
(0.12
)
$
(0.13
)
$
(0.15
)
$
(0.11
)
$
(0.13
)*
 

* Restated
                               
 
34

                                                               
 
As of December 31, 
     
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
 
2001
 
 
2000
 
 
 
(in thousands) 
Balance Sheet Data:
                               
Cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits and marketable securities
 
$
22,924
 
$
22,262
 
$
35,706
 
$
52,188
 
$
64,969
 
Working capital
   
20,240
   
19,967
   
33,396
   
50,433
   
53,752
 
Total assets
   
25,624
   
24,853
   
38,423
   
55,106
   
67,876
 
Long-term obligations
   
2,489
   
1,244
   
1,017
   
526
   
707
 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
19,602
   
20,608
   
34,830
   
51,953
   
64,586
 
 
Overview
 
We are a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the acquisition, research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of infectious diseases, particularly the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and C.
 
We currently have three products/programs under development:
 
·  
HepeX-B is being developed to prevent re-infection with hepatitis B, known as HBV, in liver transplant patients. HepeX-B is a mixture of two fully human monoclonal antibodies, which binds to the HBV surface antigen, or HBsAg. HepeX-B was recently studied in a Phase IIb trial in liver transplant patients. In August 2005, we announced that the dosing portion of the study ended. Worldwide rights for HepeX-B were licensed to Cubist in 2004, in exchange for certain milestone payments and future royalties on Cubist’s net sales. Cubist plans to review data from this trial with the FDA as part of a discussion of design elements of a Phase III clinical trial.
 
·  
XTL-6865 is being developed to prevent hepatitis C, known as HCV, re-infection following a liver transplant and for the treatment of chronic HCV. XTL-6865 (formerly known as the HepeX-C program) is a combination of two fully human monoclonal antibodies (Ab68 and Ab65) against the hepatitis C virus E2 envelope protein. A single antibody version of this product was tested in a pilot clinical program that included both Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. In April 2005, we submitted an IND to the FDA in order to commence a Phase Ia/Ib clinical trial later this year for XTL-6865, the dual-MAb product. In July 2005, we announced that the FDA granted XTL-6865 “Fast-Track” designation for the treatment of hepatitis C re-infection following a liver transplant.

·  
Small Molecule Development Program. We currently have a small molecule development program, which is targeted at treating chronic hepatitis C utilizing novel non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitors. The current program is focused on developing synthetic small molecules to be orally-administered to patients for the inhibition of HCV viral RNA replication. We have identified two lead candidates from two distinct chemical series of compounds, which we licensed from B&C. XTL-2125 is a small molecule non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitor for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and is currently in pre-clinical testing.

To date, we have not received approval for the sale of any of our drug candidates in any market and, therefore, have not generated any commercial revenues from the sales of our drug candidates. Moreover, preliminary results of our preclinical or clinical tests do not necessarily predict the final results, and acceptable results in early preclinical or clinical testing might not be obtained in later clinical trials. Drug candidates in the later stages of clinical development may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy traits despite having progressed through initial clinical testing. We have received license and reimbursed out of pocket expense revenue pursuant to our agreement with Cubist with respect to HepeX-B, although HepeX-B has not yet been commercialized.

35

We were established as a corporation under the laws of the State of Israel in 1993, and commenced operations to use and commercialize technology developed at the Weizmann Institute, in Rehovot, Israel. Since commencing operations, our activities have been primarily devoted to developing our technologies and drug candidates, acquiring pre-clinical and clinical-stage compounds, raising capital, purchasing assets for our facilities, and recruiting personnel. We are a development stage company and have no product sales to date. Our major sources of working capital have been proceeds from various private placements of equity securities, option and warrant exercises, from our initial public offering and from our placing and open offer transaction.
 
We are a development stage company and have devoted substantially all of our efforts to the discovery, development and in-licensing of drug candidates. We have incurred negative cash flow from operations each year since our inception. We anticipate incurring negative cash flows from operating activities for the foreseeable future. We have spent, and expect to continue to spend, substantial amounts in connection with implementing our business strategy, including our planned product development efforts, our clinical trials and potential in-licensing and acquisition opportunities.
 
Our revenues currently consist of license fees and reimbursed out of pocket expenses from Cubist, and may include certain additional payments contingent upon achievement of regulatory milestones and royalties if our collaboration is successful. We recognize the license fee revenues from our agreement with Cubist ratably over the expected term until regulatory approval is obtained, with un-amortized amounts recorded as deferred revenues. We also recognize revenue related to reimbursed out of pocket expenses at the time that that we provide development services to Cubist.
 
Our cost of revenues consist of costs associated with the Cubist program and consist primarily of salaries and related personnel costs, fees paid to consultants and other third-parties for clinical and laboratory development, facilities-related and other expenses relating to the design, development, testing, and enhancement of our out-licensed product candidate. In addition, we recognize license fee expenses associated with our agreement with Yeda proportional to our license fee agreement with Cubist, with un-amortized amounts recorded as deferred expenses.
 
Our research and development costs consist primarily of salaries and related personnel costs, fees paid to consultants and other third-parties for clinical and laboratory development, facilities-related and other expenses relating to the design, development, testing, and enhancement of our product candidates, as well as expenses related to in-licensing and acquisition of new product candidates. We expense our research and development costs as they are incurred.
 
Our participations consist primarily of grants received from the Israeli government in support of our research and development activities. These grants are recognized as a reduction of expense as the related costs are incurred. See “- Research and Development, Patents and Licenses - Israeli Government Research and Development Grants” below.
 
Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses for executive, finance and other administrative personnel, professional fees, director fees and other corporate expenses, including investor relations, and facilities related expenses. We expense our general and administrative expenses as they are incurred.
 
Our business development costs consist primarily of salaries and related expenses for business development personnel, travel and professional fees. Our business development activities are related to partnering activities for our drug programs and for seeking new research and development collaborations. We expense our business development expenses as they are incurred.
 
36

Our results of operations include non-cash compensation expense as a result of the grants of stock options and warrants. Compensation expense for fixed award options and warrants granted to employees, directors and consultants represents the intrinsic value (the difference between the stock price of the common stock and the exercise price of the options or warrants) of the options and warrants at the date of grant. For variable awards, we consider the difference between the stock price at reporting date and the exercise price, in the case where a measurement date has not been reached. The compensation cost is recorded over the respective vesting periods of the individual stock options and warrants. The expense is included in the respective categories of expense in the statement of operations. We expect to incur significant non-cash compensation expense in the future, as a result of adopting the revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Share-Based Payment,” which we elected to adopt on January 1, 2005 (see “- Results of Operations,”“- Recently Issued Accounting Standards” and “Item 8: Financial Information - Significant Changes” below).
 
Our ongoing clinical trials will be lengthy and expensive. Even if these trials show that our drug candidates are effective in treating certain indications, there is no guarantee that we will be able to record commercial sales of any of our product candidates in the near future. In addition, we expect losses to continue as we continue to fund development of our drug candidates. As we continue our development efforts, we may enter into additional third-party collaborative agreements and may incur additional expenses, such as licensing fees and milestone payments. As a result, our periodical results may fluctuate and a period-by-period comparison of our operating results may not be a meaningful indication of our future performance.
 
Results of Operations
 
Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003
 
Revenue. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2004, was $3,454,000, as compared to no revenue for the year ended December 31, 2003. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2004, was due to $3,269,000 associated with reimbursement for development expenses for HepeX-B that were incurred pursuant to our licensing agreement with Cubist, as well as to $185,000 in licensing revenue pursuant to our agreement with Cubist. We signed our agreement with Cubist in June 2004.
 
We expect our revenue to decrease modestly over the next year, pursuant to our agreement, as amended, with Cubist.
 
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004, was $3,301,000, as compared to no cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2003. Cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004, was due to $3,269,000 in development expenses for HepeX-B that were incurred pursuant to our licensing agreement with Cubist, as well as due to $32,000 in licensing expense pursuant to our licensing agreement with Yeda.
 
We expect our cost of revenues to decrease modestly over the next year, pursuant to our agreement, as amended, with Cubist.
 
Research and Development Costs. Research and development costs decreased by $1,683,000 to $11,985,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to expenses of $13,668,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003. The decrease in research and development costs was due primarily to the absence of approximately $1,565,000 in expenses related to early stage discovery research activities related to infectious diseases, a $735,000 decrease in expenses related to the development and clinical program of HepeX-B, due to the initiation of the collaboration agreement with Cubist and the subsequent inclusion of development costs related to HepeX-B in Cost of Revenues above and a decrease of approximately $835,000 in expenses related to the XTL-6865 development and clinical program. This decrease was partially offset by an approximate $1,452,000 increase in expenses associated with our small molecule development program (primarily XTL-2125).
 
We expect our research and development costs to decrease over the next year as a result of the inclusion of development costs related to HepeX-B in Cost of Revenues above and following the implementation of our 2005 restructuring plan, as described in “Trend Information” below.
 
37

Participations. There were no participations from the Office of the Chief Scientist for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to participations of $3,229,000 in for the year ended December 31, 2003. Participations received in 2003 were due to the Office of the Chief Scientist’s decision to approve our grant applications that we had submitted in 2003 and in 2002. We ceased requesting grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist in 2004 due to the potential contingent liability associated with the transfer of manufacturing rights outside Israel.
 
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $1,029,000 to $4,134,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to expenses of $3,105,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase in general and administrative expenses was due primarily to a $646,000 increase in payroll and related costs, which included a $382,000 charge related to the termination of our former Chief Executive Officer pursuant to his employment agreement as well to increased expenses related to patent registration fees and professional fees.
 
Not including non-cash compensation costs and charges related to the grant of options to certain of our directors as discussed more fully in “Item 8: Financial Information - Significant Changes” below, we expect our general and administrative costs to decrease over the next year following the implementation of our 2005 restructuring plan, as described in “Trend Information” below.
 
Business Development Costs. Business development costs increased by $146,000 to $810,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to expenses of $664,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase in business developments costs was due primarily to a $244,000 increase in professional fees associated with our agreement with Cubist that was signed in June 2004, offset by reduced travel-related expenses.
 
Impairment of Asset Held For Sale. There was no impairment charge recorded for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared $354,000 in impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2003. The impairment charge recorded for the year ended December 31, 2003, was as a result of our decision to sell certain assets associated with early stage discovery research activities, which we decided to cease during 2003.
 
Financial Income. Financial income for the year ended December 31, 2004, was $352,000, as compared to financial income of $352,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003. Financial income was flat due to reduced interest income earned on lower average cash balances for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2003, offset by an absence of foreign exchange losses which we incurred in 2003.
 
Income Taxes. Income tax expense decreased by $29,000 to $49,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to expenses of $78,000 for year ended December 31, 2003. Our Income tax expense is attributable to taxable income from the continuing operations of our subsidiary in the United States. This income is eliminated upon consolidation of our financial statements.
 
Years Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002
 
Revenue. We did not have any revenue for the years ended December 31, 2003, and December 31, 2002.
 
Cost of Revenues. We did not have any cost of revenue expenses for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002.
 
Research and Development Costs. Research and development costs increased by $437,000 to $13,668,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to expenses of $13,231,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase in research and development costs was due primarily to an increase of approximately $2,796,000 in expenses related to the XTL-6865 development and clinical program, and a $794,000 increase in expenses associated with our small molecule development program (primarily XTL-2125). This increase was partially offset by a decrease of approximately $2,905,000 in expenses related to early stage discovery research activities related to infectious diseases, which we ceased in 2003, and due to a $248,000 decrease in expenses related to the development and clinical program of HepeX-B.
 
38

Participations. Participations increased by $3,154,000 to $3,229,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to $75,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase in participations was due to the Office of the Chief Scientist’s decision to approve our grant applications that we had submitted in the current and prior year.
 
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased by $533,000 to $3,105,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to expenses of $3,638,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was due primarily to a $460,000 decrease in employee compensation expenses and a $370,000 decrease in corporate communications expenses. This decrease was partially offset by a one-time $344,000 expense related to our annual general meeting that took place in June 2003.
 
Business Development Costs. Business development costs decreased by $252,000 to $664,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to expenses of $916,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. The decrease in business development costs was due primarily to a $159,000 decrease in employee compensation expenses associated with the departure of one of our business development staff.
 
Impairment of Asset Held for Sale. For the year ended December 31, 2003, we recorded a $354,000 impairment charge as a result of our decision to sell certain assets associated with early stage discovery research activities related to infectious diseases which we decided to cease during 2003. There was no impairment charge recorded for the year ended December 31, 2002.
 
Financial Income. Financial income for the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased by $245,000 to $352,000 as compared to financial income of $597,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. The decrease in financial income resulted from a lower level of invested funds and the general decline in market interest rates when compared to the prior year.
 
Income Taxes. Income tax expense increased by $51,000 to $78,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to expenses of $27,000 for year ended December 31, 2002. Our Income tax expense is attributable to taxable income from the continuing operations of our subsidiary in the United States. This income is eliminated upon consolidation of our financial statements.
 
2003 and 2002 Restructurings
 
In 2003, we implemented and completed a restructuring, which we sometimes refer to as the “2003 restructuring.” As a result of this restructuring, we ceased all early-stage discovery research activities related to infectious diseases. The 2003 restructuring included a 20-person reduction in our workforce in Israel, 18 of whom were in research and development and two of whom were in general and administrative. As part of the 2003 restructuring, we took a charge in 2003 of $74,000, relating to employee dismissal costs, $58,000 of which was included in research and development costs and $16,000 of which was included in general and administrative expenses. We paid all of these amounts in 2003. As part of the 2003 restructuring, we reevaluated our long-lived assets in accordance with FAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $354,000 of fixed assets for the year ended December 31, 2003.

During 2002, we implemented and completed a restructuring, which we sometimes refer to as the “2002 restructuring.” As a result of this restructuring, we reduced certain early stage research expenditures and focused our efforts on our later stage products. The 2002 restructuring included a 16-person reduction in our workforce, primarily in Israel, 11 of whom were in research and development, four of whom were in general and administrative and one of whom was in business development. As part of the restructuring, we took a charge in 2002 of $147,000, relating to employee dismissal costs, $65,000 of which was included in research and development costs, $68,000 of which was included in general and administrative expenses and $14,000 of which was included in business development expenses. We paid all of these amounts in 2002.

39

Critical Accounting Policies
 
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the applicable period. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
We define critical accounting policies as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and which may potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. In applying these critical accounting policies, our management uses its judgment to determine the appropriate assumptions to be used in making certain estimates. These estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Our critical accounting policies include the following:
 
Functional Currency. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we translate non-U.S. dollar amounts in the financial statements into U.S. dollars. Under relevant accounting guidance, the treatment of any gains or losses resulting from this translation is dependent upon management’s determination of the functional currency. The functional currency is determined based on management’s judgment and involves consideration of all relevant economic facts and circumstances affecting our business. Generally, the currency in which a company transacts a majority of its transactions would be considered the functional currency. The currency of the primary economic environment in which our operations are conducted is the U.S. dollar. We generate all of our revenues in U.S. dollars, and significant parts of our operating expenses and capital expenditures are in U.S. dollars. In addition, we hold most of our cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits and marketable securities in U.S. dollars. Thus, our functional currency is the U.S. dollar.
 
Since the U.S. dollar is the primary currency in the economic environment in which we operate, monetary accounts maintained in currencies other than the U.S. dollar (principally cash and liabilities) are re-measured using the representative foreign exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Operational accounts and non-monetary balance sheet accounts are measured and recorded at the rate in effect at the date of the transaction.
 
Revenue Recognition. We recognize the revenue from our licensing agreement with Cubist under the provisions of EITF 00-21 entitled “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” and SAB 104 entitled “Revenue Recognition.” Under those terms, we are required to defer all revenue from multiple-element arrangements if sufficient objective and reliable evidence of fair value does not exist for the allocation of revenue to the various elements of the arrangement. Since we have not been able to determine the fair value of each unit of accounting, the Cubist agreement was accounted for as one unit of accounting, after failing the separation criteria. We, therefore, recognize revenue on the Cubist agreement ratably over the life of the arrangement. If actual future results vary, we may need to adjust our estimates, which could have an impact on the timing and amount of revenue to be recognized.
 
In addition, Cubist has requested that we provide development services that are reimbursed by them. As required by EITF 01-14 “Income Statement Characterization of Reimbursements Received for “Out-of-Pocket” Expenses Incurred,” amounts paid by us, as a principal, as “out-of-pocket” costs are included in the cost of revenues as reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses, and the reimbursements we receive as a principal are reported as reimbursed out-of-pocket revenues.
 
Stock Compensation. We have granted options to employees, directors and consultants, as well as warrants to other third parties. We account for stock-based employee compensation arrangements using the intrinsic value method in accordance with provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” or APB 25, and Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 28, “Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans,” or FIN 28, and we comply with the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” or FAS 123, as amended by FAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure,” or FAS 148.
 
40

Under APB 25, compensation expense is based on the difference, if any, on the date of grant, between the fair value of our ordinary shares and the exercise price. When the number of the underlying shares or the exercise price is not known at the grant date, we update each period the compensation expenses until such data becomes known.
 
The alternative method to the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation is the fair value approach prescribed by FAS 123, as amended by FAS 148. If we followed the fair value approach, we would be required to record deferred compensation based on the fair value of the stock option at the date of grant. The fair value of the stock option is required to be computed using an option-pricing model, such as the Black-Scholes option valuation model, at the date of the stock option grant. The deferred compensation calculated under the fair value method would then be amortized over the respective vesting period of the stock option.
 
We account for equity instruments issued to non-employees in accordance with the fair value method prescribed by FAS 123 and the provisions Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 96-18, "Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling Goods or Services," or EITF 96-18.
 
Accounting For Income Taxes. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process requires management to estimate our actual current tax exposure and assess temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are determined utilizing the asset and liability method based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities under the applicable tax laws. Deferred tax balances are computed using the tax rates expected to be in effect when these differences reversed. Valuation allowances are provided if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. We have fully offset our Israeli deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance. Our lack of earnings history and the uncertainty surrounding our ability to generate taxable income in the future were the primary factors considered by management in establishing the valuation allowance. Our current income tax expense results from taxes imposed on our U.S.-based subsidiary.
 
Paragraph 9(f) of FAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, or FAS 109, prohibits the recognition of deferred tax liabilities or assets that arise from differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities that are measured from the local currency into dollars using historical exchange rates and that result from changes in exchange rates or indexing for tax purposes. Consequently, the above-mentioned differences were not reflected in the computation of deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 
Impairment. We have complied with FAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” or FAS 144, since January 1, 2002. Pursuant to FAS 144, long-lived assets to be held and used by an entity are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Under FAS 144, if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the long-lived assets held and used is less than the carrying amount of such assets, an impairment loss would be recognized, and the assets are written down to their estimated fair values. Assets “held for sale” are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
FAS 123 (Revised 2004) Share-based Payment. In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued the revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Share-Based Payment,” or FAS 123R, which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which we obtain employee services in exchange for (a) our equity instruments or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of our equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. FAS 123R eliminates the ability to account for employee share-based payment transactions using APB 25, and requires instead that such transactions be accounted for using the grant-date fair value based method. FAS 123R will be effective as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005. Early adoption of FAS 123R is encouraged.
 
41

On April 15, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved a new rule allowing companies to implement FAS 123R at the beginning of their first annual period, rather than the first interim period, beginning after June 15, 2005. The SEC’s new rule does not change the accounting required by FAS 123R; it only changes the dates of compliance with the standard.
 
We implemented FAS 123R effective January 1, 2005. FAS 123R applies to all awards granted or modified after the statement’s effective date. In addition, compensation cost for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding on the statement’s effective date shall be recognized on or after the effective date, as the related services are rendered, based on the awards’ grant-date fair value as previously calculated for the pro-forma disclosure under FAS 123.
 
We estimate that the cumulative effect of adopting FAS 123R as of January 1, 2005, based on the awards outstanding as of December 31, 2004, will be approximately $22,000. We expect that upon the adoption of FAS 123R, we will apply the modified prospective application transition method, as permitted by the statement. Under such transition method, upon the adoption of FAS 123R, our financial statements for periods prior to the effective date of the statement will not be restated.
 
We expect that this statement will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. The impact of this statement on our financial statements or results of operations in 2005 and beyond will depend upon various factors, among them our future compensation strategy (see “-Overview” and “- Results of Operations” above and “Item 8: Financial Information - Significant Changes” below).
 
FAS 153 “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29.”In December 2004, the FASB issued FAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29,” or FAS 153. FAS 153 amends APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions (Opinion 29). The amendments made by FAS 153 are based on the principle that exchanges of non-monetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. Further, the amendments eliminate the exception for non-monetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replace it with a general exception for exchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. The provisions in FAS 153 are effective for non-monetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2005 (January 1, 2006 for us). Early application of the FAS 153 is permitted. The provisions of FAS 153 shall be applied prospectively. We do not expect the adoption of FAS 153 to have a material effect on our financial statements or our results of operations.
 
FAS 154 “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”In May 2005, the FASB issued FAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” or FAS 154. FAS 154 is a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 3, or FAS 3. FAS 154 provides guidance on the accounting for and reporting of accounting changes and error corrections. It establishes retrospective application as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle. FAS 154 also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, non-financial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle. FAS 154 carries forward the guidance contained in APB No. 20 for reporting the correction of an error in previously issued financial statements and a change in accounting estimate. FAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005 (January 1, 2006 for us). We do not expect the adoption of FAS 154 to have a material effect on our financial statements or our results of operations.
 
42

Impact of Inflation and Currency Fluctuations
 
We generate all of our revenues and hold most of our cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits and marketable securities in U.S. dollars. While a substantial amount of our operating expenses are in U.S. dollars, we incur a portion of our expenses in New Israeli Shekels. In addition, we also pay for some of our services and supplies in the local currencies of our suppliers. As a result, we are exposed to the risk that the U.S. dollar will be devalued against the New Israeli Shekel or other currencies, and as result our financial results could be harmed if we are unable to guard against currency fluctuations in Israel or other countries in which services and supplies are obtained in the future. Accordingly, we may enter into currency hedging transactions to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rates of currencies. These measures, however, may not adequately protect us from the adverse effects of inflation in Israel. In addition, we are exposed to the risk that the rate of inflation in Israel will exceed the rate of devaluation of the New Israeli Shekel in relation to the dollar or that the timing of any devaluation may lag behind inflation in Israel. To date, our business has not been materially adversely affected by changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rate or by effects of inflation in Israel.
 
Governmental Economic, Fiscal, Monetary or Political Policies that Materially Affected or Could Materially Affect Our Operations
 
Israeli companies are generally subject to income tax at the corporate tax rate of 34% in 2005, which will be further reduced as follows: 2006 - 31%, 2007 - 29%, 2008 - 27%, 2009-26%, 2010 and after - 25%. However, we have been granted approved enterprise status, and we are, therefore, eligible for a reduced corporate tax under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959. Subject to compliance with applicable requirements, the portion of our undistributed profits derived from the approved enterprise program will be tax-exempt for a period of two years commencing in the first year in which we generate taxable income and will be subject, for a period of five to eight years, to a reduced corporate tax of between 10% and 25%, depending on the percentage of non-Israeli investors holding our ordinary shares. The period of tax benefits with respect to our approved enterprise program has not yet commenced because we have yet to realize taxable income. However, this benefit period cannot extend beyond 12 years from the year of commencement of operations or 14 years from the year in which approval was granted, whichever is earlier. These benefits may not be applied to reduce the U.S. federal tax rate for any income derived by our U.S. subsidiary. There can be no assurance that such tax benefits will continue in the future at their current levels or otherwise.
 
As of December 31, 2004, we did not have any taxable income. As of December 31, 2004, our net operating loss carry-forwards for Israeli tax purposes amounted to approximately $92 million. Under Israeli law, these net-operating losses may be carried forward indefinitely and offset against future taxable income, including capital gains, with no expiration date.
 
For a description of Israeli government policies that affect our research and development expenses, and the financing of our research and development, see "- Research and Development, Patents and Licenses - Israeli Government Research and Development Programs" in this Item 5 below.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We have financed our operations from inception primarily through our initial public offering, various private placement transactions, our August 2004 placing and open offer transaction and option and warrant exercises. As of December 31, 2004, we had received net proceeds of $45.7 million from our initial public offering, net proceeds of $15.4 million from the recent placing and open offer transaction, net proceeds of approximately $43.3 million from various private placement transactions, and proceeds of $0.5 million from the exercise of options and warrants.
 
Following the initiation of our 2005 restructuring discussed below, we believe that our current cash, cash equivalents, and short-term bank deposits will provide us with capital to support our clinical and pre-clinical programs for our drug candidates within our portfolio through the end of 2006.
 
43

 
As of December 31, 2004, we had $22.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term bank deposits, an increase of $0.6 million from December 31, 2003. Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2004, was $14.5 million, as compared to $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase in cash used in operating activities was due primarily to increased expenditures associated with the execution of our business plan. For the year ended December 31, 2004, net cash used in investing activities of $7.7 million was primarily the result of making short-term bank deposits following the placing and open offer transaction that closed in August 2004. For the year ended December 31, 2004, net cash provided by financing activities of $15.4 million was the result of the net proceeds of $15.4 million generated from our placing and open offer transaction that closed in August 2004.
 
We believe that our $22.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits as of December 31, 2004, will be sufficient to enable us to meet our planned operating needs and capital expenditures through the end of 2006. Our cash and cash equivalents and short-term securities, as of December 31, 2004, are invested in highly liquid investments such as cash and short-term bank deposits. As of December 31, 2004, we are unaware of any known trends or any known demands, commitments, events, or uncertainties that will, or that are reasonably likely to, result in a material increase or decrease in our required liquidity. We expect that our liquidity needs throughout 2005 will continue to be funded from existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits.
 
Based on our current business plan, we will have to raise additional funds within the next 18 months in order to fund our operations beyond 2006. We may seek additional capital through a combination of public and private equity offerings, debt financings and collaborative, strategic alliance and licensing arrangements. We have made no determination at this time as to the amount, method or timing of any such financing. Such additional financing may not be available when we need it. If we are unable to obtain additional funds on terms favorable to us or at all, we may be required to cease or reduce our operating activities or sell or license to third parties some or all of our technology. If we raise additional funds by selling additional shares of our capital stock, the ownership interests of our shareholders will be diluted. If we need to raise additional funds through the sale or license of our drug candidates or technology, we may be unable to do so on terms favorable to us. In addition, see “Item 3: Key Information - Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Financial Condition” above regarding our need to raise additional funds.
 
Our forecast of the period of time through which our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties. The actual amount of funds we will need to operate is subject to many factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include the following
 
·  
the timing of expenses associated with manufacturing and product development of the proprietary drug candidates within our portfolio and those that may be in-licensed, partnered or acquired;
 
·  
our ability to achieve our milestones under licensing arrangements;
 
·  
the timing of the in-licensing, partnering and acquisition of new product opportunities; and
 
·  
the costs involved in prosecuting and enforcing patent claims and other intellectual property rights.
 
We have based our estimate on assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate. We may need to obtain additional funds sooner or in greater amounts than we currently anticipate. Potential sources of financing may be obtained through strategic relationships, public or private sales of our equity or debt securities, and other sources. We may seek to access the public or private equity markets when conditions are favorable due to our long-term capital requirements. We do not have any committed sources of financing at this time, and it is uncertain whether additional funding will be available when we need it on terms that will be acceptable to us, or at all. If we raise funds by selling additional shares of our ordinary shares or other securities convertible into shares of our ordinary shares, the ownership interest of our existing shareholders will be diluted. If we are not able to obtain financing when needed, we may be unable to carry out our business plan. As a result, we may have to significantly limit our operations, and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially harmed.
 
44

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We have not entered into any transactions with unconsolidated entities whereby we have financial guarantees, subordinated retained interests, derivative instruments or other contingent arrangements that expose us to material continuing risks, contingent liabilities, or any other obligations under a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides us with financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support.
 
Obligations and Commitments
 
As of December 31, 2004, we have known contractual obligations, commitments and contingencies of $2,352,000. Of this amount, $1,129,000 relates to research and development agreements, all of which is due within the next year. The additional $1,223,000 relates to our current operating lease obligations, of which $381,000 is due within the next year, with the remaining balance due as per the schedule below.
 
   
 
Payment due by period
 
Contractual obligations
Total
Less than
1 year
1-3
years
More than
3 years
 
Research & development agreements
 
$
1,129,000
 
$
1,129,000
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
Operating leases
 
1,223,000
   
381,000
   
842,000
   
--
 
Total
 
$
2,352,000
 
$
1,510,000
 
$
842,000
 
$
--
 
 
Additionally, we have undertaken to make contingent milestone payments to certain licensors of up to approximately $14.4 million over the life of the licenses, of which $8.8 million will be due upon or following regulatory approval of the drugs. In some cases, these contingent payments will only be triggered upon receipt of royalties on sales of related products and in certain cases will partially offset royalties we would otherwise owe those licensors.
 
In addition, we have undertaken to make contingent payments to the Office of the Chief Scientist of up to approximately $16.1 million, all of which is due from royalties of approximately 3%-5% from proceeds from net sales of products in the research and development of which the Israeli government participated in by way of grants, as discussed in the immediately following section.
 
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses
 
Research and development costs for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $11,985,000, $13,668,000 and $13,231,000, respectively, not including government participations of $0 in 2004, $3,229,000 in 2003 and $75,000 in 2002. Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and related personnel costs, fees paid to consultants and outside service providers for clinical and laboratory development, facilities-related and other expenses relating to the design, development, testing, and enhancement of our product candidates and technologies, as well as expenses related to in-licensing of new product candidates.
 
The following table sets forth the research and development costs per project for the periods presented.
 
45

   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
Cumulative, as of December 31, 2004
 
HepeX-B1
         
Research and development costs
 
$
3,301,000
 
$
4,036,000
 
$
4,284,000
 
$
20,973,000
 
Less participations
   
--
   
(1,602,000
)
 
--
   
(4,161,000
)
     
3,301,000
   
2,435,000
   
4,284,000
   
16,812,000
 
XTL-6865
                         
Research and development costs
   
5,452,000
   
6,287,000
   
3,491,000
   
18,913,000
 
Less participations
   
--
   
(1,459,000
)
 
--
   
(2,540,000
)
   
5,452,000
   
4,828,000
   
3,491,000
   
16,373,000
 
Small molecule development program
                         
Research and development costs
   
3,232,000
   
1,780,000
   
986,000
   
5,998,000
 
Less participations
   
--
   
(168,000
)
 
--
   
(168,000
)
     
3,232,000
   
1,612,000
   
986,000
   
5,830,000
 
Other research and development programs2
                         
Research and development costs
   
--
   
1,565,000
   
4,470,000
   
29,339,000
 
Less participations
   
--
   
--
   
(75,000
)
 
4,081,000
 
 
    --    
1,565,000
   
4,395,000
   
25,258,000
 
Research and development
                         
Research and development costs
   
11,985,000
   
13,668,000
   
13,231,000
   
75,223,000
 
Less participations
   
--
   
(3,229,000
)
 
(75,000
)
 
10,950,000
 
     
11,985,000
   
10,439,000
   
13,156,000
   
64,273,000
 
_______________________
1Includes development expenses until June 2004, the date we out-licensed HepeX-B to Cubist.
2Other research and development programs include early stage discovery research activities that ceased in 2003.

HepeX-B was recently studied in a Phase IIb clinical trial in liver transplant patients. In August 2005, we announced that the dosing portion of the study ended. We submitted an IND to the FDA in order to commence a Phase Ia/Ib clinical trial later this year for XTL-6865. Whether or not and how quickly we complete these clinical trials is dependent on a variety of factors, including the rate at which we are able to engage clinical trial sites and the rate of enrollment of patients. As such, the costs associated with the development of our drug candidates may change significantly. For a further discussion of factors that may affect our research and development, see “Item 3: Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Business,” and “Item 4: Information on the Company - Business Overview - Products Under Development” above.

Israeli Government Research and Development Grants
 
We participated in programs offered by the Office of the Chief Scientist under the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry of Israel that support research and development activities. We received grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 of $0, $3,229,000 and $75,000, respectively. We have not applied for grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist for the years 2004 and 2005.
 
We received grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist for several projects. Under the terms of these grants, we will be required to pay a royalty ranging between 3% to 5% of the net sales of products developed from an Office of the Chief Scientist-funded project, beginning with the commencement of sales of such products and ending when 100% of the dollar value of the grant is repaid (100% plus LIBOR interest applicable to grants received on or after January 1, 1999). The royalty rate (between 3% and 5%) varies depending on the amount of years that lapse between receipt of the grant and its repayment by us. At the time grants were received, successful development of the related projects was not assured. In the case of failure of a project that was partly financed, as above, we are not obligated to pay any such royalties. At December 31, 2004, the maximum amount of the contingent liability in respect of royalties related to ongoing projects is $3,683,000.
 
46

Israeli law requires that the manufacture of products developed with government grants be carried out in Israel, unless the Office of the Chief Scientist provides a special approval to the contrary. This approval, if provided, is generally conditioned on an increase in the total amount to be repaid to the Office of the Chief Scientist to between 120% and 300% of the amount of funds granted. The specific increase within this range would depend on the extent of the manufacturing to be conducted outside of Israel. Alternatively, the restriction on manufacturing outside of Israel shall not apply to the extent that plans to manufacture were disclosed when filing the application for funding (and provided the application was approved based on the information disclosed in the application). In such circumstances, the Office of the Chief Scientist will take into account the proposal that Office of the Chief Scientist-funded projects will have an overseas manufacturing component. Under applicable Israeli law, Israeli government consent is required to transfer to Israeli third parties technologies developed under projects which the government funded. Transfer of Office of the Chief Scientist funded technologies outside of Israel is prohibited. Israeli law further specifies that both the transfer of know-how as well as the transfer of intellectual property rights in such know-how are subject to the same restrictions. These restrictions do not apply to exports from Israel or the sale of products developed with these technologies.
 
We have received the approval of the Israeli government for the transfer of manufacturing rights of our HepeX-B product under the terms of the agreement with Cubist. As a consequence, we are obligated to repay the grants received from the Office of the Chief Scientist for the financing of the HepeX-B product from any amounts received by us from Cubist due to the sales of HepeX-B product, at a percentage rate per annum calculated based on the aggregate amount of grants received from the Office of the Chief Scientist divided by all amounts invested by us in the research and development activities of HepeX-B, and up to an aggregate amount of 300% of the original amounts received for such project, including interest at the LIBOR rate. As of December 31, 2004, the aggregate amount received from the Office of the Chief Scientist for the financing of the HepeX-B project including interest and LIBOR rate is equal to $4,145,000. At December 31, 2004, the maximum amount of the contingent liability in respect of royalties related to HepeX-B product is $12,435,000.
 
Trend Information
 
Industry Trends
 
There is a general trend towards consolidation and increased competitiveness in the pharmaceutical industry. Our competitors include pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies, as well as universities and public and private research institutions. Many of our competitors have significantly greater capital resources, larger research and development staffs and facilities and greater experience in drug development, regulation, manufacturing and marketing than we do. These organizations also compete with us to recruit qualified personnel, attract partners for joint ventures or other collaborations, and license technologies that are competitive with ours. As a result, our competitors may be able to more easily develop technologies and products that could render our technologies or our drug candidates obsolete or noncompetitive.
 
2005 Restructuring Plan

On March 31, 2005, we announced that we are implementing a restructuring plan designed to focus our resources on the development of our lead programs, XTL-6865 and our small molecule development program, with the goal of moving these programs through to clinical proof of concept. The plan will extend our cash resources through the end of 2006.

The key points of the plan include:

·  
a reduction in headcount of approximately 20 individuals, primarily in research and development, as our programs advance into the clinical stages of development and our commercialization partner for HepeX-B, Cubist, takes over more responsibility for its development;

·  
a streamlining of operations across the business; and

·  
the deferral of all research and development activity not supporting the lead clinical programs until proof of concept has been achieved in at least one of the two lead programs.

In order to diversify our clinical product portfolio, strengthen our franchise in infectious diseases and broaden our clinical pipeline, we will seek to in-license or acquire complementary product candidates.
 
47

 ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
 
Directors and Senior Management 
 
The following sets forth information with respect to our directors and executive officers as of August 1, 2005.

Name
Age
Position
Michael S. Weiss
39
Chairman of the Board of Directors
William J. Kennedy, Ph.D
60
Non executive Director
Ido Seltenreich
33
Non Executive and External Director
Vered Shany, D.M.D
40
Non Executive and External Director
Jonathan R. Spicehandler, M.D
56
Non Executive Director
Ben Zion Weiner, Ph.D
61
Non Executive Director
Jonathan Burgin
44
Chief Financial Officer
Shlomo Dagan, Ph.D
54
Chief Scientific Officer
     

Michael S. Weiss has served as a director of our company since November 2004, and was appointed interim Chairman of the Board in March 2005 and Chairman of the Board in August 2005. Mr. Weiss is currently the Chairman and CEO of Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: KERX). Prior to that, from 1999-2002, Mr. Weiss was the founder, chairman and CEO of ACCESS Oncology, Inc., a private cancer company subsequently acquired by Keryx. Prior to that, Mr. Weiss was Senior Managing Director at Paramount Capital, Inc. Mr. Weiss is on the Board of Directors of Genta, Inc., a publicly-traded biotechnology company. From 1991-1993, Mr. Weiss was an attorney at Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Mr. Weiss received his B.A., magna cum laude from State University of New York at Albany and was awarded a Juris Doctorate degree from Columbia University Law School.
 
William J. Kennedy has served as a director of our company since February 2005. Dr. Kennedy retired as Vice President, Drug Regulatory Affairs, for Zeneca Pharmaceuticals Group in October 1999, and since that time has served as a regulatory consultant to the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Zeneca Pharmaceuticals in 1986, Dr. Kennedy worked in regulatory affairs at G.D. Searle & Co., Kalipharma Inc., Berlex Laboratories, Inc. and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Kennedy earned a B.S. from Siena College, a M.A. from Clark University and a Ph.D in Pharmacology from SUNY, Buffalo. Prior to joining the industry in 1977, he was an Associate Research Professor at Yale University conducting research in Molecular Biology and Recombinant DNA.
 
Vered Shany has served as a director of our company since August 2005. Since March 2002, Dr. Shany has managed Tashik Consultants, providing strategic consulting and corporate analysis for Israeli and international corporations, investment management in life sciences companies. Previously, Dr. Shany served as managing director of Up-Tech Ventures Ltd, a subsidiary of the Africa-Israel Investments Group from May 2000 to March 2002, as a member of the board of directors of the Weizmann Science Park Incubator from May 2000 to March 2002, as vice president of marketing for Arad Technological Incubator from 1995 to 1999 and as business and marketing manager of Medun Ltd, a medical start-up company, from 1995 to 1998. Dr. Shany is currently an external director in Lahak Mutual Funds of Bank Hapoalim and in SFKT - Shrem Pudim Kellner Technologies. Dr. Shany received her masters’ degree in business administration from Heriot - Watt University, Edinburgh Business School, completed her D.M.D. degree, Doctor of Medical Dentistry and her B.Med.Sc, from Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
 
48

Ido Seltenreich has served as a director of our company since August 2005. Mr. Seltenreich is currently the representative of Cinema City International N.V., or CCI, in the Czech Republic, for which he has served as the Managing and Financing Director since October 1999. Mr. Seltenreich is also a member of the board of directors of an intragroup company of CCI, a development company that operates in the Bulgarian market. Prior to that, from 1996-1999, Mr. Seltenreich worked at Luboshits Kasirer, a member of Ernst & Young. Mr. Seltenreich received his B.A. in economics and accounting from Haifa University and has an Israeli CPA license. Jonathan R. Spicehandler has served as a director of our company since February 2005. Dr. Spicehandler is the chairman of Schering-Plough Research Institute, the pharmaceutical research arm of Schering-Plough Corporation, a research-based company engaged in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical and health care products worldwide. Dr. Spicehandler assumed his present position in March 2002. He serves as a scientific advisor to the Schering-Plough Operating Committee as well as to senior management. He joined the company in 1982 as senior director - immunology and anti-infective clinical research and was appointed Vice President - clinical research in 1985; Vice President - biological research in 1991; Vice President - operations in 1992; and became President, Schering-Plough Research Institute in 1993. Dr. Spicehandler received his B.A. in biology from Union College in New York and his M.D. degree, cum laude, from the St. Louis University School of Medicine.
 
Ben Zion Weiner has served as a director of our company since February 2005. Dr. Weiner has been with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. since 1975, after a Post Doctorate fellowship at Schering-Plough in the U.S.A. He received his Ph.D in Chemistry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Since 2002 he has been Group Vice President, Global Products at Teva, responsible for Global Generic Research and Development, Global Innovative Research and Development and innovative products marketing. Dr. Weiner is a member of Teva's Core Management Committee. He was granted twice the Rothschild Prize for Innovation/Export, in 1989 for the development of alpha D3 for Dialysis and Osteoporosis and in 1999 for the development of Copaxone® for Multiple Sclerosis.
 
Jonathan Burgin is a C.P.A. and has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company since August 1999. Before joining the Company, he was the Chief Financial Officer at YLR Capital Markets, a leading Israeli investment bank which was publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. From 1984 to 1997, Mr. Burgin worked at Kesselman & Kesselman, an accounting firm and a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited. During the last three years of his tenure there, Mr. Burgin served as Senior Manager.
 
Shlomo Dagan has served as Chief Scientific Officer of the Company since May 1994. Before joining the Company, Dr. Dagan was Acting Director of Molecular Biology at ImClone Systems. His expertise includes work on cytokine muteines, chimeric, single chain and humanized antibodies. Dr. Dagan also served as Department Head of Clinical Reagents Production at Biomakor from 1974 to 1983, where his group worked on RIA kits, clinical reagents and production of control materials. Dr. Dagan's doctorate in cell biology/immunology was received from the Weizmann Institute of Science.
 
Employment Agreements
 
We have an employment agreement dated, August 1, 1999, as amended, with Jonathan Burgin, our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Burgin is entitled to an annual base salary of $140,000. He is entitled to receive discretionary bonus payments of up to 25% of his annual base salary on achievement of certain milestones recommended by the Remuneration Committee and set by our Board of Directors. Mr. Burgin is also entitled to receive benefits comprised of managers' insurance (pension and disability insurance), a continuing education plan, and the use of a company car. There is a non-compete clause surviving one year after termination of employment, preventing Mr. Burgin from competing directly or indirectly with us, or soliciting our employees or customers. The employment agreement may be terminated by either party on 14 days prior notice to the other, and in such event, Mr. Burgin is entitled to an additional six months' salary. 
 
49

We have an employment agreement dated, May 1, 1994, as amended, with Dr. Shlomo Dagan, our Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Dagan is entitled to an annual base salary of $165,000. He is entitled to receive discretionary bonus payments of up to 25% of his annual base salary on achievement of certain milestones recommended by the Remuneration Committee and set by our Board of Directors. Dr. Dagan is also entitled to receive benefits comprising managers' insurance (pension and disability insurance), a continuing education plan, and the use of a company car. There is a non-compete clause surviving two years after termination of employment. The employment agreement renews automatically every two years in accordance with its terms, unless terminated by either party upon giving three months' written notice. Any renewals are subject to renegotiation.
 
We have an agreement dated August 1, 2005, with Michael S. Weiss, our non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Weiss is entitled to annual remuneration of $150,000. He will be granted options to purchase a total of 9,250,000 ordinary shares of New Israeli Shekels 0.02 each of the Company at an exercise price equal to $0.354 per share. These options will be exercisable for a period of five years from the date of issuance, and granted under the same terms and conditions as our Share Option Plan 2001 (see “ - Share Ownership - Share Option Plans” below) and any option agreement that we may enter into with Mr. Weiss. The options shall vest upon achievement of certain milestones recommended by the Audit Committee and set by our Board of Directors. We may terminate the agreement without cause (as defined in the agreement) on 30 days prior notice to Mr. Weiss, and immediately and without prior notice for cause. Mr. Weiss may terminate the agreement with good reason (as defined in the agreement) on 30 days prior notice to us. In the event that the agreement is terminated without cause (in our case) or with good reason (in the case of Mr. Weiss), any outstanding but unvested options granted to Mr. Weiss under the agreement will immediately vest and the period during which he may exercise such options will be extended. If we choose to terminate the agreement for cause, Mr. Weiss will not be owed any benefits, with the exception of any unpaid remuneration that would have accrued through his date of termination.
 
We have three types of service agreements with our directors, other than our agreement with our non-Executive Chairman. The first type, entered into with Ben Zion Weiner, provides for a grant of 2,000,000 options having an exercise price equal to $0.354 per share, exercisable for a period of five years and vesting upon achievement of certain milestones recommended by the Audit Committee and set by our Board of Directors. The second type of director service agreement, entered into with William Kennedy and Jonathan Spicehandler, provides for a grant of 60,000 options having an exercise price equal to the average price per share on the London Stock Exchange for the three days immediately prior to the grant, vesting over the three years from the date of grant. In addition, the second type of director service agreement provides for an annual grant of 20,000 options, at an exercise price equal to the then current closing price of our securities on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The third type, entered into with Ido Seltenreich and Vered Shany, does not provide for option grants, and has a term of 36 months, unless terminated by the director upon two months’ written notice to us. Each of the three types of director service agreements provides for an annual salary of $20,000, payments of $2,000 for attendance at each board meeting and $500 for attendance at each committee meeting, reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, and termination by the director on two months’ written notice to us.
 
Compensation
 
The aggregate compensation paid by us and by our wholly-owned subsidiary to all persons who served as directors or senior management for the year 2004 (12 persons) was approximately $2.4 million. This amount includes payments made for social security, pension and disability insurance premiums of approximately $0.2 million, as well as payments made in lieu of statutory severance, payments for continuing education plans, payments made for the redemption of accrued vacation, and amounts expended by us for automobiles made available to our officers. In addition, this amount includes a payment that was made to our former Chief Executive Officer in February 2005 for severance and vacation redemption that had been accrued through December 31, 2004.
 
Pursuant to service agreements with our directors, other than our non-Executive Chairman, each director is paid an annual base salary of $20,000, together with payments of $2,000 for attendance at each board meeting and $500 for attendance at each committee meeting.
 
50

During 2004, we granted a total of 480,000 options to purchase ordinary shares to our directors and senior management, as a group. These options are exercisable at a range of between $0.236 to $0.485 per share, and expire ten years after their respective date of grant. In 2004, 300,000 of these options were forfeited, and in 2005, 157,500, of these options were forfeited, and the remaining 22,500 options were exercised.
 
In the period from January 1, 2005 to August 1, 2005, we granted a total of 11,250,000 options to our Chairman and one of our directors. These options are exercisable at $0.354 per ordinary share, and expire five years after their respective date of grant. In addition, we granted a total of 120,000 options to two of our directors. These options are exercisable at $0.853 per ordinary share, and expire ten years after their respective date of grant.
 
All members of our board of directors who are not our employees are reimbursed for their expenses for each meeting attended. Our directors who are not external directors as defined by the Israeli Companies Act are eligible to receive share options under our share option plans. Non-executive directors do not receive any remuneration from us other than their fees for services as members of the board, additional fees if they serve on committees of the board and expense reimbursement.
 
In accordance with the requirements of Israeli Law, we determine our directors’ compensation in the following manner:
 
·  
first, our audit committee reviews the proposal for compensation;
 
·  
second, provided that the audit committee approves the proposed compensation, the proposal is then submitted to our board of directors for review, except that a director who is the beneficiary of the proposed compensation does not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to such proposal; and
 
·  
finally, if our board of directors approves the proposal, it must then submit its recommendation to our shareholders, which is usually done in connection with our shareholders’ general meeting.
 
The approval of a majority of the shareholders voting at a duly convened shareholders meeting is required to implement any such compensation proposal.
 
Board practices
 
Election of Directors and Terms of Office
 
Our board of directors currently consists of six members, including our chairman. Other than our two external directors, our new directors are elected by an ordinary resolution at the annual general meeting of our shareholders. The nomination of our directors is proposed by a nomination committee of our board of directors, whose proposal is then approved by the board. The current members of the nomination committee are Jonathan Spicehandler (chairman of the nomination committee), Ido Seltenreich and Vered Shany. Our board, following receipt of a proposal of the Nomination Committee, has the authority to add additional directors up to the maximum number of 12 directors allowed under the Articles. Such directors appointed by the board serve until the next annual general meeting of the shareholders in which their term of office shall expire. In August 2005, at the annual general meeting of our shareholders, Michael Weiss, Ben Zion Weiner, William Kennedy and Jonathan Spicehandler were re-elected to serve as directors of our company and Ido Seltenreich and Vered Shany were elected to serve as external directors of our company. Unless they resign before the end of their term or are removed in accordance with our Articles of Association, all our directors, other than our external directors, will serve as directors until our next annual general meeting of shareholders.
 
Ido Seltenreich and Vered Shany are serving as external directors pursuant to the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law for a three-year term ending in August 2008, as more fully described below. After this date, their term of service may be renewed for an additional three-year term.
 
None of our directors or officers have any family relationship with any other director or officer.
 
51

None of our directors are entitled to receive any severance or similar benefits upon termination of his or her service, except for our chairman, as more fully described above in “ - Employment Agreements.”
 
Our Articles of Association permit us to maintain directors and officers’ liability insurance and to indemnify our directors and officers for actions performed on behalf of us, subject to specified limitations. We maintain a directors and officers insurance policy which covers the liability of our directors and officers as allowed under Israeli Companies Law.
 
External and Independent Directors
 
The Companies Law requires Israeli companies with shares that have been offered to the public either in or outside of Israel to appoint two external directors. No person may be appointed as an external director if that person or that person’s relative, partner, employer or any entity under the person’s control, has or had, on or within the two years preceding the date of that person's appointment to serve as an external director, any affiliation with the company or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the company. The term affiliation includes:
 
·  
an employment relationship;
 
·  
a business or professional relationship maintained on a regular basis;
 
·  
control; and
 
·  
service as an office holder, other than service as an officer for a period of not more than three months, during which the company first offered shares to the public.
 
No person may serve as an external director if that person’s position or business activities create, or may create, a conflict of interest with that person's responsibilities as an external director or may otherwise interfere with his/her ability to serve as an external director. If, at the time external directors are to be appointed, all current members of the board of directors are of the same gender, then at least one external director must be of the other gender. A director in one company shall not be appointed as an external director in another company if at that time a director of the other company serves as an external director in the first company. In addition, no person may be appointed as an external director if he/she is a member or employee of the Israeli Security Authority, and also not if he/she is a member of the board of directors or an employee of a stock exchange in Israel.
 
External directors are to be elected by a majority vote at a shareholders' meeting, provided that either:
 
·  
the majority of shares voted at the meeting, including at least one-third of the shares held by non-controlling shareholders voted at the meeting, vote in favor of election of the director, with abstaining votes not being counted in this vote; or
 
·  
the total number of shares held by non-controlling shareholders voted against the election of the director does not exceed one percent of the aggregate voting rights in the company.
 
The initial term of an external director is three years and may be extended for an additional three-year term. External directors may be removed only by the same percentage of shareholders as is required for their election, or by a court, and then only if the external directors cease to meet the statutory qualifications for their appointment or if they violate their duty of loyalty to the company. At least one external director must serve on every committee that is empowered to exercise one of the functions of the board of directors.
 
An external director is entitled to compensation as provided in regulations adopted under the Israeli Companies Law and is otherwise prohibited from receiving any other compensation, directly or indirectly, in connection with service provided as an external director.
 
52

Ido Seltenreich and Vered Shany serve as external directors pursuant to the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law and as our independent directors under the corporate governance codes of practice requirements of the London Stock Exchange. They both serve on our audit committee, our nomination committee and our compensation committee.
 
Subject to certain exceptions, issuers that list on Nasdaq must have boards of directors including a majority of independent directors, as such term is defined by Nasdaq. In addition, both SEC and Nasdaq rules mandate that the audit committee of a listed issuer consist of at least three members, all of whom must be independent, as such term is defined by rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC. We are in compliance with the independence requirements of both the SEC and Nasdaq.
 
Audit Committee
 
The Israeli Companies Law requires public companies to appoint an audit committee. The responsibilities of the audit committee include identifying irregularities in the management of the company’s business and approving related party transactions as required by law. An audit committee must consist of at least three directors, including all of its external directors. The chairman of the board of directors, any director employed by or otherwise providing services to the company, and a controlling shareholder or any relative of a controlling shareholder, may not be a member of the audit committee. An audit committee may not approve an action or a transaction with a controlling shareholder, or with an office holder, unless at the time of approval two external directors are serving as members of the audit committee and at least one of the external directors was present at the meeting in which an approval was granted.
 
Our audit committee is currently comprised of three independent non-executive directors. The audit committee is chaired by Ido Seltenreich, who serves as the audit committee financial expert, with William Kennedy and Vered Shany as members. The audit committee meets at least twice a year and monitors the adequacy of our internal controls, accounting policies and financial reporting. It regularly reviews the results of the ongoing risk self-assessment process, which we undertake, and our interim and annual reports prior to their submission for approval by the full board of directors. The audit committee oversees the activities of the internal auditor, sets its annual tasks and goals and reviews its reports. The audit committee reviews the objectivity and independence of the external auditors and also considers the scope of their work and fees. In accordance with the Nasdaq requirements, our audit committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of our independent auditors.
 
We have adopted a written charter for our audit committee, setting forth its responsibilities as outlined by Nasdaq rules and the regulations of the SEC. In addition, our audit committee has adopted procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints we may receive regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and the submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
 
Approval of Compensation to Our Officers
 
The Israeli Companies Law prescribes that compensation to officers must be approved by a company's board of directors. Nasdaq corporate governance rules require that compensation of the chief executive officer and other executive officers be determined, or recommended to the board of directors, by a majority of the independent directors or by a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors. We have established a compensation committee in compliance with the Israeli Companies Law and Nasdaq rules.
 
Our compensation committee consists of three independent directors: Vered Shany (chairman of the compensation committee), William Kennedy and Ido Seltenreich. The responsibilities of the compensation committee are to set our overall policy on executive remuneration and to decide the specific remuneration, benefits and terms of employment for each senior manager, including the Chief Executive Officer.
 
53

The objectives of the compensation committee’s policies are that senior managers should receive compensation which is appropriate given their performance, level of responsibility and experience. Compensation packages should also allow us to attract and retain executives of the necessary caliber while, at the same time, motivating them to achieve the highest level of corporate performance in line with the best interests of shareholders. In order to determine the elements and level of remuneration appropriate to each executive director, the compensation committee reviews surveys on executive pay, obtains external professional advice and considers individual performance.
 
Internal Auditor
 
Under the Israeli Companies Law, the board of directors must appoint an internal auditor, nominated by the audit committee. The role of the internal auditor is to examine, among other matters, whether the company's actions comply with the law and orderly business procedure. Under the Israeli Companies Law, the internal auditor cannot be an office holder, an interested party or a relative of an office holder or interested party, and he or she may not be the company's independent accountant or its representative. We comply with the requirement of the Israeli Companies Law relating to internal auditors. Our internal auditors examine whether our various activities comply with the law and orderly business procedure.
 
Compliance with Nasdaq Corporate Governance Requirements
 
Under the Nasdaq corporate governance rules, foreign private issuers are exempt from many of the requirements if they instead elect to comply with home country practices and disclose where they have elected to do so. As noted above, we are currently in compliance with Nasdaq rules relating to the independence of our board of directors and our audit committee. Our board of directors and our audit committee have adopted a written charter for the audit committee setting forth the responsibilities of the audit committee as required by the SEC and Nasdaq. Also as noted above, we currently have a nomination committee to identify, review and recommend to the Board of Directors individuals believed to be qualified to become directors.  We have adopted a written charter for the nomination committee, as required by Nasdaq.
 
We currently have in place a compensation committee, as discussed in more detail above. We have adopted a written charter for the compensation committee, as required by Nasdaq.
 
We do not intend to adopt a separate code of ethics applicable to all directors, executive officers and employees, as we believe our current corporate governance structure, the existence of the internal auditor, the existing culture of our directors and senior management, and the requirements of Israeli law provide assurances that we will maintain applicable standards.

Employees
 
As of June 30, 2005, we had 43 full-time employees. We and our Israeli employees are subject, by an extension order of the Israeli Ministry of Welfare, to a few provisions of collective bargaining agreements between the Histadrut, the General Federation of Labor Unions in Israel and the Coordination Bureau of Economic Organizations, including the Industrialists Associations. These provisions principally address cost of living increases, recreation pay, travel expenses, vacation pay and other conditions of employment. We provide our employees with benefits and working conditions equal to or above the required minimum. Other than those provisions, our employees are not represented by a labor union. We have written employment contracts with our employees, and we believe that our relations with our employees are good.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, the number of our employees engaged in the specified activities, by geographic location, are presented in the table below.
 
54

 
Year ended December 31,
 
2004
2003
2002
Research and Development
 
 
 
 Israel
 44  42  57
 U.S.
 8  5  4
  52 47 65
Financial and general management
 
 
 
  Israel
 7  6  7
  U.S.
 --  --  --
   7  6  7
Business development
 
 
 
 Israel
 --  --  --
 U.S.
 1  2  2
 
1
2
2
Total
60
55
74
       
Average number of full-time employees
58
68
89
 
Share Ownership
 
Share Ownership by Directors and Senior Management
 
The following table sets forth certain information as of August 1, 2005, regarding the beneficial ownership by our directors and executive officers. All numbers quoted in the table are inclusive of options to purchase shares that are exercisable within 60 days after August 1, 2005.
 
   
Amount and nature of beneficial ownership
 
   
Ordinary
shares
beneficially
owned
excluding
options
 
Options
exercisable
within
60 days after
August 1
2005
 
Total
ordinary
shares
beneficially
owned
 
Percent of
ordinary shares
beneficially
owned
 
Michael S. Weiss1
Chairman of the Board
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
*
 
William Kennedy
Director
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
*
 
Jonathan Spicehandler
Director
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
*
 
Ben Zion Weiner2
Director
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
*
 
Ido Seltenreich
Director
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
*
 
Vered Shany
Director
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
*
 
Jonathan Burgin
Chief Financial Officer
   
20,000
   
1,382,053
   
1,402,053
   
*
 
Shlomo Dagan
Chief Scientific Officer
   
57,000
   
2,031,333
   
2,088,333
   
1.2
%
                           
All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons)
   
77,000
   
3,413,386
   
3,490,386
   
2.0
%
1
Does not include 9,250,000 options that were granted on August 1, 2005, pursuant to the achievement of a certain market capitalization milestones.
2
Does not include 2,000,000 options that were granted on August 1, 2005, pursuant to the achievement of a certain market capitalization milestones.
* Less than 1% of ordinary shares.
 
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Share Option Plans
 
We maintain the following share option plans for our and our subsidiary’s employees, directors and consultants. In addition to the discussion below, see Note 6 of our Consolidated Financial Statements, included at “Item 18 - Financial Statements.”
 
Our board of directors administers our share option plans and has the authority to designate all terms of the options granted under our plans including the grantees, exercise prices, grant dates, vesting schedules and expiration dates, which may be no more than ten years after the grant date. Options may not be granted with an exercise price of less than the fair market value of our ordinary shares on the date of grant, unless otherwise determined by our board of directors.
 
As of June 30, 2005, we have granted to employees, officers and directors options that are outstanding to purchase up to 16,328,810 ordinary shares, under the five share option plans discussed below and pursuant to certain grants apart from these plans also discussed below.
 
1998 Share Option Plan
 
Under a share option plan established in 1998, referred to as the 1998 Plan, we granted options to our employees which are held by a trustee under section 3(i) of the Tax Ordinance, of which 4,013,810 are outstanding at an exercise price per share of $0.497. The options are non-transferable.
 
The 1998 Plan will terminate in October 2008. If the options are not exercised and the shares not paid for by such date, all interests and rights of any grantee shall expire. The options were granted for no consideration and are fully vested.
 
1999 Share Option Plan
 
Under a share option plan established in 1999, referred to as the 1999 Plan, we granted options to our employees which are held by a trustee under section 3(i) of the Tax Ordinance, of which 1,108,060 are outstanding, at an exercise price of $0.497. The options are non-transferable.
 
The 1999 Plan will terminate in August 2009. If the options are not exercised and the shares not paid for by such date, all interests and rights of any grantee shall expire. The options were granted for no consideration. All options are fully vested.
 
1999 International Share Option Plan
 
Under an international share option plan established in 1999, referred to as the International Plan, we granted options to our employees of which 1,680,000 are outstanding at an exercise price between $0.497 and $1.10. The options are non transferable.
 
The options granted thereunder are outstanding and exercisable until October 2007. If the options are not exercised and the shares are not paid for by such date, all interests and rights of any grantee shall expire. The options were granted for no consideration. All options are fully vested.
 
2000 Share Option Plan
 
Under a share option plan established in 2000, referred to as the 2000 Plan, we granted options to our employees which are held by a trustee under section 3(i) of the Tax Ordinance, of which 885,300 are outstanding, at an exercise price of $1.10. The options are non-transferable.
 
The 2000 Plan will terminate in April 2010. If the options are not exercised and the shares not paid for by such date, all interests and rights of any grantee shall expire. The options were granted for no consideration. All options are fully vested.
 
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2001 Share Option Plan
 
Under a share option plan established in 2001, referred to as the 2001 Plan, we granted options to our employees, including directors who are employees, of which 2,939,220 are outstanding at an exercise price per share between $0.106 and $0.931. These options were granted in accordance with section 102 of the Tax Ordinance, under the capital gains option set out in section 102(b)(2) of the ordinance. The options are non-transferable.
 
The 2001 Plan will terminate in May 2011, except with regard to options outstanding at that date. The options were granted for no consideration. All options vest on an annual basis over a period of three years. As of June 30, 2005, 2,263,607options are vested.
 
Non-Plan Share Options
 
In addition to the options granted under our share option plans, there are 5,702,420outstanding options which were granted by our board of directors to employees, directors and consultants not under an option plan. The options were granted at an exercise price per share between $0.196 and $2.111. The options expire between 2007 and 2014. This figure includes options granted to consultants as in conjunction with a licensing agreement with Stanford University to purchase a total of up to 320,000 of our ordinary shares at an exercise price per share of $0.196.
 
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Major Shareholders
 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of June 30, 2005 by each person who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares. The voting rights of our major shareholders do not differ from the voting rights of other holders of our ordinary shares.
 
Beneficial owner
Number of ordinary shares beneficially owned
Percent of ownership
Bank Julius Baer
19,322,870
11.4%
Perpetual Income & Growth Investment Trust Inc.
13,624,713
8.1%
 
As of June 30, 2005, there were a total of 546 holders of record of our ordinary shares, of which 33 were registered with addresses in the United States. Such United States holders were, as of such date, the holders of record of approximately 3% of the outstanding ordinary shares.
 
Related Party Transactions
 
We have not entered into any transactions or loans with a related party during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, respectively.
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
 
Our consolidated financial statements are included on pages F-1 through F-38 of this registration statement.
 
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Legal Proceedings
 
Neither we nor our subsidiary is a party to, and our property is not the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings.
 
Dividend Distributions
 
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares and do not anticipate paying any such cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors.
 
In the event that we decide to pay a cash dividend from income that is tax exempt under our approved enterprise status, we would be liable for corporate tax on the amount distributed at the rate of up to 25%. See Note 8 of our Consolidated Financial Statements and “Item 10: Additional Information - Taxation.” Cash dividends may be paid by an Israeli company only out of retained earnings as calculated under Israeli law. We currently have no retained earnings and do not expect to have any retained earnings in the foreseeable future.
 
Significant Changes
 
On March 31, 2005, we announced that we are implementing a restructuring plan designed to focus our resources on the development of our lead programs, XTL-6865 and our small molecule development program, with the goal of moving these programs through to clinical proof of concept. The plan will extend our cash resources through the end of 2006.

The key points of the plan include:

·  
a reduction in headcount of approximately 20 individuals, primarily in research and development, as our programs advance into the clinical stages of development, and our commercialization partner for HepeX-B, Cubist, takes over more responsibility for its development;

·  
a streamlining of operations across the business; and

·  
the deferral of all research and development activity not supporting the lead clinical programs until proof of concept has been achieved in at least one of the two lead programs.

In order to diversify our clinical product portfolio, strengthen our franchise in infectious diseases and broaden our clinical pipeline, we will seek to in-license or acquire complementary product candidates.

As part of this plan, we took a charge in March 2005 of approximately $110,000 relating to employee dismissal costs, $72,000 of which is included in research and development costs and $38,000 of which is included in general and administrative expenses.

On August 1, 2005, our shareholders approved a grant of 2,000,000 options to purchase our ordinary shares, nominal value NIS 0.02 each, to Ben-Zion Weiner, and a grant of 9,250,000 options to purchase our ordinary shares, nominal value NIS 0.02 each, to Michael Weiss, our chairman. The options are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of issuance, and were granted in accordance with the terms and conditions of our 2001 Stock Option Plan. The options have an exercise price equal to $0.354 per share. For a further discussion of our 2001 Stock Option Plan, please refer to “Item 6: Directors, Senior Management and Employees - Share Ownership - Share Option Plans - 2001 Stock Option Plan” herein. One third of each grant of options vests upon our achieving total market capitalization milestones of $150 million, $250 million and $350 million, respectively, provided that Mr. Weiner and Mr. Weiss are still our directors at each such vesting. We expect that the grant of these options will result in a material charge to our general and administrative expenses.

On August 5, 2005, we entered into a letter of understanding with Cubist relating to our license agreement with Cubist for the worldwide development and commercialization of HepeX-B. See “Information on the Company - Products Under Development.” The letter provides for the immediate transfer of full responsibility for completing the development of HepeX-B to Cubist. Cubist will be responsible for completing the development and for registration and commercialization of the product worldwide. Under the terms of the letter, Cubist will not be required to pay the $1 million in collaboration support for 2005 required under the terms of the original agreement.

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ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
 
Markets and Share Price History
 
The primary trading market for our ordinary shares, having a nominal value of NIS 0.02, is the London Stock Exchange, where our shares have been listed and traded under the symbol “XTL” since our initial public offering in September of 2000. In conjunction with this registration statement, we are seeking to list American Depository Shares representing ten of our ordinary shares on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “XTLB.” As of July 12, 2005, our ordinary shares are also listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol “XTL.”
 
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low reported sales prices of the ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange. For comparative purposes only, we have also provided such figures translated into U.S. Dollars of an exchange rate of 1.757 U.S. Dollars per British Pound, on July 29, 2005, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on August 1, 2005.
 
 
British Pence (p)
U.S. Dollar
Last Six Calendar Months
High
Low
High
Low
July 2005
50.25
38.00
0.88
0.67
June 2005
39.00
36.00
0.69
0.63
May 2005
40.50
37.00
0.71
0.65
April 2005
39.75
37.00
0.70
0.65
March 2005
41.50
36.50
0.73
0.64
February 2005
43.50
30.00
0.76
0.53
Financial Quarters During the Past Two Full Fiscal Years
 
   
Second Quarter of 2005
40.50
36.00
0.71
0.63
First Quarter of 2005
43.50
26.00
0.76
0.46
Fourth Quarter of 2004
25.50
13.00
0.45
0.23
Third Quarter 2004
19.50
13.75
0.34
0.24
Second Quarter 2004
32.25
17.00
0.57
0.30
First Quarter 2004
27.25
16.25
0.48
0.29
Fourth Quarter 2003
18.75
12.00
0.33
0.21
Third Quarter 2003
16.50
9.25
0.29
0.16
Last Five Full Financial Years            
2004
32.25
13.00
0.57
0.23
2003
18.75
5.75
0.33
0.10
2002
64.00
11.50
1.12
0.20
2001
153.00
33.50
2.69
0.59
2000-commencing September 26, 2000
169.50
137.50
2.98
2.42

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ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
Share Capital
 
As of December 31, 2004, we had 300,000,000 ordinary shares, par value NIS 0.02, authorized and 168,079,196 ordinary shares issued and outstanding. As of June 30, 2005, we have 300,000,000 ordinary shares, par value NIS 0.02, authorized and 169,183,254 issued and outstanding. All of the outstanding shares are issued and fully paid.
 
As of June 30, 2005, an additional 16,328,810 ordinary shares are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants to purchase our ordinary shares. The exercise price of the options and warrants outstanding is between $0.10553 and $2.1100 per share. In addition see "Item 6: Directors, Senior Management and Employees - Share Ownership - Share Option Plans" above, for a more detailed discussion on options that were granted to employees, directors and consultants, including options granted to consultants as part of a licensing agreement.
 
As of December 31, 2001, we had 300,000,000 ordinary shares, par value NIS 0.02, authorized and 111,127,038 ordinary shares issued and outstanding. Since such date and through June 30, 2005, we have issued an aggregate of 2,046,484 ordinary shares upon the exercise of options held by our employees and directors under our existing share option plans. In addition, on August 2, 2004, we issued 56,009,732 ordinary shares pursuant to a placing and open offer for new ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange.
 
Memorandum and Articles of Association
 
Objects and Purposes of the Company
 
Pursuant to Part B, Section 3 of our Articles of Association, we may undertake any lawful activity.
 
Powers and Obligations of the Directors
 
Pursuant to the Israeli Companies Law and our Articles of Association, a director is not permitted to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which he or she has a personal interest. Also, the directors may not vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body without the approval of our audit committee and our shareholders at a general meeting. The requirements for approval of certain transactions are set forth below in “Item 10: Additional Information-Memorandum and Articles of Association-Approval of Certain Transactions.” The powers of our directors to enter into borrowing arrangements on our behalf is limited to the same extent as any other transaction by us.
 
The Israeli Companies Law codifies the fiduciary duties that office holders, including directors and executive officers, owe to a company. An office holder’s fiduciary duties consist of a duty of care and a duty of loyalty. The duty of care generally requires an office holder to act with the same level of care as a reasonable office holder in the same position would employ under the same circumstances. The duty of loyalty includes avoiding any conflict of interest between the office holder’s position in the company and such person’s personal affairs, avoiding any competition with the company, avoiding exploiting any corporate opportunity of the company in order to receive personal advantage for such person or others, and revealing to the company any information or documents relating to the company’s affairs which the office holder has received due to his or her position as an office holder.
 
Indemnification of Directors and Officers; Limitations on Liability

Israeli law permits a company to insure an office holder in respect of liabilities incurred by him or her as a result of an act or omission in the capacity of an office holder for:

·  
a breach of the office holder’s duty of care to the company or to another person;
 
·  
a breach of the office holder’s fiduciary duty to the company, provided that he or she acted in good faith and had reasonable cause to believe that the act would not prejudice the company; and
 
·  
a financial liability imposed upon the office holder in favor of another person.
 
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Moreover, a company can indemnify an office holder for any of the following obligations or expenses incurred in connection with the acts or omissions of such person in his or her capacity as an office holder:

·  
monetary liability imposed upon him or her in favor of a third party by a judgment, including a settlement or an arbitral award confirmed by the court; and
 
·  
reasonable litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually incurred by the office holder or imposed upon him or her by a court, in a proceeding brought against him or her by or on behalf of the company or by a third party, or in a criminal action in which he or she was acquitted, or in a criminal action which does not require criminal intent in which he or she was convicted; furthermore, a company can, with a limited exception, exculpate an office holder in advance, in whole or in part, from liability for damages sustained by a breach of duty of care to the company.
 

Our Articles of Association allow for insurance, exculpation and indemnification of office holders to the fullest extent permitted by law. We have entered into indemnification, insurance and exculpation agreements with our directors and executive officers, following shareholder approval of these agreements. We have directors’ and officers’ liability insurance covering our officers and directors for a claim imposed upon them as a result of an action carried out while serving as an officer or director, for (a) the breach of duty of care towards us or towards another person, (b) the breach of fiduciary duty towards us, provided that the officer or director acted in good faith and had reasonable grounds to assume that the action would not harm our interests, and (c) a monetary liability imposed upon him in favor of a third party.
 
Approval of Certain Transactions
 
The Israeli Companies Law codifies the fiduciary duties that office holders, including directors and executive officers, owe to a company. An office holder, as defined in the Israeli Companies Law, is a director, general manager, chief business manager, deputy general manager, vice general manager, executive vice president, vice president, other manager directly subordinate to the managing director or any other person assuming the responsibilities of any of the foregoing positions without regard to such person's title. An office holder's fiduciary duties consist of a duty of care and a duty of loyalty. The duty of loyalty includes avoiding any conflict of interest between the office holder's position in the company and his personal affairs, avoiding any competition with the company, avoiding exploiting any business opportunity of the company in order to receive personal advantage for himself or others, and revealing to the company any information or documents relating to the company's affairs which the office holder has received due to his position as an office holder. Each person listed in the table under “Directors and Senior Management,” which is displayed under “Item 6 - Directors, Senior Management and Employees-Directors and Senior Management,” is an office holder of XTLbio. Under the Israeli Companies Law, all arrangements as to compensation of office holders who are not directors require approval of the board of directors, or a committee thereof. Arrangements regarding the compensation of directors also require audit committee and shareholders approval, with the exception of compensation to external directors in the amounts specified in the regulations discussed in “Item 6 - Directors and Senior Management-Compensation.”
 
The Israeli Companies Law requires that an office holder promptly discloses any personal interest that he or she may have, and all related material information known to him or her, in connection with any existing or proposed transaction by the company. The disclosure must be made to our board of directors or shareholders without delay and prior to the meeting at which the transaction is to be discussed. In addition, if the transaction is an extraordinary transaction, as defined under the Israeli Companies Law, the office holder must also disclose any personal interest held by the office holder's spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents, descendants, spouse's descendants and the spouses of any of the foregoing, or by any corporation in which the office holder is a 5% or greater shareholder, or holder of 5% or more of the voting power, director or general manager or in which he or she has the right to appoint at least one director or the general manager. An extraordinary transaction is defined as a transaction not in the ordinary course of business, not on market terms, or that is likely to have a material impact on the company's profitability, assets or liabilities.
 
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In the case of a transaction which is not an extraordinary transaction (other than transactions relating to a director’s conditions of service), after the office holder complies with the above disclosure requirement, only board approval is required unless the Articles of Association of the company provides otherwise. The transaction must not be adverse to the company's interest. If the transaction is an extraordinary transaction, then, in addition to any approval required by the Articles of Association, the transaction must also be approved by the audit committee and by the board of directors, and under specified circumstances, by a meeting of the shareholders. An office holder who has a personal interest in a matter that is considered at a meeting of the board of directors or the audit committee may not be present at this meeting or vote on this matter.
 
The Israeli Companies Law applies the same disclosure requirements to a controlling shareholder of a public company, which is defined as a shareholder who has the ability to direct the activities of a company, other than in circumstances where this power derives solely from the shareholder’s position on the Board or any other position with the company, and includes a shareholder that holds 25% or more of the voting rights if no other shareholder owns more than 50% of the voting rights in the company. Extraordinary transactions with a controlling shareholder or in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest, and the terms of compensation of a controlling shareholder who is an office holder, require the approval of the audit committee, the board of directors and the shareholders of the company. The shareholders’ approval must either include at least one-third of the disinterested shareholders who are present, in person or by proxy, at the meeting, or, alternatively, the total shareholdings of the disinterested shareholders who vote against the transaction must not represent more than one percent of the voting rights in the company.
 
In addition, a private placement of securities that will increase the relative holdings of a shareholder that holds 5% or more of the company’s outstanding share capital, assuming the exercise by such person of all of the convertible securities into shares held by that person, or that will cause any person to become a holder of more than 5% of the company’s outstanding share capital, requires approval by the board of directors and the shareholders of the company. However, subject to certain exceptions under regulations adopted under the Israeli Companies Law, shareholder approval will not be required if the aggregate number of shares issued pursuant to such private placement, assuming the exercise of all of the convertible securities into shares being sold in such a private placement, comprises less than 20% of the voting rights in a company prior to the consummation of the private placement.
 
Under the Israeli Companies Law, a shareholder has a duty to act in good faith towards the company and other shareholders and refrain from abusing his power in the company, including, among other things, voting in the general meeting of shareholders on the following matters:
 
·  
any amendment to the Articles of Association;
 
·  
an increase of the company's authorized share capital;
 
·  
a merger; and
 
·  
approval of interested party transactions that require shareholders approval.
 
In addition, any controlling shareholder, any shareholder who knows it can determine the outcome of a shareholders vote and any shareholder who, under a company’s Articles of Association, can appoint or prevent the appointment of an office holder, is under a duty to act with fairness towards the company. The Israeli Companies Law does not describe the substance of this duty. The Israeli Companies Law requires that specified types of transactions, actions and arrangements be approved as provided for in a company’s articles of association and in some circumstances by the audit committee, by the board of directors and by the shareholders. In general, the vote required by the audit committee and the board of directors for approval of these matters, in each case, is a majority of the disinterested directors participating in a duly convened meeting.
 
Rights Attached to Ordinary Shares
 
Our authorized share capital consists of 300,000,000 ordinary shares, par value NIS 0.02 per share.
 
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Holders of ordinary shares have one vote per share, and are entitled to participate equally in the payment of dividends and share distributions and, in the event of our liquidation, in the distribution of assets after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors. No preferred shares are currently authorized. All outstanding ordinary shares are validly issued and fully paid.
 
Transfer of Shares
 
Fully paid ordinary shares are issued in registered form and may be freely transferred under our Articles of Association unless the transfer is restricted or prohibited by another instrument or applicable securities laws.
 
Dividend and Liquidation Rights
 
We may declare a dividend to be paid to the holders of ordinary shares according to their rights and interests in our profits. In the event of our liquidation, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, our assets will be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares in proportion to the nominal value of their holdings.
 
This right may be affected by the grant of preferential dividend or distribution rights, to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future. Under the Israeli Companies Law, the declaration of a dividend does not require the approval of the shareholders of the company, unless the company's Articles of Association require otherwise. Our Articles of Association provide that the board of directors may declare and distribute dividends without the approval of the shareholders.
 
Annual and Extraordinary General Meetings
 
We must hold our annual general meeting of shareholders each year no later than 15 months from the last annual meeting, at a time and place determined by the board of directors, upon at least 21 days’ prior notice to our shareholders to which we need to add additional 3 days for notices sent outside of Israel. A special meeting may be convened by request of two directors, 25% of the directors then in office, one or more shareholders holding at least 5% of our issued share capital and at least 1% of our issued voting rights, or one or more shareholders holding at least 5% of our issued voting rights. Notice of a general meeting must set forth the date, time and place of the meeting. Such notice must be given at least 21 days but not more than 45 days prior to the general meeting. The quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy who hold or represent between them at least one-third of the voting rights in the company. A meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum generally is adjourned to the same day in the following week at the same time and place (with no need for any notice to the shareholders) or until such other later time if such time is specified in the original notice convening the general meeting, or if we serve notice to the shareholders no less than 7 days before the date fixed for the adjourned meeting. If at an adjourned meeting there is no quorum present half an hour after the time set for the meeting, any number participating in the meeting shall represent a quorum and shall be entitled to discuss the matters set down on the agenda for the original meeting.
 
Voting Rights
 
Our ordinary shares do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. As a result, the holders of ordinary shares that represent more than 50% of the voting power represented at a shareholders meeting in which a quorum is present have the power to elect all of our directors, except the external directors whose election requires a special majority as described under the section entitled “Item 6 - Directors, Senior Management and Employees-Board Practices-External and Independent Directors.”
 
Holders of ordinary shares have one vote for each ordinary share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Shareholders may vote in person or by proxy. These voting rights may be affected by the grant of any special voting rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future.
 
Under the Israeli Companies Law, unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Association or by applicable law, all resolutions of the shareholders require a simple majority, and all shareholders’ meetings require prior notice of at least 21 days with an additional 3 days for notices sent outside of Israel. Our Articles of Association provide that all decisions may be made by a simple majority. See “Item 10 - Additional Information-Memorandum and Articles of Association-Approval of Certain Transactions” above for certain duties of shareholders towards the company.
 
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Voting by Proxy and in Other Manners
 
Our Articles of Association enable a shareholder to appoint a proxy, who need not be a shareholder, to vote at any shareholders meeting. We require that the appointment of a proxy be in writing signed by the person making the appointment or by an attorney authorized for this purpose, and if the person making the appointment is a corporation, by a person or persons authorized to bind the corporation. In the document appointing a proxy, each shareholder may specify how the proxy should vote on any matter presented at a shareholders meeting. The document appointing the proxy shall be deposited in our offices or at such other address as shall be specified in the notice of the meeting not less than 48 hours before the time of the meeting at which the person specified in the appointment is due to vote.
 
The Israeli Companies Law and our Articles of Association do not permit resolutions of the shareholders to be adopted by way of written consent, for as long as our ordinary shares are publicly traded.
 
Limitations on the Rights to Own Securities
 
The ownership or voting of ordinary shares by non-residents of Israel is not restricted in any way by our Articles of Association or the laws of the State of Israel, except that nationals of countries which are, or have been, in a state of war with Israel may not be recognized as owners of ordinary shares.
 
Anti-Takeover Provisions under Israeli Law
 
The Israeli Companies Law permits merger transactions with the approval of each party’s board of directors and shareholders. In accordance with the Israeli Companies Law, a merger may be approved at a shareholders meeting by a majority of the voting power represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and voting on that resolution. In determining whether the required majority has approved the merger, shares held by the other party to the merger, any person holding at least 25% of the outstanding voting shares or means of appointing the board of directors of the other party to the merger, or the relatives or companies controlled by these persons, are excluded from the vote.
 
Under the Israeli Companies Law, a merging company must inform its creditors of the proposed merger. Any creditor of a party to the merger may seek a court order blocking the merger, if there is a reasonable concern that the surviving company will not be able to satisfy all of the obligations of the parties to the merger. Moreover, a merger may not be completed until at least 70 days have passed from the time that a merger proposal was filed with the Israeli Registrar of Companies.
 
The Israeli Companies Law provides that an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer if, as a result of such acquisition, the purchaser would become shareholder with over 25% of the voting rights in the company. This rule does not apply if there is already another shareholder of the company with 25% or more of the voting rights. Similarly, the Israeli Companies Law provides that an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer if, as a result of the acquisition, the purchaser’s shareholdings would entitle the purchaser to over 45% of the voting rights in the company, unless there is a shareholder with 50% or more of the voting rights in the company. These rules do not apply if the acquisition is made by way of a merger. Regulations promulgated under the Israeli Companies Law provide that these tender offer requirements do not apply to companies whose shares are listed for trading external of Israel if, according to the law in the country in which the shares are traded, including the rules and regulations of the stock exchange or which the shares are traded, either:
 
·  
there is a limitation on acquisition of any level of control of the company; or
 
·  
the acquisition of any level of control requires the purchaser to do so by means of a tender offer to the public.
 
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The Israeli Companies Law provides specific rules and procedures for the acquisition of shares held by minority shareholders, if the majority shareholder holds more than 90% of the outstanding shares. Israeli tax law treats specified acquisitions, including a stock-for-stock swap between an Israeli company and a foreign company, less favorably than does U.S. tax law. These laws may have the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control of us, thereby limiting the opportunity for shareholders to receive a premium for their shares and possibly affecting the price that some investors are willing to pay for our securities.

Rights of Shareholders
 
Under the Israeli Companies Law, our shareholders have the right to inspect certain documents and registers including the minutes of general meetings, the register of shareholders and the register of substantial shareholders, any document held by us that relates to an act or transaction requiring the consent of the general meeting as stated above under “Approval of Certain Transactions,” our Articles of Association and our financial statements, any other document which we are required to file under the Israeli Companies Law or under any law with the Registrar of Companies or the Israeli Securities Authority, and is available for public inspection at the Registrar of Companies or the Securities Authority, as the case may be.

If the document required for inspection by one of our shareholders relates to an act or transaction requiring the consent of the general meeting as stated above, we may refuse the request of the shareholder if in our opinion the request was not made in good faith, the documents requested contain a commercial secret or a patent, or disclosure of the documents could prejudice our good in some other way.

The Israeli Companies Law provides that with the approval of the court any of our shareholders or directors may file a derivative action on our behalf if the court finds the action is a priori, to our benefit, and the person demanding the action is acting in good faith. The demand to take action can be filed with the court only after it is serviced to us, and we decline or omit to act in accordance to this demand.

Enforceability of Civil Liabilities
 
We are incorporated in Israel and some of our directors and officers and the Israeli experts named in this prospectus reside outside the United States. Service of process upon them may be difficult to effect within the United States. Furthermore, because substantially all of our assets, and those of our non-United States directors and officers and the Israeli experts named herein, are located outside the United States, any judgment obtained in the United States against us or any of these persons may not be collectible within the United States.

We have been informed by our legal counsel in Israel, Kantor & Co Law Offices, that there is doubt as to the enforceability of civil liabilities under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, pursuant to original actions instituted in Israel. However, subject to particular time limitations, executory judgments of a United States court for monetary damages in civil matters may be enforced by an Israeli court, provided that:
 
·  
the judgment was obtained after due process before a court of competent jurisdiction, that recognizes and enforces similar judgments of Israeli courts, and the court had authority according to the rules of private international law currently prevailing in Israel;
 
·  
adequate service of process was effected and the defendant had a reasonable opportunity to be heard;
 
·  
the judgment is not contrary to the law, public policy, security or sovereignty of the State of Israel and its enforcement is not contrary to the laws governing enforcement of judgments;
 
·  
the judgment was not obtained by fraud and does not conflict with any other valid judgment in the same matter between the same parties;
 
·  
the judgment is no longer appealable; and
 
·  
an action between the same parties in the same matter is not pending in any Israeli court at the time the lawsuit is instituted in the foreign court. 
 
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We have irrevocably appointed XTL Biopharmaceuticals Inc., our U.S. subsidiary, as our agent to receive service of process in any action against us in any United States federal court or the courts of the State of New York arising out of this offering or any purchase or sale of ordinary shares in connection therewith.

Foreign judgments enforced by Israeli courts generally will be payable in Israeli currency. The usual practice in an action before an Israeli court to recover an amount in a non-Israeli currency is for the Israeli court to render judgment for the equivalent amount in Israeli currency at the rate of exchange in force on the date of the judgment. Under existing Israeli law, a foreign judgment payable in foreign currency may be paid in Israeli currency at the rate of exchange for the foreign currency published on the day before date of payment. Current Israeli exchange control regulations also permit a judgment debtor to make payment in foreign currency. Pending collection, the amount of the judgment of an Israeli court stated in Israeli currency ordinarily may be linked to Israel’s consumer price index plus interest at the annual statutory rate set by Israeli regulations prevailing at that time. Judgment creditors must bear the risk of unfavorable exchange rates.

Material Contracts
 
Yeda License Agreement
 
In April of 1993, we entered into a research and license agreement with Yeda, which we refer to as the Yeda Agreement, under which Yeda granted us an exclusive worldwide license to use the Trimera patent portfolio and to exclusively use the information derived from the performance of certain research for the purposes specified in the agreement in any country where a licensed patent covers a product sold under the license or other licensed activity until the date on which the last licensed patent expires or until 12 years from the later of the first commercial sale of a product (or first receipts to us from other licensed activity) in such country, and in any other country until 12 years from the first commercial sale of a product (or first receipts to us from other licensed activity) in that country. Under the agreement, any assignment of the license granted by Yeda requires Yeda's prior written consent.
 
The Yeda Agreement has undergone a number of amendments, one of the end results of which is that we shall pay to Yeda the following fees: a royalty of 3% of all net sales received by us; 25% of amounts received by us on net sales of third parties (less certain royalties payable by us to third parties), but no more than 3% and no less than 1.5% of such net sales; and a royalty ranging between 20% to 40% on any receipts to us other than our net sales or receipts on net sales made by third parties. Furthermore, such amendments have also changed the termination provisions relating to Yeda’s entitlement to terminate the agreement if we do not pay Yeda a certain minimum amount of annual royalties of $100,000 or $200,000, depending on the year.
 
In the most recent amendment of the Yeda Agreement, in order to facilitate the grant of the license by us to Cubist under the terms of the HepeX-B collaboration, Yeda received the right to receive at least 1.5% of net sales of HepeX-B by Cubist sub-licensees, regardless of the amount received by us from Cubist in respect of such sales.

Cubist Collaboration
 
We have entered into a licensing agreement with Cubist dated June 2, 2004, as amended, under which we granted to Cubist an exclusive, worldwide license (with the right to sub-license) to commercialize HepeX-B and any other product containing a hMAb or humanized monoclonal antibody or fragment directed at the hepatitis B virus owned or controlled by us. Under this agreement, as amended, we were responsible for certain clinical and product development activities of HepeX-B through August 2005, at the expense of Cubist. We have transferred full responsibility for completing the development of HepeX-B to Cubist. Cubist will be responsible for completing the development and for registration and commercialization of the product worldwide.
 
In the event that the actual costs incurred in conducting activities that Cubist determines are necessary or advisable to obtain regulatory approval for HepeX-B for the prevention of recurrent hepatitis B infections in liver transplant patients exceed $33.9 million, any costs in excess shall be borne in equal share by us and Cubist.
 
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Under the terms of the agreement, as amended, Cubist paid us an initial up-front payment of $1 million upon the signing of the agreement, a further aggregate amount of $1 million was paid in 2004, and an additional amount of up to $3 million will be paid upon achievement of certain regulatory milestones.
 
Under the agreement, we are entitled to receive royalties from net sales by Cubist, generally ranging from 10% to 17%, depending on levels of net sales achieved by Cubist, subject to certain deductions based on patent protection of HepeX-B in that territory, total costs of HepeX-B development, third party license payments and indemnification obligations.
 
Cubist has the right to sub-license HepeX-B. The sub-licensee fees we will receive in such cases will vary according to the territory, the subject of the sub-license, the patent protection of HepeX-B in that territory, total costs of HepeX-B development, third party license payments, indemnification obligations and local competition. For example, where HepeX-B is not patent protected and a competing product obtains more than an agreed percentage of the local market, we would receive no royalties on sales of HepeX-B.
 
Cubist has granted us the non-exclusive right of negotiation during the term of the agreement to obtain all or any portion of the rights to manufacture and supply HepeX-B or any other product containing an hMAb or humanized monoclonal antibody or fragment directed at the hepatitis B virus owned or controlled by us. Furthermore, in certain circumstances, we have the exclusive right to negotiate with Cubist to obtain from Cubist a sub-license to market and sell the HepeX-B or such other product in certain territories.
 
We agreed that during the term of the agreement and for one year thereafter, we will not research, develop or commercialize any competitive product containing a human or humanized monoclonal antibody or fragment that is directed to and binds with the hepatitis B virus.
 
The agreement expires on the later of the last valid patent claim covering HepeX-B to expire or 10 years after the first commercial sale of HepeX-B on a country-by-country basis.
 
DRK-Blutspendedienst Baden-Wurttemberg (Ulm University, Germany)
 
In April 2000, we licensed Ab68 under an exclusive worldwide license from the DRK-Blutspendedienst Baden-Wurttemberg (Ulm University, Germany, or Ulm). Under the terms of this agreement, we are obligated to pay Ulm a specified royalty rate on sales of product incorporating Ab68. We can deduct certain payments that are made to third parties from these royalties, subject to a minimum royalty rate. We are also obligated to pay Ulm a specified percentage of any milestone payments we may receive from any sublicensee to whom we may grant a license or sublicense of Ab68 or technology related to the production of Ab68. We can deduct certain of these payments that are made to third parties from the percentage of milestone payments owed to Ulm, subject to a minimum milestone payment amount. Either party may terminate the agreement, by written notice, upon or after the winding up or insolvency of the other party, or upon or after commitment of a material breach by the other party that cannot be cured, or if curable, has not been cured, within 60 days after receipt of notice. In the absence of such termination, the agreement shall expire upon the expiration of the license granted under the agreement. To date we have made $150,000 in license and milestone payments to Ulm.

Stanford University
 
In September 2003, we licensed Ab65 from Stanford University under an exclusive license agreement. Under the terms of this agreement, we have exclusive rights to Ab65 worldwide, excluding China. In China, we have co-exclusive rights with Applied Immunogenetics LLC. Under the terms of this agreement, we must use commercially reasonable efforts to commercialize and market Ab65. We are obligated to make royalty payments to Stanford University on sales of product incorporating Ab65, and we are also obligated to make milestone payments upon the occurrence of certain specified events. To date we have made $172,000 in license and milestone payments to Stanford University, and we have undertaken to make contingent milestone payments of up to approximately $200,000 over the life of the license, all of which will be due upon or following regulatory approval of the drug. The license terminates upon the later of the expiration of last of the licensed patents or at the time of our last royalty payment. Notwithstanding the above, we may terminate this agreement upon specified notice to Stanford University. In addition, should we fail to meet certain developmental milestones for Ab65, our rights to the use of Ab65 become non-exclusive upon notice to that effect to us by Stanford University.

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In addition, as per an agreement entered into in September 2003, we are obligated to make royalty payments on sales of product incorporating Ab65 to Applied Immunogenetics LLC, a company that previously held non-exclusive rights to Ab65 and returned them to Stanford University, enabling us to gain exclusive rights to Ab65 from Stanford University. Our agreement with Applied Immunogenetics LLC expires on the expiration or termination of our exclusive agreement with Stanford University, as described above. To date we have made $183,000 in license and milestone payments to Applied Immunogenetics LLC., There are no additional contingent milestone payments.

Small Molecule Development Program

XTL-2125 has been licensed from B&C, since February 2003. Under the terms of the agreement, we have exclusive rights to XTL-2125 worldwide, with the exception of Asia, which is shared between the two companies, and Korea, for which B&C retains exclusive rights. Under the terms of the agreement, we are obligated to make certain milestone payments in addition to royalties on product sales. To date we have made $1.1 million in license and milestone payments to B&C, and we have undertaken to make contingent milestone payments of up to approximately $13.4 million over the life of the license, of which $8.0 million will be due upon or following regulatory approval of the drug. The license terminates upon the expiration of the last of the licensed patents. Notwithstanding the above, we may terminate this agreement upon specified notice to B&C.

Exchange controls
 
Under Israeli Law, Israeli non-residents who purchase ordinary shares with certain non-Israeli currencies (including dollars) may freely repatriate in such non-Israeli currencies all amounts received in Israeli currency in respect of the ordinary shares, whether as a dividend, as a liquidating distribution, or as proceeds from any sale in Israel of the ordinary shares, provided in each case that any applicable Israeli income tax is paid or withheld on such amounts. The conversion into the non-Israeli currency must be made at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of conversion.
 
Taxation
 
The following discussion of Israeli and United States tax consequences material to our shareholders is not intended and should not be construed as legal or professional tax advice and does not exhaust all possible tax considerations. To the extent that the discussion is based on new tax legislation, which has not been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, the views expressed in the discussion might not be accepted by the tax authorities in question. This summary does not purport to be a complete analysis of all potential tax consequences of owning ordinary shares or ADRs. In particular, this discussion does not take into account the specific circumstances of any particular investor (such as tax-exempt entities, certain financial companies, broker-dealers, investors subject to Alternative Minimum Tax, investors that actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting securities, investors that hold ordinary shares or ADRs as part of straddle or hedging or conversion transaction, traders in securities that elect mark to market, banks and other financial institutions or investors whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar), some of which may be subject to special rules.
 
We urge shareholders and prospective purchasers of our ordinary shares and ADRs to consult their own tax advisors as to the U.S., Israeli, or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares and ADRs, including, in particular, the effect of any foreign, state or local taxes.
 
Israeli Tax Considerations
 
The following discussion refers to the current tax law applicable to companies in Israel, with special reference to its effect on us. This discussion also includes specified Israeli tax consequences to holders of our ordinary shares and Israeli Government programs benefiting us.
 
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Tax Reforms
 
On January 1, 2003 a comprehensive tax reform took effect in Israel (the Law for Amendment of the Income Tax Ordinance (Amendment No. 132), 5762-2002, as amended) (which we refer to as “the 2003 Reform”). Pursuant to the 2003 Reform, resident companies are subject to Israeli tax on income on a worldwide basis. In addition, the concept of controlled foreign corporation was introduced according to which an Israeli company may become subject to Israeli taxes on certain income of a non-Israeli subsidiary if the subsidiary’s primary source of income is passive income (such as interest, dividends, royalties, rental income or certain capital gains). An Israeli company that is subject to Israeli taxes on the income of its non-Israeli subsidiaries will receive a credit for income tax paid by the subsidiary in its country of resident subject to certain limitations. The 2003 Reform also substantially changed the system of taxation of capital gains.
 
On July 25, 2005 an additional tax reform took effect in Israel (the Law for Amendment of the Income Tax Ordinance (Amendment No. 147) (which we refer to as “the 2005 Reform”). In general terms, pursuant to the 2005 Reform, and generally effective from January 1, 2006, the Israeli corporate tax rates will be further reduced, the capital gains tax rate that applies to Israeli individuals on the disposition of traded securities will be increased and the tax rates that apply to dividends distributed by an Israeli company will be partly reduced.
 
Corporate Tax Rate
 
The regular tax rate in Israel in 2005 is 34%. This rate is currently scheduled to decrease as follows: in 2006 - 31%, 2007 - 29%, 2008 - 27%, 2009 - 26%, 2010 and after - 25%”. However, the effective tax rate of a company which derives income from an approved enterprise may be considerably less, as further discussed below.
 
Tax Benefits Under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959
 
The Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investment, 1959, as amended, commonly referred to as the Investment Law, provides that a proposed capital investment in eligible facilities may, upon application to the Investment Center of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the State of Israel, be designated as an Approved Enterprise. Each certificate of approval for an Approved Enterprise relates to a specific investment program delineated both by its financial scope, including its capital sources, and by its physical characteristics, for example, the equipment to be purchased and utilized under the program. The tax benefits derived from any certificate of approval relate only to taxable income attributable to the specific Approved Enterprise. If a company has more than one approval or only a portion of its capital investments is approved, its effective tax rate is the result of a weighted average of the applicable rates.
 
Taxable income of a company derived from an Approved Enterprise is subject to company tax at the maximum rate of 25% rather than the usual rate in 2005 of 34% (as mentioned above, gradually scheduled to be reduced to 25% in 2010), for the benefit period. This period is ordinarily seven years, or ten years if the company qualifies as a foreign investors’ company as described below, commencing with the year in which the Approved Enterprise first generates taxable income. However, this period is limited to 12 years from commencement of production or 14 years from the date of approval, whichever is earlier.
 
A company that has been granted the status of an Approved Enterprise may elect to forego entitlement to grants otherwise available for an Approved Enterprise, in return for an alternative package of benefits. Under the alternative package of benefits, a company’s undistributed income derived from an Approved Enterprise will be exempt from company tax for a period of between two and ten years from the first year of taxable income, depending on the geographic location of the Approved Enterprise within Israel, and the company will be eligible for a reduced tax rate for the remainder of the benefits period.

A company that has elected the alternative package of benefits and that subsequently pays a dividend out of income derived from the approved enterprise during the tax exemption period will be subject to tax on the amount distributed, including any company tax on these amounts, at the rate which would have been applicable had it not elected the alternative package of benefits, generally 10%-25%, depending on the percentage of the company’s shares held by foreign shareholders. The dividend recipient is taxed at the reduced rate applicable to dividends from approved enterprises, which is 15%, if the dividend is distributed during the tax exemption period or within 12 years after this period, or in the case of a foreign investors’ company, without time limitation. The company must withhold this tax at source, regardless of whether the dividend is converted into or paid in foreign currency.
 
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A company that has an Approved Enterprise program is eligible for enhanced tax benefits if it qualifies as a foreign investors’ company. A foreign investors' company is a company more than 25% of whose share capital and combined share and loan capital is owned by non-Israeli residents. A company which qualifies as a foreign investors' company and has an Approved Enterprise program is eligible for tax benefits for a ten-year benefit period. The company tax rate applicable to income earned from approved enterprise programs in the benefit period by a company meeting these qualifications is as follows:
 

For a company with
foreign investment of 
 
Company tax rate
More than 25% and less than 49%
 
25%
49% or more and less than 74%
 
20%
74% or more and less than 90%
 
15%
90% or more
 
10%
 
The determination of foreign ownership is made on the basis of the lowest level of foreign ownership during the tax year.
 
Subject to applicable provisions concerning income under the alternative package of benefits, all dividends are considered to be attributable to the entire enterprise and their effective tax rate is the result of a weighted average of the various applicable tax rates. Under the Investment Law, a company that has elected the alternative package of benefits is not obliged to attribute part of the dividend to exempt profits, and may generally decide from which year's profits to declare dividends. We currently intend to reinvest any income derived from our Approved Enterprise programs and not to distribute the income as a dividend.
 
The Investment Center bases its decision whether or not to approve an application on the criteria set forth in the Investment Law and regulations and the then prevailing policy of the Investment Center. In addition, the benefits available to an Approved Enterprise are conditioned upon the fulfillment of conditions stipulated in the Investment Law and its regulations and in the criteria in the specific certificate of approval, as described above. If a company does not meet these conditions, it would be required to refund the amount of tax benefits, together with consumer price index linkage adjustment and interest.
 
Additionally after receiving the certificate of approval from the Investment Center, a company must meet certain reporting requirements. The company must file periodic audited reports on the progress in implementing the program. Additionally, where a company has completed the implementation of investing in fixed assets, a final implementation report must be filed with, and reviewed by, the Investment Center. Should the Investment Center determine that the investments in assets were made in accordance with the certificate of approval and that the required minimum capital has been invested, it will issue a final approval of implementation, which will also indicate the year that will be the first year of potential benefits under the Approved Enterprise.
 
On March 29, 2005, the Israeli Parliament enacted an amendment to the Investment Law, which is intended to provide expanded tax benefits to local and foreign investors and to simplify the bureaucratic process relating to approval of investments qualifying under the Investment Law.
 
The amendment to the Investment Law does not retroactively apply for investment programs having an Approved Enterprise approval certificate from the Investment Center issued up to December 31, 2004 (even when investments under these programs are conducted after January 1, 2005). Consequently, the amendment to the Investment Law should not impact an existing Approved Enterprise, that received an approval certificate prior to December 2004. The new tax regime will only apply to a for a new Approved Enterprise and to an Approved Enterprise expansion for which the first year of benefits was 2004 or later.
 
Under the amended Investment Law, if an investment project meets all of the eligibility criteria under the alternative benefits route as set forth in the amended Investment Law and in regulations to be issued thereunder, such project will automatically qualify for the Approved Enterprise taxation benefits under the alternative package of benefits with no need for prior approval from the Israeli Tax Authorities. In addition, the amended Investment Law provides that the criteria for conferral of tax benefits in the alternative package of benefits of the Investment Law be handled by the Israeli Tax Authorities rather than the Investment Center. In this respect a mechanism will be available which will enable a company to apply for a pre-ruling from the Israeli Tax Authorities to obtain certainty as to the investment taxation status of its investment under the amended Investment Law.
 
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The Investment Center has granted us Approved Enterprise status, which approval was granted prior to December 31, 2004, and is therefore entitled to the benefits afforded by the Investment Law prior to its amendment. Accordingly, our undistributed taxable income derived from this program will be tax exempt for a period of two years beginning with the year in which we first generate taxable income, and thereafter will be subject to a reduced tax rate of 25% or less, if we qualify as a foreign investors' company, for a period of between five and eight years, depending on the percentage of our capital held by non-Israeli shareholders. However, this benefit period cannot extend beyond 12 years from the year of commencement of operations or 14 years from the year in which approval was granted, whichever is earlier. To date, we have not generated taxable income.
 
Tax Benefits for Research and Development
 
Israeli tax law allows, under specific conditions, a tax deduction in the year incurred for expenditures, including capital expenditures, relating to scientific research and development projects, if the expenditures are approved by the relevant Israeli government ministry, determined by the field of research, and the research and development is for the promotion of the company and is carried out by or on behalf of the company seeking the deduction. Expenditures not so approved are deductible over a three-year period. Expenditures made out of proceeds made available to us through government grants are automatically deducted during a one year period.
 
Tax Benefits Under the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969
 
The Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969, generally referred to as the Industry Encouragement Law, provides several tax benefits for industrial companies. An industrial company is defined as a company resident in Israel, at least 90% of the income of which in a given tax year exclusive of income from specified government loans, capital gains, interest and dividends, is derived from an industrial enterprise owned by it. An industrial enterprise is defined as an enterprise whose major activity in a given tax year is industrial production activity.
 
Under the Industry Encouragement Law, industrial companies are entitled to a number of corporate tax benefits, including:
 
·  
deduction of purchase of know-how and patents over an eight-year period; and
 
·  
the right to elect, under specified conditions, to file a consolidated tax return with additional related Israeli industrial companies and an industrial holding company.
 
Under some tax laws and regulations, an industrial enterprise may be eligible for special depreciation rates for machinery, equipment and buildings. These rates differ based on various factors, including the date the operations begin and the number of work shifts. An industrial company owning an approved enterprise may choose between these special depreciation rates and the depreciation rates available to the approved enterprise.
 
Eligibility for benefits under the Industry Encouragement Law is not subject to receipt of prior approval from any governmental authority.
 
We believe that we currently qualify as an industrial company within the definition of the Industry Encouragement Law. We cannot assure you that the Israeli tax authorities will agree that we qualify, or, if we qualify, that we will continue to qualify as an industrial company or that the benefits described above will be available to us in the future.
 
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Special Provisions Relating to Taxation under Inflationary Conditions
 
The Income Tax Law (Inflationary Adjustments), 1985, generally referred to as the Inflationary Adjustments Law, represents an attempt to overcome the problems presented to a traditional tax system by an economy undergoing rapid inflation. The Inflationary Adjustments Law is highly complex. Its features, which are material to us, can be described as follows:
 
·  
where a company's equity, as defined in the law, exceeds the cost of fixed assets as defined in the Inflationary Adjustments Law, a deduction from taxable income that takes into account the effect of the applicable annual rate of inflation on the excess is allowed up to a ceiling of 70% of taxable income in any single tax year, with the unused portion permitted to be carried forward on a linked basis. If the cost of fixed assets, as defined in the Inflationary Adjustments Law, exceeds a company's equity, then the excess multiplied by the applicable annual rate of inflation is added to taxable income;
 
·  
subject to specified limitations, depreciation deductions on fixed assets and losses carried forward are adjusted for inflation based on the increase in the consumer price index; and
 
·  
in specified circumstances, gains on traded securities, which might otherwise be eligible for reduced rates of tax, will be liable to company tax at the usual rate in 2005 of 34% (as mentioned above, gradually scheduled to be reduced to 25% in 2010).
 
Israeli Estate and Gift Taxes
 
Generally, Israel does not currently impose taxes on inheritance or bona fide gifts. For transfer of assets by inheritance or gift that would normally be subject to capital gains tax or land appreciation tax, the recipient’s tax cost basis and date of purchase are generally deemed to be the same as those for the transferor of the property.
 
Capital Gains Tax on Sale of our Ordinary Shares by Both Residents and Non-Residents of Israel
 
Israeli law generally imposes a capital gains tax on the sale of capital assets located in Israel, including shares in Israeli resident companies, by both residents and non-residents of Israel, unless a specific exemption is available or unless a treaty between Israel and the country of the non-resident provides otherwise. The law distinguishes between the inflationary surplus and the real gain. The inflationary surplus is the portion of the total capital gain, which is equivalent to the increase of the relevant asset’s purchase price attributable to the increase in the Israeli consumer price index from the date of purchase to the date of sale. The real gain is the excess of the total capital gain over the inflationary surplus. A non resident that invests in taxable assets with foreign currency may elect to calculate the inflationary amount by using such foreign currency. Regulations promulgated under the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance provide for an exemption from Israeli capital gains tax for gains accrued before January 1, 2003, and derived from the sale of shares of an “Industrial Company,” as defined by the Industry Encouragement Law, that are traded on specified non-Israeli markets, including The Nasdaq National Market, provided that the sellers purchased their shares either in the company’s initial public offering or in public market transactions thereafter.
 
This exemption does not apply to shareholders who are in the business of trading securities, or to shareholders that are Israeli resident companies subject to the Income Tax (Adjustments for Inflation) Law- 1985, or to shareholders who acquired their shares prior to an initial public offering. We believe that we are currently an Industrial Company, as defined by the Industry Encouragement Law. Our status as an Industrial Company may be reviewed by the tax authorities from time to time. There can be no assurance that the Israeli tax authorities will not deny our status as an Industrial Company, possibly with retroactive effect.
 
On January 1, 2003, the 2003 Reform came into effect thus imposing capital gains tax at a rate of 15% (or alternatively, a rate of 25% on the gain after deduction of related interest expenses) on the real gains accrued on or after January 1, 2003 from the sale of shares in Israeli companies publicly traded on a recognized stock exchange outside of Israel. This tax rate does not apply to: (1) dealers in securities; (2) shareholders that report in accordance with the Income Tax Law (Inflationary Adjustment) - 1985; (3) shareholders who acquired their shares prior to an initial public offering; or (4) related party sales. The tax basis of shares acquired prior to January 1, 2003, will be determined in accordance with the average closing share price in the three trading days preceding January 1, 2003. However, in cases where the actual adjusted cost of the shares is higher than such average price, a request to the Israeli Tax authorities may be made to consider such actual adjusted cost as the tax basis of the shares. Notwithstanding the above, Israeli tax resident corporations which were subject to the Income Tax Law (Inflationary Adjustment) - 1985 are taxed on gains derived from the sale of traded shares at regular corporate tax rates.
 
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On July 25, 2005, the 2005 Reform came into effect. Pursuant to the 2005 Reform, effective January 1, 2006, the capital gains tax imposed on Israeli tax resident individuals on the sale of securities was increased from 15% to 20%. With respect to an Israeli tax resident individual who is a “substantial shareholder” on the date of sale of the securities or at any time during the 12 months preceding such sale, the capital gains tax rate was increased to 25%. A “substantial shareholder” is defined as someone who alone, or together with another person, holds, directly or indirectly, at least 10 % in one or all of any of the means of control in the corporation. With respect to Israeli tax resident corporate investors, effective January 1, 2006 capital gains tax at the regular corporate rate will be imposed on such taxpayers on the sale of traded shares.
 
Pursuant to the 2005 Reform, non-Israeli residents will be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax on any gains derived from the sale of shares publicly traded on a stock exchange recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Finance (including the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq), provided such shareholders did not acquire their shares prior to an initial public offering, that such capital gains are not derived by a permanent establishment of the foreign resident in Israel, and that the provisions of the Income tax Law (inflationary adjustments), 1985 do not apply to such gain. Notwithstanding the foregoing, dealers in securities in Israel are taxed at the regular tax rates applicable to business income. However, Non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to such exemption if an Israeli resident (1) has a controlling interest of 25% or more in such non-Israeli corporation, or (2) is the beneficiary of, or is entitled to, 25% or more of the revenue or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly. In any event, the provisions of the tax reform shall not affect the exemption from capital gains tax for gains accrued before January 1, 2003, as described in the previous paragraph.
 
In addition, pursuant to the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Israel with Respect to Taxes on Income, as amended (the “United States- Israel Tax Treaty”), the sale, exchange or disposition of ordinary shares by a person who qualifies as a resident of the United States within the meaning of the United States-Israel Tax Treaty and who is entitled to claim the benefits afforded to such person by the United States- Israel Tax Treaty (a “Treaty United States Resident”) generally will not be subject to the Israeli capital gains tax unless such “Treaty United States Resident” holds, directly or indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of the Company’s voting power during any part of the twelve- month period preceding such sale, exchange or disposition, subject to certain conditions or if the capital gains from such sale are considered as business income attributable to a permanent establishment of the U.S. resident in Israel. However, under the United States-Israel Tax Treaty, such “Treaty United States Resident” would be permitted to claim a credit for such taxes against the United States federal income tax imposed with respect to such sale, exchange or disposition, subject to the limitations in United States laws applicable to foreign tax credits.
 
Taxation of Dividends
 
Non-residents of Israel are subject to income tax on income accrued or derived from sources in Israel
 
Dividends distributed by an Israeli company to Israeli tax resident individuals or to non-Israeli residents are subject to a 25% tax to be withheld at source (15% in the case of dividends distributed from the taxable income attributable to an Approved Enterprise), unless a lower rate is provided in a treaty between Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence. Dividends distributed by an Israeli company to another Israeli tax resident company are generally exempt, unless such dividends are distributed from taxable income attributable to an Approved Enterprise, in which case such dividends are taxed at a rate of 15%, or unless such dividends are distributed from income that was not taxed in Israel, in which case such dividends are taxed at a rate of 25%.
 
Pursuant to the 2005 Reform, effective January 1, 2006, the tax rate imposed on dividends distributed by an Israeli company to Israeli tax resident individuals or to non-Israeli residents was reduced to a tax at a rate of 20%. With respect to “substantial shareholders”, as defined above, the applicable tax rate remains 25%. The taxation of dividends distributed by an Israeli company to another Israeli corporate tax resident remains unchanged.
 
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In any case, dividends distributed from the taxable income attributable to an Approved Enterprise, to both Israeli tax residents and non-Israeli residents remains subject to a 15% tax rate.
 
Under the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, the maximum Israeli tax and withholding tax on dividends paid to a holder of ordinary shares who is a resident of the United States is generally 25%, but is reduced to 12.5% if the dividends are paid to a corporation that holds in excess of 10% of the voting rights of company during the company’s taxable year preceding the distribution of the Dividend and the portion of the company’s taxable year in which the dividend was distributed. Dividends of an Israeli company derived from the income of an Approved Enterprise will still be subject to a 15% dividend withholding tax; if the dividend is attributable partly to income derived from an Approved Enterprise, and partly to other sources of income, the withholding rate will be a blended rate reflecting the relative portions of the two types of income. A non-resident of Israel who has dividend income derived from or accrued in Israel, from which tax was withheld at the source, is generally exempt from the duty to file tax returns in Israel in respect of such income, provided such income was not derived from a business conducted in Israel by the taxpayer.
 
Stamp Duty
 
We are obligated under the Israeli Stamp Duty Act 1961 to pay one percent of the proceeds of any issuance of our ordinary shares as stamp duty within 30 days from such issuance.
 
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
 
The following discusses the material United States federal income tax consequences to a holder of our ordinary shares and qualifies as a U.S. Holder, which is defined as:
 
·  
a citizen or resident of the United States;
 
·  
a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any state; or
 
·  
a trust or estate, treated, for United States federal income tax purposes, as a domestic trust or estate.
 
This opinion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code, current and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code, and administrative and judicial decisions as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This opinion does not address any aspect of state, local or non-U.S. tax laws. Further, this opinion does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to U.S. Holders entitled to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws, for example, financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations and broker/dealers, and it does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to any particular shareholder based on the shareholder's individual circumstances. In particular, this opinion does not address the potential application of the alternative minimum tax, or the special U.S. federal income tax rules applicable in special circumstances, including to U.S. Holders who:
 
·  
have elected mark-to-market accounting;
 
·  
hold our ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge or conversion transaction with other investments;
 
·  
own directly, indirectly or by attribution at least 10% of our voting power;
 
·  
are tax exempt entities;
 
·  
are persons who acquire shares in connection with employment or other performance of services; and
 
·  
have a functional currency that is not the U.S. dollar.
 
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Additionally, this opinion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or persons who hold ordinary shares through a partnership or other pass-through entity or the possible application of U.S. federal gift or estate taxes. Material aspects of U.S. federal income tax relevant to a holder other than a U.S. Holder are also described below.
 
Taxation of Dividends Paid on Ordinary Shares
 
A U.S. Holder will be required to include in gross income as ordinary income the amount of any distribution paid on ordinary shares, including any Israeli taxes withheld from the amount paid, to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions in excess of these earnings and profits will be applied against and will reduce the U.S. Holder’s basis in the ordinary shares and, to the extent in excess of this basis, will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of ordinary shares.
 
Certain dividend income may be eligible for a reduced rate of taxation. Dividend income will be taxed at the applicable long-term capital gains rate if the dividend is received from a “qualified foreign corporation,” and the shareholder of such foreign corporation holds such stock for more than 60 days during the 120 day period that begins on the date that is 60 days before the ex-dividend date for the stock. The holding period is tolled for any days on which the shareholder has reduced his risk of loss. A “qualified foreign corporation” is one that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States. A foreign corporation will be treated as qualified with respect to any dividend paid, if its stock is readily tradable on an established securities market. However, a foreign corporation will not be treated as qualified if it is a Passive Foreign Investment Company (as discussed below) for the year in which the dividend was paid or the preceding year. Distributions of current or accumulated earnings and profits paid in foreign currency to a U.S. Holder will be includible in the income of a U.S. Holder in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate on the day the distribution is received. A U.S. Holder that receives a foreign currency distribution and converts the foreign currency into U.S. dollars subsequent to receipt will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar, which will generally be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
 
As described above, we will generally be required to withhold Israeli income tax from any dividends paid to holders who are not resident in Israel. See “Israeli Tax Considerations—Taxation of Non-Resident Holders of Shares.” If a U.S. Holder receives a dividend from us that is subject to Israeli withholding, the following would apply:
 
·  
You must include the gross amount of the dividend, not reduced by the amount of Israeli tax withheld, in your U.S. taxable income.
 
·  
You may be able to claim the Israeli tax withheld as a foreign tax credit against your U.S. income tax liability.
 
·  
The foreign tax credit is subject to significant and complex limitations. Generally, the credit can offset only the part of your U.S. tax attributable to your net foreign source passive income. Additional special rules apply to taxpayers predominantly engaged in the active conduct of a banking, insurance, financing or similar business. Additionally, if we pay dividends at a time when 50% or more of our stock is owned by U.S. persons, you may be required to treat the part of the dividend attributable to U.S. source earnings and profits as U.S. source income, possibly reducing the allowable credit, unless you elect to calculate your foreign tax credit separately with respect to XTLbio dividends.
 
·  
A U.S. Holder will be denied a foreign tax credit with respect to Israeli income tax withheld from dividends received on the ordinary shares to the extent the U.S. Holder has not held the ordinary shares for at least 16 days of the 30-day period beginning on the date which is 15 days before the ex-dividend date or to the extent the U.S. Holder is under an obligation to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property. Any days during which a U.S. Holder has substantially diminished its risk of loss on the ordinary shares are not counted toward meeting the 16-day holding period required by the statute.
 
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·  
If you do not elect to claim foreign taxes as a credit, you will be entitled to deduct the Israeli income tax withheld from your XTLbio dividends in determining your taxable income.
 
·  
Individuals who do not claim itemized deductions, but instead utilize the standard deduction, may not claim a deduction for the amount of the Israeli income taxes withheld.
 
·  
If you are a U.S. corporation holding our stock, you cannot claim the dividends-received deduction with respect to our dividends.
 
Special rules, described below, apply if XTLbio is a passive foreign investment company.
 
Taxation of the Disposition of Ordinary Shares
 
Subject to the description of the passive foreign investment company rules below, upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our ordinary shares, a U.S. Holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. Holder's basis in the ordinary shares, which is usually the cost of these shares, and the amount realized on the disposition. Capital gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares held more than one year is long-term capital gain and is eligible for a reduced rate of taxation for non-corporate holders. In general, gain realized by a U.S. Holder on a sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares generally will be treated as U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. A loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares is generally allocated to U.S. source income. However, regulations require the loss to be allocated to foreign source income to the extent certain dividends were received by the taxpayer within the 24-month period preceding the date on which the taxpayer recognized the loss. The deductibility of a loss realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares is subject to limitations for both corporate and individual shareholders.
 
A U.S. Holder that uses the cash method of accounting calculates the U.S. dollar value of the proceeds received from a sale of ordinary shares as of the date that the sale settles, and will generally have no additional foreign currency gain or loss on the sale, while a U.S. Holder that uses the accrual method of accounting is required to calculate the value of the proceeds of the sale as of the trade date and may therefore realize foreign currency gain or loss, unless the U.S. Holder has elected to use the settlement date to determine its proceeds of sale for purposes of calculating this foreign currency gain or loss. In addition, a U.S. Holder that receives foreign currency upon disposition of our ordinary shares and converts the foreign currency into U.S. dollars subsequent to receipt will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar, which will generally be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
 
Tax Consequences If We Are A Passive Foreign Investment Company
 
Special tax rules apply to the timing and character of income received by a U.S. Holder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company, or PFIC. We will be a PFIC if either 75% or more of our gross income in a tax year is passive income or the average percentage of our assets (by either value or adjusted basis, depending on the circumstances) that produce or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50%. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, has indicated that cash balances, even if held as working capital, are considered to be assets that produce passive income. Therefore, any determination of PFIC status will depend upon the sources of our income, and the relative values of passive and non- passive assets, including goodwill. Furthermore, because the goodwill of a publicly-traded corporation such as us is largely a function of the trading price of its shares, the valuation of that goodwill is subject to significant change throughout each year. An initial determination that we are a PFIC will generally apply for subsequent years (whether or not we meet the requirements for PFIC status in those years) with respect to any U.S. Holder at the time of such determination. A determination as to a corporation’s status as a PFIC must be made annually. We believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable years ended 2002, 2003 and 2004. Although such a determination is fundamentally factual in nature and generally cannot be made until the close of the applicable taxable year, based on our current operations, we believe that there is a significant likelihood that we will be classified as a PFIC in the 2005 taxable year and possibly in subsequent years.

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If we were classified as a PFIC, a special tax regime would apply to both (a) any “excess distribution” by us (generally, the U.S. Holder's ratable share of distributions in any year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by such U.S. Holder in the three preceding years or its holding period, if shorter) and (b) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of your ordinary shares. Under this special regime, any excess distribution and realized gain would be treated as ordinary income and the federal income tax on such ordinary income is determined under the following steps. (i) The amount of the excess distribution or gain is allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder's holding period for our ordinary shares. (ii) Tax is determined for amounts allocated to the first year in the holding period in which we were classified as a PFIC and all subsequent years (except the year in which the excess distribution was received or the sale occurred) by applying the highest applicable tax rate in effect in the year to which the income was allocated. (iii) An interest charge is added to this tax calculated by applying the underpayment interest rate to the tax for each year determined under the preceding sentence from the due date of the income tax return for such year to the due date of the return for the year in which the excess distribution or sale occurs, (iv) Amounts allocated to a year prior to the first year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period in which we were classified as a PFIC or to the year in which the excess distribution or the sale occurred are taxed as ordinary income and no interest charge applies.
 
A U.S. Holder may generally avoid the special PFIC regime by electing to treat his PFIC shares as a “qualified electing fund.” If a U.S. Holder elects to treat PFIC shares as a qualified electing fund, also known as QEF Election, the U.S. Holder must include annually in gross income (for each year in which PFIC status is met) his pro rata share of the PFIC’s ordinary earnings and net capital gains, whether or not such amounts are actually distributed to the U.S. Holder.
 
A U.S. Holder may make a QEF Election with respect to a PFIC for any taxable year in which s/he was a shareholder. A QEF Election is effective for the year in which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years of the U.S. Holder. Procedures exist for both retroactive elections and the filing of protective statements. A U.S. Holder making the QEF Election must make the election on or before the due date, as extended, for the filing of the U.S. Holder's income tax return for the first taxable year to which the election will apply.
 
A U.S. Holder must make a QEF Election by completing Form 8621, Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund, and attaching it to their U.S. federal income tax return, and must satisfy additional filing requirements each year the election remains in effect. From fiscal 2005, we plan to comply with the record-keeping and reporting requirements that are a prerequisite to making a “qualified electing fund” election. However, if meeting those record-keeping and reporting requirements becomes onerous, we may decide, in our sole discretion, that such compliance is impractical and will so notify U.S. holders.
 
As an alternative to or in addition to the qualified electing fund election, a so-called “mark-to- market” election may be made by a U.S. Holder with respect to ordinary shares owned at the close of such holder's taxable year, provided that we are a PFIC and the ordinary shares are considered “marketable stock.” The ordinary shares will be marketable stock if they are listed on a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the national market system established pursuant to section 11A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, or an equivalent regulated and supervised foreign securities exchange. If a U.S. Holder were to make a mark-to-market election with respect to ordinary shares, such holder generally would include as ordinary income (or, to the extent of prior unreversed inclusions, be allowed an ordinary loss deduction, as the case may be) an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the holder's ordinary shares as of the close of the holder's taxable year and its adjusted basis. Gains from an actual sale or other disposition of the ordinary shares will be treated as ordinary income, and any losses incurred on an actual sale or other disposition of the ordinary shares will be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of any prior unreversed inclusions. The mark-to-market election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis and is effective for the taxable year for which made and all subsequent years until either (a) the ordinary shares cease to be marketable stock or (b) the election is revoked with the consent of the IRS.
 
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A U.S. Holder who did not make a QEF Election either to (i) treat us as a “qualified electing fund,” or (ii) mark our ordinary shares and/or ADRs to market, will be subject to the following:
 
·  
gain recognized by the U.S. Holder upon the disposition of, as well as income recognized upon receiving certain dividends on the ordinary shares and/or ADRs would be taxable as ordinary income;
 
·  
the U.S. Holder would be required to allocate such dividend income and/or disposition gain ratably over such U.S. Holder's entire holding period for such XTLbio ordinary shares and/or ADRs;
 
·  
the amount allocated to each year other than the year of the dividend payment or disposition would be subject to tax at the highest applicable tax rate, and an interest charge would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax liability;
 
·  
the U.S. Holder would be required to file an annual return on IRS Form 8621 regarding distributions received on, gain recognized on dispositions of, our ordinary shares and/or ADRs; and
 
·  
any U.S. Holder who acquired the ordinary shares and/or ADRs upon the death of the shareholder would not receive a step-up to market value of his income tax basis for such ordinary shares and/or ADRs. Instead such U.S. Holder beneficiary would have a tax basis equal to the decedent's basis, if lower.
 
In view of the complexity of the issues regarding our treatment as a PFIC, U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors for guidance as to our status as a PFIC.

United States Federal Income Tax Consequences for Non-U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares
 
Except as described in "Information Reporting and Back-up Withholding" below, a Non-U.S. Holder of ordinary shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on the payment of dividends on, and the proceeds from the disposition of, ordinary shares, unless:
 
·  
the item is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States and, in the case of a resident of a country which has a tax treaty with the United States, the item is attributable to a permanent establishment or, in the case of an individual, a fixed place of business, in the United States;
 
·  
the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax under the provisions of United States tax law applicable to U.S. expatriates; or
 
·  
the individual non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions are met.
 
Information Reporting and Back-Up Withholding
 
U.S. Holders generally are subject to information reporting requirements with respect to dividends paid in the United States on ordinary shares. Existing regulations impose back-up withholding on dividends paid in the United States on ordinary shares unless the U.S. Holder provides IRS Form W-9 or otherwise establishes an exemption. U.S. Holders are subject to information reporting and back-up withholding at a rate of 28% on proceeds paid from the disposition of ordinary shares unless the U.S. Holder provides IRS Form W-9 or otherwise establishes an exemption.

Non-U.S. Holders generally are not subject to information reporting or back-up withholding with respect to dividends paid on, or upon the disposition of, ordinary shares, provided that the non-U.S. Holder provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies to its foreign status, or otherwise establishes an exemption to the U.S. financial institution holding the ordinary shares. Non U.S. Holders holding stock in a foreign corporation in a foreign bank or financial institution have no U.S. reporting requirements.

Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning the effect, if any, of these Treasury regulations on an investment in ordinary shares. The amount of any back-up withholding will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. or Non-U.S. Holder's United States federal income tax liability and may entitle the Holder to a refund, provided that specified required information is furnished to the IRS.

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The above comments are intended as a general guide to the current position. Any person who is in any doubt as to his taxation position, and who requires more detailed information than the general outline above or who is subject to tax in a jurisdiction other than the United States should consult his professional advisers.
 
Dividends and Paying Agents
 
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares and do not anticipate paying any such cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors. Accordingly, we have not appointed any paying agents.
 
Documents on Display
 
When this registration statement becomes effective, we will be required to file reports and other information with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations thereunder applicable to foreign private issuers. You may inspect and copy reports and other information filed by us with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference facilities described below. Although as a foreign private issuer we are not required to file periodic information as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies, we generally announce publicly our interim and year-end results promptly and will file that periodic information with the SEC under cover of Form 6-K. As a foreign private issuer, we are also exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and other provisions in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
 
You may review and obtain copies of our filings with the SEC, including any exhibits and schedules, at the SEC’s public reference facilities in Room 1580, 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Our periodic filings will also be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services. Any statement in this registration statement about any of our contracts or other documents is not necessarily complete. If the contract or document is filed as an exhibit to this registration statement, the contract or document is deemed to modify the description contained in this annual report. We urge you to review the exhibits themselves for a complete description of the contract or document.
 
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Interest Rate Risk. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while maximizing our income from investments and minimizing our market risk. We invest in government, investment-grade corporate debt securities, and bank deposits in accordance with our investment policy. Some of these instruments in which we invest may have market risk. This means that a change in prevailing interest rates may cause the principal amount of the investment to fluctuate. For example, if we hold a security that was issued with a fixed interest rate at the then-prevailing rate and the prevailing interest rate later rises, the principal amount of our investment will probably decline. As of December 31, 2004, our portfolio of financial instruments consists of cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits with multiple institutions. The average duration of all of our investments held as of December 31, 2004, was less than one year. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe we have no material exposure to interest rate risk arising from our investments.
 
Foreign Currency and Inflation Risk. We generate all of our revenues and hold most of our cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits and marketable securities in U.S. dollars. While a substantial amount of our operating expenses are in U.S. dollars, we incur a portion of our expenses in New Israeli Shekels. In addition, we also pay for some of our services and supplies in the local currencies of our suppliers. As a result, we are exposed to the risk that the U.S. dollar will be devalued against the New Israeli Shekel or other currencies, and as result our financial results could be harmed if we are unable to guard against currency fluctuations in Israel or other countries in which services and supplies are obtained in the future. Accordingly, we may enter into currency hedging transactions to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rates of currencies. These measures, however, may not adequately protect the Company from the adverse effects of inflation in Israel. In addition, we are exposed to the risk that the rate of inflation in Israel will exceed the rate of devaluation of the New Israeli Shekel in relation to the dollar or that the timing of any devaluation may lag behind inflation in Israel.
 
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ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
 
American Depositary Shares
 
The Bank of New York will execute and deliver American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, representing American Depositary Shares, or ADSs. One ADS will represent an ownership interest in ten of our ordinary shares. The ordinary shares (or the right to receive ordinary shares) will be deposited by us with the Tel Aviv office of Bank Hapoalim B.M., or the London office of The Bank of New York, each a custodian for the depositary. Each ADR will also represent securities, cash or other property deposited with The Bank of New York but not distributed to ADR holders. The Bank of New York's Corporate Trust Office is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10286, U.S.A. The principal executive office of the Depositary is located at One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286, U.S.A.
 
You may hold ADRs either directly or indirectly through your broker or other financial institution. If you hold ADRs directly, you are an ADR holder. This description assumes you hold your ADRs directly. If you hold the ADRs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADR holders described in this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.
 
Because The Bank of New York will actually hold the ordinary shares, you must rely on it to exercise the rights of a shareholder. Our obligations and the obligations of The Bank of New York are set out in an agreement among us, The Bank of New York and you, as an ADR holder. The agreement and the ADRs are generally governed by New York law.
 
The following is a summary of the agreement. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. For more complete information, you should read the entire agreement and the ADR. Directions on how to obtain copies of these are provided in the section entitled "Additional Information."
 
Share Dividends and Other Distributions
 
The Bank of New York has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of shares your ADRs represent.
 
Cash. The Bank of New York will convert any cash dividend or other cash distribution we pay on the shares into U.S. dollars, if it can do so on a reasonable basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the U.S. If that is not possible or if any approval from any government or agency thereof is needed and cannot be obtained, the agreement allows The Bank of New York to distribute the foreign currency only to those ADR holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADR holders who have not been paid. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for the interest.
 
Before making a distribution, any withholding taxes that must be paid under U.S. law will be deducted. See “Item 10 - Additional Information—Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Dividends Paid On Ordinary Shares.” The Bank of New York will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents and will round fractional cents to the nearest whole cent. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when The Bank of New York cannot convert the foreign currency, you may lose some or all of the value of the distribution.
 
Shares. The Bank of New York may distribute new ADRs representing any shares we may distribute as a dividend or free distribution, if we furnish it promptly with satisfactory evidence that it is legal to do so. The Bank of New York will only distribute whole ADRs. It will sell shares which would require it to use a fractional ADR and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash. If The Bank of New York does not distribute additional ADRs, each ADR will also represent the new shares.
 
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Rights to receive additional shares. If we offer holders of our ordinary shares any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any other rights, The Bank of New York may make these rights available to you. We must first instruct The Bank of New York to do so and furnish it with satisfactory evidence that it is legal to do so. If we do not furnish this evidence and/or give these instructions, and The Bank of New York decides it is practical to sell the rights, The Bank of New York will sell the rights and distribute the proceeds, in the same way as it does with cash. The Bank of New York may allow rights that are not distributed or sold to lapse. In that case, you will receive no value for them.
 
If The Bank of New York makes rights available to you, upon instruction from you, it will exercise the rights and purchase the shares on your behalf. The Bank of New York will then deposit the shares and issue ADRs to you. It will only exercise rights if you pay it the exercise price and any other charges the rights require you to pay.
 
U.S. securities laws may restrict the sale, deposit, cancellation and transfer of the ADRs issued after exercise of rights. For example, you may not be able to trade the ADRs freely in the U.S. In this case, The Bank of New York may issue the ADRs under a separate restricted deposit agreement which will contain the same provisions as the agreement, except for the changes needed to put the restrictions in place.
 
Other Distributions. The Bank of New York will send to you anything else we distribute on deposited securities by any means it thinks is legal, fair and practical. If it cannot make the distribution in that way, The Bank of New York has a choice. It may decide to sell what we distributed and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash or it may decide to hold what we distributed, in which case the ADRs will also represent the newly distributed property.
 
The Bank of New York is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADR holders. We have no obligation to register ADRs, shares, rights or other securities under the Securities Act. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADRs, shares, rights or anything else to ADR holders. This means that you may not receive the distribution we make on our shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you.
 
Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation
 
The Bank of New York will issue ADRs if you or your broker deposit shares or evidence of rights to receive shares with the custodian upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees. The Bank of New York will register the appropriate number of ADRs in the names you request and will deliver the ADRs at its corporate trust office to the persons you request.
 
You may turn in your ADRs at The Bank of New York's corporate trust office. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, The Bank of New York will deliver (1) the underlying shares to an account designated by you and (2) any other deposited securities underlying the ADR at the office of the custodian. Or, at your request, risk and expense, The Bank of New York will deliver the deposited securities at its corporate trust office.
 
Voting Rights
 
You may instruct The Bank of New York to vote the shares underlying your ADRs but only if we ask The Bank of New York to ask for your instructions. Otherwise, you won't be able to exercise your right to vote unless you withdraw the shares. However, you may not know about the meeting enough in advance to withdraw the shares.
 
If we ask for your instructions, The Bank of New York will notify you of the upcoming vote and arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. The materials will (1) describe the matters to be voted on and (2) explain how you, on a certain date, may instruct The Bank of New York to vote the shares or other deposited securities underlying your ADRs as you direct. For instructions to be valid, The Bank of New York must receive them on or before the date specified. The Bank of New York will try, as far as practical, subject to Israeli law and the provisions of our Articles of Association, to vote or to have its agents vote the shares or other deposited securities as you instruct. The Bank of New York will only vote or attempt to vote as you instruct.
 
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We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct The Bank of New York to vote your shares. In addition, The Bank of New York and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and there may be nothing you can do if your shares are not voted as you requested.
 
Fees and Expenses
 
ADR holders must pay:
 
For:
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)
 
Each issuance of an ADS, including as a result of a distribution of shares or rights or other property.
 
Each cancellation of an ADS, including if the agreement terminates.
 
$0.02 (or less) per ADS
 
Any cash payment.
 
Registration or Transfer Fees
 
Transfer and registration of shares on the share register of the Foreign Registrar from your name to the name of The Bank of New York or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares.
 
Expenses of The Bank of New York
 
Conversion of foreign currency to U.S. dollars.
 
Cable, telex and facsimile transmission expenses.
 
Servicing of shares or deposited securities.
 
$0.02 (or less) per ADS per calendar year (if the depositary has not collected any cash distribution fee during that year)
 
Depositary services.
 
Taxes and other governmental charges
 
As necessary The Bank of New York or the Custodian have to pay on any ADR or share underlying an ADR, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes.
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been ordinary shares and the ordinary shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs
 
Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADR holders.
 
 
Payment of Taxes
 
You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on your ADRs or on the deposited securities underlying your ADRs. The Bank of New York may refuse to transfer your ADRs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities underlying your ADRs until such taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you or sell deposited securities underlying your ADRs to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If it sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADRs to reflect the sale and pay to you any proceeds, or send to you any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.
 
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Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers
 
If we:
Then:
Change the nominal or par value of our shares;
 
Reclassify, split up or consolidate any of the deposited securities;
 
Distribute securities on the shares that are not distributed to you; or
 
Recapitalize, reorganize, merge, liquidate, sell all or substantially all
of our assets, or takes any similar action
.
The cash, shares or other securities received by The Bank of New York will become deposited securities. Each ADR will automatically represent its equal share of the new deposited securities. The Bank of New York may, and will if we ask it to, distribute some or all of the cash, shares or other securities it received. It may also issue new ADRs or ask you to surrender your outstanding ADRs in exchange for new ADRs, identifying the new deposited securities.
 
Amendment and Termination
 
We may agree with The Bank of New York to amend the agreement and the ADRs without your consent for any reason. If the amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or registration fees, cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses, or prejudices an important right of ADR holders, it will only become effective thirty days after The Bank of New York notifies you of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by continuing to hold your ADR, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the agreement is amended.
 
The Bank of New York will terminate the agreement if we ask it to do so. The Bank of New York may also terminate the agreement if The Bank of New York has told us that it would like to resign and we have not appointed a new depositary bank within sixty days. In both cases, The Bank of New York must notify you at least thirty days before termination.
 
After termination, The Bank of New York and its agents will be required to do only the following under the agreement: collect distributions on the deposited securities, sell rights and other property and deliver ordinary shares and other deposited securities upon cancellation of ADRs. After termination, The Bank of New York will, if practical, sell any remaining deposited securities by public or private sale. After that, The Bank of New York will hold the proceeds of the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the agreement for the pro rata benefit of the ADR holders that have not surrendered their ADRs. It will not invest the money and will have no liability for interest. The Bank of New York's only obligations will be to account for the proceeds of the sale and other cash. After termination our only obligations will be with respect to indemnification and to pay certain amounts to The Bank of New York.
 
Limitations on Obligations and Liability to ADR Holders
 
The agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of The Bank of New York, and it limits our liability and the liability of The Bank of New York. We and The Bank of New York:
 
·  
are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the agreement without negligence or bad faith;
 
·  
are not liable if either is prevented or delayed by law or circumstances beyond their control from performing their obligations under the agreement;
 
·  
are not liable if either exercises discretion permitted under the agreement;
 
·  
have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to the ADRs or the agreement on your behalf or on behalf of any other party; and
 
·  
may rely upon any documents they believe in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party.
 
83

In the agreement, we and The Bank of New York agree to indemnify each other under certain circumstances.
 
Requirements for Depositary Actions
 
Before The Bank of New York will issue or register transfer of an ADR, make a distribution on an ADR, or make a withdrawal of shares, The Bank of New York may require:
 
·  
payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third parties for the transfer of any shares or other deposited securities;
 
·  
production of satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or other information it deems necessary, and
 
·  
compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time, consistent with the agreement, including presentation of transfer documents.
 
The Bank of New York may refuse to deliver, transfer, or register transfers of ADRs generally when the books of The Bank of New York or our books are closed, or at any time if The Bank of New York or we think it advisable to do so.
 
You have the right to cancel your ADRs and withdraw the underlying shares at any time except:
 
·  
when temporary delays arise because: (1) The Bank of New York or we have closed its transfer books; (2) the transfer of shares is blocked to permit voting at a stockholders' meeting; or (3) we are paying a dividend on the shares; or
 
·  
when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADRs or to the withdrawal of shares or other deposited securities.
 
This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the agreement.
 
Pre-Release of ADRs
 
In certain circumstances, subject to the provisions of the agreement, The Bank of New York may issue ADRs before deposit of the underlying shares. This is called a pre-release of the ADR. The Bank of New York may also deliver shares upon cancellation of pre-released ADRs (even if the ADRs are cancelled before the pre-release transaction has been closed out). A pre-release is closed out as soon as the underlying shares are delivered to The Bank of New York. The Bank of New York may receive ADRs instead of shares to close out a pre-release. The Bank of New York may pre-release ADRs only under the following conditions: (1) before or at the time of the pre-release, the person to whom the pre-release is being made must represent to The Bank of New York in writing that it or its customer owns the shares or ADRs to be deposited; (2) the pre-release must be fully collateralized with cash or other collateral that The Bank of New York considers appropriate; and (3) The Bank of New York must be able to close out the pre-release on not more than five business days' notice. In addition, The Bank of New York will limit the number of ADRs that may be outstanding at any time as a result of pre-release, although The Bank of New York may disregard the limit from time to time, if it thinks it is appropriate to do so.
 
Inspection of Books of the Depositary
 
Under the terms of the agreement, holders of ADRs may inspect the transfer books of the depositary at any reasonable time, provided, that such inspection shall not be for the purpose of communicating with holders of ADRs in the interest of a business or object other than either our business or a matter related to the deposit agreement or ADRs.
84


PART II
 
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 16. RESERVED
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
 
Not applicable.
 

85


PART III

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
We have elected to furnish financial statements and related information specified in Item 18.
 
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
See pages F-1 to F-38 of this Registration Statement.
 
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
1
 
*Articles of Association
2.1
 
*Form of Deposit Agreement Between The Bank of New York, XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. and the Owners and Holders of American Depositary Receipts
2.2
 
* ADR specimen (included in Exhibit 2.1)
4.1
 
†Research and License Agreement Between Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. and Xenograft Technologies Ltd. dated April 7, 1993 **
4.2
 
†Amendment of Research and License Agreement Between Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. and XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. dated August 31, 1995 **
4.3
 
†Second Extension Agreement Between Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. and XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. dated August 14, 1996 **
4.4
 
†Third Extension Agreement Between Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. and XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. dated November 25, 1997 **
4.5
 
†Amendment No. 2 to Research and License Agreement dated April 7, 1993, as amended on August 31, 1995, between Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. and XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. dated January 25, 1998 **
4.6
 
†Amendment No. 3 to Research and License Agreement dated April 7, 1993 between Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. and XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. dated January 26, 2003 **
4.7
 
†Amendment No. 4 to Research and License Agreement dated April 7, 1993 between Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. and XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. dated June 2, 2004 **
4.8
 
†License Agreement Between XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. and Cubist Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., dated June 2, 2004 **
4.9
 
†License Agreement Between XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. and DRK-Blutspendedienst Baden-Wurttemberg (Ulm University, Germany) dated April 18, 2000 **
4.10
 
†License Agreement Between XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. and Stanford University, dated September 12, 2003 **
4.11
 
†License Agreement Between XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. and Applied Immunogenetics LLC, dated September 12, 2003**
4.12
 
†1998 Share Option Plan dated October 19, 1998
4.13
 
†1999 Share Option Plan dated June 1, 1999
4.14
 
†1999 International Share Option Plan Dated June 1, 1999
4.14
 
†2000 Share Option Plan dated April 12, 2000
4.15
 
†2001 Share Option Plan dated February 28, 2001
4.16
 
*Letter of Understanding, dated August 5, 2005, relating to the License Agreement dated June 2, 2004 between Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. **
4.17
 
*License Agreement, dated February 26, 2003, between XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. and B&C Biopharm Co., Ltd.**
4.18
 
*Employment Agreement, dated August 1, 1999, between XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. and Jonathan Burgin
4.19
 
*Employment Agreement, dated May 1, 1994, between XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. and Shlomo Dagan
4.20
 
*Agreement, dated August 1, 2005, between XTL Biopharmaceuticals, Ltd. and Michael S. Weiss
4.21
 
*Form No. 1 of Director Service Agreement
4.22
 
*Form No. 2 of Director Service Agreement
4.23
 
*Form No. 3 of Director Service Agreement
4.24
 
*Form No. 4 of Director Indemnification Agreement
15.1
 
†Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, dated July 13, 2005
15.2
 
†Consent of KPMG LP, dated July 13, 2005
     
* Filed herewith.** Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.
† Previously filed.
86


SIGNATURES
 
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this registration statement on its behalf.
 
     
  XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: August 9, 2005 By:   /s/ Jonathan Burgin
 
Jonathan Burgin
Chief Financial Officer
   
 
 
87

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
2004 ANNUAL REPORT

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, and the period from
March 9, 1993 to December 31, 2004
F-5
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002,
and the period from
March 9, 1993 to December 31, 2001
F-6
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, and the period
from March 9, 1993
to December 31, 2004
F-10
   
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
F-12

 
F-1

 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 


To the Shareholders of
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (A Development Stage Company; hereafter - the "Company") and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2004 and cumulatively for the period from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2004 (see also below). These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the cumulative totals of the Company for the period from March 9, 1993 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 2000, which totals reflect a deficit of $25,201,000 accumulated during the development stage. Those cumulative totals were audited by an other independent registered public accounting firm whose report, dated May 3, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion on the cumulative amounts through December 31, 2000. Our opinion, insofar as it relates to amounts included for that period is based on the report of the other independent registered public accounting firm, mentioned above.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America) and with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors (Mode of Performance) Regulations, 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Company’s Board of Directors and management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other independent registered public accounting firm provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based upon our audits and the report of the other independent registered public accounting firm, the consolidated financial statements referred to above, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of operations, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 and for the cumulative period from March 9, 1993 (incorporation date) to December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in note 1a to the financial statements, continuation of the Company’s current operations after utilizing its current cash reserves during 2006, is dependent upon the generation of additional financial resources, either through agreements for the commercialization of its product portfolio or through external financing.
 
/s/ Kesselman & Kesselman              
Kesselman & Kesselman
Certified Public Accountants (Israel)
A Member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited
Tel-Aviv, Israel
May 3, 2005



F-2

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
(A Development Stage Company):
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (A Development Stage Company) (the "Company") and its subsidiary for the period from March 9, 1993 to December 31, 2000. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management and of the Company's Board of Directors. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations of the Company and its subsidiary and their cash flows for the period from March 9, 1993 to December 31, 2000, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.


/s/ Somekh Chaikin
Somekh Chaikin
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
A member firm of KPMG International
Tel-Aviv, Israel
May 3, 2005
 
F-3


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
   
December 31 
 
   
2004 
 
2003 
 
ASSETS
     
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents (note 1e)
 
12,788 
 
4,184 
 
Short-term bank deposits (note 9a)
 
10,136 
 
17,329 
 
Marketable securities (note 9b)
 
 
749 
 
Accounts receivable - trade (note 2)
   
543
   
 
Accounts receivable - other (note 9c)
   
306
   
706
 
Total current assets
   
23,773
   
22,968
 
SEVERANCE PAY FUNDS (note 5)
   
830
   
673
 
RESTRICTED LONG-TERM DEPOSIT (note 7b(1))
   
113
   
159
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (note 4):
         
 
Cost
   
3,312
   
3,143
 
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
2,404
   
2,090
 
     
908
   
1,053
 
Total assets
   
25,624
   
24,853
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
         
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
         
 
Accounts payable and accruals (note 9d)
   
3,134
   
3,001
 
Deferred gain (notes 1j and 2)
   
399
     —  
Total current liabilities
   
3,533
   
3,001
 
LIABILITY FOR EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON RETIREMENT (note 5)
     1,291    
1,244
 
DEFERRED GAIN (notes 1j and 2)
   
1,198
     
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (note 7)
             
Total liabilities
   
6,022
   
4,245
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (note 6):
         
 
Ordinary shares of NIS 0.02 par value (authorized: 300,000,000
as of December 31, 2004 and 2003; issued and outstanding:
168,079,196 as of December 31, 2004 and 112,019,464 as of
December 31, 2003)
 
 
841
   
594
 
Additional paid in capital
   
104,537
*  
89,303
*
Deferred share-based compensation
   
*  
*
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
   
14
 
Deficit accumulated during the development stage
   
(85,776
)
 
(69,303
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
19,602
   
20,608
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
   
25,624
   
24,853
 
 
 
/s/ Rusi K. Kathoke
 
/s/ Jonathan Burgin
Rusi K. Kathoke
 
Jonathan Burgin
Director
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
* Reclassified

Date of approval of the financial statements: May 3, 2005

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

F-4


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)

 
               
Period from 
 
               
March 9, 1993* 
 
   
Year ended December 31 
 
to December 31, 
 
   
2004 
 
2003 
 
2002 
 
2004 
 
REVENUES (notes 1j and 2):
                 
Reimbursed out-of-pockets expenses
 
3,269
 
 
 
3,269
 
License
 
185
 
 
 
185
 
     
3,454
   
   
   
3,454
 
                           
COST OF REVENUES (notes 1j and 2):
                         
Reimbursed out-of-pockets expenses
   
3,269
   
   
   
3,269
 
License (with respect to royalties)
   
32
   
   
   
32
 
     
3,301
   
   
   
3,301
 
                           
GROSS MARGIN
   
153
   
   
   
153
 
 
         
   
       
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS(note 9e)
   
11,985
   
13,668
   
13,231
   
75,223
 
LESS - PARTICIPATIONS (note 7a(3))
   
   
3,229
   
75
   
10,950
 
     
11,985
   
10,439
   
13,156
   
64,273
 
 
                         
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (note 9f)
   
4,134
   
3,105
   
3,638
   
23,555
 
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COSTS (note 9g)
   
810
   
664
   
916
   
4,286
 
IMPAIRMENT OF ASSET HELD FOR SALE (note 4c)
   
   
354
   
   
354
 
                           
OPERATING LOSS
   
16,776
   
14,562
   
17,710
   
92,315
 
                           
FINANCIAL INCOME - net (note 9h)
   
352
   
352
   
597
   
6,700
 
LOSS BEFORE TAXES ON INCOME
   
16,424
   
14,210
   
17,113
   
85,615
 
                           
TAXES ON INCOME
   
49
   
78
   
27
   
161
 
NET LOSS FOR THE YEAR
   
16,473
   
14,288
   
17,140
   
85,776
 
                           
BASIC AND DILUTED PER SHARE DATA:
               
       
Loss per ordinary share
 
$
( 0.12
)
$
( 0.13
)
$
( 0.15
)
     
Weighted average number of shares used to compute loss per ordinary share
   
134,731,766
   
111,712,916
   
111,149,292
       

 
* Incorporation date, see note 1a.
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
F-5

 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)
 

     
Preferred shares 
   
Ordinary shares 
   
 
 
Number of shares 
Amount 
Number of shares
Amount 
Additional
paid-in
 
capital
CHANGES DURING THE PERIOD FROM
MARCH 9, 1993 (DATE OF
INCORPORATION)
TO
DECEMBER 31, 2001:
                               
Comprehensive loss:
                               
Net loss
   
   
   
   
   
 
Net unrealized loss
   
   
   
   
   
 
Comprehensive loss
   
   
   
   
   
 
Deferred share-based compensation
   
   
   
   
   
377
 
Amortization of deferred compensation expenses
   
   
   
   
   
 
Non-employee stock option expenses
   
   
   
   
   
106
 
Exercise of share warrants
   
   
   
1,707,980
   
8
   
414
 
Exercise of employee stock options
   
15,600
   
**
   
221,638
   
1
   
26
 
Issuance of share capital, net of share issue expenses
   
43,571,850
   
250
   
   
   
26,187
 
Bonus shares
   
7,156,660
   
41
   
19,519,720
   
97
   
(138
)
Conversion of preferred shares into ordinary shares
   
(50,744,110
)
 
(291
)
 
50,744,110
   
291
   
 
Receipts in respect of share warrants (expired in 1999)
   
   
   
   
 
   89  
Issuance of share capital
   
   
   
15,183,590
   
75
   
16,627
 
Initial public offering (“IPO”) of the Company’s shares under a prospectus dated September 20, 2000 (net of $ 5,199 - issuance expenses)
   
   
   
23,750,000
   
118
   
45,595
 
                                 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2001
   
   
   
111,127,038
   
590
   
89,283
* 

*   Reclassified
** Represents an amount less than $1,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
F-6


 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (continued)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)

 
   
Deferred
share-
based
compensation
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Deficit
accumulated
during the
development
stage
 
Total 
 
CHANGES DURING THE PERIOD FROM
MARCH 9, 1993 (DATE OF
INCORPORATION)
TO
DECEMBER 31, 2001:
                 
Comprehensive loss:
                         
Net loss
   
   
   
(37,875
)
 
(37,875
)
Net unrealized loss
   
   
(45
)
 
   
(45
)
Comprehensive loss
   
   
(45
)
 
(37,875
)
 
(37,920
)
Deferred share-based compensation
   
(377
)
 
   
   
 
Amortization of deferred compensation expenses
   
377
   
   
   
377
 
Non-employee stock option expenses
   
   
   
   
106
 
Exercise of share warrants
   
   
   
   
422
 
Exercise of employee stock options
   
   
   
   
27
 
Issuance of share capital, net of share issue expenses
   
   
   
   
26,437
 
Bonus shares
   
   
   
   
 
Conversion of preferred shares into ordinary shares
   
   
   
   
 
Receipts in respect of share warrants (expired in 1999)
   
   
   
   
89
 
Issuance of share capital
   
   
   
   
16,702
 
Initial public offering (“IPO”) of the Company’s shares under a prospectus dated September 20, 2000 (net of $ 5,199 - issuance expenses)
   
   
   
   
45,713
 
                           
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2001
   
*  
(45
)
 
(37,875
)
 
51,953
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

* Reclassified


F-7


 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)
 
   
Ordinary shares 
 
 
 
   
Number of 
shares 
 
Amount 
 
Additional
paid in
capital
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2001 - brought forward    
111,127,038
   
590
   
89,283
*
CHANGES DURING 2002:
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
  Comprehensive loss:
                   
Net loss
   
   
   
 
Net unrealized loss
   
   
   
 
Comprehensive loss
   
   
   
 
Exercise of employee stock options
   
38,326
   
**
   
20
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2002
   
111,165,364
   
590
   
89,303
*
CHANGES DURING 2003:
                   
Comprehensive loss:
                   
Net loss
   
   
   
 
Net unrealized gain
   
   
   
 
Comprehensive loss
   
   
   
 
Exercise of employee stock options
   
854,100
   
4
   
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2003
   
112,019,464
   
594
   
89,303
*
CHANGES DURING 2004:
                   
Comprehensive loss:
                   
Net loss
   
   
   
 
Net unrealized gain
   
   
   
 
Comprehensive loss
   
   
   
 
Non-employee stock option expenses
   
   
   
32
 
Exercise of employee stock options
   
50,000
   
**
   
19
 
Issuance of shares, net of $2,426 share issuance expenses
   
56,009,732
   
247
   
15,183
 
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2004
   
168,079,196
   
841
   
104,537
*
 
    *   Reclassified
    ** Represents an amount less than $ 1,000.


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
F-8


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)
 
 
 
Deferred
share-
based
compensation
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive income (loss)
 
Deficit
accumulated
during the
development
stage
 
Total 
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2001 - brought forward
 
*
(45
)
(37,875
) 
51,953 
 
CHANGES DURING 2002:
                 
Comprehensive loss:
                 
Net loss
 
 
 
(17,140
)
(17,140
)
Net unrealized loss
 
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Comprehensive loss
   
   
(3
)
 
(17,140
)
 
(17,143
)
Exercise of employee stock options
   
   
   
   
20
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2002
   
*   
(48
)
 
(55,015
)
 
34,830
 
CHANGES DURING 2003:
                         
Comprehensive loss:
                         
Net loss
   
   
   
(14,288
)
 
(14,288
)
Net unrealized gain
   
   
62
   
   
62
 
Comprehensive loss
   
   
62
   
(14,288
)
 
(14,226
)
Exercise of employee stock options
   
   
   
   
4
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2003
   
*   
14
   
(69,303
)
 
20,608
 
CHANGES DURING 2004:
                         
Comprehensive loss:
                         
Net loss
   
   
   
(16,473
)
 
(16,473
)
Net unrealized gain
   
   
(14
)
 
   
(14
)
Comprehensive loss
   
   
(14
)
 
(16,473
)
 
(16,487
)
Non-employee stock option expenses
   
   
   
   
32
 
Exercise of employee stock options
   
   
   
   
19
 
Issuance of shares, net of $2,426 share issuance expenses
   
   
   
   
15,430
 
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2004
   
*  
   
(85,776
)
 
19,602
 

*
 Reclassified


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
 
F-9


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

     
Year ended December 31 
   
Period from 
March 9, 1993 (b)
 
     
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
 
to December 31, 2004
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
       
Net loss for the period
   
(16,473
)
 
(14,288
)
 
(17,140
)
 
(85,776
)
Adjustments to reconcile loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
   
319
   
440
   
470
   
2,587
 
Capital loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment
   
1
   
2
   
(1
)
 
12
 
Change in liability for employee rights upon retirement
   
30
   
129
   
333
   
1,469
 
Impairment of asset held for sale
   
   
354
   
   
354
 
Loss (gain) from marketable securities, net
   
13
   
(27
)
 
41
   
(410
)
Stock based compensation expenses
   
32
   
   
   
515
 
Loss (gain) on amounts funded in respect of employee
   
(4
)
 
5
   
(1
)
 
(85
)
Changes in operating asset and liability items:
                       
Increase in accounts receivable - trade
   
(543
)
 
   
   
(543
)
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable - other
   
400
   
(440
)
 
606
   
(259
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accruals
   
133
   
499
   
(20
)
 
3,087
 
Increase in deferred gain
   
1,597
   
   
   
1,597
 
Net cash used in operating activities (a)
   
(14,495
)
 
(13,326
)
 
(15,712
)
 
(77,452
)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
       
Short-term deposits, net
   
7,193
   
14,724
   
1,058
   
(10,136
)
Long-term deposits, net
   
46
   
(20
)
 
2
   
(113
)
Investment in available for sale securities
   
   
(71
)
 
(1,219
)
 
(3,363
)
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities
   
722
   
1,048
   
716
   
3,773
 
Severance pay funded
   
(136
)
 
(112
)
 
(97
)
 
(841
)
Purchase of property and equipment
   
(180
)
 
(81
)
 
(659
)
 
(3,983
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
   
5
   
2
   
8
   
122
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
7,650
   
15,490
   
(191
)
 
(14,541
)
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
F-10

 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 
 
 Year ended December 31
   
Period from 
March 9, 1993 (b)
 
     
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
 
to December 31, 2004
 
 
               
       
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Issuance of share capital - net of share issuance expenses
   
15,430
   
   
   
104,371
 
Exercise of share warrants and employee stock options
   
19
   
4
   
20
   
492
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
   
   
   
   
399
 
Proceeds from short-term debt
   
   
   
   
50
 
Repayment of long-term debt
   
   
   
   
(399
)
Repayment of short-term debt
   
   
   
   
(50
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
15,449
   
4
   
20
   
104,863
 
                           
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
8,604
   
2,168
   
(15,883
)
 
12,788
 
                           
BALANCE OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
4,184
   
2,016
   
17,899
   
 
                           
BALANCE OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
   
12,788
   
4,184
   
2,016
   
12,788
 
                           
Supplementary information on financing activity not
involving cash flows -
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 Conversion of convertible subordinated debenture into shares
   
   
   
    1,700  
                           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
       
Income taxes paid (mainly - tax advance in respect of excess expenses)
 
 
107
   
161
   
79
   
321
 
Interest paid
   
   
   
   
350
 
(a) Including effect of changes in the exchange rate on cash
   
(73
)
 
(9
)
 
(709
)
 
(1,839
)
(b) Incorporation date, see note 1a.
                         
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


F-11



XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

    a. General:

    1) XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (“the Company”) was incorporated under the Israel Companies Ordinance on March 9, 1993. The Company is a development stage company in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard 7 (“FAS”) “Accounting and Reporting by Development Stage Enterprises.”

The Principal activity of the Company is the development of therapeutic pipelines for the treatment of infectious diseases.

The Company has licensed its product HepeX-B to Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (hereinafter “Cubist”) during 2004, see notes 1j and 2 as to details of the agreement.

The Company has a wholly-owned subsidiary in the United States - XTL Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (“Subsidiary”), which was incorporated in 1999 under the law of the state of Delaware. The subsidiary is primarily engaged in clinical activities and business development.

                2) Through December 31, 2004, the Company has incurred losses in an aggregate amount of U.S.$86 million. Such losses have resulted from the Company’s activities as a development stage company. It is expected that the Company will be able to finance its operations from its current reserves for the coming year. Continuation of the Company’s current operations after utilizing its current cash reserves during 2006 is dependent upon the generation of additional financial resources either through agreements for the commercialization of its product portfolio or through external financing.

                                3) The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States.

                                4) The preparation of the financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and the reported expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may vary from these estimates.

 
F-12


 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

b.  Functional currency

The currency of the primary economic environment in which the operations of the Company are conducted is the U.S. dollar ("$" or "dollar").

Most of the Company's research and development expenses are incurred in dollars. A significant part of the Company's capital expenditures and most of its financing is in dollars.

Thus, the functional currency of the Company is dollar.

Since the U.S. dollar is the primary currency in the economic environment in which the Company operates, monetary accounts maintained in currencies other than the U.S. dollar (principally cash and liabilities) are remeasured using the representative foreign exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Operational accounts and nonmonetary balance sheet accounts are measured and recorded at the rate in effect at the date of the transaction. The effects of foreign currency remeasurement are reported in current operations and have not been material to date.

c.  Principles of consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All intercompany transactions and balances were eliminated in consolidation.

d. Impairment of long-lived assets

Pursuant to FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“FAS 144”), long-lived assets, to be held and used by an entity, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Under FAS 144, if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the long-lived assets held and used is less than the carrying amount of such assets, an impairment loss would be recognized, and the assets are written down to their estimated fair values. Assets “held for sale” are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell (see also note 4c).

e.  Cash equivalents
 
Highly liquid investments, which include short-term bank deposits (up to three months from date of deposits), that are not restricted as to withdrawal or use, are considered by the Company and its subsidiary to be cash equivalents.

F-13


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

f. Marketable securities

Pursuant to FAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," the Company's investment in debt securities (mainly debentures) have been designated as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, which is determined based upon the quoted market prices of the securities, with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders' equity. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in financial income. The Company views its available-for-sale portfolio as available for use in its current operations. Interest, premium and discount amortization, and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in financial income.

g. Property and equipment

These assets are carried at cost less depreciation and impairment charges. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets.

Annual rates of depreciation are as follows:

 
%
Laboratory equipment
10-20
(mainly 15)
Computers
33
Furniture and office equipment
6-15
 
Leasehold improvements are amortized by the straight-line method over the term of the lease, which is shorter than the estimated useful life of the improvements.
 
h. Deferred income taxes
 
Deferred taxes are determined utilizing the asset and liability method based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities under the applicable tax laws. Deferred tax balances are computed using the tax rates expected to be in effect when these differences reversed. Valuation allowances are provided if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
 
Paragraph 9(f) of FAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” prohibits the recognition of deferred tax liabilities or assets that arise from differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities that are measured from the local currency into dollars using historical exchange rates, and that result from changes in exchange rates or indexing for tax purposes. Consequently, the abovementioned differences were not reflected in the computation of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

F-14


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued):

i. Research and development costs and participations

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of personnel, sub-contractors, facilities, equipment and supplies for research and development activities.

Participations from government (and from others) for development of approved projects are recognized as a reduction of expense as the related costs are incurred (see also note 7).
 
j. Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes the revenue from the licensing agreement with Cubist (see also note 2) under the provisions of the EITF 00-21 entitled “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” and SAB 104 entitled “Revenue Recognition.” Under those terms, companies are required to defer all revenue from multiple-element arrangements if sufficient objective and reliable evidence of fair value does not exist for the allocation of revenue to the various elements of the arrangement. Since the Company does not have the ability to determine the fair value of each unit of accounting, the agreement was accounted for as one unit of accounting, after failing the separation criteria, and the Company recognizes revenue on the abovementioned agreement ratably over the life of the arrangement.

In addition, Cubist has requested the Company to provide development services that are reimbursed by Cubist. As required by EITF 01-14 “Income Statement Characterization of Reimbursements Received for "Out-of-Pocket" Expenses Incurred,” amounts paid by the Company, as a principal, as an “out-of-pocket” costs are included in the cost of revenues as reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses and the reimbursements the Company receives as a principal are reported as reimbursed out-of-pocket revenues.

k. Business development costs

Costs associated with business development are comprised of costs related to partnering activities for the Company’s programs and seeking for new research and development collaborations. The Business development expenses are expensed as incurred.
 

F-15


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued):
 
l. Loss per share (“LPS”)
 
Basic and diluted losses per share are presented in accordance with FAS No. 128. “Earnings per share” (“FAS 128”), for all the years presented. Outstanding share options, and warrants have been excluded from the calculation of the diluted loss per share because all such securities are antidilutive for all the years presented. The total number of ordinary shares related to outstanding options and warrants excluded from the calculations of diluted net loss per share were 18,187,062, 17,721,724 and 19,789,011 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
 
m. Comprehensive loss
 
Comprehensive loss, presented in shareholders’ equity consists of net loss for the period and net unrealized gains or losses on available for sale marketable securities.
 
n. Stock- based compensation
 
The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation arrangements using the intrinsic value method in accordance with provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”), and Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 28, Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans (“FIN 28”), and complies with the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“FAS 123”) as amended by FAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure (see also p below).

Under APB 25, compensation expense is based on the difference, if any, on the date of grant, between the fair value of the Company’s common stock and the exercise price. When the number of the underlying shares or the exercise price is not known at the grant date, the Company updates each period the compensation expenses until such data becomes known.

FAS 123 defines a “fair value” based method of accounting for an employee stock option. The pro forma disclosures of the difference between the compensation expense included in net loss and the related cost measured by the fair value method are presented below.
 
The alternative method to the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation is the fair value approach prescribed by FAS 123, as amended by FAS 148. If the Company followed the fair value approach, the Company would be required to record deferred compensation based on the fair value of the stock option at the date of grant. The fair value of the stock option is required to be computed using an option-pricing model, such as the Black-Scholes option valuation model, at the date of the stock option grant. The deferred compensation calculated under the fair value method would then be amortized over the respective vesting period of the stock option.  


F-16


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

The following table illustrates the effect on loss and loss per share assuming the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123 to its stock-based employee compensation:
 
       
Year ended December 31
   
Period from
March 9, 1993*
to December 31,
 
       
2004
   
2003
   
2002
   
2004
 
       
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Net loss for the period, as reported
   
16,473
   
14,288
   
17,140
   
85,776
 
 
Deduct: stock- based employee
compensation expense,
included in reported loss
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
(483
)
 
Add: stock- based employee
compensation expense
determined under fair value
method for all awards
   
239
   
821
   
1,297
   
6,355
 
 
Net loss - pro-forma
   
16,712
   
15,109
   
18,437
   
91,648
 
 
 
Basic and diluted loss per share:
                         
 
As reported
   
0.12
   
0.13
   
0.15
       
 
Pro-forma
   
0.12
   
0.14
   
0.17
       
                             
  * Incorporation date, see note 1a.                          
 
 
 
Refer to note 6b(2) for the assumptions that were included in the Black-Scholes option valuation calculation.
 
The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employees in accordance with the fair value method prescribed by FAS 123 and the provisions Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling Goods or Services (“EITF 96-18”).
 
o. Reclassifications

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.


F-17

 

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
 
p. Recently issued accounting pronouncements in the United States:
 
(1)    
FAS 123 (Revised 2004) Share-based Payment
 
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued the revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 123, Share-Based Payment (FAS 123R), which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which the Company obtains employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the Company or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the Company’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. This Statement eliminates the ability to account for employee share-based payment transactions using APB 25, and requires instead that such transactions be accounted for using the grant-date fair value based method. This Statement will be effective as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005. Early adoption of FAS 123R is encouraged.

On April 15, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) approved a new rule allowing companies to implement FAS 123R at the beginning of their first annual period, rather than the first interim period, beginning after June 15, 2005. The SEC’s new rule does not change the accounting required by FAS 123R; it only changes the dates of compliance with the standard.

The Company decided to adopt this statement on January 1, 2005. This Statement applies to all awards granted or modified after the Statement’s effective date. In addition, compensation cost for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding on the Statement’s effective date shall be recognized on or after the effective date, as the related services are rendered, based on the awards’ grant-date fair value as previously calculated for the pro-forma disclosure under FAS 123 (see also n above).

The Company estimates that the cumulative effect of adopting FAS 123R as of its adoption date by the Company (January 1, 2005), based on the awards outstanding as of December 31, 2004, will be approximately $22,000. The Company expects that upon the adoption of FAS 123R, the Company will apply the modified prospective application transition method, as permitted by the Statement. Under such transition method, upon the adoption of FAS 123R, the Company’s financial statements for periods prior to the effective date of the Statement will not be restated.

The company expects that this statement may have material effect on it's financial position and results of operations. The impact of this statement on the Company’s financial statements or its results of operations in 2005 and beyond will depend upon various factors, among them the Company’s future compensation strategy.

F-18


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(2)    
FAS 153 Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29

In December 2004, the FASB issued FAS No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29 (FAS 153).  FAS 153 amends APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions (Opinion 29). The amendments made by FAS 153 are based on the principle that exchanges of nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. Further, the amendments eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replace it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. The provisions in FAS 153 are effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2005 (January 1, 2006 for the Company).  Early application of the FAS 153 is permitted. The provisions of this Statement shall be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS 153 to have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements or its results of operations.
 
NOTE 2 - LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH CUBIST

The Company entered into a licensing agreement with Cubist in June 2004, under which the Company granted to Cubist an exclusive, worldwide license (with the right to sub-license) to commercialize HepeX-B and any other product containing a hMAb or humanized monoclonal antibody or fragment directed at the hepatitis B virus owned or controlled by the Company. See also note 1j for the revenue recognition treatment.

Cubist paid the Company an initial up front nonrefundable payment of U.S.$1 million upon the signing of the agreement, and a payment of U.S.$1 million (out of which $185,000 was recorded as revenue in the year ended December 31, 2004) out of an aggregate amount of U.S.$2 million as collaboration support to be paid in installments until the end of 2005 and an additional amount of U.S.$3 million upon achievement of certain regulatory milestones till 2007 or an amount of U.S.$2 million upon achievement of the same certain regulatory milestones till 2008.

The Company accounts for the payments resulting from the agreement, as follows (i) the $1 million up-front fee and the installment payments aggregating $2 million are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt and amortized through 2008 or date regulatory approval obtained, if earlier, and (ii) the milestone contingent payments will be recorded as revenue upon regulatory approval milestones obtained.

F-19


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 NOTE 2 - LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH CUBIST (continued):

Under the agreement, the Company is entitled to receive royalties from net sales by Cubist, if any, generally ranging from 10% to 17%, depending on levels of net sales achieved by Cubist, subject to certain deductions based on patent protection of HepeX-B in that territory, total costs of HepeX-B development, third party license payments and indemnification obligations.

The agreement expires on the later of the last valid patent claim covering Hepex-B to expire, or 10 years after the first commercial sale of HepeX-B on a country by country basis.

Under a research and license agreement (see note 7 a(1) for details), the Company paid during 2004, $250,000 with respect to the $1 million up front fee received in June 2004, out of which $32,000 was recorded as cost of revenues in 2004.

The balance of the deferred gain, related to the revenue from Cubist, as of December 31, 2004, was presented in the balance sheet, net of the above mentioned payment, as follows:

 
December 31, 2004
 
($ in thousands)
Deferred revenue
1,815
Less - Deferred expenses related to Yeda
218
Deferred gain
1,597
 

For the commitment to the Government of Israel, related to the transfer of manufacturing rights of the Company’s HepeX-B product, under the terms of the agreement with Cubist, see note 7a(3).

NOTE 3 - INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATED COMPANY

During March 2001, the Company acquired 20% of the shares of U.S. based iviGene Corporation (hereafter - iviGene) for $ 1 million and agreed to fund certain research activities at iviGene. The acquisition of shares and the ongoing funding were charged to Research and Development costs in the statement of operations. During 2002, the Company terminated funding research activities at iviGene. The Company had an option to acquire the remaining shares of iviGene for $ 4 million in cash and $ 16 million in the Company’s shares. This option expired in 2002.

The Company will not have the title for benefits from future developments beyond its holding rights, or any obligations to fund the operations of iviGene.



F-20


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
NOTE 4 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

a. Composition of the assets, grouped by major classifications, is as follows:

   
December 31
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
   
($ in thousands) 
 
Cost:
           
Laboratory equipment
   
1,828
   
1,727
 
Computers
   
517
   
497
 
Leasehold improvements
   
698
   
698
 
Furniture and office equipment
   
269
   
221
 
     
3,312
   
3,143
 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization:
           
Laboratory equipment
   
1,120
   
932
 
Computers
   
488
   
438
 
Leasehold improvements
   
691
   
639
 
Furniture and office equipment
   
105
   
81
 
     
2,404
   
2,090
 
     
908
   
1,053
 

b. Depreciation and amortization totaled $ 319,000, $ 440,000 and $ 470,000 in the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
 
c. Asset held for sale

During 2003, the Company’s management determined to put on hold early stage research activities, and consequently, to sell an asset used in one of these activities. Under the provisions of FAS 144, the Company’s management reviewed the carrying value of this asset (original cost $ 415,000, depreciated amount - $ 354,000) and determined to write it off. An impairment charge in an amount of $ 354,000 was recorded. 
 

F-21

 
 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 5 - EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON RETIREMENT:

a. The Company

Israeli labor law generally requires payment of severance pay upon dismissal of an employee or upon termination of employment in certain other circumstances. The following principal plans relate to the Company:

                1) On June 30, 2001 the Company entered into an agreement with each employee implementing Section 14 of the Severance Compensation Act, 1963 (the “Law”) and the General Approval of the Labor Minister issued in accordance to the said Section 14, mandating that upon termination of such employee’s employment, the Company shall release to the employee all the amounts accrued in its Insurance Policies. Accordingly, the Company remits each month to each of its employee’s Insurance Policy, the amounts required by law to cover the severance pay liability.

The severance pay liabilities covered by these contribution plans are not reflected in the financial statements as the severance pay risks have been irrevocably transferred to the severance funds.

                2) Insurance policies for certain employees (senior managers): the policies provide most of the coverage for severance pay and pension liabilities of managerial personnel, the remainder liabilities are covered by the Company.

The Company has recorded a severance pay liability for the amount that would be paid if all those employees were dismissed at the balance sheet date, on an undiscounted basis, in accordance with Israeli labor law. This liability is computed based upon the number of years of service multiplied by the latest monthly salary. The amount of accrued severance pay represents the Company’s severance pay liability in accordance with labor agreements in force and based on salary components, which in management’s opinion, create an entitlement to severance pay.

The Company may only utilize the insurance policies for the purpose of disbursement of severance pay.

b. The subsidiary

The subsidiary’s severance pay liability is calculated based on the agreements between the subsidiary and its employees.

c. Severance pay expenses

Severance pay expenses totaled $ 30,000, $ 129,000 and $ 333,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Loss (gain) on amounts funded in respect of employee rights upon retirement totaled $(4,000), $5,000 and $(1,000) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

F-22


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 5 - EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON RETIREMENT (continued):

d. Cash flow information regarding the company’s liability for employee rights upon retirement:

                1. The Company contributed in 2004, 2003 and 2002 to the insurance companies in respect to its severance pay obligations to Israeli employees, $276,000, $348,000 and $327,000, respectively, and expects to contribute, in 2005, $ 290,000 to the insurance companies in respect to its severance pay obligations to Israeli employees.

                2. The Company expects to pay between 2012 to 2014 future benefits to certain employees who have reached retirement age during these years in the amount of $61,000.

The above amounts were determined based on the employees’ current salary rates and the number of service years that will be accumulated upon their retirement date. These amounts do not include amounts that might be paid to employees that will cease working with the Company before their normal retirement age.

NOTE 6 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

a. Share Capital

As of December 31, 2004, the shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. The quoted price per share, as of December 31, 2004
is 25.25 p (U.S. $ 0.49)
.

On August 10, 2000, the Company raised in a private offering an amount of $16.7 million- 15,183,590 ordinary shares of NIS 0.02.

Prior to the Company’s Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), of its Ordinary Shares on the London Stock Exchange, see also below, all classes of shares were respectively reclassified as 30,000,000 authorized Ordinary Shares of nominal value of NIS 0.2 each, of which 7,106,381 Ordinary Shares of NIS 0.2 each were issued and outstanding.

On August 10, 2000, the Company split the share capital so that each Ordinary Share of NIS 0.2 shall be divided into 10 Ordinary Shares of NIS 0.02 each, so that following the split, the authorized share capital consists of 300,000,000 Ordinary Shares of NIS 0.02 each, of which 71,063,810 Ordinary Shares of NIS 0.02 each were issued and outstanding.

F-23


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 6 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(continued):

On September 20, 2000 the Company completed an IPO, as result of which 20,900,000 Ordinary Shares of NIS 0.02 each have been issued. The proceeds of the issuance of shares in the amount of ₤ 31.3 million (before deduction of share issue expenses) were received as $ 44.7 million. The underwriters of the IPO were granted an over-allotment option. Accordingly, on October 26, 2000, the Company issued 2,850,000 Ordinary Shares of NIS 0.02 for a consideration of $ 6.2 million (before deduction of share issue expenses) at the price of ₤ 1.5 per share or $2.1 per share (the IPO price) to meet over-allotments in connection with the placing.

On August 2 2004, the Company completed a Placing and Open Offer for new ordinary shares, as result of which 56,009,732 Ordinary shares of NIS 0.02 each have been issued. The gross proceeds of the issuance of shares amount to ₤9.8 million - $17.8 million (approximately ₤8.5 million - $15.4 million, net of issuance costs).

b. Summary of the Company's stock options

In May 2001, the Company’s board of directors approved a stock option plan for employees of the Company and its subsidiary (hereafter - the 2001 plan), according to which up to 11,000,000 options are available to be granted. Under this plan, each option is exercisable to purchase one ordinary share of NIS 0.02 par value of the Company. The lock up period of the options is two years from the date of grant. As of December 31, 2004, the remaining number of options available for future grants in this pool is 6,250,600. Other than the option available for future grants for the 2001 plan, there are no option available for future grants for previous plans.

 
1)
The following table summarizes information about stock options granted from the date of incorporation (March 9, 1993) to December 31, 2004:

          
Number
Exercise
 
 
Grant
 The
 Grant
of
price per
Vesting
 
number
 grantees
 date
options
option
period
                   
 
1
 
Employees of the Company
 
May 1995
900,900
 
NIS 0.02
4 year period on a
yearly basis
 
2
 
Employees of the Company
 
February 1997
3,955,090
 
$ 0.365
4 year period on a
yearly basis
 
3
 
Employees of the Company
 
August 1998
423,680
 
$ 0.497
4 year period on
a yearly basis,
starting December 3, 1997
 
4
 
Senior officers of the Company
 
October 1998
5,038,360
 
$ 0.497
4 year period on a
monthly basis

 
F-24


 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
NOTE 6 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued):
 
 
Grant
number
The
grantees
Grant date
Number
of
options
Exercise
price per
option
Vesting
period
               
 
5
 
Employees of the Company and its subsidiary
 
June 1999
1,672,500  
$0.497
4 year period on a
yearly basis
6
 
Senior officers of the Company
 
August 1999
678,720
 
$0.497
4 year period on a
monthly basis
7
 
Employees of the Company and its subsidiary
 
April 2000
1,870,000
 
$1.1
4 year period on a monthly or
yearly basis
 
8
 
Employees of the Company and its subsidiary
 
May 2001
1,942,900
 
$0.931
3 year period on a
yearly basis
starting May 2003
 
9
 
Employees of the Company and its subsidiary
 
September 2001
306,400
 
$0.766
3 year period on a
yearly basis
starting September 2003
 
10
 
Employees of the Company and its subsidiary
 
March 2002
425,800
 
$0.851
3 year period on a
yearly basis
starting March 2004
 
11
 
Employees of the Company and its subsidiary
 
September 2002
877,400
 
$0.482
3 year period on a
yearly basis
starting September 2004
 
12
 
Employees of the Company and its subsidiary
 
February 2003
699,900
 
$0.1055
3 year period on a
yearly basis
starting February 2005
 
13
 
Employees of the Company and its subsidiary
 
September 2003
125,000
 
$0.25
3 year period on a
yearly basis
starting September 2005
 
14
 
Employees of the Company
 
March 2004
103,200
 
$0.486
3 year period on a
yearly basis
starting March 2006
 
15
 
Employees of the Company
 
September 2004
148,800
$0.315
3 year period on a
yearly basis
starting September 2006
 
16
 
Senior officer of the Company
 
October 2004
120,000
 
$0.243
3 year period on a
yearly basis
starting October 2006
 
F-25


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 6 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued):

In addition, on May 2001, the Company granted 2,120,000 options to senior officers and directors without consideration, with an exercise price of $ 0.931 (par value) each.

These senior officers and directors were entitled to exercise the options based on achievement of certain performance conditions. According to the performance criterias, only one third of the conditions were achieved and therefore, two thirds were expired.

The Company applied “variable-plan” accounting treatment in respect of this grant.

General conditions:

(1)  
All options were granted without consideration.
(2)  
The options are exercisable over a period of 10 years, from the grant date.

2) Stock Options granted are as follows:

     
Year ended December 31 
 
     
2004 
 
2003 
 
2002 
 
         
Weighted 
     
Weighted 
     
Weighted 
 
         
average 
     
average 
     
average 
 
         
exercise 
     
exercise
     
exercise
 
     
Number 
 
price 
 
Number 
 
 price 
 
Number 
 
price 
 
     
 
 
$ 
 
 
 
$
 
 
 
$
 
 
Balance outstanding at
beginning of year
   
15,552,661
 
0.59
 
   
17,816,823
 
0.61
 
   
17,279,890
 
0.62
 
 
 
Changes during the year:
                                     
 
Granted *
   
372,000
 
0.34
 
   
824,900
 
0.13
   
1,303,200
 
0.61
 
 
 
Exercised
   
(50,000
)
0.365
 
   
(854,100
)
0.01
 
   
(38,326
)
0.50
 
 
 
Expired and forfeited
   
(129,000
)
0.68
 
   
(2,234,962
)
0.83
 
   
(727,941
)
0.83
 
 
 
Balance outstanding at
end of year
   
15,745,661
 
0.58
 
   
15,552,661
 
0.59
 
   
17,816,823
 
0.61
 
 
 
Balance exercisable at end of year
 
 
14,059,136
 
0.60
 
   
9,960,260
 
0.45
 
   
12,083,088
 
0.48
 
 

* The options exercise price was equal to the share price in the grant date.

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year, estimated by using the Black & Scholes option-pricing model, was $ 0.10, $ 0.07 and $ 0.08 for the year ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The fair value of the options was estimated on the date of grant, based on the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 0% for all relevant years; expected volatility of: 2004- 35%, 2003 - 45% and 49% for 2002; risk-free interest rates (in dollar terms) of: 2004- 2.9%, 2003 - 2.75% and 2.9% for 2002; and expected lives of 2 to 4 years, for all the reported years, depending on the vesting period of the options.


F-26


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 6 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued):

3)  
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2004:
 
     
Options outstanding 
 
Options exercisable 
 
         
Weighted 
     
Weighted 
 
         
average 
     
average 
 
     
Balance at 
 
remaining 
 
Balance at 
 
remaining 
 
     
December 31, 
 
contractual 
 
December 31, 
 
contractual 
 
     
2004 
 
life 
 
2004 
 
life 
 
     
Number 
 
In years 
 
Number 
 
In years 
 
 
Exercise prices:
                 
 
NIS 0.02
   
2,600
   
0.22 
   
2,600
 
0.22
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.1055
   
537,400
   
8.16
   
 
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.243
   
120,000
   
9.20
   
 
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.25
   
125,000
   
8.68
   
 
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.315
   
148,800
   
9.33
   
 
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.365
   
3,511,780
   
2.11
   
3,511,780
 
2.11
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.482
   
711,400
   
7.68
   
313,016
 
7.68
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.486
   
103,200
   
9.75
   
 
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.497
   
6,395,880
   
3.66
   
6,395,880
 
3.66
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.766
   
147,600
   
6.71
   
113,652
 
6.71
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.851
   
167,000
   
7.20
   
101,035
 
7.20
 
 
 
U.S.$ 0.931
   
2,049,701
   
6.38
   
1,895,873
 
6.38
 
 
U.S.$ 1.1
   
1,725,300
   
5.28
   
1,725,300
 
5.28
 
 
 
 
   
15,745,661
         
14,059,136
       

F-27


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 6 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued):
 
             c. Share Purchase Options:

                  1) According to specific agreements signed with consultants, directors and members of the Scientific Advisory Board, the Company has granted them options to purchase ordinary shares as described below. These shares are not part of the plans described in b. above. Each option entitles the holder to purchase one ordinary share of NIS 0.02 par value of the Company.

The following table summarizes information about share purchase options granted.

   
December 31
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
 
Number of options  

 
Balance outstanding at beginning of year
   
2,205,000
   
2,280,000
   
2,430,000
 
 
Changes during the year:
                 
 
Granted
   
380,000
   
   
 
 
Forfeited
   
   
(75,000
)
 
(150,000
)
 
Total at end of year (1)
   
2,585,000
   
2,205,000
   
2,280,000
 
 
(1) Exercise price:
                 
 
$ 0.497-0.538
   
930,000
   
930,000
   
930,000
 
 
$ 2.11
   
1,275,000
   
1,275,000
   
1,350,000
 
 
$ 0.238-0.306
   
380,000
   
   
 
       
2,585,000
   
2,205,000
   
2,280,000
 
 
Exercisable by year end:
                   
 
Exercise price:
                   
 
$ 0.497-0.538
   
922,188
   
894,063
   
847,188
 
 
$ 2.11
   
1,275,000
   
1,275,000
   
1,125,000
 
 
$ 0.238-0.306
   
75,901
   
   
 
       
2,273,089
   
2,169,063
   
1,972,188
 
 
The charges for stock compensation relating to options granted to consultants were $32,000 in 2004 (of which $30,000 was charged to research and development costs, and $2,000 was charged to general and administrative expenses).
 
See note 6b(1) for the weighted average assumptions used in the calculation of Black & Scholes option-pricing model.
 

F-28


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

        a. Royalty Bearing Agreements:

                1) Under a Research and License agreement with Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. (“Yeda”), the Company is committed to pay royalty payments at rates determined in the agreement not exceeding 3% of net sales, or royalty rates mainly between 20% to 25% of sublicensing fees, for products in development and research under such an agreement. (See also note 2).

                2) Although the Company usually conducts its own research and development, it also enters where appropriate into participation agreements with third parties in respect of particular projects. In connection with such agreements the Company may incur royalty and milestone obligations commitments at varying royalty rates not exceeding 5 % of future net sales or 25 % of sublicensing fees of products developed, based on such agreements.
 
                3) The Company is committed to pay royalties to the Government of Israel on proceeds from sales of products in the research and development of which the Government participates by way of grants. At the time grants were received, successful development of the related projects was not assured. In the case of failure of a project that was partly financed as above, the Company is not obligated to pay any such royalties. Under the terms of company's funding from the Israeli Government, royalties of 3% - 5% are payable on sales of products developed from projects so funded, up to 100% of the amount of the grant received by the Company (dollar linked); as from January 1, 1999 - with the addition of an annual interest based on Libor.

At December 31, 2004, the maximum amount of the contingent liability in respect of royalties related to ongoing projects to the government is $3,683,000.
 
In addition, the Company has received the approval of the Government of Israel for the transfer of manufacturing rights of its HepeX-B product, under the terms of the agreement with Cubist (see note 2). As a consequence, thereof, the Company is obligated to re-pay the grants received from the Government of Israel for the financing of the HepeX-B product from any amounts received by the Company from Cubist due to the sales of HepeX-B product, at a percentage rate per annum calculated based on the aggregate amount of grants received from the Government of Israel divided by all amounts invested by the Company in the research and development activities of HepeX-B, and up to an aggregate amount of 300% of the original amounts received for such project, including interest at the LIBOR rate. As of December 31, 2004, the aggregate amount received from the Government of Israel for the financing of the HepeX-B project including interest and Libor rate is equal to $4,145,000
 
         4) The Company entered into a licensing agreement with Cubist, see notes 2 and a(3) above for details.

F-29


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued):

           b. Rental Commitments:

            1) Premises occupied by the Company in Israel are rented under operating lease agreements until 2006, with an option to renew the lease agreements till 2007.

Future minimum rental payments under these agreements (dominated in U.S. dollars) are as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2004
 
 
 
 ($ in thousands)
 
In 2005
   
306
 
In 2006
   
355
 
In 2007
   
366
 
     
1,027
 

To secure the lease agreements in Israel, the Company provided a bank guarantee. As of December 31, 2004, the guarantee is secured by pledge on a long-term deposit amounting to $113,000 (December 31, 2003- $159,000) linked to the Israeli Consumer Price Index (“CPI”), which is included in the balance sheet as long-term deposit.

Premises occupied by the subsidiary in the U.S. are on a monthly renewal basis.

Rental expenses during the year ended December 31, 2004 amounted to $ 394,000, December 31, 2003 - $ 427,000 and December 31, 2002 - $ 362,000.

             2) The Company leases vehicles under the terms of certain operating lease agreements. These agreements expire in the years 2006 and 2007 .

Future minimum lease payments - linked to the CPI - are as follows:

   
December 31, 2004
 
 
   
($ in thousands) 
 
In 2005
   
75
 
In 2006
   
72
 
In 2007
   
49
 
     
196
 
         
 

Vehicles expense during the year ended December 31, 2004 amounted to $ 84,000, December 31, 2003 - $ 105,000 and December 31, 2002 - $ 121,000.

         c. Other Commitments

The Company has commitments to pay amounts aggregating $ 1,129,000 in respect of research and development costs (mainly for subcontractors) for the year 2005.

F-30


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 8 - TAXES ON INCOME:

               a. The Company

Measurement of results for tax purposes under the Income Tax (Inflationary Adjustments) Law, 1985:

Under this law, results for tax purposes are measured in real terms, having regard to the changes in the CPI. The Company is taxed under this law.

Results for tax purposes are measured on a real basis - adjusted for the increase in the Israeli CPI. As explained in note 1b, the financial statements are presented in dollars. The difference between the change in the Israeli CPI and the NIS-dollar exchange rate - both on annual and cumulative bases - causes a difference between taxable income and income reflected in these financial statements (see also note 1i).

Tax benefits under the Israeli Law for Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959

The Company has been granted an “approved enterprise” status under the Israeli Law for Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959. Income derived from the approved enterprise during a period of 10 years from the year in which this enterprise first realize taxable income, provided the maximum period to which it is restricted by the law has not elapsed, is entitled to tax benefits as follows:

Tax exemption for 2 years and reduced tax rate for the remaining 8 years. The Company has not yet incurred taxable income. The reduced tax rate is dependent upon the percentage of foreign-owned holdings (10% - 25%). Since the Company is currently over 49% foreign owned, it is entitled to reduced tax at the rate of 20%.

The Company has an "approved enterprise" plan from 2001. The expiration of this plan is in 2015.

If the Company distributed dividends from income derived from the approved enterprise during the period when it was tax exempt, the applicable tax rate will be 20%.

The entitlement to the above benefits is conditional upon the Company fulfilling the conditions stipulated by the law, regulations published there-under and the instruments of approval for the specific investment in approved enterprise. In the event of failure to comply with these conditions, the benefits may be cancelled and the company may be required to refund the amount of the benefits, in whole or in part, with the addition of interest.

Tax benefits under the Israeli law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxation), 1969

The Company qualifies as “industrial company” under the above law. In accordance with this law the company is entitled to certain benefits including accelerated depreciation on industrial buildings and equipment, a deduction of 12.5% per year of the purchase price of a good-faith acquisition of patent and certain other intangible property rights.

F-31


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 8 - TAXES ON INCOME
(continued):

 
Tax rates in Israeli applicable to income from other sources

Income not eligible for “approved enterprise” benefits, mentioned above, was taxed at the regular rate of 36% through December 31, 2003. In July 2004, an amendment to the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance was enacted. One of the provisions of this amendment is that the corporate tax rate is to be gradually reduced from 36% to 30%, in the following manner: the rate for 2004 will be 35%, in 2005 - 34%, in 2006 - 32%, and in 2007 and thereafter - 30%. Currently, it is not applicable to the Company.

 
b.
The subsidiary

The U.S. subsidiary is taxed according with U.S. tax laws.

 
c.
Current tax losses for tax purposes:

                 1) Company

Income tax of the Company is computed on the basis of the income in Israeli currency as determined for statutory purposes.

The Company incurred losses for tax purposes from inception.

The carryforward tax loss for tax purposes at December 31, 2004 is approximately $ 92 million (linked to the CPI), which may be offset against future taxable income, (including capital gains) with no expiration date.

         2) Subsidiary

The U.S. subsidiary is taxed under the applicable U.S. tax laws, and is working under a Cost Plus agreement with the Company. The subsidiary has incurred taxable income and recorded tax expenses.

                 3) The following table summarizes the taxes on income for the Company and its subsidiary for 2004, 2003 and 2002:
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
($ in thousands)
 
($ in thousands)
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
   
Company 
   
Subsidiary
   
Company
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
Company
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
Gain (loss) before taxes on
income
 
 
(16,582
)
 
158
   
(14,327
)
 
117
   
(17,211
)
 
98
 
 
Taxes on income
 
 
   
49
   
   
78
   
   
27
 
 
Net gain (loss) for the year
 
 
(16,582
)
 
109
   
(14,327
)
 
39
   
(17,211
)
 
71
 


F-32


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 8 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):

 
d.
Deferred income taxes
 
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had no tax exempt income. Virtually all of the Company temporary differences are in respect to carryforward tax losses. The Company expects that during the period its tax losses would be utilized, its income will be substantially tax exempt.
 
Accordingly, no deferred tax assets have been included in these financial statements in respect to the Company’s carryforward tax losses.

 
e.
Reconciliation of the theoretical tax expense to actual tax expense

The main reconciling item, between the statutory tax rate of the Company and the effective rate is the non-recognition of tax benefits from carryforward tax losses due to the uncertainty of the realization of such tax benefits (see above).

 
f.
Tax assessments

The Company received tax assessments for the years up to and including the 1998 tax year. The subsidiary has not been assessed for tax purposes since incorporation.
F-33


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 9 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION:

a.     
Short-term bank deposits

The deposits are denominated in dollar and bear a weighted average annual interest rate of 1.81 % as of December 31, 2004 (as of December 31, 2003 - 1.17%).

        b. Marketable securities:

                                1) As of December 31, 2004, there are no marketable securities. The balance as of December 31, 2003 composed as follows:

   
December 31, 2003
 
 
   
Amortized
cost
   
Unrealized
holding gains
   
Unrealized
holding
losses
   
Estimated
fair market
value
 
 
 
($ in thousands) 
 
Debentures:
                 
 
Linked to the Israeli CPI
   
71
   
   
(2
)
 
69
 
 
Unlinked
   
561
   
19
   
(17
)
 
563
 
       
632
   
19
   
(19
)
 
632
 
                             
 
 
                         
 
Short-term treasury notes and bonds:
 
                       
 
Linked to the U.S. dollar
   
10
   
   
   
10
 
 
Unlinked
   
93
   
14
   
   
107
 
       
103
   
14
   
   
117
 
       
735
   
33
   
(19
)
 
749
 


F-34


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 9 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):

                       2) Changes in marketable securities held for sale are as follows:


 
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
($ in thousands) 
 

 
Balance at beginning of year
   
749
   
1,637
   
1,178
 
 
Investments
       
71
   
1,219
 
 
Proceeds from sales
   
(722
)
 
(1,048
)
 
(716
)
 
Reclassifications into earnings (loss) from other
comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
(14
)
 
62
   
(3
)
 
Realized gain (loss) from sales
   
(13
)
 
27
   
(41
)
 
 
       
749
   
1,637
 
 
             c. Accounts receivable - other:
 
 
 
December 31
 
     
2004
 
 
2003
 
     
($ in thousands)
 
 
Office of the Chief Scientist of
the Israeli Ministry of Industry (“OCS”)
   
   
537
 
 
Prepaid expenses
   
165
   
119
 
 
Employees
   
24
   
36
 
 
Value Added Tax authorities
   
101
   
6
 
 
Sundry
   
16
   
8
 
       
306
   
706
 

             d. Accounts payable and accruals:

 
Suppliers
   
1,108
   
1,334
 
 
Accrued expenses
   
1,337
   
1,077
 
 
Institutions and employees in respect of salaries
and related benefits
   
294
   
280
 
 
Provision for vacation pay and recreation pay
   
385
   
300
 
 
Sundry
   
10
   
10
 
       
3,134
   
3,001
 


F-35


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 9 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):

Statements of operations:

            e. Research and development costs:
 
           
Period from
 
           
March 9, 1993
 
   
Year ended December 31
 
to December 31,
 
     
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
 
2004
 
 
 
($ in thousands) 

 
Wages, salaries and related benefits
   
2,776
   
3,450
   
3,958
   
20,945
 
 
Sub-contractors expenses
   
6,430
   
6,799
   
5,575
   
33,856
 
 
Laboratories supplies
   
754
   
1,128
   
1,653
   
8,406
 
 
Consulting
   
549
   
494
   
396
   
3,194
 
 
Rent and maintenance
   
725
   
866
   
926
   
4,004
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
277
   
369
   
415
   
2,717
 
 
Other
   
474
   
562
   
308
   
2,101
 
       
11,985
   
13,668
   
13,231
   
75,223
 

            f. General and administrative expenses:
 
 
Wages, salaries and related benefits
   
1,890
   
1,244
   
1,704
   
11,080
 
 
Corporate communications
   
289
   
228
   
598
   
2,210
 
 
Professional fees
   
647
   
564
   
662
   
3,515
 
 
Director fees
   
243
   
183
   
181
   
1,387
 
 
Rent and maintenance
   
90
   
104
   
135
   
865
 
 
Communication
   
34
   
33
   
43
   
195
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
42
   
70
   
55
   
589
 
 
Patent registration fees
   
271
   
125
   
71
   
1,017
 
 
Other
   
628
   
554
   
189
   
2,697
 
       
4,134
   
3,105
   
3,638
   
23,555
 

             g. Business development costs:

 
Wages, salaries and related benefits
   
410
   
408
   
567
   
2,501
 
 
Travel
   
36
   
136
   
140
   
742
 
 
Professional fees
   
364
   
120
   
209
   
1,043
 
       
810
   
664
   
916
   
4,286
 


F-36


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 9 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):

             h. Financial income, net:
 
           
March 9, 1993
 
   
Year ended December 31
 
to December 31,
 
     
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
 
2004
 
 
 
($ in thousands) 
 
Financial income:
 
         
 
Interest received
   
297
   
458
   
1,360
   
8,725
 
 
Foreign exchange differences gain
   
67
   
   
   
203
 
 
Gain from available for sale securities
   
13
   
62
   
   
(13
)
 
Other
   
   
   
   
156
 
       
377
   
520
   
1,360
   
9,097
 
 
Financial expenses:
                       
 
Foreign exchange differences loss
   
   
148
   
733
   
1,921
 
 
Interest paid
   
   
   
   
374
 
 
Loss from available for sale securities
   
   
   
3
   
14
 
 
Other
   
25
   
20
   
27
   
88
 
 
 
   
25
   
168
   
763
   
2,397
 
 
Financial income, net
   
352
   
352
   
597
   
6,700
 

NOTE 10 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT:

              a. Linkage terms of balances in non-dollars currency:

            1) As follows:
 
     
December 31, 2004 
 
     
Israeli currency 
   
Other
 
     
Unlinked 
   
 
 
   
 ($ in thousands)
Assets
   
837
   
432
 
Liabilities
   
1,458
   
237
 

The above balances do not include Israeli currency balances linked to the dollar.

F-37


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 10 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (continued):

         2) Data regarding the changes in the exchange rate of the dollar and the Israeli CPI:

     
 Year ended December 31
 
     
 2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
Devaluation (evaluation) of the Israeli
currency against the dollar
   
(1.6%)
 
 
(7.6%)
 
 
7.3%
 
 
Changes in the Israeli CPI
   
1.2%
 
 
(1.9%)
 
 
6.5%
 
 
Exchange rate of one dollar (at end of year)
   
NIS 4.308
   
NIS 4.379
   
NIS 4.737
 

b.  
Fair value of financial instruments

The financial instruments of the Company and of its subsidiary consist of non-derivative assets and liabilities, included in working capital.

In view of their nature, the fair value of this financial instruments is usually identical or close to their carrying value.

c.  
Concentration of credit risks

Most of the Company’s and its subsidiary’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at balance sheet dates were deposited with Israeli banks. The Company is of the opinion that the credit risk in respect of those balances is remote.

NOTE 11 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT:

On March 31, 2005, the Company announced that it is implementing a restructuring plan designed to focus its resources on the development of its lead programs. As part of this plan, the Company took a charge in March 2005 of approximately $110,000 relating to employee dismissal costs.

NOTE 12 - UNAUDITED SUBSEQUENT EVENT:

In August 2005, the Company amended its licensing agreement with Cubist. Under the terms of the agreement, as amended, Cubist paid the Company an initial up front nonrefundable payment of U.S.$1 million upon the signing of the agreement, and a payment of U.S.$1 million (out of which $185,000 was recorded as revenue in the year ended December 31, 2004) as collaboration support paid in 2004 (instead of a total of $2 million to be paid in installments through 2005, as per the original agreement). Furthermore under the terms of the agreement, as amended, Cubist shall make a payment in the amount of U.S.$3 million upon achievement of certain regulatory milestones till 2007 or an amount of U.S.$2 million upon achievement of the same certain regulatory milestones till 2008.


F-38

 
EX-1 2 v022798_ex1.htm
 
The Companies Law 5759-1999

Public Company

 
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

OF

 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
_____________________________


 
3 = 60 G:\DOCS\WRAGGE2\JST\1771735\1B51802!.DOC


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

Contents

Part A: Definitions & Interpretations

1. Definitions
 
2. Interpretation

Part B: The Company, its Objects and its Capital

3. The Company and its Objects
4. Capital of the Company
5. Limited Liability
6. Rights attaching to Shares
7. Shareholders
8. Changes in Share Capital
9. Special Rights; Modification of Rights
10. Consolidation, Subdivision, Cancellation and Reduction of Share Capital
 
Part C: The Shares

11. Share Certificates and uncertified shares
12.  Transfer of Shares
13.  Notice of Refusal
14. Call on Shares
15. Prepayment
16. Forfeiture and Surrender
17. Lien
18. Sale after Forfeiture or Surrender or in Enforcement of Lien 
19. Redeemable Shares
20. Conversion of Shares into Stock
21. Decedents’ Shares

Part D: General Meetings

22. Convening a General Meeting
23. Notices to Shareholders
24. Resolutions at General Meetings
25. Voting by Proxy and in Other Manners

Part E: The Board of Directors

26. The Board of Directors, Appointment and Removal of Directors
27. Alternate Director and Corporate Representative
28. Directors Remuneration
29. Chairman of the Board of Directors
30. Convening and Conduct of Meetings of the Board of Directors
31. Notice of Meetings of the Board of Directors
32. Authority of the Board of Directors
33. Committees of the Board of Directors


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
Part F: The Managing Director and Officers

34. The Managing Director
35. The Secretary
36. Personal Interest in Transactions of the Company
37. Insurance, Release and Indemnity of Officers
38. Signature in the Name of the Company

Part G: Minutes, Registers and Books of Account

39. Minutes
40. Books and Registers of the Company
41. Information and Documents

Part H: Audit

42. Auditor

Part I:  Reserves, Distributions, Bonus Shares and Reduction of Capital

43. Reserves
44. Distribution of Dividends and Bonus Shares
45. Reduction of Capital
46. Acquisition of Securities of the Company by the Company itself

Part J:  Liquidation, Merger and Reorganisation

47. Liquidation
48. Reorganisation
49. Presumption of Delivery of Notices
 

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
PART A: DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1. Definitions

In these Articles of Association, the following terms shall have the meaning appearing opposite them, unless another interpretation is expressly stated herein:

"Alternate Director"
As defined in Part E below
“Auditors”
Means the auditors for the time being of the Company or, in the case of joint auditors, anyone of them;
"Board of Directors"
The Board of Directors of the Company elected or properly appointed in accordance with the provisions of these Articles of Association or present or deemed to be present at a duly/convened meeting of Directors at which a quorum is present; any committee of the Board of Directors to the extent that any of the authorities of the Board of Directors are delegated to it; any person authorised by the Board of Directors, to the extent so authorised, for the purposes of any matter or class of matters;
"Business Day"
A day on which customer services are provided by a majority of the commercial banks in Israel and in the United Kingdom;
“CA1985”
Means the Companies Act 1985 and where the context requires, every other statute from time to time in force concerning companies and affecting the Company; (including without limitation, the Regulations)
“Chairman”
Means the Chairman (if any) of the Board or, where the context requires, the Chairman of a general meeting of the company
 
1

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
 
"Companies Law"
The Companies Law, 5759 - 1999, as the same shall be amended from time to time, or any other law which shall replace that Law, together with any amendments thereto;
"Companies Ordinance"
Those sections of the Companies Ordinance [New Version] 5743 - 1983 that shall remain in force after the date of the coming into force of the Companies Law, as the same shall be amended from time to time thereafter, or any other law which shall replace those sections after the date of entry into force of the Companies Law;
"Company"
XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
"Corporate Representative"
As defined in Part E below;
“Depository”
Means a custodian or other person (or a nominee for such custodian or other person) appointed under contractual arrangements with the Company or other arrangements approved by the Board of Directors whereby such custodian or other person or nominee holds or is interested in shares of the Company or rights or interests in shares of the Company and issues securities or other documents of title or otherwise evidencing the entitlement of the holder thereof to or to receive such shares, rights or interests, provided and to the extent that such arrangements have been approved by the Board for the purpose of these Articles, and shall include where approved by the Board, the trustees (acting in their capacity as such) of any employees share scheme established by the Company or any other scheme or arrangement principally for the benefit of employees or those in the service of the Company and/or its subsidiaries or their respective businesses and the managers (acting in their capacity as such) of any investment or savings plan, which in each case the Board has approved.
 
2

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
"Director" or "Directors"
A member or members of the Board of Directors who are elected or appointed in accordance with the provisions of these Articles of Association, including an Alternate Director and a Corporate Representative serving in such capacity at the relevant time;
"Document"
Including a printed article, photocopy, telegram, facsimile, electronic mail, web-site and any other visible of words, and any other graphic form stored in a computer or stored in any other form;
“execution”
Includes any mode of execution (and “executed” shall be construed accordingly)
"Extraordinary Transaction"
A Transaction which is not in the ordinary course of business of the Company; a Transaction which is not on market terms or a Transaction liable to have a material affect on the profitability of the Company, its assets or its liabilities; an arrangement between the Company and an Officer regarding the terms of his office and engagement, including the grant of a release from liability, insurance, and an undertaking to indemnify or an indemnity according to the Indemnity Permit.
“General Meeting”
Any general meeting of the members other than an annual general meeting in accordance with Article 22.4
“holder”
Means (in relation to any share) the member whose name is entered in the Register as the holder or, where the context permits the members whose names are entered in the Register as the joint holders of that share;
 
3

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
"Information"
Including know-how, statistics, financial statements, records of account, documents (including drafts), computer files, computer print-outs, agreements, protocols (including protocols of meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees), registers, business plans, valuations, forecasts, lists of clients, price-lists, costs, market surveys and any other similar information related directly or indirectly to the activities of the Company;
“Israeli Securities Authority”
Means the Israeli Securities Authority as established in accordance with Section 2 of the Israeli Securities Act - 5728.
“London Stock Exchange”
Means London Stock Exchange plc or other principal stock exchange in the United Kingdom for the time being on which the Ordinary Shares are listed;
"Managing Director"
The person holding this title and any person having the authority of a Managing Director, whatever his title.
"Office "or" the Offices of the Company"
The registered office of the Company at the relevant time;
 
"Officer"
a Director, General Manager, Chief Business Manager, Deputy General Manager, Vice General Manager, any person who holds a said position in the company even if he has a different title, and also any other manager who is directly subject to the authority of the General Manager.
“Ordinary Share”
Means an ordinary share of the Company (as defined in Article 4.1)
“Recognised Person”
Means a recognised clearing house or a nominee of a recognised investment exchange which is designated as mentioned in section 185 (4) CA 1985
 
4

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
"Reduction of Capital"
A distribution which is not a permitted distribution under the provisions of the Companies Law;
"Register"
The shareholders register together with any additional shareholders register that the Company may maintain outside Israel in England/pursuant to Article 40.3;
“Regulations”
Means the Uncertified Securities Regulations 1995 (SI 1995 No.3272) including any modifications thereof and rules made thereunder or any regulations in substitution thereof made under section 207 Companies Act 1989 for the time being in force;
“Secretary”
Means the secretary for the time being of the Company or any other person appointed to perform any of the duties of the secretary of the Company including a joint, temporary, assistant or deputy secretary.
"Security"
Share, debenture, capital note, security, certificate or right entitling membership or participation in the Company or a claim from it (if issued in series), a certificate or right entitling the holder to acquire a security of the Company, in each case whether the security is in name form or bearer form including a debenture or option convertible into shares;
"Simple Majority"
A majority of those present and voting at a general meeting or meeting of the Board of Directors. The vote of any person present at a meeting as aforesaid who does not vote or abstains from voting with respect to any matter on the agenda shall not be included in the number of votes cast;
"Surplus Account"
The profits of the Company as appearing in the books of accounts of the Company;
 
5

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
"These Articles of Association" or "The Articles of Association"
These Articles of Association, as they shall be amended from time to time by the General Meeting;
 
"Transaction"
A contract or an agreement or a unilateral decision to bestow a right or some other benefit;
“United Kingdom”
Means Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
“writing” or “written”
Means and includes printing, typewriting, lithography, photography and any other modes or mode or representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form;
"Year" or "Month"
According to the Gregorian calendar;

2. Interpretation

2.1 Subject to the provision of Article 1 above, and unless the context expressly requires some other interpretation, the terms defined in the Companies Law or in the Companies Ordinance, as the case may be, shall bear the same meaning in these Articles of Association; words in the singular shall include the plural and, vice versa; masculine terms shall include the feminine gender, and words indicating individuals shall include corporations.

2.2 Any Article in these Articles of Association which provides for an arrangement which differs in whole or in part from any provision in the Companies Law or the Companies Ordinance, as the case may be, which can be stipulated against, amended or added to, in whole or with regard to specific matters or within specific limitations, in accordance with any law, shall be considered a stipulation against the provision of the Companies Law or Companies Ordinance, as the case may be, even if the actual stipulation is not specified in the said Article, and even if it is expressly stated in the Article (in whatever form) that the effectiveness of the Article is subject to the provisions of any law.
 
6

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
2.3 In the event of a contradiction between any Article and the provisions of any law that may not be stipulated against, amended or added to, the provisions of the said law shall prevail, provided that nothing thereby shall nullify or impair the effectiveness of these Articles or any other Article therein.

In interpreting any Article or examining its effectiveness, the interpretation shall be given to that Article which is most likely to achieve its purpose as appearing therefrom or as appearing from the other Articles included within these Articles of Association.


PART B: THE COMPANY, ITS OBJECTS AND ITS CAPITAL

3.  The Company and its Objects

3.1 The Company is a public company.

3.2 The objects of the Company shall be that it may undertake any lawful activity.

3.3 The Company may contribute reasonable amounts for any suitable purpose or categories of purpose even if such contributions do not fall within business considerations of the Company. The Board of Directors may determine the amounts of the contributions, the purpose or category of purposes for which the contribution is to be made, and the identity of the recipients of any contribution.

3.4 The Company may at any time undertake any kind of business activity which is permitted to the Company under the terms of these Articles, expressly or by implication, and may refrain from these activities, whether or not the Company has commenced that kind of business activity, all in the absolute discretion of the Board of Directors.

4. Capital of the Company
4.1 The authorised share capital of the Company at the date of the adoption of these Articles is NIS 6,000,000 (Six Million New Israel Shekalim) divided into 300,000,000 (Three Hundred Million) Ordinary Shares, nominal value NIS 0.02 .

7

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
5. Limited Liability

5.1 The liability of the shareholders of the Company for the indebtedness of the Company shall be limited as follows:

5.2 If the shares of the Company have a nominal value, the liability of each shareholder for the indebtedness of the Company is limited to payment of the nominal value and any premiuim thereon of the shares of that shareholder.

5.3 If at any time the Company shall issue shares with no nominal value, the liability of the shareholders shall be limited to payment of the amount which the shareholders should have paid to the Company in the respect of each share according to the conditions of issue.

6. Rights attaching to the Shares

6.1 The shares of the Company shall be under the control of the Board of Directors, who shall have the power to allot shares or otherwise dispose of them to such persons, on such terms and conditions, and either at par or at a premium, or, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, at a discount, and at such times, as the Board of Directors may think fit, and the power to give to any person the option to acquire from the Company any shares, either at par or at a premium, or, subject as aforesaid, at a discount, during such time and for such consideration as the Board of Directors may think fit.

6.2 Unless these Articles provide otherwise, all of the shares shall carry equal rights for all purposes, and each share shall vest in the holder thereof the right:

6.2.1 to receive an invitation to and to participate in each general meeting of the Company, annual or special, and the right to one vote in respect of each share held in every vote at each general meeting of the Company in which he participates provided that the share is owned by the shareholder on the date upon which it is resolved to convene the General Meeting in question;

6.2.2 to receive dividends (if and to the extent distributed), the right to receive bonus shares (if and to the extent distributed) - in each case in accordance with the number of shares and the nominal value of the shares that he holds on the date upon which it is resolved to distribute the dividend or bonus shares or other distribution (as the case may be) or at such later date as shall be provided in the resolution in question;

8

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
6.2.3 to participate in the distribution of any surplus assets of the Company upon liquidation.

6.3 Reserved.
 
6.4 Reserved.

6.5 Subject to the provisions of any law, if any, the Company (acting through the Board of Directors) may issue shares, whether included within the original capital of the Company or as a result of an increase in capital, with rights that are superior or inferior to the outstanding shares, or may issue shares which are preferred or subordinated with regard to distributions, voting rights, the right to repayment of capital or in connection with any other matter, all as the Company shall determine from time to time.

6.6 If at any time the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the General Meeting may, unless the terms of issue of that class of shares provide otherwise, amend, convert, expand, add to or otherwise alter the rights, preferences, limitations and directions relating to those shares (or which do not relate at such time to one of the classes), provided that the holders of the class of shares that have been issued and whose rights will be affected thereby agree thereto at a meeting of the holders of the shares of the said class.

6.7 The special rights of the holders of any shares or class of shares that have been issued, including shares issued with preferred rights or other special rights, shall not be deemed to have been altered or impaired as a result of the creation or issue of additional shares of equal rank or as a result of the cancellation of authorised share capital of the same class which have not yet been issued, unless it is otherwise specified in the conditions of issue of those shares.

6.8 The consolidation or division of the share capital of the Company shall not be deemed to amend the class rights attaching to the shares which are the subject of such consolidation or division.

9

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
6.9 The provisions of these Articles with respect to General Meetings shall apply to all meetings of any class of shareholders, mutatis mutandis.

6.10 Subject to any special provisions in this regard contained in these Articles and to any relevant authority of the Company in general meeting required by CA1985 or by the Companies Law, the unissued shares forming part of the authorised share capital of the Company shall at all times be under the control of the Board of Directors, which shall be entitled to issue or otherwise deal with them, in favour of such persons, for cash or other non-cash consideration, upon such terms and conditions and at such times as the Board of Directors shall deem fit. The Board of Directors shall have full authority to issue a demand for payment in respect of any shares at such times, for such period and for such consideration as the Board of Directors shall deem fit, and to grant any person the right to demand that any shares be issued to him at such times, for such period and for such consideration as the Board of Directors shall determine in its absolute discretion.

6.11 Subject to Article 9.1 below, the Board of Directors of the Company may resolve to issue shares without nominal value. In the event that shares are issued without nominal value, only the number of such shares shall be fixed in the Articles of Association and the provisions of the Companies Law regarding the conversion of shares with a nominal value to shares with no nominal value or the provisions of these Articles of Association dealing with authorised or issued capital shall apply, mutatis mutandis.

6.12 The Board of Directors of the Company may pay brokerage, underwriting or agents fees in connection with any issue of securities of the Company, in such a manner as the Board of Directors shall determine, and subject to the provisions of any law.

6.13 Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, all or any of the rights for the time being attached to any class of shares for the time being issued may from time to time (whether or not the Company is being wound up) be varied or abrogated with the consent in writing of the holders of three quarters in nominal value of the issued shares of the class or with the sanction of an extraordinary resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of those shares.
 
10

XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. - ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
7. Shareholders

7.1  A shareholder (“Shareholder”) is any one of the following:

(1) a person to whose credit a share is registered with a stock exchange shareholder, and that share is included among the shares registered in the name of a registration company in the register of the Company’s shareholders (“Shareholders Register”);

(2) a person registered as a shareholder in the shareholders Register in accordance with Part C [Share Certificates/Uncertified Shares] 

(3) a person who holds a share certificate.

7.2 Unless otherwise specified in any law or in these Articles, the Company shall be entitled to treat the registered holder of any share, including a shareholder holding a share on trust, as the absolute owner, and accordingly shall not be required to recognize any claim on the part of any person on the basis of any equitable right or on any other basis in relation to such share, or in relation to any benefit therein on the part of any other person unless an order to this effect has been given by a court of competent jurisdiction.

7.3 The Board of Directors of the Company may, from time to time, settle procedures in connection with determining the identity of shareholders and in connection with the manner in which any right, benefit, asset or amount should be transferred to or distributed among them, including, without limitation, with respect to the distribution of dividends or bonus shares, and with respect to the grant of any right, asset or other benefit to the shareholders of the Company in their capacity as such. Any monies, bonus shares, rights or property of any kind that are transferred to a shareholder (including to his agent, attorney or to any other person that the shareholder directs) whose identity has been authenticated in accordance with the procedures as aforesaid shall be deemed settlement in full and release of the indebtedness of the Company towards any person claiming a right to such payment, transfer, distribution or grant of right, as the case maybe.
 
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8. Changes in Share Capital

8.1 The General Meeting of the Company may, from time to time, by resolution requiring the approval of shareholders holding a majority of the voting rights in the Company, whether or not all the shares then authorized have been issued, and whether or not all the shares theretofore issued have been called up for payment, increase its share capital. Any such increase shall be in such amount and shall be divided into shares of such nominal amounts, and such shares shall confer such rights and preferences, and shall be subject to such restrictions, as such resolution shall provide.

8.2 Except to the extent otherwise provided in such resolution, any new shares included in the authorized share capital increased as aforesaid shall be subject to all the provisions of these Articles which are applicable to shares included in the existing share capital without regard to class (and, if such new shares are of the same class as a class of shares included in the existing share capital, to all of the provisions which are applicable to shares of such class included in the existing share capital).

8.3 The General Meeting of the Company may, from time to time, cancel any of its unissued authorised share capital, unless there is any outstanding obligation on the part of the Company, including a conditional obligation, to issue the shares.

8.4 Subject to the provisions of any law and the provisions of these Articles, the Company shall be entitled, from time to time, to cancel any issued share capital.

9. Special Rights; Modifications of Rights 

9.1 Subject to the provisions of these Articles, and without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred upon the holders of existing shares in the Company, the Company may, from time to time, by resolution requiring the approval of shareholders holding a majority of the voting rights in the Company present at such shareholders meeting, provide for shares with such preferred or deferred rights or rights of redemption or other special rights and/or such restrictions, whether in regard to dividends, voting, repayment of share capital or otherwise, as may be stipulated in such resolution.

9.2 The provisions of these Articles relating to General Meetings shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to any separate General Meeting of the holders of the shares of a particular class, provided, however, that the requisite quorum at any such separate General Meeting shall be one or more shareholders present in person or proxy and holding not less than one-third of the issued shares of such class.

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9.3 Unless otherwise provided by these Articles, the enlargement of an authorized class of shares , or the issuance of additional shares thereof out of the authorized and unissued share capital, shall not be deemed, for purposes of this Article 9, to modify or abrogate the rights attached to the previously issued shares of such class or of any other class.

9.4 Subject to the terms of issue or of rights attached to any shares, the rights or privileges attached to any class of shares shall be deemed not to be varied or abrogated by the creation or issue of any new shares ranking pari passu in all respects (save as to the date from which such new shares shall rank for dividend) with or subsequent to those already issued or by the reduction of the capital paid up on such shares or by the purchase or redemption by the Company of its own shares in accordance with the provisions of these Articles.

10. Consolidation, Subdivision, Cancellation and Reduction of Share Capital 

10.1 The Company may, from time to time, by resolution requiring the approval of shareholders holding a majority of the voting rights in the Company present at such shareholders meeting (subject, however, to the provisions of applicable law):

10.1.1consolidate and divide all or any of its issued or unissued authorized share capital into shares of a per share nominal value which is larger than the per share nominal value of its existing shares,

10.1.2 subdivide its shares (issued or unissued) or any of them, into shares of smaller nominal value than is fixed by these Articles.

10.1.3 cancel any shares which, at the date of the adoption of such resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled, or

10.1.4 reduce its share capital in any manner, and with and subject to any incident authorized, and consent required, by law.

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10.2 Subject to the provisions of these Articles, with respect to any consolidation of issued shares into shares of a larger nominal value per share, and with respect to any other action which may result in fractional shares, the Board of Directors may settle any difficulty which may arise with regard thereto, as it deems fit, and, in connection with any such consolidation or other action which could result in fractional shares, may, without limiting its aforesaid power:

(i) determine, as to the holder of shares so consolidated, which issued shares shall be consolidated into a share of a larger nominal value per share;

(ii) allot, in contemplation of or subsequent to such consolidation or other action, such shares or fractional shares sufficient to preclude or remove fractional share holdings;

(iii) redeem, in the case of redeemable preference shares, and subject to applicable law, such shares or fractional shares sufficient to preclude or remove fractional share holdings;

(iv) cause the transfer of fractional shares by certain shareholders of the Company to other shareholders thereof so as to most expediently preclude or remove any fractional shareholdings, and cause the transferees of such fractional shares to pay the transferors thereof the fair value thereof, and the Board of Directors is hereby authorized to act in connection with such transfer, as agent for the transferors and transferees of any such fractional shares, with full power of substitution, for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this sub-Article 10.2.


PART C: THE SHARES

11.   Share Certificates

11.1.1 Share certificates shall be signed by authorised signatories designated by the Board of Directors, together with the name of the Company in printed form or rubber stamp.

11.1.2 Each shareholder whose name appears in the Register shall be entitled to receive one share certificate in respect of the shares registered in his name, or, if the Board of Directors so authorises (and after payment of the amount which the Board of Directors shall determine from time to time) to a number of share certificates, each one in respect of one or more of these shares; each share certificate shall indicate the name of the shareholder, the number of shares in respect of which it has been issued, and additional particulars that shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

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11.1.3 A certificate in respect of a share registered in the names of two or more persons shall be delivered, to the person whose name appears first on the Register from among the names of the joint owners.

11.1.4 If a certificate is lost or damaged, or a shareholder holding more than one certificate representing the same class of shares and wishes to combine them into one certificate, the Board of Directors may issue a new certificate in its place, provided that that the original certificate is presented to and destroyed by the Board of Directors, or it is proved to the satisfaction of the Board of Directors that the certificate has been lost or destroyed, and the Board of Director receives security satisfactory to it in respect for any possible damage, in each case against payment if a requirement for such a payment is imposed.

11.1.5 The Company shall not issue shares other than shares that are paid in full. Shares shall be deemed to have been paid in full if the full amount of the nominal value and any premium thereon has been paid, in accordance with the terms of issue of the shares.

11.1.6  No certificate shall be issued representing shares held by a Recognised Person.

11.2   Uncertified shares

11.2.1   Notwithstanding anything in these Articles to the contrary any shares in the Company may be issued, held, registered, converted to, transferred or otherwise dealt with in uncertified form and converted from uncertificated form to certificated form in accordance with the Regulations and practices instituted by the operator of the relevant system. Any provisions of these Articles shall not apply to any uncertificated shares to the extent that such provisions are inconsistent with:
11.2.1.1   the holding of shares in uncertificated form;
11.2.1.2   the transfer of title to shares by means of a relevant system; or
11.2.1.3   any provision of the Regulations

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11.2.2   Without prejudice to the generality and effectiveness of the foregoing:
11.2.2.1   Article 11.1 and 12 shall not apply to uncertificated shares and any reference to registering a transfer of a share in Article 12 shall apply in relation to such shares as if the reference therein to the date on which the transfer was lodged with the Company were a reference to the date on which the appropriate instruction was received by or on behalf of the Company in accordance with the facilities and requirments of the relevant system;
11.2.2.2   without prejudice to Article 12 in relation to uncertified shares, the Board may also refuse to register a transfer of uncertificated shares in such other circumstances as may be permitted or required by the Regulations and the relevant system;
11.2.2.3   references in these Articles to a requirement on any person to execute or deliver an instrument of transfer or certificate or other document which shall not be appropriate in the case of uncertificated shares shall, in the case of uncertificated shares, be treated as references to a requirment to comply with any relevant requirements of the relevant system and any relevant arrangements or regulations which the Board may make from time to time pursuant to Article 11.2.2.11 below;
11.2.2.4   for the purposes referred to in Article 21 a person entitled by transmission to a share in uncertificated from who elects to have some other person registered shall either:
(i) procure that instructions are given by means of the relevant system to effect transfer of such uncertificated share to that person; or
(ii) change the uncertificated share to certificated form and execute an instrument of transfer of that certificated share to that person;
11.2.2.5  the Company shall enter on the Register the number of shares which are held by each member in uncertificated form and in certificated form and shall maintain the Register in each case as is required by the Regulations and the relevant system and, unless the Board otherwise determines, holdings of the same holder or joint holders in certificated form and uncertificated form shall be treated as separate holdings;
11.2.2.6  a class of share shall not be treated as two classes by virtue only of that class comprising both certificated shares and uncertificated shares or as a result of any provision of these Articles or the Regulations which applies only in respect of certificated shares or uncertificated shares;
11.2.2.7  for the purposes referred to in Article 11.2.1 the Board may in respect of uncertificated shares authorise some person to transfer and/or require the holder to transfer the relevant shares in accordance with the facilities and requirements of the relevant system;
11.2.2.8  for the purposes of Article 44, any payment in the case of uncertificated shares may be made by means of the relevant system (subject always to the facilities and requirements of the relevant system) and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing such payment may be made by the sending by the Company or any person on its behalf of an instruction to the operator of the relevant system to credit the cash memorandum account of the holder or joint holders of such shares or, if permitted by the Company, of such person as the holder or joint holders may in writing direct and for the purposes of Article 44 the making of a payment in accordance with the facilities and requirements of the relevant system concerned shall be a good discharge to the Company;
 
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11.2.2.9 subject to CA 1985 and the Regulations the Board may issue shares as certificated shares or as uncertificated shares in its absolute discretion and Article 43 shall be construed accordingly;
11.2.2.10 the Board may make such arrangements or regulations (if any) as it may from time to time in its absolute discretion think fit in relation to the evidencing and transfer of uncertificated shares and otherwise for the purpose of implementing and/or supplementing the provisions of this Article 11.2 and the Regulations and the facilities and requirements of the relevant system and such arrangements and regulations (as the case may be) shall have the same effect as if set out in this Article 11.2;
11.2.2.11 the Board may utilise the relevant system to the fullest extent available from time to time in the exercise of the Company’s powers or functions under CA 1985 or these Articles or otherwise in effecting any actions including permitting shares to be transferred to a Depository for the purposes of facilitating trading of interest in shares within the relevant system in accordance with the Regulations; and
11.2.2.12 the Board may resolve that a class of shares is to become a participating security and may at any time determine that a class of shares shall cease to be a participating security.

11.2.3 Where any class of shares in the capital of the Company is a participating security and the Company is entitled under any provisions of CA 1985 or the rules made and practices instituted by the operator of any relevant system or under these Articles to dispose of, forfeit, enforce a lien or sell or otherwise procure the sale of any shares which are held in uncertificated form, such entitlement (to the extent permitted by the Regulations and the rules made and practices instituted by the operator of the relevant system) shall include the right to:
11.2.3.1 request or require the deletion of any computer-based entries in the relevant system relating to the holding of such shares in uncertificated form; and/or
11.2.3.2 require any holder of any uncertificated shares which are the subject of any exercise by the Company of any such entitlement, by notice in writing to the holder concerned, to change his holding of such uncertificated shares into certificated form within such period as may be specified in the notice, prior to completion of any disposal, sale or transfer of such shares or direct the holder to take such steps, by instructions given by means of a relevant system or otherwise, as may be necessary to sell or transfer such shares; and/or
 
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11.2.3.3 appoint any person to take such other steps, by instruction given by means of a relevant system or otherwise, in the name of the holder of such shares as may be required to effect a transfer of such shares and such steps shall be as effective as if they had been taken by the registered holder of the uncertificated shares concerned; and/or
11.2.3.4 transfer any uncertificated shares which are the subject of any exercise by the Company of any such entitlement by entering the name of the transferee in the Register in respect of that share as a transferred share; and/or
11.2.3.5 otherwise rectify or change the Register in respect of that share in such manner as may be appropriate; and
11.2.3.6 take such other action as may be necessary to enable those shares to be registered in the name of the person to whom the shares have been sold or disposed of or as directed by him.

11.2.4 For the purposes of this Article 11:
11.2.4.1 words and expressions shall have the same respective meanings as in the Regulations;
11.2.4.2 references herein to an uncertificated share or to a share (or to a holding of shares) being in uncertificated form are references to that share being an uncertificated unit of a security, and references to a certificated share or to a share being in certificated form are references to that share being a unit of a security which is not an uncertificated unit; and
11.2.4.3 “cash memorandum account” means an account so designated by the operator of the relevant system.
 
12. Transfer of Shares

12.1 Subject to such of the restrictions of these Articles as may be applicable, each member may transfer all or any of his shares by instrument of transfer in writing in any usual form or in any form approved by the Board. Such instrument shall be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and (in the case of a transfer of a share which is not fully paid up) by or on behalf of the transferee. The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of such share until the name of the transferee is entered in the Register in respect of it.

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12.2         The Board may, in its absolute discretion and without giving any reason, refuse to register any transfer of a share (or renunciation of a renounceable letter of allotment) unless:
12.2.1   it is in respect of share which is fully paid up;
12.2.2   it is in respect of only one class of shares;
12.2.3   it is in favour of a single transferee or not more than four joint transferres;
12.2.4   it is duly stamped (if so required); and
12.2.5   it is delivered for registration to the Office or such other place as the Board may from time to time determine, accompanied (except in the case of a transfer by a recognised person where a certificate has not been issued or in the case of a renunciation) by the certificate for the shares to which it relates and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to prove the title of the transferor or person renouncing and the due execution of the transfer or renunciation by him or, if the transfer or renunciation is executed by some other person on his behalf, the authority of that person to do so; provided that the Board shall not refuse to register any transfer or renunciation of partly paid shares which are listed on the London Stock Exchange on the grounds that they are partly paid shares in circumstances where such refusal would prevent dealings in such shares from taking place on an open and proper basis.

13. Notice of refusal

13.1 If the Board refuses to register a transfer of a share it shall, within two months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with the Company, send notice of the refusal to the transferee. Any instrument of transfer which the Board refuses to register shall (except in the case of suspected or actual fraud) be returned to the person depositing it. All instruments of transfer which are registered may be retained by the Company.

14. Calls on Shares

14.1 The Board of Directors may, from time to time, as it, in its discretion, deems fit, make calls for payment upon shareholders in respect of any sum which has not been paid up in respect of shares held by such shareholders and which is not, pursuant to the terms of allotment or issue of such shares or otherwise, payable at a fixed time, and each shareholder shall pay the amount of every call so made upon him (and of each installment thereof if the same is payable in installments), to the person(s) and at the time(s) and place(s) designated by the Board of Directors, as any such time(s) may be thereafter extended and/or such person(s) or place(s) changed. Unless otherwise stipulated in the resolution of the Board of Directors (and in the notice hereafter referred to), each payment in response to a call shall be deemed to constitute a pro rata payment on account of all the shares in respect of which such call was made.

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14.2 Notice of any call for payment by a shareholder shall be given in writing to such shareholder not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the time of payment fixed in such notice, and shall specify the time and place of payment, and the person to whom such payment is to be made. Prior to the time for any such payment fixed in a notice of a call given to a shareholder, the Board of Directors may in its absolute discretion, by notice in writing to such shareholder, revoke such call in whole or in part, extend the time fixed for payment thereof, or designate a different place of payment or person to whom payment is to be made. In the event of a call payable in installments, only one notice thereof need be given.

14.3 If pursuant to the terms of allotment or issue of a share or otherwise, an amount is made payable at a fixed time (whether on account of such share or by way of premium), such amount shall be payable at such time as if it were payable by virtue of a call made by the Board of Directors and for which notice was given in accordance with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Article 13, and the provisions of these Articles with regard to calls and the non-payment thereof shall be applicable to such amount and the non-payment thereof.

14.4 Joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls for payment in respect of such share and all interest payable thereon.

14.5 Any shareholder on whom a call is made shall remain liable to pay all calls notwithstanding the subsequent transfer to a third party of the shares in connection to which the call was made.

14.6 Any amount called for payment which is not paid when due shall bear interest from the date fixed for until actual payment thereof, at such rate (not exceeding the then prevailing debitory rate charged by leading commercial banks in Israel), and payable at such time(s) as the Board of Directors may prescribe. In addition, all shareholder rights belonging to the shareholder who has not paid following a call shall be suspended until any amount called for payment, or installment thereof approved by the Board of Directors, has been paid.

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14.7 Upon the allotment of shares, the Board of Directors may provide for differences among the allottees of such shares as to the amounts and times for payment of calls for payment in respect of such shares.

15. Prepayment

With the approval of the Board of Directors, any shareholder may pay to the Company any amount not yet payable in respect of his shares, and the Board of Directors may approve the payment by the Company of interest on any such amount until the same would be payable if it had not been paid in advance, at such rate and time(s) as may be approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may at any time cause the Company to repay all or any part of the money so advanced, without premium or penalty. Nothing in this Article 14 shall derogate from the right of the Board of Directors to make any call for payment before or after receipt by the Company of any such advance.

16. Forfeiture and Surrender

16.1 If any shareholder fails to pay an amount payable by virtue of a call, or interest thereon as provided for in accordance herewith, on or before the day fixed for payment of the same, the Board of Directors, may at any time after the day fixed for such payment, so long as such amount (or any portion thereof) or interest thereon (or any portion thereof) remains unpaid, forfeit all or any of the shares in respect of which such payment was called for. All expenses incurred by the Company in attempting to collect any such amount or interest thereon, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and costs of legal proceedings, shall be added to, and shall, for all purposes (including the accrual of interest thereon), constitute a part of, the amount payable to the Company in respect of such call.

16.2 Upon the adoption of a resolution as to the forfeiture of a shareholder's share, the Board of Directors shall cause notice thereof to be given to such shareholder, which notice shall state that, in the event of the failure to pay the entire amount so payable by a date specified in the notice (which date shall be not less than fourteen (14) days after the date such notice is given and which may be extended by the Board of Directors), such shares shall be ipso facto forfeited, provided, however, that, prior to such date, the Board of Directors may nullify such resolution of forfeiture, but no such nullification shall estop the Board of Directors from adopting a further resolution of forfeiture in respect of the non-payment of the same amount.

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16.3 Without derogating from any other provision under these Articles, whenever shares are forfeited as herein provided, all dividends, if any, theretofore declared in respect thereof and not actually paid shall be deemed to have been forfeited at the same time.

16.4 The Company, by resolution of the Board of Directors, may accept the voluntary surrender of any share.

16.5 Any share forfeited or surrendered as provided herein shall become the property of the Company, and the same, subject to the provisions of these Articles, may be sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of as the Board of Directors deems fit.

16.6 Any shareholder whose shares have been forfeited or surrendered shall cease to be a shareholder in respect of the forfeited or surrendered shares, and shall return all relevant share certificates to the Company immediately. However, such shareholder shall, notwithstanding, be liable to pay, and shall forthwith pay, to the Company, all calls, interest and expenses owing upon or in respect of such shares at the time of forfeiture or surrender, together with interest thereon from the time of forfeiture or surrender until actual payment, at the rate prescribed in Article 13.6 above, and the Board of Directors, in its discretion, may, but shall not be obligated to, enforce the payment of such moneys, or any part thereof. In the event of such forfeiture or surrender, the Company, by resolution of the Board of Directors, may accelerate the date(s) of payment of any or all amounts then owing to the Company by the shareholder in question (but not yet due) in respect of all shares owned by such shareholder, solely or jointly with another.

16.7 The Board of Directors may at any time, before any share so forfeited or surrendered shall have been sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of, nullify the forfeiture or surrender on such conditions as it deems fit, but no such nullification shall estop the Board of Directors from re-exercising its powers of forfeiture pursuant to this Article 15.

17. Lien

17.1 Except to the extent the same may be waived or subordinated in writing, the Company shall have a first and paramount lien upon all the shares registered in the name of each shareholder (without regard to any equitable or other claim or interest in such shares on the part of any other person), and upon the proceeds of the sale thereof, for his debts, liabilities and engagements to the Company arising from any amount payable by such shareholder in respect of any unpaid or partly paid share, whether or not such debt, liability or engagement has matured. Such lien shall extend to all dividends from time to time declared or paid in respect of such share. Unless otherwise provided, the registration by the Company of a transfer of shares shall be deemed to be a waiver on the part of the Company of the lien (if any) existing on such shares immediately prior to such transfer.

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17.2 The Board of Directors may cause the Company to sell a share subject to such a lien when the debt, liability or engagement giving rise to such lien has matured, in such manner as the Board of Directors deems fit, but no such sale shall be made unless such debt, liability or engagement has not been satisfied within fourteen (14) days after written notice of the intention to sell shall have been served on such shareholder, his executors or administrators.

17.3 The net proceeds of any such sale, after payment of the costs thereof, shall be applied in or toward satisfaction of the debts, liabilities or engagements of such shareholder in respect of such share (whether or not the same have matured), or any specific part of the same (as the Company may determine), and the residue (if any) shall be paid to the shareholder, his executors, administrators or assigns.

18. Sale after Forfeiture or Surrender or in Enforcement of Lien

Upon any sale of a share after forfeiture or surrender or for enforcing a lien, the Board of Directors may appoint any person to execute an instrument of transfer of the share so sold and cause the purchaser's name to be entered in the Shareholders Register in respect of such share. The purchaser shall be registered as the shareholder and shall not be bound to see to the regularity of the sale proceedings, or to the application of the proceeds of such sale, and after his name has been entered in the Shareholders Register in respect of such share, the validity of the sale shall not be impeached by any person, and the remedy of any person aggrieved by the sale shall be in damages only and against the Company exclusively.

19. Redeemable Shares

19.1 The Company may, subject to applicable law, issue redeemable shares and redeem the same.

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19.2 Where a power is reserved to purchase redeemable shares: (i) unless a tender or partial offer is made to all holders of the class of securities on the same terms, the purchase must be limited to a maximum price which, in the case of purchasers through the market of redeemable shares other than those that are normally brought and traded by a limited number of investors who are particularly knowledgeable in investment matters, must not exceed five percent (5%) above the average market value for ten (10) consecutive business days before the purchases; and (ii) if purchases are made by tender, tenders must be available to all shareholders on equal terms..

20. Conversion of Shares into Stock

20.1 Subject to the provisions of Articles 9.2 hereof, the Board of Directors may, with the sanction of the shareholders previously given by resolution requiring the approval of shareholders holding a majority of the voting rights in the Company present at such shareholders meeting, convert any paid-up shares into stock, and may, with like sanction, reconvert any stock into paid-up shares of any denomination.

20.2 The holders of stock may transfer the same, or any part thereof, in the same manner and subject to the same regulations, as the shares from which the stock arose might have been transferred prior to conversion, or as near thereto as circumstances admit, provided, however, that the Board of Directors may from time to time fix the minimum amount of stock so transferable, and restrict or forbid the transfer of fractions of such minimum, but the minimum shall not exceed the nominal value of each of the shares from which such stock arose.

20.3 The holders of stock shall, in accordance with the amount of stock held by them, have the same rights and privileges as regards dividends, voting at meetings of the Company and other matters as if they held the shares from which such stock arose, but no such right or privilege, except participation in the dividends and profits of the Company, shall be conferred by any such aliquot part of such stock as would not, if existing in shares, have conferred that right or privilege.

20.4 Such of the Articles of the Company as are applicable to paid-up shares shall apply to stock, and the words "share" and "shareholder" (or "shareholder") therein shall include "stock" and "stockholder."

 
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21. Decedents' Shares
 
In case of a share registered in the names of two or more holders, the Company may recognize the survivor(s) as the sole owner(s) thereof unless and until the provisions of Article 20.2 have been effectively invoked.

Any person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death of any person, upon producing evidence of the grant of probate or letters of administration or declaration of succession (or such other evidence as the Board of Directors may reasonably deem sufficient), shall be registered as a member in respect of such share, or may, subject to the regulations as to transfer herein contained, transfer such share.


PART D - GENERAL MEETINGS

22. Convening a General Meeting

22.1 An Annual General Meeting shall be held once in every calendar year at such time (within a period of not more than fifteen (15) months after the last preceding Annual General Meeting) and at such place, either within or without the State of Israel, as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

22.2 Unless otherwise expressly directed by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provisions of these Articles shall apply, with such changes as shall be required in the circumstances, to the convening, conduct and proceedings of a General Meeting convened by order of a court of competent jurisdiction and of a General Meeting lawfully convened other than by the Board of Directors, and to any vote at such meeting.

22.3 Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, each General Meeting shall be convened at such place as the Board of Directors shall direct, or, if the Board of Directors does not direct a location for convening the meeting, at such place as the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall direct. If no location for the convening of the meeting is specified by the Board of Directors or by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the meeting shall convene at the Offices of the Company.

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22.4 All General Meetings other than Annual General Meetings shall be called "Special Meetings." The Board of Directors shall convene a Special Meeting in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors, and also at the request of each of the following:

(a) two Directors or 25% of the number of Directors then in office;

(b) one or more shareholders holding at least 5% of the issued share capital and at least 1% of the voting rights of the Company;

(c) one or more shareholder holding at least 5% of the voting rights of the Company.

22.5 The agenda for a General Meeting shall be determined by the Board of Directors and shall include also the matters in respect of which the convening of the General Meeting was requested. One or more shareholder holding at least 1% of the voting rights at a General Meeting may request the Board of Directors to include a matter on the agenda for a General Meeting that is to be convened in the future, provided that the matter is within the scope of the shareholders powers as set out in Section 57 of the Companies Act.

22.6 At a General Meeting, only matters included on the agenda shall be brought to a vote.

23. Notices to Shareholders

23.1 Notice of a General Meeting shall be delivered at least 21 days prior to the date for convening of the meeting (but not more than 45 days before such date) to each of the shareholders registered in the Register, in the manner specified in these Articles.

23.2 The notice of the General Meeting shall specify the date and place of convening the meeting, the agenda, reasonable details of the matters to be discussed at the meeting and arrangements for voting by proxy if the matters on the agenda for the meeting include matters in respect of which shareholders may vote by proxy under any law or in accordance with these Articles. If the agenda for the meeting includes a proposal to amend these Articles, the text of the proposed amendment shall be specified.

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23.3 If the Company has reason to believe that an address provided by a shareholder is no longer that shareholder's address, the shareholder shall be deemed not to have provided the Company with an address in each of the following instances:

(a) If the Company has sent the shareholder a letter by registered mail to that address, requiring the shareholder to confirm that the said address is still his address or to notify the Company of a new address and the Company has not received a reply within 60 days from the date of delivery of the said letter by the Company to the post office.

(b) If the Company has sent a letter by registered mail to the shareholder at the said address and the Postal Service - whether or not the Postal Service has returned the letter - has notified the Company that the letter was not delivered to the shareholder at the said address since he is not known at the said address or for any other similar reason.

22.4 Subject to the provisions of any law:

(a) the Company may deliver any notice and any document to a shareholder by hand or by mail to the address which the shareholder has provided to the Company;

(b) the Company may deliver any notice and any document to a shareholder by delivering the same to him in any other manner in writing, unless prohibited by law;

(c) confirmation in writing signed by an Officer of the Company regarding the delivery of a document or the service of notice in any of the manners specified above shall be deemed prima facie evidence of every matter contained therein;

(d) notice of a General Meeting shall be delivered in one of the manners specified above to each person who has the right to a share as a result of the death, bankruptcy or liquidation of a shareholder and who, but for any of the aforesaid circumstances, would have been entitled to receive notice of the General Meeting.

(e) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article 22.4 above, the Company may in lieu of sending separate notices to all the shareholders as set forth above, deliver notice to its shareholders by way of publishing a notice, in English, simultaneously in one widely available national newspaper in the United Kingdom and one widely available national newspaper in Israel. Such notice shall include all the details required by these Articles and by the applicable law for the convening of a shareholders meeting. Delivery of a notice by way of publishing in the newspapers as set forth above shall be deemed for all purposes as appropriate notice to the shareholders as required by these Articles.

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23.5 Each shareholder may waive his right to receive notice or his right to receive a notice at any specified time, and may agree that a General Meeting be convened and decisions taken thereat even though he has not received notice of the meeting or has not received notice within a specified time, in each case subject to the provisions of any law prohibiting a waiver or agreement of this nature.

23.6 The Company may give notice to joint holders of any share by notice to the joint holder whose name is first recorded on the Register with respect to that share.

23.7 The validity of any resolutions carried at a General Meeting shall not be affected if the Company, by oversight, has not sent a notice of the convening of the meeting to a shareholder entitled to receive written notice of the convening the meeting, or has sent an incomplete or incorrect notice regarding the convening of the meeting or its agenda, or has not served a notice as aforesaid to the shareholder or has delayed in sending or delivering the said notice.

23.8 Any document or notice delivered by the Company in accordance with the provisions of these Articles shall be deemed to have been properly served notwithstanding the death, bankruptcy or liquidation of that shareholder (whether or not the Company knew of the circumstance) so long as no other person has been registered in his place as shareholder in the Register, and delivery or service as aforesaid shall be deemed sufficient for all purposes with respect to any person who claims to be entitled to the shares in question.

24. Resolutions at General Meetings

24.1 No discussion shall be commenced at a general meeting unless a quorum is present at the commencement of the meeting. Other than where a different rule is provided in these Articles or by any law or by a court of competent jurisdiction, a quorum shall be two or more shareholders present in person or by proxy or by written proxy, who hold an aggregate of at least one third (1/3) of the voting rights in the Company

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24.2 If half an hour after the time set for the General Meeting no quorum is present, the meeting shall automatically be adjourned until the same day and same time one week thereafter, at the same place fixed for the original meeting (with no need for any notice to the shareholders) or until such other later time if such time is specified in the original notice convening the General Meeting, or if the Company serves notice to the shareholders no less than 72 hours before the date fixed for the adjourned meeting.

24.3 If at an adjourned meeting there is no quorum present half an hour after the time set for the meeting, any number participating in the meeting shall represent a quorum and shall be entitled to discuss the matters set down on the agenda for the original meeting.

24.4 Notwithstanding any other provision in these Articles, if the convening of a special meeting is demanded other than by resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company, the adjourned meeting shall take place only if there are present at least two shareholders holding voting rights in an amount no less than the amount required in order to constitute a quorum at the original meeting. If there is no quorum as aforesaid at the adjourned meeting, the meeting shall not be adjourned to another date and all of the proposed resolutions on the agenda shall be deemed to have been rejected by the meeting.

24.5 The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company shall act as Chairman of every General Meeting of the Company. If there is no Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Board of Directors has not determined that another individual shall act as Chairman of the meeting as aforesaid, or if the proposed Chairman is not present fifteen minutes after the time set for the meeting, or if that person does not wish to act as Chairman of the meeting, the shareholders present at the meeting shall themselves or by their proxies elect a shareholder or a proxy present at the meeting to act as Chairman of the meeting.

24.6 The Chairman of the meeting may, with the agreement of a meeting at which a quorum is present, postpone the meeting from time to time and from place to place, and he must postpone the meeting as aforesaid if the meeting directs him to do so. At a resumption of the meeting that has been adjourned as aforesaid, only those matters shall be discussed which were on the agenda of the original meeting and the discussion of which was not completed or commenced. There shall be no need to give any notice regarding the resumption of the adjourned meeting and regarding the matters on the agenda of the adjourned meeting.

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24.7 A resolution at a General Meeting shall be carried by a vote of the shareholders present and voting at the meeting, in person or by proxy. Every question submitted to a General Meeting shall be decided by a show of hands, but if a written ballot is demanded by a majority of the members present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting, the same shall be decided by such ballot. A written ballot may be demanded before the proposed resolution is voted upon or immediately after the declaration by the Chairman of the results of the vote by a show of hands. If a vote by written ballot is taken after such declaration, the results of the vote by a show of hands shall be of no effect, and the proposed resolution shall be decided by such written ballot. The demand for a written ballot may be withdrawn at any time before the same is conducted, in which event another member may then demand such written ballot. The demand for a written ballot shall not prevent the continuance of the meeting for the transaction of business other than the question on which the written ballot has been demanded.

24.8 Unless otherwise set forth in these Articles or required by Law, each resolution of the General Meeting shall be carried by a simple majority.

24.9 Each share shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote for each share which belongs to him and to which a voting right is attached without regard to the nominal value of that share, unless the terms of issue of the share provide otherwise.

24.10 The announcement by the Chairman that a resolution has been carried unanimously or by a certain majority or has been rejected shall be prima facie evidence of that fact. An announcement as aforesaid and a notification to this effect that has been recorded in the minute books of the Company shall be prima facie evidence of the matter stated therein and there shall be no need to prove the number of votes or the proportion of the votes cast in favour or against the proposed resolution.

25. Voting by Proxy and in Other Manners

25.1 A resolution may be adopted at a General Meeting without notice and without the meeting having been duly convened, provided that the resolution is carried unanimously by the shareholders entitled to vote at the General Meeting.

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25.2 A corporation which is a shareholder in the Company may authorise an Officer in the corporation to be its representative at any meeting of the Company. A person authorised as aforesaid shall be entitled to make use, on behalf of the corporation that he represents, of the same powers which the corporation itself could have used if it was an individual shareholder in the Company.

25.3 A shareholder who is a minor and a shareholder who has been declared legally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction may vote only through his guardian, and the said guardian may vote by proxy.

25.4 In the case of joint owners of a share, the vote of the principal joint owner shall be accepted by the Company, whether given in person or by proxy, and the vote of the remaining joint owners shall not be accepted. For the purpose of this Article, the principal joint owner shall be deemed to be the shareholder whose name first appears in the Shareholders Register with respect to the relevant shares.

25.5 A shareholder may appoint a proxy to vote in his place and the proxy need not be a shareholder in the Company. The appointment of a proxy shall be in writing signed by the person making the appointment or by an attorney authorised for this purpose, and if the person making the appointment is a corporation, by a person or persons authorised to bind the corporation.

25.6 The document appointing the proxy to vote (the "Appointment") and power of attorney (if any) pursuant to which the Appointment has been signed, or a copy thereof certified to the satisfaction of the Board of Directors, shall be deposited in the Office or at such other address as shall be specifiedin the notice of the meeting not less than 48 hours before the time of the meeting at which the person specified in the Appointment is due to vote.

25.7 A shareholder holding more than one share may appoint more than one proxy, subject to the following provisions:

(a) The Appointment shall indicate the class and number of shares in respect of which it is given;

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(b) If the number of the shares of any class specified in the Appointments that have been given by one shareholder exceeds the number of shares of that class held by him, all of the Appointments given by that shareholder shall be void;

(c) If only one proxy is appointed by the shareholder and the Appointment does not indicate the number and class of shares in respect of which it is given, the Appointment shall be deemed to have been given with respect to all of the shares owned by the shareholder at the time for determining the entitlement to participate and vote in the meeting (if the Appointment is given for a specific meeting) or in respect of all of the shares held by the shareholder at the date of depositing the Appointment with the Company or on the date of delivery to the Chairman of the meeting, as the case may be. In the event that an Appointment is given with respect to a number of shares less than the number of shares held by the shareholder, the shareholder shall be deemed to have abstained from voting with respect to the remainder of the shares that he owns and the Appointment shall be valid with respect to the number of shares specified therein.

25.8 Each appointment of a proxy, whether for a specific meeting or otherwise, shall, to the extent that the circumstances permit, be substantially in the following form (or such other form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors):

I, ________ (I.D. Number/Company Number ________) of ____________________, in my capacity as shareholder in ______________ Limited, hereby appoint ________, (I.D. Number/Company Number ______________) of ____________________, or in his/her absence, ______________, (I.D. Number/Company Number ______________) of ______________, to vote on my behalf and in my name with respect to ________ Class __ shares held by me at the (annual/special) meeting of the Company that shall be held on the ___ day of ________, and at any adjournment of such meeting.
 
In witness whereof I have signed hereon this ___ day of ________.
 
____________________
Name and Signature

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25.9 A vote cast pursuant to an Appointment appointing a proxy shall be valid notwithstanding the death of the person making the Appointment or the cancellation of the power of attorney or the transfer of the share in respect of which the vote is cast as aforesaid, unless notice in writing of the death, cancellation or transfer as aforesaid has been received in the Offices of the Company or by the Chairman of the meeting, by the time of the vote.
 
PART E: THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

26. The Board of Directors, Appointment and Dismissal of Directors

26.1 Until such time as the General Meeting decides otherwise, the number of members of the Board of Directors shall be not less than five (5) and not more than twelve (12).

26.2 The Directors of the Company shall be appointed by a simple majority of the shareholders at a duly convened General Meeting for a term of office which, unless terminated earlier as set forth in there Articles, shall expire upon the closing of the next Annual General Meeting. All the Director’s term of office shall expire upon the closing of the next General Meeting appointing Directors of the Company.
 
26.3 A Director may be removed from office by a simple majority of the shareholders of the Company at a duly convened General Meeting.

26.4 A Director who has been appointed or removed from office in accordance with these Articles shall commence his duties or shall cease to serve as Director, as the case may be, on the effective date of the closing of the General Meeting appointing or removing such Director as applicable.

26.5 In addition to the Directors who shall be appointed by written notice as aforesaid, the Board of Directors of the Company may at its discretion appoint additional Directors, provided that the number of members of the Board of Directors after such appointment shall not exceed the maximum number of Directors fixed in these Articles.

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26.6 A Director appointed by the Board of Directors shall commence his duties on the date fixed by the Board of Directors and such office shall expire, unless terminated earlier in accordance with these Articles, upon the closing of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company

26.7 Subject to the provisions of any law, a Director who has ceased to act as Director is eligible to be re-appointed.

26.8 Subject to the provisions of any law, the office of a Director shall be vacated (including the office of an Alternate Director and a Corporate Representative as defined in Article 26.5 below) automatically in each of the following events:-

(a) upon his death;

(b) if he is declared to be legally incompetent;

(c) if he is declared bankrupt, and if the Director is a corporation, if a liquidator, receiver, special manager or trustee (in each case temporary or permanent) is appointed for the corporation or its assets within the context of a creditors scheme of arrangement or an order of stay of proceedings;

(d) if he resigns from office by written notice to the Company, to the Chairman of the Board of Directors or to the Board of Directors, in which case the office of the Director shall be vacated on the date of service of notice or at such later date as is specified in the notice as the effective date of resignation;

(e) if his period of office has terminated in accordance with the provisions of these Articles;

(f) if the Director is convicted in a final judgment of an offence of a nature which disqualifies a person from serving as a company director;

(g) if a court of competent jurisdiction decides to terminate his office in a decision or judgment for which no stay of enforcement granted.

26.9 Notwithstanding anything stated in these Articles, the appointment of a Director, an Alternate Director or a Corporate Representative, as the case may be, (together "the Appointee") shall not come into effect before the Appointee has delivered to the Company a notice in writing in which the Appointee declares that he is lawfully competent to be appointed as a Director of the Company and that he agrees to be appointed as Director of the Company. The notice shall include the personal details of the Appointee for entry into the register of Directors of the Company (“Register of Directors”) of the Company and any other particulars required by law. The form of the aforesaid notice shall be set down by the Board of Directors from time to time and may be in the form of an affidavit prepared and authenticated in accordance with the law.

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26.10 If any Director is not appointed, or if the appointment of any Director does not come into force, or if the office of Director becomes vacant, the remaining Directors may act in any manner provided that their number does not fall below the minimum number specified in these Articles. If the number of Directors falls below the minimum number as aforesaid, the Directors shall not be able to act other than in emergencies, or for the purpose of convening a General Meeting, or for the purpose of the appointment of additional Directors by the Board of Directors.

26.11 A corporation is fit to act as a Director and as an Alternate Director of the Company.

27. Alternate Director and Corporate Representative

27.1 A Director may at any time appoint an alternate ("the Alternate Director"), who is fit to serve as Director of the Company (other than a person as aforesaid who at that time is serving as a Director, an Alternate Director of another Director or as an individual serving as a "Corporate Representative", as defined in Article 26.5 below). So long as the appointment of the Alternate Director remains in force, the Alternate Director alone is entitled to participate in any meeting of the Board of Directors and he shall have all of the duties, rights and authorities (other than the authority to appoint an alternate for himself) which the Director who appointed him has, but without thereby limiting the liability under any law of the Director who appointed him.

27.2 An Alternate Director may not serve as an alternate or Corporate Representative of more than one Director.

27.3 The appointment of an Alternate Director and the cancellation thereof shall be by written notice that the appointing Director shall deliver to the Company. The appointment and cancellation of appointment shall come into effect on the date of delivery of the notice to the Company or the date specified in the notice, whichever shall be later.

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27.4 A Director who appoints an Alternate Director may at any time cancel the appointment. In addition, the office of Alternate Director shall be vacated whenever the Alternate Director shall notify the Company in writing of his resignation from office as Alternate Director, with effect from the date of his notice or whenever the Director who has appointed the Alternate Director ceases to be a Director of the Company for whatever reason.

27.5 A corporation which acts as Director or Alternate Director shall appoint an individual who is qualified to be appointed as a Director of the Company to act on its behalf on the Board of Directors (the "Corporate Representative").

27.6 The appointment of a Corporate Representative and the cancellation thereof shall be by notice in writing which the appointing corporation shall deliver to the Company, and shall come into effect on the date of service of notice to the Company or on the date specified in the notice, whichever shall be later.

27.7 The appointing corporation shall not be entitled to the rights or authorities of a Director at a time at which the corporation has no validly appointed Corporate Representative.

28. Directors Remuneration

Subject to any approval required by law, a Director shall be entitled to receive from the Company director's remuneration, a benefit, and reimbursement or payment on account of expenses.
 
29. Chairman of the Board of Directors

29.1 The Board of Directors may appoint one of the Directors to act as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and may remove the Chairman of the Board of Directors and appoint another person in his place. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall not have a casting vote at meetings of the Board of Directors.

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29.2 The Chairman of the Board of Directors may, from time to time by written notice to the Company, appoint another Director to act as a Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors, to dismiss the Deputy Chairman and to appoint another in his place, provided that the tenure of the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors shall not cease even if the person who appointed him ceases to act as Chairman of the Board of Directors or as a Director, unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise. If the Chairman of the Board of Directors is not present 15 minutes after the beginning of a meeting of the Board of Directors, or if he does not wish to sit as Chairman of the meeting, the Deputy Chairman shall conduct the meeting and may exercise all of the authorities vested in the Chairman of the Board of Directors and shall have all of his powers, rights and authorities under these Articles and by law.

29.3 The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall have all of the powers, rights and authorities granted to him under these Articles or by law. Without prejudice to the generality of the aforesaid, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall have all power and authority necessary in order to carry out his functions and to exercise his rights and authorities in an efficient manner, including the authority to act in the name of the Company and on its behalf in the matters referred to above and to give directions to the Managing Director of the Company and to employees and consultants of the Company for this purpose.

29.4 If both the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Deputy Chairman are absent 15 minutes after the beginning of a meeting of the Board of Directors, or they do not wish to act as Chairman, or no Chairman of the Board of Directors has been appointed for the Company, the Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members (including an Alternate Director or Corporate Representative) to conduct the meeting and to sign the minutes of the meeting, provided that the said Chairman of the meeting shall not have an additional or casting vote in any vote of the Board of Directors.

30. Convening and Conduct of Meetings of the Board of Directors

30.1 The Board of Directors shall convene as often as the needs of the Company require.

30.2 The Board of Directors shall be convened as follows:

(a) In accordance with a decision of the Chairman of the Board of Directors;

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(b) At the request of two Directors;

(c) In any other case in which there is an obligation by any relevant law or regulation to convene a meeting of the Board of Directors.

30.3 If a meeting of the Board of Directors is convened by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors, the meeting shall be convened no earlier than three (3) business days following delivery of notice of the meeting to all of the members of the Board of Directors, unless the Chairman of the Board of Directors or a majority of the members of the Board of Directors determine that because of the urgent nature of any matter on the agenda, the meeting must be convened within a shorter period of time. In such a case, the meeting shall be convened in the manner which will allow the participation of the maximum number of members of the Board of Directors in the meeting. If a meeting is demanded other than by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors, the meeting shall be convened at such time as the persons authorised to convene the meeting shall determine, in a notice which shall be delivered by them to the members of the Board of Directors, but in any event no earlier than three business days after the date of delivery of the notice

30.4 Subject to the provisions of any law, the agenda for a meeting of the Board of Directors shall be fixed by the persons authorised to convene that meeting. At a meeting of the Board of Directors, only those matters specified in the notice convening the meeting shall be discussed, unless all of the members of the Board of Directors agree to discuss additional matters.

30.5 Meetings of the Board of Directors shall take place at the Offices of the Company, other than in the following circumstances:

(a) If the Company has a Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors may decide that a meeting be convened in some other place in Israel.

(b) The Board of Directors may decide to convene a meeting or meetings of the Board of Directors in some other place in Israel and this decision shall prevail over any contrary decision of the Chairman of the Board of Directors (if any).

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(c) The Board of Directors may, by unanimous agreement, in advance or after the fact, decide to convene a meeting or meetings of the Board of Directors at some place outside Israel.

30.6 The agenda of meetings of the Board of Directors shall be fixed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors and shall include:

(a) matters determined by the Chairman of the Board of Directors;

(b) matters specified by the person at whose request the meeting has been convened;

(c) any matter which a Director or the Managing Director of the Company has requested the Chairman to include on the agenda a reasonable time prior to the convening of the meeting of the Board of Directors.

30.7 The Board of Directors may hold meetings using any means of communication, provided that all of Directors participating can hear one another at the same time, as well as in any other manner permitted by law.

30.8 A quorum for a meeting of the Board of Directors shall be a majority of the members of the Board of Directors present at the start of the meeting.

30.9 The Board of Directors may make a decision without actually convening, provided that all of the Directors entitled to participate in the discussion and vote on the matter brought for decision agree thereto.

30.10 The Chairman of the Board of Directors or his Deputy or the person appointed by the Board of Directors or any person authorised by them shall record minutes of the decisions taken without the convening of the Board of Directors, as mentioned above. The minutes shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or the Chairman of the meeting, as the case may be.

30.11 At a vote of the Board of Directors, each Director shall have one vote.

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30.12 Decisions of the Board of Directors shall be carried by a simple majority of the Directors voting on any matter on the agenda.

30.13 Any action taken by or in accordance with a decision of the Board of Directors or by or in accordance with a decision of a Committee of the Board of Directors or by a Director acting in his capacity as Director shall be valid and effective even if it is subsequently discovered that there was a defect in the appointment of the Directors or the election of the Directors or if all or one of them was disqualified, in each case as if each of the Directors had been lawfully elected and as if he was fully qualified to act as Director, Alternate Director, Corporate Representative or member of the said Committee, as the case may be.

31. Notice of Meetings of the Board of Directors

31.1 A notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors that shall be convened by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors, may be delivered verbally, by telephone, in writing or by any other means of communication.

31.2 Notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered to each Director. If a Director has appointed an Alternate for himself, notice shall be provided both to the Director and to the Alternate. Notice to a Director which is a corporation shall be delivered to the corporation and to the Corporate Representative.

31.3 The details for a Director appearing in the Register of Directors which the Company maintains or which have been notified to the Company in writing together with a request that these details be used for the purposes of delivery of notices shall be the address and other details of the Director for the purposes of delivery of notices to him.

31.4 A notice convening a meeting of the Board of Directors shall include reasonable particulars of all of the matters on the agenda, as well as the place and time fixed for the meeting.

31.5 All of the Directors may agree to waive prior notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors and the agenda at that meeting.

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32. Authority of the Board of Directors

32.1 The Board of Directors shall set the policy guidelines for the Company and shall supervise the performance and activities of the Managing Director (if one has been appointed). The Board of Directors shall have the powers and authorities necessary, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, in order to carry out its duties fully and efficiently.

32.2 Without prejudice to the generality of the aforesaid, the Board of Directors shall be entitled to use all of its authorities and powers and to carry out any of the actions vested in it by law or by these Articles.

32.3 The Board of Directors may exercise any authority of the Company which has not been delegated by these Articles or by law to the Managing Director or to the General Meeting, and such authority shall be deemed to have been delegated to the Board of Directors by these Articles.

32.4 The power of the Board of Directors shall be subject to the provisions of any law, and to any Article that shall be adopted by the Company in General Meeting, provided that no such Article shall invalidate any action taken prior thereto by the Board of Directors or pursuant to a decision thereof which would have been legally valid but for the adoption of the said Article.

32.5 The General Meeting may assume the authority vested in the Board of Directors (including the authorities vested in the Board of Directors in the absence of a Managing Director) for a specific matter or for a specific period of time.

32.6 For the purpose of exercising the general authorities vested in the Board of Directors and without limiting or restricting in any way whatsoever the said authorities or any of them, it is hereby expressly stated that the Board of Directors shall have the following authorities:

(a) From time to time to appoint one or more persons (whether or not that person is a member of the Board of Directors) as Managing Director or other Officer of the Company, either for a fixed period of time or for an unlimited period of time, and from time to time (bearing in mind the terms of any contract between the Company and such person or persons) to dismiss him or them from office and appoint another person or persons in his or their place.

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(b) Subject to any rule of law, to fix the remuneration of the Managing Director or other Officer from time to time (bearing in mind the terms of any contract between the Company and such person). Such remuneration can be in the form of a fixed salary, payment based on the profits or turnover of the Company or of any other company in which the Company is interested, or by way of participation in such profits, or by way of receipt of securities of the Company, or in one or more of these ways, or in any other manner which the Board of Directors sees fit.

(c) To determine the remuneration of the auditor of the Company (“Auditor”) in respect of the audit.

32.7 For the purpose of setting the policy guidelines for the Company and supervising its activities, any Director may examine the documents and records of the Company and receive copies thereof, examine the assets of the Company and receive professional advice at the expense of the Company if the Board of Directors or the court approves the covering of this expense.

32.8 The Board of Directors may from time to time, at its discretion, cause the Company to borrow or secure the payment of any sum or sums of money for the purposes of the Company, and may secure or provide for the repayment of such sum or sums in such manner, at such times and upon such terms and conditions as it deems fit, and, in particular, by the issuance of bonds, perpetual or redeemable debentures, debenture stock, or any mortgages, charges, or other securities on the undertaking or the whole or any part of the property of the Company, both present and future, including its uncalled or called but unpaid capital for the time being.

32.9 The Board of Directors may, from time to time, set aside any amount(s) out of the profits of the Company as a reserve or reserves for any purpose(s) which the Board of Directors, in its absolute discretion, shall deem fit, and may invest any sum so set aside in any manner and from time to time deal with and vary such investments, and dispose of all or any part thereof, and employ any such reserve or any part thereof in the business of the Company without being bound to keep the same separate from other assets of the Company, and may subdivide or redesignate any reserve or cancel the same or apply the funds therein for another purpose, all as the Board of Directors may from time to time think fit.

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33. Committees of the Board of Directors

33.1 The Board of Directors may from time to time establish Committees, appoint the members thereof from among the Directors and determine, subject to the provisions of any law, those authorities of the Board of Directors that shall be delegated to the Committees of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may from time to time cancel any delegation of authority as aforesaid, in whole or in part, and cancel any of the Committees of the Board of Directors.

33.2 Each Committee of the Board of Directors must, in exercising its authority, comply with the directions of the Board of Directors.

33.3 Unless the Board of Directors has determined otherwise, meetings, decisions and activities of the Committees of the Board of Directors shall be conducted and convened in accordance with the provisions of these Articles which relate to the convening and conduct of meetings of the Board of Directors, the manner of adopting resolutions and the methods of operation of the Board of Directors, mutatis mutandis.

33.4 Any decision adopted or action taken by any Committee of the Board of Directors shall be equivalent to a decision adopted or action taken by the Board of Directors itself.

PART F: THE MANAGING DIRECTOR AND OFFICERS

34. The Managing Director

34.1 The Board of Directors of the Company must appoint one or more Managing Directors for the Company. The Managing Director who is appointed shall have all of the authorities vested in the Managing Director under these Articles.

34.2 The Managing Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the affairs of the Company within the framework of the policies set down by the Board of Directors and subject to their directions.

34.3 The Managing Director shall have full managerial and operational authority to carry out all of the activities which the Company may carry on by law and under these Articles and which have not been vested by law or by these Articles of Association in any other organ of the Company. The Managing Director shall be subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors.

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34.4 The Managing Director shall be entitled to enter into transactions in the name of the Company other than Extraordinary Transactions. Any Extraordinary Transaction to which the Company is a party is subject to any approval necessary by law for the purpose of giving effect to that transaction, and in any event is subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Such transaction shall not be valid unless approved in accordance with this Article.

34.5 The Managing Director may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, delegate his authority to another person who is subordinate to him.

34.6 The Board of Directors may decide to transfer the authority vested in the Managing Director to the Board of Directors, in a specific instance or for a specific period of time.

34.7 The Board of Directors may direct the Managing Director how to act in a specific matter. If the Managing Director does not comply with the direction, the Board of Directors may exercise the authority necessary to carry out the direction in his place.

34.8 The Board of Directors may exercise the authorities of the Managing Director if the Managing Director is incapable of performing them.

34.9 The General Meeting may assume for itself the authorities vested in the Managing Director or transfer these authorities to the Board of Directors, for a specific matter or for a specific period of time.

35. Secretary

The Board of Directors may appoint a Secretary for the Company and determine his duties and authorities. The Secretary, if appointed, shall be responsible to the Board of Directors and shall report to it.
 
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36. Personal Interest in Transactions of the Company

Any transaction which is not an Extraordinary Transaction and which is (i) a transaction with an Officer or (ii) a transaction of the Company with another person in which an Officer has a personal interest shall be subject to the approvals that are required under the Companies Law.

37. Insurance, Release and Indemnification of Officers

37.1 The Company may, from time to time and subject to any provision of law, enter into an agreement to insure against any liability on the part of an Officer in whole or in part, that may be imposed upon him as a result of an action carried out while an Officer in each of the following cases:

(a) breach of duty of care towards the Company or towards another person;

(b) breach of fiduciary duty towards the Company, provided that the Officer acted in good faith and had reasonable grounds to assume that the action would not harm the interests of the Company;

(c) a monetary liability imposed upon him in favour of a third party.

37.2 Subject to the provisions of any law, the Company may indemnify an Officer in respect of a liability or expense which is imposed upon him as a result of an action taken in his capacity as an Officer of the Company:

(a) Monetary liability imposed on him in favour of a third party by a judgment, including a settlement or a decision of an arbitrator which is given the force of a judgment by court order;

(b) Reasonable litigation expenses, including legal fees, which the Officer has expended or is obliged to pay by the court, in proceedings commenced against him by the Company or in its name or by any other person, or pursuant to criminal charges of which he is acquitted or criminal charges pursuant to which he is convicted of an offence which does not require proof of criminal intent;

37.3 The Company may, following receipt of shareholders consent, undertake in advance to indemnify an Officer of the Company, as detailed in Section 37.2 (a) and (b) above, provided that the undertaking is limited to the kinds of events which in the opinion of the Board of Directors can be anticipated at the time of giving the indemnification undertaking, and for an amount which the Board of Directors has determined is a reasonable amount in the circumstances;

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Without the prejudice to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Company may indemnify an Officer after the occurrence of the event which is the subject of the indemnity.

37.4 The Company may, following receipt of shareholders consent, release an Officer in advance from liability, in whole or in part, for damage suffered as a result of breach of duty of care of the Officer towards the Company.

37.5 The above-mentioned provisions are not intended and shall not in any way limit the Company in its ability to enter into any contract of insurance or to grant a release from liability or an indemnity:

(a) in connection with a person who is not an Officer, including employees, contractors or consultants of the Company who are not Officers;

(b) in connection with Officers - to the extent that the insurance, release or indemnity is not prohibited by law.

37.6 The provisions of this Article shall apply to a Corporate Representative and an Alternate Director.

38. Signature in the Name of the Company

The signature rights in the name of the Company shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, generally, for a class of matters or for a specific matter. Any signature in the name of the Company shall be accompanied by the name of the Company. The authorised signatories do not necessarily have to be Directors of the Company.
 
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PART G: MINUTES, REGISTERS AND BOOKS OF ACCOUNTS

39. Minutes

39.1 The Board of Directors shall ensure that records of the following matters are duly maintained in books that shall be prepared for this purpose:

(a) The names of members of the Board of Directors who are present at any meeting of the Board of Directors and at any meeting of a Committee of the Board of Directors (including any decision of the Board of Directors or of its Committees which is adopted without actually convening).

(b) The names of the shareholders participating in any General Meeting.

(c) The instructions given by the Board of Directors to the Committees of the Board of Directors.

(d) The proceedings at General Meetings, meetings of the Board of Directors, and meetings of Committees of the Board of Directors, including decisions adopted without actually convening these meetings.

39.2 Any minute of a meeting of the Board of Directors or of any Committee of the Board of Directors or of the General Meeting of the Company which purports to be signed by the chairman of the meeting or by the chairman of the next following meeting shall be prima facie evidence of the matters stated therein.

39.3 The Company shall maintain the records referred to in this Part G as required by law.

39.4 The minute book of General Meetings shall be open to inspection by the shareholders of the Company at all reasonable times, and a copy thereof shall be sent to any shareholder who requests this, subject to the procedures that the Board of Directors may specify from time to time regarding the times at which the minute book is open for inspection (including periods during which the minute book will be closed), regarding the authentication of the identity of the shareholder, and regarding any fee to be paid for inspection or delivery as aforesaid.

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40. Books and Registers of the Company

40.1 The Managing Director shall comply with all of the provisions of the Companies Law in connection with registering charges and in connection with maintaining the Register of Directors, the Shareholders Register, any additional Share Register, a Register of Substantial Shareholders and a Register of Charges.

40.2 Each book, register and registration that the Company must maintain in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Law or these Articles shall be made in regular books or by electronic means, as the Managing Director shall determine, provided that the persons entitled to inspect them are able to receive copies of the documents.

40.3 The Company may, bearing in mind the provisions of the Companies Law and any other law, maintain in any other State a register or registers of shareholders who live in that other State, and exercise all of the authorities mentioned in the Companies Law in connection with these registers, subject to the authority of the Minister of Justice to enact rules in connection with the administration of theregister.

40.4 If the Company elects to maintain an additional Share Register outside Israel, it must indicate in the Register the number of shares that are registered in the additional Share Register, and the numbers of those shares if the shares are numbered.

40.5 The Company may close the Register and any other register which the Company maintains or shall maintain (whether by law, by agreement or at the election of the Company) in connection with any security of the Company, as the case may be, for such period of time as the Board of Directors shall see fit, but no longer than for 30 Business Days in any year.

40.6 Subject to any provisions of law, the Company may determine a record date for the purposes of entitlement to receive invitations to General Meetings, and to participate and vote thereat, provided that this date shall not be more than 21 Business Days before the date set for the General Meeting. In addition, subject to any provisions of law, the Company may determine a record date for the purpose of entitlement to dividends and with respect to share and right offerings,provided that this date shall not be more than 21 Business Days before the date set for the General Meeting.

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40.7 The Company may destroy any request for entering any change in the Register six years after the date of the change in the Register, and there shall be a prima facie assumption that all requests for changes in the Register were valid and that any action taken by virtue or as a result thereof was lawfully taken.

41. Information and Documents

41.1 All information and documents belonging to the Company shall be maintained at the Office or at such other place or places as the Board of Directors shall see fit, and shall be open for the inspection of the Directors, subject to the directions and internal procedures which the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall lay down in connection with the inspection of documents.

41.2 A shareholder shall not be entitled to receive any information or documents of the Company other than the documents and information which shareholders are lawfully entitled to receive, unless the Board of Directors or the General Meeting decides otherwise.

41.3 The Company shall maintain accounts and prepare financial statements as required by law. The financial statements shall be approved by the Board of Directors and signed in its name.

41.4 Copies of the financial statements shall be sent to all persons entitled to receive them no later than fourteen (14) Business Days before the date for the Annual Meeting.

41.5 Subject to any provision of law, the Company may determine the manner and form in which documents which shareholders are entitled to inspect are presented to them, and may decide that copies of documents be provided against payment.

PART H: AUDIT

42. Auditor

42.1 At least once in each year, the financial statements of the Company shall be audited by an auditor or auditors who will express their opinion as to the financial statements.

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42.2 The Company shall appoint at the Annual Meeting an auditor or auditors to act in this capacity until the following Annual Meeting, but the General Meeting may appoint an auditor to serve in this capacity for a longer period of time, not extending beyond the end of the third Annual Meeting after the appointment.

42.3 Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, any act of the auditors of the Company shall be valid with regard to any person acting in good faith with the Company, notwithstanding any defect in the appointment or qualification of the auditor.

42.4 The fees of the auditor for the audit and for any additional services of the auditor that are not within the scope of the audit shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall report to the annual meeting the fees of the auditor which the Board of Directors shall settle for the audit.

PART I: RESERVES, DISTRIBUTIONS, BONUS SHARES AND REDUCTION OF CAPITAL

43. Reserves

43.1 The Board of Directors may at any time allocate such amounts as it sees fit to a reserve for the distribution of dividends, the distribution of bonus shares, for the acquisition of shares in the Company or for any other purpose as it sees fit. Likewise, the Board of Directors may direct the management of and the uses to which any reserve or part thereof is put, including using of any reserve or part thereof for the business of the Company, without need to maintain such amount separate from the remaining assets of the Company.

43.2 The Board of Directors may transfer from time to time sums which have been set aside as a reserve as aforesaid to the Surplus Account.

43.3 The Board of Directors may from time to time, subject to the provisions of any law and the provisions of these Articles, change the purpose for which any capital reserve has been designated or the manner in which they are managed, to combine or split reserves and to transfer the amount of any capital reserve to the Surplus Account or to any other account in the accounting records of the Company. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, the Board of Directors may not transfer any amount from the share premium account other than to share capital of the Company or for the purposes of a reduction of capital.

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44. Distribution of Dividends and Bonus Shares

44.1 Each share, unless otherwise provided in the terms of issue of that share, shall entitle its holder to receive dividends and bonus shares if and when these are distributed, proportionate to the nominal value of shares which are paid up or deemed to be paid up, without taking into account any premium paid in respect thereof.

44.2 A decision regarding a distribution (as defined in the Companies Law) shall be taken by the Board of Directors. However, the Board of Directors may make a distribution conditional upon the approval of the General Meeting by a simple majority or by a greater majority, as the Board of Directors shall see fit.

44.3 Unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise, the Company shall not pay interest on dividends, including dividends which are paid after the date set for payment for whatever reason. The Board of Directors may decide from time to time in its absolute discretion, with regard to the payment of a specific dividend or class of dividends, to pay linkage differentials in respect of dividends paid after the date set for payment, based on a consumer price index or a rate of exchange of any foreign currency.

44.4 A dividend may be paid, in whole or in part, by way of distribution of assets of any kind. A distribution of assets as aforesaid shall be made by transfer, assignment, transfer of title, grant of a contractual or proprietary right or in any other manner as the Board of Directors shall direct.

44.5 If the Board of Directors decides to distribute a dividend, in whole or in part by way of an allotment of shares in the Company to those shareholders entitled to the dividend at a price lower than the nominal value of those shares, the Company shall convert to share capital a portion of its profits in respect of which the dividend has been distributed equal in amount to the difference between the nominal value of the said shares and the price paid therefor.

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44.6 The Board of Directors may decide from time to time that all or part of the balance in the Surplus Account, the balance in the share premium account, the balance of any capital reserve that stands in credit or any other reserve included within the equity of the Company shall form part of the share capital of the Company and shall be considered to be payment in full for bonus shares of such class and number as the Board of Directors shall determine (in such amount, being not less than the nominal value of the shares, as the Board of Directors shall direct). The said bonus shares shall be allotted without payment to the shareholders of the Company who would have been entitled to receive the amount converted to share capital for the purpose of distribution of the bonus shares if that amount had been distributed by way of cash dividend and in the same proportion.

44.7 The Board of Directors may from time to time transfer to the holders of securities issued by the Company that are convertible into shares of the Company bonus shares or dividends that the Company shall distribute as if the said securities had been converted into shares prior to the distribution in question, in each case subject to the terms of issue of the said securities.

The Board of Directors may make any arrangements and take any actions necessary for the efficient and speedy implementation of the provisions of this Article, to determine the rights which the holders of convertible securities shall receive and the manner in which they shall receive these rights, and to carry out any adjustment necessary to the rights of the holders of the said securities as a result of any distribution of dividends or bonus shares or rights, and to exercise any authority granted to the Board of Directors in connection with the distribution of a dividend or bonus shares or rights to the shareholders in the Company, mutatis mutandis - all in the absolute discretion of the Board of Directors.

44.8 In order to implement any decision regarding the distribution of a dividend or bonus shares or in connection with the acquisition of securities of the Company, the Board of Directors may:

(a) resolve any difficulty that arises in connection with the aforesaid distribution as it sees fit, and take any steps that it deems appropriate in order to overcome such difficulty;

(b)  issue certificates for partial shares or to decide that shares in the Company which entitle the holder thereof to partial shares in an amount lower than the level fixed by the Board of Directors shall not entitle the holder to participate in that distribution, or to sell the partial shares and to pay the net proceeds of sale (after deduction of the expenses of sale and any tax that shall be payable in respect of the sale) to the persons entitled thereto;

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(c) sign or appoint a person to sign on behalf of the shareholders on any contract or other document required for the purpose of implementing a distribution, and in particular the Board of Directors shall be entitled to sign or appoint another person who shall be entitled to enter into and sign a written document as required by the Companies Law, and this contract shall bind the Company and the shareholders;

(d) effect any arrangement which is, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, necessary in order to enable or facilitate the distribution or other arrangement.

44.9 The Board of Directors may appoint a trustee or trustees ("the Trustee") for shareholders who for a period of time that shall be determined by the Board of Directors have not applied to the Company in order to receive dividends, bonus shares or any other right (together "the Benefit") which the Company has issued or distributed to its shareholders in their capacity as such. Any action taken by the Trustee, and any agreement between the Board of Directors and the Trustee shall be valid and shall bind the shareholders in connection with the Benefit to which they are entitled and for which the Trustee has been appointed.

44.10 The Trustee shall be appointed for the purpose of exercising, collecting, receiving or depositing the Benefit, but the Trustee shall not be entitled to transfer the Benefit or part thereof or to grant any right in the Benefit or to make any use thereof and the Trustee shall not be entitled to vote in respect of any securities of the Company which are included in the Benefits.

44.11 The Trustee shall transfer the Benefit, including any income arising thereon, less the Trustee's fee as settled by the Board of Directors, to the shareholders entitled to the Benefit as soon as possible after he receives the first written demand from the shareholders, subject to authentication of the identity of any shareholder and details of the Benefit to which he is entitled, in accordance with procedures that the Board of Directors shall lay down.

44.12 The Board of Directors may determine from time to time the manner of payment of the dividends or the distribution of bonus shares and the arrangements therefore for each class of shareholder. Without prejudice to the generality of the aforesaid, the Board of Directors may pay all dividends or monies due in respect of shares by sending cheques in the mail, via telegraphic transfer or secure electronic media, and if the Benefit is, in whole or in part, an asset or a right, by sending by mail any document confirming or creating the said right, to the address of the shareholder as appearing in the Register. Any cheque or document sent as aforesaid shall be dispatched at the risk of the shareholder.

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44.13 The Board of Directors may decide that bonus shares shall be of the same class of shares as those shares which entitle the holders thereof to participate in the distribution of bonus shares, or that all bonus shares shall be of a single class which shall be distributed to all persons entitled thereto without taking into account the class of shares which they hold, or that bonus shares be a combination of classes of shares.

44.14 The transferee of any shares shall not be entitled to any dividend or any other distribution which has been declared in respect of those shares after the date of transfer but before registration of the transfer in the Register, and in the event of the transfer of shares which is subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, before the date of said approval.

44.15 If the payment of the dividend is not demanded within twelve (12) years from the date of the decision to distribute that dividend, the person entitled thereto shall be deemed to have waived the dividend, and ownership thereof shall return to the Company.

44.16 The Board of Directors may deduct from any dividend, distribution or other monies which are to be paid to a shareholder (including to a person who is one of the joint holders of a share) any amounts due from such a person to the Company (either by that person alone jointly with another person) in respect any indebtedness which the shareholder owes to the Company in his capacity as shareholder.

44.17 If there are a number of persons registered as joint holder of a share, each one may give a valid receipt to the Company for any dividend or bonus share which is paid or transferred in respect of that share or in respect of any consideration which the Company shall pay for acquiring that share and for any other monies or Benefit given in respect of that share or as a result thereof.
 
45. The Distribution that does not Satisfy the Profit Test

The Board of Directors may from time to time and subject to the approvals required by law make a distribution which does not satisfy the Profit Test (as defined in the Companies Law) provided that it is satisfied that there is no reasonable concern that the distribution will result in the Company being unable to pay its existing and foreseeable debts as they fall due.

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46. Acquisition of Securities of the Company by the Company Itself

Decisions regarding the acquisition of the securities which have been issued by the Company and the manner in which these securities shall be dealt with by the Company shall rest with the Board of Directors.
 
PART J: LIQUIDATION, MERGER AND REORGANISATION

47. Liquidation

47.1 Subject to the provisions of Section 319 (1) of the Companies Ordinance, the General Meeting may adopt a resolution for the winding up of the Company, provided that the resolution is passed by the majority required by law, and in the absence of any legal requirement for a specific majority, by the majority required in accordance with these Articles.

47.2  If the Company is wound up and the assets available for distribution among the shareholders are not sufficient for payment in full of the paid up share capital of the Company, the assets shall be distributed, as far as possible, so that the shareholders will bear the losses proportionately to the share capital paid or that should have been paid by the commencement of the winding up, and the number of shares held by the shareholders.

47.3 If the Company is wound up and the assets available for distribution among the shareholders are more than sufficient for payment in full of the paid up share capital at the time of commencement of the winding up, the surplus shall be distributed among the shareholders proportionately to the share capital paid or that should have been paid by the commencement of the winding up, and the number of shares held by the shareholders. This Article shall not affect the rights of holders of any shares issued with special rights

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47.4 For the purposes of the distribution of the assets of the Company at the time of a liquidation, no account shall be taken of any payments that have been made by way of share premium.

47.5 If the Company is wound up, by way of voluntary liquidation or otherwise, the liquidators may, if the approval of the General Meeting is given with the majority required by law, and in the absence of any legal requirement for a specific majority by the majority required by these Articles, distribute any portion of the assets of the Company among the shareholders in specie, and the liquidators may, subject to receiving approval as aforesaid, deposit any part of the assets of the Company with trustees upon trust for the benefit of the shareholders. A General Meeting that approves any distribution as aforesaid may also approve a distribution in a manner other than in accordance with the legal rights of the shareholders and may grant special rights to any class of shareholders, provided that if a resolution is adopted authorising any distribution other than in accordance with the legal rights of the shareholders, a shareholder who has been harmed thereby shall have the right to object, in the same manner as if the resolution had been adopted by the majority required in Section 334 of the Companies Ordinance.

48. Reorganization

In the event of the sale of the assets of the Company, the Directors (or the liquidators in the event of the liquidation, if they have been so authorised by a resolution passed by the General Meeting with the majority required by law) may receive fully paid or partly paid shares, debentures or any other security interests of another company, Israeli or foreign, whether existing or being established for the purpose of acquiring all or part of the assets of the Company. The Board of Directors or the liquidators may distribute in specie such shares or debentures or security interests or any other property of the Company among the shareholders without realizing the same or may deposit them on trust on behalf of the shareholders. Any decision of the General Meeting as aforesaid may direct the distribution of cash, shares or other security interests, rights or property in a manner other than in accordance with the legal rights of the shareholders (or participants in the Company) and may determine the value of any asset of the Company at such price and in such manner as the General Meeting shall direct. All of the shareholders (or participants) shall accept the valuation or distribution approved as aforesaid and shall waive their existing rights other than in the event that the Company is about to enter into liquidation or is in the process of being wound up, and the legal rights (if any) under the Companies Ordinance or the Companies Law, as the case may be, cannot be varied or cancelled by the provisions of this Article.

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49. Presumption of Delivery of Notices

49.1 Unless otherwise expressly stated in these Articles, notices to be served under these Articles or in connection therewith shall be in writing and signed by the person serving the notice.

49.2 (a) A notice shall be sent by the Company by mail to the addressee at the address registered with the Company, and shall be deemed to have been received by an addressee, with an address in Israel, unless proven otherwise, within 48 hours of delivery of the notice by the Company to the mail, and within three (3) days to an address outside of Israel.
 
(b) A notice that is hand-delivered by the Company to an addressee at the address registered with the Company shall be deemed to have been received at the time of delivery to the addressee or at the time of deposit in the post box of the addressee.

(c) A notice that is sent by the Company by facsimile, by electronic mail, via an internet site or other similar electronic means shall be deemed to have been received by shareholders at the time of transmission unless the notice is transmitted on a day which is not a Business Day in which case it shall be deemed to have been received on the next following Business Day.

49.3 Confirmation of an Officer of the Company regarding the date and manner of delivery of a notice on behalf of the Company in accordance with or relating to these Articles shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

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EX-2.1 3 v022798_ex2-1.htm


 
 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

AND

THE BANK OF NEW YORK


As Depositary




AND


OWNERS AND HOLDERS OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS


Deposit Agreement




Dated as of _________________, 2005






 



DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

DEPOSIT AGREEMENT dated as of _______________, 2005, among XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD., incorporated under the laws of Israel (herein called the Issuer), THE BANK OF NEW YORK, a New York banking corporation (herein called the Depositary), and all Owners and holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts issued hereunder.
 
W I T N E S S E T H :
 
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to provide, as hereinafter set forth in this Deposit Agreement, for the deposit of Shares (as hereinafter defined) of the Issuer from time to time with the Depositary or with the Custodian (as hereinafter defined) as agent of the Depositary for the purposes set forth in this Deposit Agreement, for the creation of American Depositary Shares representing the Shares so deposited and for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Receipts evidencing the American Depositary Shares; and
 
WHEREAS, the American Depositary Receipts are to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A annexed hereto, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided in this Deposit Agreement;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:
 
ARTICLE 1.
DEFINITIONS
 
The following definitions shall for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated, apply to the respective terms used in this Deposit Agreement:
 
SECTION 1.1 American Depositary Shares. 
 
The term "American Depositary Shares" shall mean the securities representing the interests in the Deposited Securities and evidenced by the Receipts issued hereunder. Each American Depositary Share shall represent the number of Shares specified in Exhibit A annexed hereto, until there shall occur a distribution upon Deposited Securities covered by Section 4.3 or a change in Deposited Securities covered by Section 4.8 with respect to which additional Receipts are not executed and delivered, and thereafter American Depositary Shares shall evidence the amount of Shares or Deposited Securities specified in such Sections.
 
SECTION 1.2 Commission.
 
The term "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States or any successor governmental agency in the United States.
 
- 1 -

 
SECTION 1.3 Custodian.
 
The term "Custodian" shall mean the Tel Aviv office of Bank Hapoalim B.M. and the London office of The Bank of New York, each as agent of the Depositary for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement, and any other firm or corporation which may hereafter be appointed by the Depositary pursuant to the terms of Section 5.5, as substitute or additional custodian or custodians hereunder, as the context shall require and shall also mean all of them collectively.
 
SECTION 1.4 Deposit Agreement.
 
The term "Deposit Agreement" shall mean this Deposit Agreement, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof.
 
SECTION 1.5 deposit, deliver, execute, issue, register, surrender, transfer, withdraw or cancel.
 
The terms "deposit", "deliver", "execute", "issue", "register", "surrender", "transfer", "withdraw" or "cancel", when used with respect to Shares, shall refer, where the context requires, to an entry or entries or an electronic transfer or transfers in an account or accounts maintained by institutions authorized under Israeli law to effect transfers of securities and not to the physical transfer of certificates representing the Shares.
 
SECTION 1.6 Depositary; Corporate Trust Office. 
 
The term "Depositary" shall mean The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, and any successor as depositary hereunder. The term "Corporate Trust Office", when used with respect to the Depositary, shall mean the office of the Depositary which at the date of this Agreement is 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286.
 
SECTION 1.7 Deposited Securities.
 
The term "Deposited Securities" as of any time shall mean Shares at such time deposited or deemed to be deposited under this Deposit Agreement and any and all other securities, property and cash received by the Depositary or the Custodian in respect thereof and at such time held hereunder, subject as to cash to the provisions of Section 4.5.
 
SECTION 1.8 Dollars.
 
The term "Dollars" shall mean United States dollars.
 
SECTION 1.9 Foreign Registrar.
 
The term "Foreign Registrar" shall mean the entity that presently carries out the duties of registrar for the Shares or any successor as registrar for the Shares and any other appointed agent of the Issuer for the transfer and registration of Shares.
 
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SECTION 1.10 Issuer.
 
The term "Issuer" shall mean XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., incorporated under the laws of Israel, and its successors.
 
SECTION 1.11 Owner.
 
The term "Owner" shall mean the person in whose name a Receipt is registered on the books of the Depositary maintained for such purpose.
 
SECTION 1.12 Receipts.
 
The term "Receipts" shall mean the American Depositary Receipts issued hereunder evidencing American Depositary Shares.
 
SECTION 1.13 Registrar.
 
The term "Registrar" shall mean any bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, which shall be appointed to register Receipts and transfers of Receipts as herein provided.
 
SECTION 1.14 Restricted Securities.
 
The term “Restricted Securities” shall mean Shares, or American Depositary Shares representing Shares, that are acquired directly or indirectly from the Issuer or its affiliates (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933) in a transaction or chain of transactions not involving any public offering, or which are subject to resale limitations under Regulation D under that Act or both, or which are held by an officer, director (or persons performing similar functions) or other affiliate of the Issuer, or which would require registration under the Securities Act in connection with the offer and sale thereof in the United States, or which are subject to other restrictions on sale or deposit under the laws of the United States or Israel, or under a shareholder agreement or the Articles of Association of the Issuer.
 
SECTION 1.15 Securities Act of 1933.
 
The term "Securities Act of 1933" shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as from time to time amended.
 
SECTION 1.16 Shares.
 
The term "Shares" shall mean ordinary shares in registered form of the Issuer, heretofore validly issued and outstanding and fully paid, nonassessable and free of any pre-emptive rights of the holders of outstanding Shares or hereafter validly issued and outstanding and fully paid, nonassessable and free of any pre-emptive rights of the holders of outstanding Shares or interim certificates representing such Shares.
 
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ARTICLE 2.
FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF SHARES, EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS
 
SECTION 2.1 Form and Transferability of Receipts. 
 
Definitive Receipts shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A annexed to this Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided. No Receipt shall be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless such Receipt shall have been executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary; provided, however, that such signature may be a facsimile if a Registrar for the Receipts shall have been appointed and such Receipts are countersigned by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of the Registrar. The Depositary shall maintain books on which each Receipt so executed and delivered as hereinafter provided and the transfer of each such Receipt shall be registered. Receipts bearing the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary who was at any time a proper signatory of the Depositary shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding that such signatory has ceased to hold such office prior to the execution and delivery of such Receipts by the Registrar or did not hold such office on the date of issuance of such Receipts.
 
The Receipts may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text thereof such legends or recitals or modifications not inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement as may be required by the Depositary or required to comply with any applicable law or regulations thereunder or with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange upon which American Depositary Shares may be listed or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Receipts are subject by reason of the date of issuance of the underlying Deposited Securities or otherwise.
 
Title to a Receipt (and to the American Depositary Shares evidenced thereby), when properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, shall be transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable instrument under the laws of New York; provided, however, that the Depositary, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may treat the Owner thereof as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for in this Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes, and neither the Depositary nor the Issuer shall have any obligation or be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to any holder of a Receipt unless such holder is the Owner thereof.
 
SECTION 2.2 Deposit of Shares. 
 
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, Shares or evidence of rights to receive Shares may be deposited by delivery thereof to any Custodian hereunder, accompanied by any appropriate instrument or instruments of transfer, or endorsement, in form satisfactory to the Custodian, together with all such certifications as may be required by the Depositary or the Custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, and, if the Depositary requires, together with a written order directing the Depositary to execute and deliver to, or upon the written order of, the person or persons stated in such order, a Receipt or Receipts for the number of American Depositary Shares representing such deposit.
 
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No Share shall be accepted for deposit unless accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that any necessary approval has been granted by any governmental body in Israel which is then performing the function of the regulation of currency exchange. If required by the Depositary, Shares presented for deposit at any time, whether or not the transfer books of the Issuer or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, are closed, shall also be accompanied by an agreement or assignment, or other instrument satisfactory to the Depositary, which will provide for the prompt transfer to the Custodian of any dividend, or right to subscribe for additional Shares or to receive other property which any person in whose name the Shares are or have been recorded may thereafter receive upon or in respect of such deposited Shares, or in lieu thereof, such agreement of indemnity or other agreement as shall be satisfactory to the Depositary.
 
At the request and risk and expense of any person proposing to deposit Shares, and for the account of such person, the Depositary may receive certificates for Shares to be deposited, together with the other instruments herein specified, for the purpose of forwarding such Share certificates to the Custodian for deposit hereunder.
 
Upon each delivery to a Custodian of a certificate or certificates for Shares to be deposited hereunder, together with the other documents specified above, such Custodian shall, as soon as transfer and recordation can be accomplished, present such certificate or certificates to the Issuer or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, for transfer and recordation of the Shares being deposited in the name of the Depositary or its nominee or such Custodian or its nominee.
 
Deposited Securities shall be held by the Depositary or by a Custodian for the account and to the order of the Depositary or at such other place or places as the Depositary shall determine.
 
SECTION 2.3 Execution and Delivery of Receipts. 
 
Upon receipt by any Custodian of any deposit pursuant to Section 2.2 hereunder (and in addition, if the transfer books of the Issuer or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, are open, the Depositary may in its sole discretion require a proper acknowledgment or other evidence from the Issuer that any Deposited Securities have been recorded upon the books of the Issuer or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, in the name of the Depositary or its nominee or such Custodian or its nominee), together with the other documents required as specified above, such Custodian shall notify the Depositary of such deposit and the person or persons to whom or upon whose written order a Receipt or Receipts are deliverable in respect thereof and the number of American Depositary Shares to be evidenced thereby. Such notification shall be made by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of the person making the deposit, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission. Upon receiving such notice from such Custodian, or upon the receipt of Shares by the Depositary, the Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall execute and deliver at its Corporate Trust Office, to or upon the order of the person or persons entitled thereto, a Receipt or Receipts, registered in the name or names and evidencing any authorized number of American Depositary Shares requested by such person or persons, but only upon payment to the Depositary of the fees and expenses of the Depositary for the execution and delivery of such Receipt or Receipts as provided in Section 5.9, and of all taxes and governmental charges and fees payable in connection with such deposit and the transfer of the Deposited Securities.
 
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SECTION 2.4 Transfer of Receipts; Combination and Split-up of Receipts. 
 
The Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall register transfers of Receipts on its transfer books from time to time, upon any surrender of a Receipt, by the Owner in person or by a duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, and duly stamped as may be required by the laws of the State of New York and of the United States of America. Thereupon the Depositary shall execute a new Receipt or Receipts and deliver the same to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto.
 
The Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall upon surrender of a Receipt or Receipts for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of such Receipt or Receipts, execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts for any authorized number of American Depositary Shares requested, evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.
 
The Depositary may appoint one or more co-transfer agents for the purpose of effecting transfers, combinations and split-ups of Receipts at designated transfer offices on behalf of the Depositary. In carrying out its functions, a co-transfer agent may require evidence of authority and compliance with applicable laws and other requirements by Owners or persons entitled to Receipts and will be entitled to protection and indemnity to the same extent as the Depositary.
 
SECTION 2.5 Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Shares. 
 
Upon surrender at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary of a Receipt for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented by the American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt, and upon payment of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of Receipts as provided in Section 5.9 and payment of all taxes and governmental charges payable in connection with such surrender and withdrawal of the Deposited Securities, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Owner of such Receipt shall be entitled to delivery, to him or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities at the time represented by the American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt. Delivery of such Deposited Securities may be made by the delivery of (a) certificates in the name of such Owner or as ordered by him or certificates properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer to such Owner or as ordered by him and (b) any other securities, property and cash to which such Owner is then entitled in respect of such Receipts to such Owner or as ordered by him. Such delivery shall be made, as hereinafter provided, without unreasonable delay.
 
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A Receipt surrendered for such purposes may be required by the Depositary to be properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank, and if the Depositary so requires, the Owner thereof shall execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be delivered to or upon the written order of a person or persons designated in such order. Thereupon the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to deliver at the office of such Custodian, subject to Sections 2.6, 3.1 and 3.2 and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, to or upon the written order of the person or persons designated in the order delivered to the Depositary as above provided, the amount of Deposited Securities represented by the American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt, except that the Depositary may make delivery to such person or persons at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary of any dividends or distributions with respect to the Deposited Securities represented by the American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt, or of any proceeds of sale of any dividends, distributions or rights, which may at the time be held by the Depositary.
 
At the request, risk and expense of any Owner so surrendering a Receipt, and for the account of such Owner, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward any cash or other property (other than rights) comprising, and forward a certificate or certificates, if applicable, and other proper documents of title for, the Deposited Securities represented by the American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt to the Depositary for delivery at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary. Such direction shall be given by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Owner, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission.
 
 
 
SECTION 2.6
Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer and Surrender of Receipts. 
 
As a condition precedent to the execution and delivery, registration of transfer, split-up, combination or surrender of any Receipt or withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary, Custodian or Registrar may require payment from the depositor of Shares or the presenter of the Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees as herein provided, may require the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature and may also require compliance with any regulations the Depositary may establish consistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, including, without limitation, this Section 2.6.
 
The delivery of Receipts against deposit of Shares generally or against deposit of particular Shares may be suspended, or the transfer of Receipts in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfer of outstanding Receipts generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Depositary are closed, or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Issuer at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or commission, or under any provision of this Deposit Agreement, or for any other reason, subject to the provisions of the following sentence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Deposit Agreement, the surrender of outstanding Receipts and withdrawal of Deposited Securities may not be suspended subject only to (i) temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of the Depositary or the Issuer or the deposit of Shares in connection with voting at a shareholders' meeting, or the payment of dividends, (ii) the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges, and (iii) compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the Receipts or to the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under this Deposit Agreement any Shares required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Shares.
 
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SECTION 2.7 Lost Receipts, etc. 
 
In case any Receipt shall be mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen, the Depositary shall execute and deliver a new Receipt of like tenor in exchange and substitution for such mutilated Receipt upon cancellation thereof, or in lieu of and in substitution for such destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt. Before the Depositary shall execute and deliver a new Receipt in substitution for a destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt, the Owner thereof shall have (a) filed with the Depositary (i) a request for such execution and delivery before the Depositary has notice that the Receipt has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser and (ii) a sufficient indemnity bond and (b) satisfied any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Depositary.
 
SECTION 2.8 Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts. 
 
All Receipts surrendered to the Depositary shall be cancelled by the Depositary. The Depositary is authorized to destroy Receipts so cancelled.
 
SECTION 2.9 Pre-Release of Receipts. 
 
Notwithstanding Section 2.3 hereof, the Depositary may execute and deliver Receipts prior to the receipt of Shares pursuant to Section 2.2 (a "Pre-Release"). The Depositary may, pursuant to Section 2.5, deliver Shares upon the receipt and cancellation of Receipts which have been Pre-Released, whether or not such cancellation is prior to the termination of such Pre-Release or the Depositary knows that such Receipt has been Pre-Released. The Depositary may receive Receipts in lieu of Shares in satisfaction of a Pre-Release. Each Pre-Release will be (a) preceded or accompa-nied by a written representation from the person to whom Receipts or Shares are to be delivered, that such person, or its customer, owns the Shares or Receipts to be remitted, as the case may be, (b) at all times fully collateralized with cash or such other collateral as the Depositary deems appro-priate, (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5) business days notice, and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the Depositary deems appropriate. The number of American Depositary Shares which are outstanding at any time as a result of Pre-Release will not normally exceed thirty percent (30%) of the Shares deposited hereunder; provided, however, that the Depositary reserves the right to change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate.
 
The Depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in connection with the foregoing.
 
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ARTICLE 3.
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF OWNERS AND HOLDERS OF RECEIPTS
 
SECTION 3.1 Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information. 
 
Any person presenting Shares for deposit or any Owner or holder of a Receipt may be required from time to time to file with the Depositary or the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, exchange control approval, or such information relating to the registration on the books of the Issuer or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties, as the Depositary may deem necessary or proper. The Depositary may withhold the delivery or registration of transfer of any Receipt or the distribution of any dividend or sale or distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof or the delivery of any Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such certificates are executed or such representations and warranties made.
 
SECTION 3.2 Liability of Owner for Taxes. 
 
If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by the Custodian or the Depositary with respect to any Receipt or any Deposited Securities represented by any Receipt, such tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Owner of such Receipt to the Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to effect any transfer of such Receipt or any withdrawal of Deposited Securities represented by American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt until such payment is made, and may withhold any dividends or other distributions, or may sell for the account of the Owner thereof any part or all of the Deposited Securities represented by the American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt, and may apply such dividends or other distributions or the proceeds of any such sale in payment of such tax or other governmental charge and the Owner of such Receipt shall remain liable for any deficiency.
 
SECTION 3.3 Warranties on Deposit of Shares. 
 
Every person depositing Shares under this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that such Shares and each certificate therefor, if applicable, are validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of any preemptive rights of the holders of outstanding Shares and that the person making such deposit is duly authorized so to do. Every such person shall also be deemed to represent that the deposit of such Shares and the sale of Receipts evidencing American Depositary Shares representing such Shares by that person are not restricted under the Securities Act of 1933. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of Shares and issuance of Receipts.
 
ARTICLE 4.
THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES
 
 
SECTION 4.1 Cash Distributions. 
 
Whenever the Depositary shall receive any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall, subject to the provisions of Section 4.5, convert such dividend or distribution into Dollars and shall distribute the amount thus received (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9) to the Owners entitled thereto, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities held by them respectively; provided, however, that in the event that the Issuer or the Depositary shall be required to withhold and does withhold from such cash dividend or such other cash distribution an amount on account of taxes, the amount distributed to the Owner of the Receipts evidencing American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Owner a fraction of one cent. Any such fractional amounts shall be rounded to the nearest whole cent and so distributed to Owners entitled thereto. The Issuer or its agent will remit to the appropriate governmental agency in Israel all amounts withheld and owing to such agency. The Depositary will forward to the Issuer or its agent such information from its records as the Issuer may reasonably request to enable the Issuer or its agent to file necessary reports with governmental agencies, and the Depositary or the Issuer or its agent may file any such reports necessary to obtain benefits under the applicable tax treaties for the Owners of Receipts.
 
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SECTION 4.2 Distributions Other Than Cash, Shares or Rights. 
 
Subject to the provisions of Sections 4.11 and 5.9, whenever the Depositary shall receive any distribution other than a distribution described in Section 4.1, 4.3 or 4.4, the Depositary shall cause the securities or property received by it to be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto, after deduction or upon payment of any fees and expenses of the Depositary or any taxes or other governmental charges, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities held by them respectively, in any manner that the Depositary may deem equitable and practicable for accomplishing such distribution; provided, however, that if in the opinion of the Depositary such distribution cannot be made proportionately among the Owners entitled thereto, or if for any other reason (including, but not limited to, any requirement that the Issuer or the Depositary withhold an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges or that such securities must be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 in order to be distributed to Owners or holders) the Depositary deems such distribution not to be feasible, the Depositary may adopt such method as it may deem equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution, including, but not limited to, the public or private sale of the securities or property thus received, or any part thereof, and the net proceeds of any such sale (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9) shall be distributed by the Depositary to the Owners entitled thereto, all in the manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.1.
 
SECTION 4.3 Distributions in Shares. 
 
If any distribution upon any Deposited Securities consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Depositary may distribute to the Owners of outstanding Receipts entitled thereto, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities held by them respectively, additional Receipts evidencing an aggregate number of American Depositary Shares representing the amount of Shares received as such dividend or free distribution, subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement with respect to the deposit of Shares and the issuance of American Depositary Shares evidenced by Receipts, including the withholding of any tax or other governmental charge as provided in Section 4.11 and the payment of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9. The Depositary may withhold any such distribution of Receipts if it has not received satisfactory assurances from the Issuer that such distribution does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or is exempt from registration under the provisions of such Act. In lieu of delivering Receipts for fractional American Depositary Shares in any such case, the Depositary shall sell the amount of Shares represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the net proceeds, all in the manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.1. If additional Receipts are not so distributed, each American Depositary Share shall thenceforth also represent the additional Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby.
 
SECTION 4.4 Rights. 
 
In the event that the Issuer shall offer or cause to be offered to the holders of any Deposited Securities any rights to subscribe for additional Shares or any rights of any other nature, the Depositary shall have discretion as to the procedure to be followed in making such rights available to any Owners or in disposing of such rights on behalf of any Owners and making the net proceeds available to such Owners or, if by the terms of such rights offering or for any other reason, the Depositary may not either make such rights available to any Owners or dispose of such rights and make the net proceeds available to such Owners, then the Depositary shall allow the rights to lapse. If at the time of the offering of any rights the Depositary determines in its discretion that it is lawful and feasible to make such rights available to all or certain Owners but not to other Owners, the Depositary may distribute to any Owner to whom it determines the distribution to be lawful and feasible, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by such Owner, warrants or other instruments therefor in such form as it deems appropriate.

In circumstances in which rights would otherwise not be distributed, if an Owner of Receipts requests the distribution of warrants or other instruments in order to exercise the rights allocable to the American Depositary Shares of such Owner hereunder, the Depositary will make such rights available to such Owner upon written notice from the Issuer to the Depositary that (a) the Issuer has elected in its sole discretion to permit such rights to be exercised and (b) such Owner has executed such documents as the Issuer has determined in its sole discretion are reasonably required under applicable law.

If the Depositary has distributed warrants or other instruments for rights to all or certain Owners, then upon instruction from such an Owner pursuant to such warrants or other instruments to the Depositary from such Owner to exercise such rights, upon payment by such Owner to the Depositary for the account of such Owner of an amount equal to the purchase price of the Shares to be received upon the exercise of the rights, and upon payment of the fees and expenses of the Depositary and any other charges as set forth in such warrants or other instruments, the Depositary shall, on behalf of such Owner, exercise the rights and purchase the Shares, and the Issuer shall cause the Shares so purchased to be delivered to the Depositary on behalf of such Owner. As agent for such Owner, the Depositary will cause the Shares so purchased to be deposited pursuant to Section 2.2 of this Deposit Agreement, and shall, pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Deposit Agreement, execute and deliver Receipts to such Owner. In the case of a distribution pursuant to the second paragraph of this section, such Receipts shall be legended in accordance with applicable U.S. laws, and shall be subject to the appropriate restrictions on sale, deposit, cancellation, and transfer under such laws.

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If the Depositary determines in its discretion that it is not lawful and feasible to make such rights available to all or certain Owners, it may sell the rights, warrants or other instruments in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by the Owners to whom it has determined it may not lawfully or feasibly make such rights available, and allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 and all taxes and governmental charges payable in connection with such rights and subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement) for the account of such Owners otherwise entitled to such rights, warrants or other instruments, upon an averaged or other practical basis without regard to any distinctions among such Owners because of exchange restrictions or the date of delivery of any Receipt or otherwise.

The Depositary will not offer rights to Owners unless both the rights and the securities to which such rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to a distribution to all Owners or are registered under the provisions of such Act; provided, that nothing in this Deposit Agreement shall create any obligation on the part of the Issuer to file a registration statement with respect to such rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have such a registration statement declared effective. If an Owner of Receipts requests the distribution of warrants or other instruments, notwithstanding that there has been no such registration under the Securities Act of 1933, the Depositary shall not effect such distribution unless it has received an opinion from recognized counsel in the United States for the Issuer upon which the Depositary may rely that such distribution to such Owner is exempt from such registration.

The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such rights available to Owners in general or any Owner in particular.
 
SECTION 4.5 Conversion of Foreign Currency.
 
Whenever the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive foreign currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, and if at the time of the receipt thereof the foreign currency so received can in the judgment of the Depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into Dollars and the resulting Dollars transferred to the United States, the Depositary shall con-vert or cause to be converted, by sale or in any other manner that it may determine, such foreign currency into Dollars, and such Dollars shall be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto or, if the Depositary shall have distri-buted any warrants or other instruments which entitle the holders thereof to such Dollars, then to the holders of such warrants and/or instruments upon surrender thereof for cancellation. Such distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among Owners on account of exchange restric-tions, the date of delivery of any Receipt or otherwise and shall be net of any expenses of conversion into Dollars incurred by the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9.

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If such conversion or distribution can be effected only with the approval or license of any government or agency thereof, the Depositary shall file such application for approval or license, if any, as it may deem desirable.

If at any time the Depositary shall determine that in its judgment any foreign currency received by the Depositary or the Custodian is not convertible on a reasonable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, or if any approval or license of any government or agency thereof which is required for such conversion is denied or in the opinion of the Depositary is not obtainable, or if any such approval or license is not obtained within a reasonable period as determined by the Depositary, the Depositary may distribute the foreign currency (or an appropriate document evidencing the right to receive such foreign currency) received by the Depositary to, or in its discretion may hold such foreign currency uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled to receive the same.

If any such conversion of foreign currency, in whole or in part, cannot be effected for distribution to some of the Owners entitled thereto, the Depositary may in its discretion make such conversion and distribution in Dollars to the extent permissible to the Owners entitled thereto and may distribute the balance of the foreign currency received by the Depositary to, or hold such balance uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled thereto.
 
SECTION 4.6 Fixing of Record Date. 
 
Whenever any cash dividend or other cash distribution shall become payable or any distribution other than cash shall be made, or whenever rights shall be issued with respect to the Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each American Depositary Share, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient, the Depositary shall fix a record date (a) for the determination of the Owners who shall be (i) entitled to receive such dividend, distribution or rights or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, (ii) entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting or (iii) responsible for any fee assessed by the Depositary pursuant to this Deposit Agreement, or (b) on or after which each American Depositary Share will represent the changed number of Shares. Subject to the provisions of Sections 4.1 through 4.5 and to the other terms and condi-tions of this Deposit Agreement, the Owners on such record date shall be entitled, as the case may be, to receive the amount distributable by the Depositary with respect to such dividend or other distribution or such rights or the net proceeds of sale thereof in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively and to give voting instructions and to act in respect of any other such matter.
 
SECTION 4.7 Voting of Deposited Securities.
 
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, if requested in writing by the Issuer, the Depositary shall, as soon as practicable there-after, mail to the Owners a notice, the form of which notice shall be in the sole discretion of the Depositary, which shall contain (a) such information as is contained in such notice of meeting received by the Depositary from the Issuer, (b) a statement that the Owners as of the close of business on a specified record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of the laws of Israel and of the Articles of Association of the Issuer, to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the amount of Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by their respective American Depositary Shares and (c) a statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given. Upon the written request of an Owner on such record date, received on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, the Depositary shall endeavor, in so far as prac-ticable, to vote or cause to be voted the amount of Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by the American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt in accordance with the instructions set forth in such request. The Depositary shall not vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote that attaches to the Shares or other Deposited Securities, other than in accordance with such instructions.

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There can be no assurance that Owners generally or any Owner in particular will receive the notice described in the preceding paragraph sufficiently prior to the instruction date to ensure that the Depositary will vote the Shares or Deposited Securities in accordance with the provisions set forth in the preceding paragraph.
 
SECTION 4.8 Changes Affecting Deposited Securities.
 
Upon any change in nominal value, change in par value, split-up, consolidation or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Issuer or to which it is a party, or upon the redemption or cancellation by the Issuer of the Deposited Securities, any securities, cash or property which shall be received by the Depositary or a Custodian in exchange for, in conversion of, in lieu of or in respect of Deposited Securities, shall be treated as new Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement, and American Depositary Shares shall thenceforth represent, in addition to the existing Deposited Securities, the right to receive the new Deposited Securities so received, unless additional Receipts are delivered pursuant to the following sentence. In any such case the Depositary may execute and deliver additional Receipts as in the case of a dividend in Shares, or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing such new Deposited Securities.
 
SECTION 4.9 Reports. 
 
The Depositary shall make available for inspection by Owners at its Corporate Trust Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting material, received from the Issuer which are both (a) received by the Depositary as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Issuer. The Depositary shall also, upon written request, send to the Owners copies of such reports when furnished by the Issuer pursuant to Sec-tion 5.6. Any such reports and communications, including any such proxy soliciting material, furnished to the Depositary by the Issuer shall be furnished in English, to the extent such materials are required to be translated into English pursuant to any regulations of the Commission.
 
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SECTION 4.10 Lists of Owners. 
 
Promptly upon request by the Issuer, the Depositary shall, at the expense of the Issuer, furnish to it a list, as of a recent date, of the names, addresses and holdings of American Depositary Shares by all persons in whose names Receipts are registered on the books of the Depositary.
 
SECTION 4.11 Withholding. 
 
In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charge which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may by public or private sale dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay such taxes or charges and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale after deduction of such taxes or charges to the Owners entitled thereto in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively.
 
ARTICLE 5.
THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIANS AND THE COMPANY
 
 
SECTION 5.1 Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Depositary. 
 
Until termination of this Deposit Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Depositary shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, facilities for the execution and delivery, registration, registration of transfers and surrender of Receipts in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.

The Depositary shall keep books, at its Corporate Trust Office, for the registra-tion of Receipts and transfers of Receipts which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Owners, provided that such inspection shall not be for the purpose of communicating with Owners in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Issuer or a matter related to this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts.

The Depositary may close the transfer books, at any time or from time to time, when deemed expedient by it in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder.

If any Receipts or the American Depositary Shares evidenced thereby are listed on one or more stock exchanges in the United States, the Depositary shall act as Registrar or appoint a Registrar or one or more co-registrars for registry of such Receipts in accordance with any require-ments of such exchange or exchanges.
 
SECTION 5.2 Prevention or Delay in Performance by the Depositary or the Issuer. 
 
Neither the Depositary nor the Issuer nor any of their respective directors, employees, agents or affiliates shall incur any liability to any Owner or holder of any Receipt, (i) if by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States or any other country, or of any governmental or regulatory author-ity or stock exchange, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Articles of Association of the Issuer, or by reason of any provision of any securities issued or distributed by the Issuer, or any offering or distribution thereof, or by reason of any act of God or war or terrorism or other circumstances beyond its control, the Depositary or the Issuer shall be prevented, delayed or forbidden from, or be subject to any civil or criminal penalty on account of, doing or performing any act or thing which by the terms of this Deposit Agreement or Deposited Securities it is provided shall be done or performed, (ii) by reason of any non-performance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in the performance of any act or thing which by the terms of this Deposit Agreement it is provided shall or may be done or performed, (iii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement, (iv) for the inability of any Owner or holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, made available to Owners or holders, or (v) for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of this Deposit Agreement. Where, by the terms of a distribution pursuant to Section 4.1, 4.2, or 4.3 of the Deposit Agreement, or an offering or distribution pursuant to Section 4.4 of the Deposit Agreement, or for any other reason, such distribution or offering may not be made available to Owners, and the Depositary may not dispose of such distribution or offering on behalf of such Owners and make the net proceeds available to such Owners, then the Depositary shall not make such distribution or offering, and shall allow any rights, if applicable, to lapse.
 
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SECTION 5.3 Obligations of the Depositary, the Custodian and the Issuer.
 
The Issuer assumes no obligation nor shall it be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to Owners or holders, except that it agrees to perform its obligations specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith.

The Depositary assumes no obligation nor shall it be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to any Owner or holder (including, without limitation, liability with respect to the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities), except that it agrees to perform its obligations specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith.

Neither the Depositary nor the Issuer shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the Receipts on behalf of any Owner or holder or any person.

Neither the Depositary nor the Issuer shall be liable for any action or nonaction by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Owner or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information.

The Depositary shall not be liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor depositary whether in connec-tion with a previous act or omission of the Depositary or in connection with any matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of the Depositary, provided that in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises the Depositary performed its obligations without negligence or bad faith while it acted as Depositary.

The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any such vote is cast or the effect of any such vote, provided that any such action or nonaction is in good faith.

No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act of 1933 is intended by any provision of this Deposit Agreement.
 
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SECTION 5.4 Resignation and Removal of the Depositary.
 
The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary hereunder by written notice of its election so to do delivered to the Issuer, such resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
 
The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Issuer by 120 days prior written notice of such removal, to become effective upon the later of (i) the 120th day after delivery of the notice to the Depositary and (ii) the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.

In case at any time the Depositary acting here-under shall resign or be removed, the Issuer shall use its best efforts to appoint a successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. Every successor depositary shall execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Issuer an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor depositary, without any further act or deed, shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor; but such predecessor, nevertheless, upon payment of all sums due it and on the written request of the Issuer shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder, shall duly assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest in the Deposited Securities to such successor, and shall deliver to such successor a list of the Owners of all outstanding Receipts. Any such successor depositary shall promptly mail notice of its appointment to the Owners.

Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act.
 
SECTION 5.5 The Custodians. 
 
The Custodian shall be subject at all times and in all respects to the directions of the Depositary and shall be responsible solely to it. Any Custodian may resign and be discharged from its duties hereunder by notice of such resignation delivered to the Depositary at least 30 days prior to the date on which such resignation is to become effective. If upon such resignation there shall be no Custodian acting hereunder, the Depositary shall, promptly after receiving such notice, appoint a substitute custodian or custodians, each of which shall thereafter be a Custodian hereunder. The Depositary in its discretion may appoint a substitute or additional custodian or custodians, each of which shall thereafter be one of the Custodians hereunder. Upon demand of the Depositary any Custodian shall deliver such of the Deposited Securities held by it as are requested of it to any other Custodian or such substitute or additional custodian or custodians. Each such substitute or additional custodian shall deliver to the Depositary, forthwith upon its appointment, an acceptance of such appointment satis-factory in form and substance to the Depositary.

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Upon the appointment of any successor depositary hereunder, each Custodian then acting hereunder shall forthwith become, without any further act or writing, the agent hereunder of such successor depositary and the appointment of such successor depositary shall in no way impair the authority of each Custodian hereunder; but the successor depositary so appointed shall, nevertheless, on the written request of any Custodian, execute and deliver to such Custodian all such instruments as may be proper to give to such Custodian full and complete power and authority as agent hereunder of such successor depositary.
 
SECTION 5.6 Notices and Reports. 
 
On or before the first date on which the Issuer gives notice, by publication or otherwise, of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or of any adjourned meeting of such holders, or of the taking of any action in respect of any cash or other distributions or the offering of any rights, the Issuer agrees to transmit to the Depositary and the Custodian a copy of the notice thereof in the form given or to be given to holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities.

The Issuer will arrange for the translation into English, if not already in English, to the extent required pursuant to any regulations of the Commission, and the prompt transmittal by the Issuer to the Depositary and the Custodian of such notices and any other reports and communi-cations which are made generally available by the Issuer to holders of its Shares. If requested in writing by the Issuer, the Depositary will arrange for the mailing, at the Issuer's expense, of copies of such notices, reports and communications to all Owners. The Issuer will timely provide the Depositary with the quantity of such notices, reports, and communications, as requested by the Depositary from time to time, in order for the Depositary to effect such mailings.
 
SECTION 5.7 Distribution of Additional Shares, Rights, etc. 
 
The Issuer agrees that in the event of any issuance or distribution of (1) additional Shares, (2) rights to subscribe for Shares, (3) securities convertible into Shares, or (4) rights to subscribe for such securities (each a "Distribution"), the Issuer will promptly furnish to the Depositary a written opinion from U.S. counsel for the Issuer, which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, stating whether or not the Distribution requires a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 to be in effect prior to making such Distribution available to Owners entitled thereto. If in the opinion of such counsel a registration statement is required, such counsel shall furnish to the Depositary a written opinion as to whether or not there is a registration statement in effect which will cover such Distribution.

The Issuer agrees with the Depositary that neither the Issuer nor any company controlled by, control-ling or under common control with the Issuer will at any time deposit any Shares, either originally issued or pre-viously issued and reacquired by the Issuer or any such affiliate, unless a Registration Statement is in effect as to such Shares under the Securities Act of 1933 or if the Issuer furnishes to the Depositary a written opinion from U.S. counsel for the Issuer, which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, to the effect that the Shares to be deposited are permissible deposits under General Instructions to Form F-6.
 
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For purposes of this Section 5.7, Alston & Bird LLP shall be deemed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary.
 
SECTION 5.8 Indemnification.
 
The Issuer agrees to indemnify the Depositary, its directors, employees, agents and affiliates and any Custodian against, and hold each of them harmless from, any liability or expense (including, but not limited to any fees and expenses incurred in seeking, enforcing or collecting such indemnity and the fees and expenses of counsel) which may arise out of any registration with the Commission of Receipts, American Depositary Shares or Deposited Securities or the offer or sale thereof in the United States or out of acts performed or omitted, pursuant to the provisions of or in connection with this Deposit Agreement and of the Receipts, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, (i) by either the Depositary or a Custodian or their respective directors, employees, agents and affiliates, except for any liability or expense arising out of the negligence or bad faith of either of them, or (ii) by the Issuer or any of its directors, employees, agents and affiliates.

The Depositary agrees to indemnify the Issuer, its directors, employees, agents and affiliates and hold them harmless from any liability or expense which may arise out of acts performed or omitted by the Depositary or its Custodian or their respective directors, employees, agents and affiliates due to their negligence or bad faith.
 
SECTION 5.9 Charges of Depositary. 
 
The Issuer agrees to pay the fees, reasonable expenses and out-of-pocket charges of the Depositary and those of any Registrar only in accordance with agreements in writing entered into between the Depositary and the Issuer from time to time. The Depositary shall present its statement for such charges and expenses to the Issuer at least once every three months. The charges and expenses of the Custodian are for the sole account of the Depositary.

The following charges shall be incurred by any party depositing or withdrawing Shares or by any party surrendering Receipts or to whom Receipts are issued (including, without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by the Issuer or an exchange of stock regarding the Receipts or Deposited Securities or a distribution of Receipts pursuant to Section 4.3), or by Owners, as applicable: (1) taxes and other governmental charges, (2) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of transfers of Shares generally on the Share register of the Issuer or Foreign Registrar and applicable to transfers of Shares to or from the name of the Depositary or its nominee or the Custodian or its nominee on the making of deposits or withdrawals hereunder, (3) such cable, telex and facsimile transmission expenses as are expressly provided in this Deposit Agree-ment, (4) such expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency pursuant to Section 4.5, (5) a fee of $5.00 or less per 100 American Depositary Shares (or portion thereof) for the execution and delivery of Receipts pursuant to Section 2.3, 4.3 or 4.4 and the surrender of Receipts pursuant to Section 2.5 or 6.2, (6) a fee of $.02 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) for any cash distribution made pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, including, but not limited to Sections 4.1 through 4.4 hereof, (7) a fee for the distribution of securities pursuant to Section 4.2, such fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Shares referred to above which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities (for purposes of this clause 7 treating all such securities as if they were Shares) but which securities are instead distributed by the Depositary to Owners, (8) a fee of $.02 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) for depositary services, which will accrue on the last day of each calendar year and which will be payable as provided in clause (9) below; provided, however, that no fee will be assessed under this clause (8) to the extent a fee of $.02 was charged pursuant to clause (6) above during that calendar year, and (9) any other charge payable by the Depositary, any of the Depositary's agents, including the Custodian, or the agents of the Depositary's agents in connection with the servicing of Shares or other Deposited Securities (which charge shall be assessed against Owners as of the date or dates set by the Depositary in accordance with Section 4.6 and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by billing such Owners for such charge or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions).

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The Depositary, subject to Section 2.9 hereof, may own and deal in any class of securities of the Issuer and its affiliates and in Receipts.
 
SECTION 5.10 Retention of Depositary Documents. 
 
The Depositary is authorized to destroy those documents, records, bills and other data compiled during the term of this Deposit Agreement at the times permitted by the laws or regulations governing the Depositary unless the Issuer requests that such papers be retained for a longer period or turned over to the Issuer or to a successor depositary.
 
SECTION 5.11 Exclusivity. 
 
The Issuer agrees not to appoint any other depositary for issuance of American Depositary Receipts so long as The Bank of New York is acting as Depositary hereunder.
 
SECTION 5.12 List of Restricted Securities Owners. 
 
From time to time, the Issuer shall provide to the Depositary a list setting forth, to the actual knowledge of the Issuer, those persons or entities who beneficially own Restricted Securities and the Issuer shall update that list on a regular basis. The Issuer agrees to advise in writing each of the persons or entities so listed that such Restricted Securities are ineligible for deposit hereunder. The Depositary may rely on such a list or update but shall not be liable for any action or omission made in reliance thereon.
 
ARTICLE 6.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
 
 
SECTION 6.1 Amendment. 
 
The form of the Receipts and any provisions of this Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the Issuer and the Depositary without the consent of Owners or holders of Receipts in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable. Any amendment which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than taxes and other governmental charges, registration fees, cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses), or which shall otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of Owners, shall, however, not become effective as to outstanding Receipts until the expiration of thirty days after notice of such amendment shall have been given to the Owners of outstanding Receipts. Every Owner, at the time any amendment so becomes effective, shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such Receipt, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair the right of the Owner of any Receipt to surrender such Receipt and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.
 
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SECTION 6.2 Termination. 
 
The Depositary shall, at any time at the direction of the Issuer, terminate this Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the Owners of all Receipts then outstanding at least 60 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination. The Depositary may likewise terminate this Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the Issuer and the Owners of all Receipts then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date of termination, if at any time 30 days shall have expired after the Depositary shall have delivered to the Issuer a written notice of its election to resign and a successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.4. On and after the date of termination, the Owner of a Receipt will, upon (a) surrender of such Receipt at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, (b) payment of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of Receipts referred to in Section 2.5, and (c) payment of any appli-cable taxes or governmental charges, be entitled to delivery, to him or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities represented by the American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt. If any Receipts shall remain outstanding after the date of termination, the Depositary thereafter shall discontinue the registration of transfers of Receipts, shall suspend the distribution of dividends to the Owners thereof, and shall not give any further notices or perform any further acts under this Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell rights and other property as provided in this Deposit Agreement, and shall continue to deliver Deposited Securities, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, in exchange for Receipts surrendered to the Depositary (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such Receipt in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, and any applicable taxes or governmental charges). At any time after the expiration of four months from the date of termination, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held hereunder and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it hereunder, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the Owners of Receipts which have not theretofore been surrendered, such Owners thereupon becoming general creditors of the Depositary with respect to such net proceeds. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such Receipt in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, and any applicable taxes or governmental charges) and except for its obligations to the Issuer under Section 5.8 hereof. Upon the termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Issuer shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary under Sections 5.8 and 5.9 hereof.
 
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ARTICLE 7.
MISCELLANEOUS
 
 
SECTION 7.1 Counterparts. 
 
This Deposit Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument. Copies of this Deposit Agreement shall be filed with the Depositary and the Custodians and shall be open to inspection by any Owner or holder of a Receipt during business hours.
 
SECTION 7.2 No Third Party Beneficiaries. 
 
This Deposit Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and shall not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim whatsoever to any other person.
 
SECTION 7.3 Severability. 
 
In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts should be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.
 
SECTION 7.4 Owners and Holders as Parties; Binding Effect. 
 
The Owners and holders of Receipts from time to time shall be parties to this Deposit Agreement and shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions hereof and of the Receipts by acceptance thereof.
 
SECTION 7.5 Notices. 
 
Any and all notices to be given to the Issuer shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed to XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Building 3, Kiryat Weizman Science Park, Rehovot 76100, Israel, or any other place to which the Issuer may have transferred its principal office.

Any and all notices to be given to the Depositary shall be deemed to have been duly given if in English and personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed to The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, Attention: American Depositary Receipt Adminis-tration, or any other place to which the Depositary may have transferred its Corporate Trust Office.

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Any and all notices to be given to any Owner shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed to such Owner at the address of such Owner as it appears on the transfer books for Receipts of the Depositary, or, if such Owner shall have filed with the Depositary a written request that notices intended for such Owner be mailed to some other address, at the address designated in such request.

Delivery of a notice sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission shall be deemed to be effected at the time when a duly addressed letter containing the same (or a confirmation thereof in the case of a cable, telex or facsimile transmission) is deposited, postage prepaid, in a post-office letter box. The Depositary or the Issuer may, however, act upon any cable, telex or facsimile transmission received by it, notwithstanding that such cable, telex or facsimile transmission shall not subsequently be confirmed by letter as aforesaid.
 
SECTION 7.6 Submission to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent for Service of Process. 
 
The Issuer hereby (i) irrevocably designates and appoints Corporation Service Company, 1133 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 3100, New York, New York 10036, in the State of New York, as the Issuer's authorized agent upon which process may be served in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Agreement, (ii) consents and submits to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court in the State of New York in which any such suit or proceeding may be instituted, and (iii) agrees that service of process upon said authorized agent shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Issuer in any such suit or proceeding. The Issuer agrees to deliver, upon the execution and delivery of this Deposit Agreement, a written acceptance by such agent of its appointment as such agent. The Issuer further agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all such documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue such designation and appointment in full force and effect for so long as any American Depositary Shares or Receipts remain outstanding or this Agreement remains in force. In the event the Issuer fails to continue such designation and appointment in full force and effect, the Issuer hereby waives personal service of process upon it and consents that any such service of process may be made by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, directed to the Issuer at its address last specified for notices hereunder, and service so made shall be deemed completed five (5) days after the same shall have been so mailed.
 
SECTION 7.7 Compliance with U.S. Securities Laws.
 
Notwithstanding anything in this Deposit Agreement to the contrary, the Issuer and the Depositary each agrees that it will not exercise any rights it has under this Deposit Agreement to permit the withdrawal or delivery of Deposited Securities in a manner which would violate the U.S. securities laws, including, but not limited to, Section I.A.(1) of the General Instructions to the Form F-6 registration statement, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act.
 
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SECTION 7.8 Waiver of Immunities. 
 
To the extent that the Issuer or any of its properties, assets or revenues may have or may hereafter become entitled to, or have attributed to it, any right of immunity, on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise, from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from the giving of any relief in any respect thereof, from setoff or counterclaim, from the jurisdiction of any court, from service of process, from attachment upon or prior to judgment, from attachment in aid of execution or judgment, or from execution of judgment, or other legal process or proceeding for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of any judgment, in any jurisdiction in which proceedings may at any time be commenced, with respect to its obligations, liabilities or any other matter under or arising out of or in connection with the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Agreement, the Issuer, to the fullest extent permitted by law, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to plead or claim, any such immunity and consents to such relief and enforcement.
 
SECTION 7.9 Governing Law. 
 
This Deposit Agreement and the Receipts shall be interpreted and all rights hereunder and thereunder and provisions hereof and thereof shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. and THE BANK OF NEW YORK have duly executed this Deposit Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above and all Owners shall become parties hereto upon acceptance by them of Receipts issued in accordance with the terms hereof.


XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
 
By:______________________
Name:
Title:
 
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Depositary
 
By:______________________
Name:
Title:


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EXHIBIT A

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
(Each American Depositary
Share represents ten deposited Shares)

THE BANK OF NEW YORK
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
FOR ORDINARY SHARES, PAR VALUE NIS 0.02 EACH,
OF
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
(INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF ISRAEL)

The Bank of New York, as depositary (hereinafter called the "Depositary"), hereby certifies that___________ ____________________________________________, or registered assigns IS THE OWNER OF _____________________________

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

representing deposited ordinary shares, par value NIS 0.02 each (herein called "Shares") of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., incorporated under the laws of Israel (herein called the "Company"). At the date hereof, each American Depositary Share represents ten Shares deposited or subject to deposit under the Deposit Agreement (as such term is hereinafter defined) at the Tel Aviv office of Bank Hapoalim B.M. and the London office of The Bank of New York (herein collectively called the "Custodian"). The Depositary's Corporate Trust Office is located at a different address than its principal executive office. Its Corporate Trust Office is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, N.Y. 10286, and its principal executive office is located at One Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286.

THE DEPOSITARY'S CORPORATE TRUST OFFICE ADDRESS IS
101 BARCLAY STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10286






1. THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT.
 
This American Depositary Receipt is one of an issue (herein called "Receipts"), all issued and to be issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the deposit agreement, dated as of ______________, 2005, as it may be amended from time to time (herein called the "Deposit Agreement"), by and among the Company, the Depositary, and all Owners and holders from time to time of Receipts issued thereunder, each of whom by accepting a Receipt agrees to become a party thereto and become bound by all the terms and conditions thereof. The Deposit Agreement sets forth the rights of Owners and holders of the Receipts and the rights and duties of the Depositary in respect of the Shares deposited thereunder and any and all other securities, property and cash from time to time received in respect of such Shares and held thereunder (such Shares, securities, property, and cash are herein called "Deposited Securities"). Copies of the Deposit Agreement are on file at the Depositary's Corporate Trust Office in New York City and at the office of the Custodian.

The statements made on the face and reverse of this Receipt are summaries of certain provisions of the Deposit Agreement and are qualified by and subject to the detailed provisions of the Deposit Agreement, to which reference is hereby made. Capitalized terms defined in the Deposit Agreement and not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Deposit Agreement.

2. SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS AND WITHDRAWAL OF SHARES.
 
Upon surrender at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary of this Receipt, and upon payment of the fee of the Depositary provided in this Receipt, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, the Owner hereof is entitled to delivery, to him or upon his order, of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the American Depositary Shares for which this Receipt is issued. Delivery of such Deposited Securities may be made by the delivery of (a) certificates in the name of the Owner hereof or as ordered by him or certificates properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer and (b) any other securities, property and cash to which such Owner is then entitled in respect of this Receipt. Such delivery will be made at the option of the Owner hereof, either at the office of the Custodian or at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, provided that the forwarding of certificates for Shares or other Deposited Securities for such delivery at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary shall be at the risk and expense of the Owner hereof.

3. TRANSFERS, SPLIT-UPS, AND COMBINATIONS OF RECEIPTS.
 
The transfer of this Receipt is registrable on the books of the Depositary at its Corporate Trust Office by the Owner hereof in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Receipt properly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer and funds sufficient to pay any applicable transfer taxes and the expenses of the Depositary and upon compliance with such regulations, if any, as the Depositary may establish for such purpose. This Receipt may be split into other such Receipts, or may be combined with other such Receipts into one Receipt, evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as the Receipt or Receipts surrendered. As a condition precedent to the execution and delivery, registration of transfer, split-up, combination, or surrender of any Receipt or withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary, the Custodian, or Registrar may require payment from the depositor of the Shares or the presentor of the Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees as provided in this Receipt, may require the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature and may also require compliance with any regulations the Depositary may establish consistent with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt, including, without limitation, this Article 3.


The delivery of Receipts against deposit of Shares generally or against deposit of particular Shares may be suspended, or the transfer of Receipts in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfer of outstanding Receipts generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Depositary are closed, or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or commission, or under any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt, or for any other reason, subject to the provisions of the following sentence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt, the surrender of outstanding Receipts and withdrawal of Deposited Securities may not be suspended subject only to (i) temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of the Depositary or the Company or the deposit of Shares in connection with voting at a shareholders' meeting, or the payment of dividends, (ii) the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges, and (iii) compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the Receipts or to the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under the Deposit Agreement any Shares required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Shares.

4. LIABILITY OF OWNER FOR TAXES.
 
If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable with respect to any Receipt or any Deposited Securities represented hereby, such tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Owner hereof to the Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to effect any transfer of this Receipt or any withdrawal of Deposited Securities represented by American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt until such payment is made, and may withhold any dividends or other distributions, or may sell for the account of the Owner hereof any part or all of the Deposited Securities represented by the American Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt, and may apply such dividends or other distributions or the proceeds of any such sale in payment of such tax or other governmental charge and the Owner hereof shall remain liable for any deficiency.

5. WARRANTIES ON DEPOSIT OF SHARES.
 
Every person depositing Shares under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that such Shares and each certificate therefor, if applicable, are validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable, and free of any preemptive rights of the holders of outstanding Shares and that the person making such deposit is duly authorized so to do. Every such person shall also be deemed to represent that the deposit of such Shares and the sale of Receipts evidencing American Depositary Shares representing such Shares by that person are not restricted under the Securities Act of 1933. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of Shares and issuance of Receipts.


6. FILING PROOFS, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER INFORMATION.
 
Any person presenting Shares for deposit or any Owner or holder of a Receipt may be required from time to time to file with the Depositary or the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, exchange control approval, or such information relating to the registration on the books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties, as the Depositary may deem necessary or proper. The Depositary may withhold the delivery or registration of transfer of any Receipt or the distribution of any dividend or sale or distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof or the delivery of any Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such certificates are executed or such representations and warranties made. No Share shall be accepted for deposit unless accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that any necessary approval has been granted by any governmental body in Israel which is then performing the function of the regulation of currency exchange.

7. CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY.
 
The Company has agreed to pay the fees, reasonable expenses and out-of-pocket charges of the Depositary and those of any Registrar only in accordance with agreements in writing entered into between the Depositary and the Company from time to time. The Depositary shall present its state-ment for such charges and expenses to the Company at least once every three months. The charges and expenses of the Custodian are for the sole account of the Depositary.

The following charges shall be incurred by any party depositing or withdrawing Shares or by any party surrendering Receipts or to whom Receipts are issued (including, without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by the Company or an exchange of stock regarding the Receipts or Deposited Securities or a distribution of Receipts pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Deposit Agreement), or by Owners, as applicable: (1) taxes and other governmental charges, (2) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of transfers of Shares generally on the Share register of the Company or Foreign Registrar and applicable to transfers of Shares to or from the name of the Depositary or its nominee or the Custodian or its nominee on the making of deposits or withdrawals under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, (3) such cable, telex and facsimile transmission expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement, (4) such expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency pursuant to Section 4.5 of the Deposit Agreement, (5) a fee of $5.00 or less per 100 American Depositary Shares (or portion thereof) for the execution and delivery of Receipts pursuant to Section 2.3, 4.3 or 4.4 of the Deposit Agreement and the surrender of Receipts pursuant to Section 2.5 or 6.2 of the Deposit Agreement, (6) a fee of $.02 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) for any cash distribution made pursuant to Sections 4.1 through 4.4 of the Deposit Agreement, (7) a fee for the distribution of securities pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Deposit Agreement, such fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Shares referred to above which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities (for purposes of this clause 7 treating all such securities as if they were Shares), but which securities are instead distributed by the Depositary to Owners, (8) a fee of $.02 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) for depositary services, which will accrue on the last day of each calendar year and which will be payable as provided in clause (9) below; provided, however, that no fee will be assessed under this clause (8) to the extent a fee of $.02 was charged pursuant to clause (6) above during that calendar year, and (9) any other charge payable by the Depositary, any of the Depositary's agents, including the Custodian, or the agents of the Depositary's agents in connection with the servicing of Shares or other Deposited Securities (which charge shall be assessed against Owners as of the date or dates set by the Depositary in accordance with Section 4.6 of the Deposit Agreement and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by billing such Owners for such charge or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions).

The Depositary, subject to Article 8 hereof, may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its affiliates and in Receipts.


8. PRE-RELEASE OF RECEIPTS.
 
Notwithstanding Section 2.3 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may execute and deliver Receipts prior to the receipt of Shares pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Deposit Agreement (a "Pre-Release"). The Depositary may, pursuant to Section 2.5 of the Deposit Agreement, deliver Shares upon the receipt and cancellation of Receipts which have been Pre-Released, whether or not such cancellation is prior to the termination of such Pre-Release or the Depositary knows that such Receipt has been Pre-Released. The Depositary may receive Receipts in lieu of Shares in satisfaction of a Pre-Release. Each Pre-Release will be (a) preceded or accompanied by a written representation from the person to whom Receipts or Shares are to be delivered that such person, or its customer, owns the Shares or Receipts to be remitted, as the case may be, (b) at all times fully collateralized with cash or such other collateral as the Depositary deems appropriate, (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5) business days notice, and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the Depositary deems appropriate. The number of American Depositary Shares which are outstanding at any time as a result of Pre-Releases will not normally exceed thirty percent (30%) of the Shares deposited under the Deposit Agreement; provided, however, that the Depositary reserves the right to change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate.

The Depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in connection with the foregoing.

9. TITLE TO RECEIPTS.
 
It is a condition of this Receipt and every successive Owner and holder of this Receipt by accepting or holding the same consents and agrees, that title to this Receipt when properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, is transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable instrument under the laws of New York; provided, however, that the Depositary, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may treat the person in whose name this Receipt is registered on the books of the Depositary as the absolute Owner hereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for in the Deposit Agreement or for all other purposes, and neither the Depositary nor the Company shall have any obligation or be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to any holder of a Receipt unless such holder is the Owner thereof.


10. VALIDITY OF RECEIPT.
 
This Receipt shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless this Receipt shall have been executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary; provided, however that such signature may be a facsimile if a Registrar for the Receipts shall have been appointed and such Receipts are countersigned by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of the Registrar.

11. REPORTS; INSPECTION OF TRANSFER BOOKS.
 
The Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, accordingly, files certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). Such reports will be available for inspection and copying at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.

The Depositary will make available for inspection by Owners of Receipts at its Corporate Trust Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting material, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company. The Depositary will also, upon written request, send to Owners of Receipts copies of such reports when furnished by the Company pursuant to the Deposit Agreement. Any such reports and communications, including any such proxy soliciting material, furnished to the Depositary by the Company shall be furnished in English to the extent such materials are required to be translated into English pursuant to any regulations of the Commission.

The Depositary will keep books, at its Corporate Trust Office, for the registration of Receipts and transfers of Receipts which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Owners of Receipts provided that such inspection shall not be for the purpose of communicating with Owners of Receipts in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or a matter related to the Deposit Agreement or the Receipts.


12. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.
 
Whenever the Depositary receives any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, the Depositary will, if at the time of receipt thereof any amounts received in a foreign currency can in the judgment of the Depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into United States dollars transferable to the United States, and subject to the Deposit Agreement, convert such dividend or distribution into dollars and will distribute the amount thus received (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Article 7 hereof and Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement) to the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto; provided, however, that in the event that the Company or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes, the amount distributed to the Owners of the Receipts evidencing American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly.

Subject to the provisions of Section 4.11 and 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement, whenever the Depositary receives any distribution other than a distribution described in Section 4.1, 4.3 or 4.4 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary will cause the securities or property received by it to be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto, in any manner that the Depositary may deem equitable and practicable for accomplishing such distri-bution; provided, however, that if in the opinion of the Depositary such distribution cannot be made proportionately among the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto, or if for any other reason the Depositary deems such distribution not to be feasible, the Depositary may adopt such method as it may deem equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution, including, but not limited to, the public or private sale of the securities or property thus received, or any part thereof, and the net proceeds of any such sale (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Article 7 hereof and Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement) will be distributed by the Depositary to the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto all in the manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.1 of the Deposit Agreement.

If any distribution consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Depositary may distribute to the Owners of outstanding Receipts entitled thereto, additional Receipts evidencing an aggregate number of American Depositary Shares representing the amount of Shares received as such dividend or free distribution subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement with respect to the deposit of Shares and the issuance of American Depositary Shares evidenced by Receipts, including the withholding of any tax or other governmental charge as provided in Section 4.11 of the Deposit Agreement and the payment of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Article 7 hereof and Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement. In lieu of delivering Receipts for fractional American Depositary Shares in any such case, the Depositary will sell the amount of Shares represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the net proceeds, all in the manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.1 of the Deposit Agreement. If additional Receipts are not so distributed, each American Depositary Share shall thenceforth also represent the additional Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby.



In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other govern-mental charge which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may by public or private sale dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes or charges, and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale after deduction of such taxes or charges to the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto.

13. CONVERSION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY.
 
Whenever the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive foreign currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, and if at the time of the receipt thereof the foreign currency so received can in the judgment of the Depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into Dollars and the resulting Dollars transferred to the United States, the Depositary shall convert or cause to be converted, by sale or in any other manner that it may determine, such foreign currency into Dollars, and such Dollars shall be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto or, if the Depositary shall have distributed any warrants or other instruments which entitle the holders thereof to such Dollars, then to the holders of such warrants and/or instruments upon surrender thereof for cancellation. Such distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among Owners on account of exchange restrictions, the date of delivery of any Receipt or otherwise and shall be net of any expenses of conversion into Dollars incurred by the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement.

If such conversion or distribution can be effected only with the approval or license of any government or agency thereof, the Depositary shall file such application for approval or license, if any, as it may deem desirable.

If at any time the Depositary shall determine that in its judgment any foreign currency received by the Depositary or the Custodian is not convertible on a reasonable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, or if any approval or license of any government or agency thereof which is required for such conversion is denied or in the opinion of the Depositary is not obtainable, or if any such approval or license is not obtained within a reasonable period as determined by the Depositary, the Depositary may distribute the foreign currency (or an appropriate document evidencing the right to receive such foreign currency) received by the Depositary to, or in its discretion may hold such foreign currency uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled to receive the same.

If any such conversion of foreign currency, in whole or in part, cannot be effected for distribution to some of the Owners entitled thereto, the Depositary may in its discretion make such conversion and distribution in Dollars to the extent permissible to the Owners entitled thereto and may distribute the balance of the foreign currency received by the Depositary to, or hold such balance uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled thereto.


14. RIGHTS.
 
In the event that the Company shall offer or cause to be offered to the holders of any Deposited Securities any rights to subscribe for additional Shares or any rights of any other nature, the Depositary shall have discretion as to the procedure to be followed in making such rights available to any Owners or in disposing of such rights on behalf of any Owners and making the net proceeds available to such Owners or, if by the terms of such rights offering or for any other reason, the Depositary may not either make such rights available to any Owners or dispose of such rights and make the net proceeds available to such Owners, then the Depositary shall allow the rights to lapse. If at the time of the offering of any rights the Depositary determines in its discretion that it is lawful and feasible to make such rights available to all or certain Owners but not to other Owners, the Depositary may distribute to any Owner to whom it determines the distribution to be lawful and feasible, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by such Owner, warrants or other instruments therefor in such form as it deems appropriate.

In circumstances in which rights would otherwise not be distributed, if an Owner of Receipts requests the distribution of warrants or other instruments in order to exercise the rights allocable to the American Depositary Shares of such Owner under the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary will make such rights available to such Owner upon written notice from the Company to the Depositary that (a) the Company has elected in its sole discretion to permit such rights to be exercised and (b) such Owner has executed such documents as the Company has determined in its sole discretion are reasonably required under applicable law.

If the Depositary has distributed warrants or other instruments for rights to all or certain Owners, then upon instruction from such an Owner pursuant to such warrants or other instruments to the Depositary from such Owner to exercise such rights, upon payment by such Owner to the Depositary for the account of such Owner of an amount equal to the purchase price of the Shares to be received upon the exercise of the rights, and upon payment of the fees and expenses of the Depositary and any other charges as set forth in such warrants or other instruments, the Depositary shall, on behalf of such Owner, exercise the rights and purchase the Shares, and the Company shall cause the Shares so purchased to be delivered to the Depositary on behalf of such Owner. As agent for such Owner, the Depositary will cause the Shares so purchased to be deposited pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Deposit Agreement, and shall, pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Deposit Agreement, execute and deliver Receipts to such Owner. In the case of a distribution pursuant to the second paragraph of this Article 13, such Receipts shall be legended in accordance with applicable U.S. laws, and shall be subject to the appropriate restrictions on sale, deposit, cancellation, and transfer under such laws.

If the Depositary determines in its discretion that it is not lawful and feasible to make such rights available to all or certain Owners, it may sell the rights, warrants or other instruments in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by the Owners to whom it has determined it may not lawfully or feasibly make such rights available, and allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement and all taxes and governmental charges payable in connection with such rights and subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement) for the account of such Owners otherwise entitled to such rights, warrants or other instruments, upon an averaged or other practical basis without regard to any distinctions among such Owners because of exchange restrictions or the date of delivery of any Receipt or otherwise.

The Depositary will not offer rights to Owners unless both the rights and the securities to which such rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to a distribution to all Owners or are registered under the provisions of such Act; provided, that nothing in the Deposit Agreement shall create, any obligation on the part of the Company to file a registration statement with respect to such rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have such a registration statement declared effective. If an Owner of Receipts requests the distribution of warrants or other instruments, notwithstanding that there has been no such registration under the Securities Act of 1933, the Depositary shall not effect such distribution unless it has received an opinion from recognized counsel in the United States for the Company upon which the Depositary may rely that such distri-bution to such Owner is exempt from such registration.

The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such rights available to Owners in general or any Owner in particular.
 


15. RECORD DATES.
 
Whenever any cash dividend or other cash distrib-ution shall become payable or any distribution other than cash shall be made, or whenever rights shall be issued with respect to the Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each American Depositary Share, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient, the Depositary shall fix a record date (a) for the determination of the Owners of Receipts who shall be (i) entitled to receive such dividend, distribution or rights or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, (ii) entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, or (iii) responsible for any fee assessed by the Depositary pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, or (b) on or after which each American Depositary Share will represent the changed number of Shares, subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement.

16. VOTING OF DEPOSITED SECURITIES.
 
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, if requested in writing by the Company, the Depositary shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, mail to the Owners of Receipts a notice, the form of which notice shall be in the sole discretion of the Depositary, which shall contain (a) such information as is contained in such notice of meeting received by the Depositary from the Company, (b) a statement that the Owners of Receipts as of the close of business on a specified record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of law and of the Articles of Association of the Company, to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the amount of Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by their respective American Depositary Shares and (c) a statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given. Upon the written request of an Owner of a Receipt on such record date, received on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, the Depositary shall endeavor insofar as practicable to vote or cause to be voted the amount of Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by such American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt in accordance with the instructions set forth in such request. The Depositary shall not vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote that attaches to the Shares or other Deposited Securities, other than in accordance with such instructions.


There can be no assurance that Owners generally or any Owner in particular will receive the notice described in the preceding paragraph sufficiently prior to the instruction date to ensure that the Depositary will vote the Shares or Deposited Securities in accordance with the provisions set forth in the preceding paragraph.

17. CHANGES AFFECTING DEPOSITED SECURITIES.
 
Upon any change in nominal value, change in par value, split-up, consolidation, or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation, or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is a party, or upon the redemption or cancellation by the Company of the Deposited Securities, any securities, cash or property which shall be received by the Depositary or a Custodian in exchange for, in conversion of, in lieu of or in respect of Deposited Securities shall be treated as new Deposited Securities under the Deposit Agreement, and American Depositary Shares shall thenceforth represent, in addition to the existing Deposited Securities, the right to receive the new Deposited Securities so received, unless additional Receipts are delivered pursuant to the following sentence. In any such case the Depositary may execute and deliver additional Receipts as in the case of a dividend in Shares, or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing such new Deposited Securities.

18. LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY AND DEPOSITARY.
 
Neither the Depositary nor the Company nor any of their respective directors, employees, agents or affiliates shall incur any liability to any Owner or holder of any Receipt, (i) if by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States or any other country, or of any governmental or regulatory authority, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Articles of Association of the Company, or by reason of any provision of any securities issued or distributed by the Company, or any offering or distribution thereof, or by reason of any act of God or war or terrorism or other circumstances beyond its control, the Depositary or the Company shall be prevented, delayed or forbidden from or be subject to any civil or criminal penalty on account of doing or performing any act or thing which by the terms of the Deposit Agreement or Deposited Securities it is provided shall be done or performed, (ii) by reason of any non-performance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in the performance of any act or thing which by the terms of the Deposit Agreement it is provided shall or may be done or performed, (iii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the Deposit Agreement, (iv) for the inability of any Owner or holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, made available to Owners or holders, or (v) for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement. Where, by the terms of a distribution pursuant to Section 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3 of the Deposit Agreement, or an offering or distribution pursuant to Section 4.4 of the Deposit Agreement, such distribution or offering may not be made available to Owners of Receipts, and the Depositary may not dispose of such distribution or offering on behalf of such Owners and make the net proceeds available to such Owners, then the Depositary shall not make such distribution or offering, and shall allow any rights, if applicable, to lapse. Neither the Company nor the Depositary assumes any obligation or shall be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to Owners or holders of Receipts, except that they agree to perform their obligations specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith. The Depositary shall not be subject to any liability with respect to the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit, or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the Receipts, on behalf of any Owner or holder or other person. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be liable for any action or nonaction by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Owner or holder of a Receipt, or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information. The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any such vote is cast or the effect of any such vote, provided that any such action or nonaction is in good faith. The Depositary shall not be liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor depositary whether in connection with a previous act or omission of the Depositary or in connection with a matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of the Depositary, provided that in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises, the Depositary performed its obligations without negligence or bad faith while it acted as Depositary.. No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act of 1933 is intended by any provision of the Deposit Agreement.


 
19.
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF THE DEPOSITARY; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN.
 
The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement by written notice of its election so to do delivered to the Company, such resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by 120 days prior written notice of such removal, to become effective upon the later of (i) the 120th day after delivery of the notice to the Depositary and (ii) the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary in its discretion may appoint a substitute or additional custodian or custodians.

20. AMENDMENT.
 
The form of the Receipts and any provisions of the Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary without the consent of Owners or holders of Receipts in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable. Any amendment which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than taxes and other governmental charges, registration fees and cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses), or which shall otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of Owners of Receipts, shall, however, not become effective as to outstanding Receipts until the expiration of thirty days after notice of such amendment shall have been given to the Owners of outstanding Receipts. Every Owner of a Receipt at the time any amendment so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such Receipt, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair the right of the Owner of any Receipt to surrender such Receipt and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.


21. TERMINATION OF DEPOSIT AGREEMENT.
 
The Depositary at any time at the direction of the Company, shall terminate the Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the Owners of all Receipts then outstanding at least 60 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination. The Depositary may likewise terminate the Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the Company and the Owners of all Receipts then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date of termination, if at any time 30 days shall have expired after the Depositary shall have delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign and a successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. On and after the date of termination, the Owner of a Receipt will, upon (a) surrender of such Receipt at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, (b) payment of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of Receipts referred to in Section 2.5 of the Deposit Agreement, and (c) payment of any applicable taxes or governmental charges, be entitled to delivery, to him or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities represented by the American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt. If any Receipts shall remain outstanding after the date of termination, the Depositary thereafter shall discontinue the registration of transfers of Receipts, shall suspend the distribution of dividends to the Owners thereof, and shall not give any further notices or perform any further acts under the Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell rights and other property as provided in the Deposit Agreement, and shall continue to deliver Deposited Securities, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, in exchange for Receipts surrendered to the Depositary (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such Receipt in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, and any applicable taxes or governmental charges). At any time after the expiration of four months from the date of termination, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held under the Deposit Agreement and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it thereunder, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the Owners of Receipts which have not theretofore been surrendered, such Owners thereupon becoming general creditors of the Depositary with respect to such net proceeds. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such Receipt in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, and any applicable taxes or governmental charges). Upon the termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary with respect to indemnification, charges, and expenses.


22. COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. SECURITIES LAWS.
 
Notwithstanding anything in the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt to the contrary, the Company and the Depositary each agrees that it will not exercise any rights it has under the Deposit Agreement to permit the withdrawal or delivery of Deposited Securities in a manner which would violate the U.S. securities laws, including, but not limited to, Section I.A.(1) of the General Instructions to the Form F-6 Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act.

23.  SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES.
 
In the Deposit Agreement, the Company has (i) appointed Corporation Service Company, 1133 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 3100, New York, New York 10036, in the State of New York, as the Company's authorized agent upon which process may be served in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Agreement, (ii) consented and submitted to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court in the State of New York in which any such suit or proceeding may be instituted, and (iii) agreed that service of process upon said authorized agent shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Company in any such suit or proceeding.

To the extent that the Company or any of its properties, assets or revenues may have or hereafter become entitled to, or have attributed to it, any right of immunity, on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise, from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from the giving of any relief in any respect thereof, from setoff or counterclaim, from the jurisdiction of any court, from service of process, from attachment upon or prior to judgment, from attachment in aid of execution or judgment, or other legal process or proceeding for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of any judgment, in any jurisdiction in which proceedings may at any time be commenced, with respect to its obligations, liabilities or any other matter under or arising out of or in connection with the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or the Deposit Agreement, the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to plead or claim, any such immunity and consents to such relief and enforcement.
EX-4.16 4 v022798_ex4-16.htm
 
 
By FedEx

Mr. Michael S. Weiss
Interim Chairman
XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd
Kiryat Weizmann
Science Park, Building 3
POB 370, Rehovot 76100
Israel

Re: License Agreement dated June 2, 2004 between Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.(“the Agreement)   

Dear Michael:

This Letter of Understanding sets forth the understanding between Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Cubist”) and XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (“XTL”) regarding accelerated transfer of activities from XTL to Cubist *****.  In addition to the terms enumerated below, Cubist and XTL each agree to release and discharge the other party from any and all potential or actual claims of whatever nature, known to both parties and existing as of the date of this Letter of Understanding.

Cubist and XTL hereby agree as follows:

1.  
By August 5, 2005, XTL shall: a) transfer to Cubist all physical materials (including, but not limited to, cell lines, clones, reference standards, antigens for assay development, retained clinical samples, and samples from stability testing of formulated material); b) transfer to Cubist all reports (including, but not limited to, PK studies in hydrodynamic model, report on media optimization); and c) assign to Cubist all contracts and regulatory documents (including, but not limited to, the IND application and contracts with *****, *****, *****, clinical sites and/or clinical investigators, and *****), including all rights and obligations thereunder, each to the extent solely related to the development of HepeX-B. In addition, XTL shall complete by August 5, 2005 all ongoing collaboration activities (including, but not limited to, *****).


2.  
XTL shall transfer to Cubist by October 31, 2005, all remaining data and original documentation (in any format, including, but not limited to, written and electronic formats) related to the development of HepeX-B (including, but not limited to, electronic files, lab notebooks and printouts of raw data, Excel® files, and any data or documentation relating to: testing of clinical samples, stability testing of clinical lots, development of cell-lines, development of reference standards, or development of assays used in clinical testing.). For clarification, XTL shall provide original documentation only if that documentation is related solely to HepeX-B; otherwise, XTL shall provide copies of the information that is related to HepeX-B.  Throughout August, September and October of 2005, XTL shall dedicate ***** to perform the activities described above in this Paragraph 3.

3.  
Cubist shall reimburse XTL for its internal costs reasonably incurred for transferring the items referred to in Paragraphs 2 and 3. Such costs shall be treated as Designated Costs under Section 7.3 of the Agreement, except that such costs shall be reimbursed within fourteen (14) days of completion to Cubist’s satisfaction of all activities described in Paragraphs 2 and 3 above.

4.  
Cubist’s reimbursement of XTL for its internal costs reasonably incurred for transferring the items referred to in Paragraph 3 shall not exceed ***** ($*****).

5.  
Cubist shall reimburse XTL for Designated Costs paid by XTL to third party vendors on or after July 1, 2005 within thirty (30) days of Cubist’s receipt of an invoice from XTL.

6.  
Cubist shall not be required to make any Collaboration Support payments contemplated by Section 7.1 of the Agreement for the calendar year 2005.

7.  
Cubist shall be entitled to credit $***** against any future royalties owed to XTL on the Net Sales and/or Net Sublicensing Revenues of HepeX-B, as contemplated by Section 10 of the Agreement.

Cubist and XTL each represent and warrant that: (1) it has the power and authority to execute and deliver this Letter of Understanding and to perform its obligations hereunder; (2) it has read and understood this Letter of Understanding; (3) it has had the opportunity to consult with counsel in connection with the review, drafting and negotiation of this Letter of Understanding; (4) it enters into this Letter of Understanding voluntarily; and (5) it has not been induced to enter into this Letter of Understanding by any promise or representation made by or on behalf of the other party, other than as expressly set forth in the terms of this Letter of Understanding.

- 2 -

This Letter of Understanding does not modify any terms or conditions of the Agreement, including the rights and obligations of the parties, provided that the Agreement shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the terms of this Letter of Understanding.

Please indicate your agreement to the above terms and conditions by signing and dating both copies of this Letter of Understanding and returning one copy to me.

Sincerely,


*****
*****
CUBIST PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.



Agreed and accepted


_________________________________
Michael S. Weiss
Chairman
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
 
- 3 -

EX-4.17 5 v022798_ex4-17.htm

Confidential Treatment Requested. Confidential portions of this document have been redacted and have been separately filed with the Commission.

***** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.

LICENSE AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
 
THIS LICENSE AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT is entered into as of the 26th day of February, 2003 (the “Effective Date”) by and between XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD. (“XTL”), and B&C BIOPHARM CO., LTD. (“B&C”)
 
RECITALS
 
WHEREAS, B&C has certain intellectual property rights and know-how relating to the B&C Compounds (as defined herein); and
 
WHEREAS, XTL desires to obtain an exclusive license to such intellectual property rights and know-how, and B&C desires to grant such a license on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and promises contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE 1.
 
DEFINITIONS
 
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
 
1.1.  “Affiliate”shall mean any company or entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with a party hereto and shall include without limitation any company 50% or more of whose voting stock or participating profit interest is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a party, and any company which owns or controls, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the voting stock of a party.
 
1.2.  “Asia” shall mean those countries set forth on Schedule A.
 
1.3.  “B&C Compounds” shall mean the compounds referred to by B&C as *****.
 
1.4.  “FDA” shall mean the United States Food and Drug Administration or any other governmental agency of a country within the Licensed Territory having responsibilities comparable to those of the United States Food and Drug Administration.
 
1.5.  “Field” shall mean all therapeutic uses against HCV.
 
1.6.  “HCV” shall mean the Hepatitis C virus.
 
1.7.  “Licensed Know-How” shall mean (a) tangible or intangible know-how; (b) trade secrets, inventions (whether or not patentable); (c) data; (d) preclinical and clinical results; (e) other information; and (f) any physical, chemical or biological material and any replication or any part of such material; limited, however, to that which is necessary or useful for the development, manufacture, use or sale of Licensed Product, and which B&C owns, controls or has a license (with the right to sublicense) on or after the Effective Date.
 
 
 

***** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.
 
 
1.8.  “Licensed Patents” shall mean all patents, both foreign and domestic, including without limitation all substitutions, extensions, reissues, re-examinations, renewals and inventors certificates and all patent applications (including provisionals, divisionals, continuations and continuations-in-part), which B&C owns, controls or has a license (with the right to sublicense) on or after the Effective Date, that would be infringed by the development, manufacture, use, import, offer for sale or sale of Licensed Product in the Field in the Licensed Territory, including without limitation those patents and any patents issuing on those patent applications listed on Schedule C hereto.
 
1.9.  “Licensed Product”shall mean any product incorporating a B&C Compound.
 
1.10.  “Licensed Technology” shall mean the Licensed Patents and the Licensed Know-How.
 
1.11.  “Licensed Territory” shall mean the Rest of the World and Japan.
 
1.12.  “Net Royalty Payments”shall mean the royalty payments actually received by XTL from its sublicensees for sales of Licensed Product, net of any amounts XTL shall be required to pay to third parties with respect to such sales.
 
1.13.  “Net Sales” shall mean all revenues actually received by XTL, its Affiliates or its sublicensees from the sale of Licensed Product, after deduction for transportation charges, commissions, discounts, credits allowed for defective or returned or recalled goods and other allowances (actually paid or allowed, including but not limited to, prompt payment and volume discounts, charge backs from wholesalers), insurance and sales and other taxes based on sales prices when included in gross sales, but not including taxes assessed on income derived from such sales.
 
1.14.  “Net Sublicense Payments” shall mean license fees, milestones and similar payments, other than royalty payments, actually received by XTL from its sublicensees, but excluding (a) payments made to XTL if said payments are designed to pay for research and development costs to be incurred under, and then actually incurred after the date of, the agreement under which said payments are made and (b) equity investments in XTL. These payments shall be on amounts net of any payments XTL shall be required to make to third parties with respect to such license fees, milestones and other similar payments. By way of illustration, if XTL receives $100 in license fees from a sublicensee of the B&C Compounds, and XTL is required to pay $10 to third parties, XTL shall pay $***** to B&C (*****).
 
1.15.  “Phase I Clinical Trials”shall mean the initial human studies for a Licensed Product required by FDA to ascertain safety of the Licensed Product.
 
1.16.  “Phase III Clinical Trials” shall mean the expanded human studies necessary for filing with, and (if successful) approval of marketing by, FDA of a Biologics License Application or New Drug Application (or corresponding application, registration or certification outside of the United States) for a Licensed Product.
 
1.17.  “Rest of the World”shall mean all the countries of the world excluding Asia.
 
 
2

 ***** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.
 
 
1.18.  “Valid Claim” shall mean a patent claim contained in an issued and unexpired patent which has not lapsed or been declared invalid or unenforceable by a court in a decision which is unappealable or not appealed.
 
ARTICLE 2.
 
LICENSES; DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION
 
2.1.  GRANT BY B&C TO XTL.
 
(a)  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, B&C hereby grants to XTL an exclusive license, with the right to sublicense, under the Licensed Technology to make, have made, use, sell, offer to sell and import Licensed Product in the Field within the Licensed Territory.
 
(b)  B&C hereby agrees to grant a license, with the right to sublicense, under the Licensed Technology to XTL, a third party or a separate entity formed by the parties, as may be agreed by the parties pursuant to Section 2.2(b) with respect to development and commercialization of Licensed Product in the countries of Asia, excluding Japan and Korea.
 
2.2.  DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF LICENSED PRODUCT.
 
(a)  As between the parties, B&C shall retain all development and commercialization rights to the B&C Compounds in Korea and shall be solely responsible for all costs associated with any such efforts; provided that (i) all clinical studies conducted by B&C or its Affiliates of products incorporating B&C Compounds shall be designed by B&C in collaboration with XTL, (ii) B&C shall keep XTL informed of the ongoing progress of all such clinical studies on a current basis, (iii) B&C shall promptly provide XTL with complete data from such clinical studies and (iv) upon the written request of XTL, B&C shall promptly provide XTL with all data from pre-clinical studies of B&C Compounds which XTL has chosen for clinical development, including, without limitation, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and biological activity data. XTL shall have the right to use such data solely for its submissions seeking regulatory or marketing approval of B&C Compounds outside of Korea.
 
(b)  Within the countries of Asia, but excluding Japan and Korea, (i) XTL and B&C shall jointly develop and commercialize Licensed Product in the Field, (ii) the parties shall license the B&C Compounds to a third party for development and commercialization in the Field, or (iii) XTL and B&C shall form a separate entity to develop and commercialize B&C Compounds in the Field, as mutually agreed and as may be required or advisable due to legal and tax requirements. In each case, B&C and XTL shall equally share all costs for development and commercialization of products incorporating B&C Compounds in all such countries as well as all revenues received therefrom.
 
(c)  XTL shall be responsible for the development and commercialization of Licensed Product in the Field in the Licensed Territory, either on its own or by licensing to or collaborating with one or more third parties; provided that (i) XTL shall keep B&C informed on a current basis of the ongoing progress of all clinical studies conducted by XTL or its Affiliates of products incorporating B&C Compounds, (ii) XTL shall promptly provide B&C with complete data from such clinical studies and (iii) upon the written request of B&C, XTL shall promptly provide B&C with all data from pre-clinical studies of B&C Compounds which B&C has chosen for clinical development in Korea, including, without limitation, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and biological activity data. B&C shall have the right to use such data solely for its submissions seeking regulatory or marketing approval of B&C Compounds in Korea.
 
 
3

 ***** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.
 
 
(d)  In Japan, B&C shall receive annual payments equal to 50% of all revenues derived by XTL from the development and commercialization of products incorporating a B&C Compound for so long as the composition of matter of the B&C Compound is covered by a Valid Claim of a Licensed Patent in Japan; provided that no such payments shall be made until XTL has offset 50% of all costs incurred in the development and commercialization of such products.
 
(e)  In the Rest of the World, the costs of development and commercialization shall be fully borne by XTL.
 
(f)  Solely for purposes of clarification, the parties’ respective rights under this Section 2.2 are summarized on Schedule D attached hereto.
 
2.3.  DUE DILIGENCE. Subsequent to XTL’s filing of an Investigational New Drug Application with the FDA, or comparable foreign filing, for a Licensed Product, XTL and its Affiliates and any sublicensees for the Licensed Product shall use commercially reasonable efforts to develop and commercialize the Licensed Product. The parties hereby agree that XTL’s due diligence obligations in this Section 2.3 shall be deemed to be fully satisfied upon XTL’s and its Affiliates and sublicensees spending, in the aggregate, at least U.S. $500,000 per year on the development and commercialization of the Licensed Product.
 
2.4.  ADDITIONAL B&C COMPOUNDS SUPPLY AND SUPPORT.
 
(a)  Additional B&C Compounds. From the Effective Date until May 21, 2004, B&C shall keep XTL informed of any meaningful developments related to any compound in the ***** set forth on Schedule B which shows potential activity against HCV, and shall promptly provide XTL with a report for each such compound, which will include all relevant data regarding its activity against HCV. If XTL determines in good faith that one or more such compound(s) show(s) adequate therapeutic index and display pharmacokinetic properties, XTL shall promptly notify B&C of its determination, and, upon such notification, (i) B&C shall promptly supply to XTL at least 5 grams of each such compound and, to the extent not already provided to XTL, related HPLC, mass spectrometry and chemical structure information and (ii) Schedule B shall be deemed to be automatically amended to reflect the addition of such compound as a B&C Compound. From the Effective Date until May 21, 2004, B&C shall maintain an active program to develop analogs of *****.
 
(b)  Supply of B&C Compounds for Additional Studies. Upon any request by XTL for additional quantities of any B&C Compound or other compound owned or licensed by B&C to be used by XTL as a negative control, for toxicological, pharmacological or other non-clinical studies, B&C shall use best efforts to (i) satisfy any such request within one month of the request, and (ii) promptly supply XTL with sufficient chemical synthesis information to enable XTL to manufacture or have manufactured the requested compound. XTL’s request shall state the intended use for such additional quantities of B&C Compounds or other compounds, and XTL warrants that the B&C Compounds or other compounds will be used solely for the stated uses. XTL shall reimburse B&C for its direct reasonable costs incurred in supplying such additional quantities to XTL, such costs not to exceed a price of US $4,000 per 50 grams.
 
 
4

***** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.
 
 
(c)  Development Support. B&C shall support XTL’s development of the B&C Compounds as set forth on Schedule E.
 
2.5.  NONCOMPETITION. During the term of this Agreement, B&C shall not, directly or indirectly, e.g., as a consultant, agent, principal, partner, joint venturer, or stockholder, develop or commercialize any products incorporating B&C Compounds in the Field or grant any licenses to third parties for the development or commercialization of any products incorporating B&C Compounds in the Field, except as permitted under Section 2.2(a) for the development and commercialization of B&C Compounds in Korea or Section 2.2(b) as agreed to by the parties with respect to the development and commercialization of B&C Compounds in Asia (excluding Japan and Korea).
 
2.6.  RIGHT OF FIRST NEGOTIATION. Until the third anniversary of the Effective Date, B&C shall notify XTL in writing of any new compounds owned or licensed by B&C that have potential activity in the Field (“New Compounds”) and shall provide XTL with (1) all HPLC, mass spectrometry and chemical structure information for each such compound and (ii) 5 grams of each New Compounds for XTL’s initial evaluation. Upon notice from XTL at any time within 120 days after XTL’s receipt of 5 grams of a New Compound and the required information with respect to such compound, XTL and B&C shall enter into good faith negotiations to enter into an exclusive license to XTL to make, have made, use, sell, offer to sell and import products incorporating the New Compound in the Field within the Licensed Territory. The terms for such license shall be no less favorable to XTL than those contained herein.
 
ARTICLE 3.
 
COMMERCIAL TERMS
 
3.1.  LICENSE FEE. XTL shall pay to B&C a license fee of US $***** (the “License Fee”), payable within 30 days of the Effective Date after B&C has complied with, provided that B&C has theretofore complied with its obligations under items 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule E.
 
3.2.  MILESTONES. As nonrefundable advances against the royalties payable to B&C pursuant to Section 3.3, XTL shall make payments to B&C in connection with the following milestones:
 

Milestone
 
Payment
*****
 
U.S. $*****
 
 
 
*****
 
U.S. $*****
 
 
 
*****
 
U.S. $*****
 
 
 
*****
 
U.S. $*****
 
5

***** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.
 
 
3.3.  ROYALTIES. XTL shall pay to B&C within 90 days after the end of each calendar year, royalties on Net Sales in each country within the Rest of the World where the composition of matter of the B&C Compounds incorporated in the Licensed Product is covered by a Valid Claim of a Licensed Patent, as follows:
 
(a)  If sales of Licensed Product are made by XTL or an XTL Affiliate (either directly or indirectly through a distributor), ***** of Net Sales by XTL or its Affiliate;
 
(b)  If sales of Licensed Product are made by a sublicensee of XTL, the lesser of (i) ***** of Net Royalty Payments or (ii) ***** of Net Sales by such sublicensee; and
 
(c)  ***** of Net Sublicense Payments.
 
3.4.  REDUCTION FOR MILESTONE PAYMENTS. XTL shall have the right to reduce the royalty payments due to B&C under Section 3.3 to offset the full amount of the payments advanced by XTL to B&C pursuant to Section 3.2; provided, however, that the annual royalties otherwise payable pursuant to Section 3.3 shall not be reduced by more than *****. To the extent that any such advance payments made by XTL are not fully offset by a reduction in the royalty payments made by XTL for any year, XTL shall be entitled to carry forward the amount not so covered to subsequent years until the full amount of such advances is offset.
 
3.5.  ROYALTY TERM. The royalties payable under Section 3.3 shall be paid to B&C until the last to expire Licensed Patent, on a country-by-country basis.
 
ARTICLE 4.
 
PAYMENTS; RECORDS; AUDIT
 
4.1.  PAYMENTS; REPORTS. All amounts payable under this Agreement shall be paid in U.S. Dollars. Each payment of royalties by XTL shall be accompanied by a statement of the amount of Net Sales, Net Royalty Payments and Net Sublicensee Payments received during such period, and all other information necessary to determine the appropriate amount of such payments.
 
4.2.  EXCHANGE RATE. The rate of exchange to be used in computing the amount of currency equivalent in United States Dollars due hereunder shall be made at the average rate of exchange quoted for the final 20 business days of the royalty period by Citibank (or its successor) in New York City.
 
4.3.  RECORDS AND AUDIT. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of two years thereafter, XTL shall keep complete and accurate records in sufficient detail to permit B&C to confirm the accuracy of all payments due hereunder. B&C shall have the right to retain an independent, certified public accountant, reasonably satisfactory to XTL, to audit such records to confirm XTL’s Net Sales, Net Royalty Payments and Net Sublicensee Payments; provided however, that such auditor shall not disclose XTL’s confidential information to B&C, except to the extent such disclosure is necessary to verify the amount of royalties due under this Agreement. Such audits may be exercised not more than once a year, within two years after the royalty period to which such records relate, upon reasonable advance notice to XTL and during normal business hours. B&C shall bear the full cost of any such audit unless the audit discloses a variance of more than 10% from the amounts previously paid by XTL for any royalty period. In such case, XTL shall bear the full cost of such audit.
 
 
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4.4.  WITHHOLDING OF TAXES. Any withholding of taxes levied by applicable tax law on the payments hereunder shall be borne by B&C and deducted by XTL from the sums otherwise payable by it hereunder for payment to the proper tax authorities on behalf of B&C. XTL agrees to cooperate with B&C in the event B&C claims exemption from such withholding or seeks application of a reduced withholding tax rate under any double taxation or other similar treaty or agreement from time to time in force, such cooperation to consist of providing receipts of payment of such withheld tax or other documents reasonably available to XTL.
 
ARTICLE 5.
 
OWNERSHIP; PATENTS
 
5.1.  PATENT PROSECUTION. B&C shall have the responsibility for preparing, filing, prosecuting and maintaining the Licensed Patents and conducting any interferences, reexaminations or requesting reissues or patent term extensions with respect to the Licensed Patents. B&C shall keep XTL fully informed as to the status of such patent matters, including without limitation by providing XTL with the opportunity to review and comment on any documents which will be filed in any patent office and by providing XTL copies of any documents received by B&C from such patent offices including notices of all interferences, reexaminations, oppositions or requests for patent term extensions. XTL shall cooperate with and assist B&C in connection with such activities, at B&C’s request and expense. In the event that B&C declines or fails to prepare, file, prosecute or maintain any Licensed Patents, including patent applications, which, if filed, would be included in the Licensed Patents, B&C shall promptly, and in no event later than 90 days prior to any filing deadline, provide written notice to XTL. XTL shall have the right to assume such responsibilities at its own expense using counsel of its choice. In addition, B&C shall immediately notify XTL of any decision to abandon a Licensed Patent, in which case, XTL shall have the option, at its expense and with counsel of its choice, of continuing to prosecute any such pending patent application or of keeping the issued patent in force. XTL may fully credit any expenses incurred by XTL in assuming the responsibilities for these patent activities against the $***** payment set forth in Section 3.2.
 
5.2.  INFRINGEMENT OF LICENSED PATENTS BY THIRD PARTIES.
 
(a)  Notice. Each party shall promptly notify the other in writing of any alleged or threatened infringement of the Licensed Patents which may adversely impact the rights of the parties hereunder, of which it becomes aware. The parties will meet to discuss the appropriate course of action, and may collaborate in pursuing such course of action.
 
 
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(b)  Enforcement Action. If the parties do not otherwise agree on a course of action, B&C shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to take appropriate action against any person or entity directly or contributorily infringing such Licensed Patent. B&C shall keep XTL reasonably informed of the progress of any such claim, suit or proceeding. In the event B&C fails to institute an infringement suit or take other reasonable action in response to an infringement in any country other than Korea within 30 days, XTL shall have the right to institute such claim, suit or proceeding or take other appropriate action, and may join B&C as party plaintiff, if appropriate. Regardless of which party brings the action, the other party hereby agrees to cooperate reasonably in any such effort, including if required to bring a legal action, the furnishing of a power of attorney and shall have the right to participate in such action at its own expense with its own counsel. Any recovery obtained by settlement or otherwise shall be disbursed as follows. Each party shall first recover any reasonable expenses incurred in such action (including counsel fees). Thereafter, the parties shall share any remaining recovery, with (i) 90% of such remaining recovery going to XTL and 10% to B&C with respect to actions in the Rest of the World and (ii) such remaining recovery being split 50%/50% between XTL and B&C with respect to actions in Asia (excluding Korea). Neither party shall enter into any settlement that affects the other party’s rights or interests without such other party’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
5.3.  INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY PATENT RIGHTS.
 
(a)  Licensed Territory.
 
(i)  Joint Strategy. In the event that the manufacture, use or sale of Licensed Product becomes the subject of a claim of infringement of a patent, copyright or other proprietary right in the Licensed Territory, and without regard to which party is charged with said infringement, and the venue of such claim, the parties shall promptly confer to discuss the claim.
 
(ii)  Defense. Unless the parties otherwise agree, XTL shall assume the primary responsibility for the conduct of the defense of any such claim in the Licensed Territory. In any event, B&C shall have the right, but not the obligation, to participate in any such suit at its sole option and at its own expense. Each party shall reasonably cooperate with the party conducting the defense of the claim including, if required to conduct such defense, furnishing a power of attorney. Neither party shall enter into any agreement, license or settlement that affects the other party’s rights or interests without such other party’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
(b)  Asia (Excluding Japan and Korea). In the event that the manufacture, use or sale of Licensed Product becomes the subject of a claim of infringement of a patent, copyright or other proprietary right in Asia (excluding Japan and Korea), the parties shall promptly confer to discuss the claim, and the parties will cooperate with each other in the defense of any such claim. Neither party shall enter into any agreement, license or settlement that affects the other party’s rights or interests without such other party’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld
 
 
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(c)  Korea. In the event that the manufacture, use or sale of Licensed Product becomes the subject of a claim of infringement of a patent, copyright or other proprietary right in Korea, B&C shall assume the primary responsibility for the conduct of the defense of any such claim. In any event, XTL shall have the right, but not the obligation, to participate in any such suit at its sole option and at its own expense. Each party shall reasonably cooperate with the party conducting the defense of the claim including, if required to conduct such defense, furnishing a power of attorney. Neither party shall enter into any agreement, license or settlement that affects the other party’s rights or interests without such other party’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
(d)  XTL Payment Credit Regarding Claims by Third Parties. XTL may fully credit against royalties otherwise due B&C under Section 3.3 of this License Agreement, all payments made or expenses incurred by XTL under this Article 5, including any royalties paid to third parties as a result of such claims. To the extent that any such payments or expenses incurred by XTL are not fully offset by a reduction in the royalty payments otherwise due B&C for any year, XTL shall be entitled to carry forward the amount so covered to subsequent years until the full amount of such payments and expenses is offset.
 
ARTICLE 6.
 
CONFIDENTIALITY
 
6.1.  CONFIDENTIALITY. Except as required by regulatory or governmental agencies, all proprietary information disclosed by either party to the other hereunder shall be received by the receiving party (including all appropriate employees, agents and independent contractors) in strictest confidence and used solely in furtherance of this Agreement, and shall be accorded the same degree of confidentiality and secrecy with which the receiving party holds its own most confidential information of a similar nature but in no event less than reasonable care. Such confidential information shall not be disclosed to any persons other than (a) employees or agents of the receiving party or independent contractors employed by the receiving party who have reasonable need for access to such information in connection with the receiving party’s performance under this Agreement and who are bound to the receiving party by a written agreement of confidentiality containing terms consistent with those contained in this Article 6; and (b) governmental authorities, as required, to obtain necessary regulatory clearances. Information shall not be deemed to be proprietary information and such restrictions shall not apply to any such information (i) which is, or subsequently may become, within the knowledge of the general public, without the fault of the receiving party; (ii) which is known to the receiving party prior to the time of receipt thereof from the disclosing party, as shown by written records; (iii) which is proved to have been developed by the receiving party, independently and wholly without resort to the proprietary information of the disclosing party, as shown by written records; or (iv) which is subsequently rightfully obtained from sources other than the disclosing party and without confidential restriction in favor of the disclosing party.
 
 
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ARTICLE 7.
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
7.1.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF B&C.
 
(a)  Corporate Power. B&C is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Korea and has full corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions hereof.
 
(b)  Due Authorization. B&C is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The person executing this Agreement on B&C’s behalf has been duly authorized to do so by all requisite corporate action.
 
(c)  Binding Agreement. This Agreement is a legal and valid obligation binding upon B&C and enforceable in accordance with its terms. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by B&C does not conflict with any agreement, instrument or understanding, oral or written, to which it is a party or by which it may be bound, nor violate any material law or regulation of any court, governmental body or administrative or other agency having jurisdiction over him.
 
(d)  Grant of Rights. B&C has not, and will not during the term of this Agreement, grant any right to any third party which would conflict with the rights granted to XTL hereunder.
 
(e)  Validity. B&C is aware of no action, suit or inquiry or investigation instituted by any governmental agency which questions or threatens the validity of this Agreement.
 
(f)  Ownership. B&C owns or holds licenses to the Licensed Patents and Licensed Know-How and has sufficient rights and power to grant the licenses to XTL which it purports to grant herein.
 
(g)  Third Party Rights. B&C has, as of the Effective Date, no knowledge of any third party patent right which would be infringed by the use or commercialization of the B&C Compounds as contemplated hereby.
 
7.2.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF XTL.
 
(a)  Corporate Power. XTL is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Israel and has full corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions hereof.
 
(b)  Due Authorization. XTL is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The person executing this Agreement on XTL’s behalf has been duly authorized to do so by all requisite corporate action.
 
 
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(c)  Binding Agreement. This Agreement is a legal and valid obligation binding upon XTL and enforceable in accordance with its terms. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by XTL does not conflict with any agreement, instrument or understanding, oral or written, to which it is a party or by which it may be bound, nor violate any material law or regulation of any court, governmental body or administrative or other agency having jurisdiction over it.
 
(d)  Validity. XTL is aware of no action, suit, or inquiry or investigation instituted by any governmental agency which questions or threatens the validity of this Agreement.
 
ARTICLE 8.
 
TERM; TERMINATION
 
8.1.  TERM. Except as provided under Section 8.2 below, the term of this Agreement shall commence upon the Effective Date and shall expire on the expiration date of the last to expire payment obligation under Section 2.2(c) and Article 3, and, upon expiration of this Agreement, XTL shall have a fully paid, nonexclusive license to use any Licensed Technology then being used by XTL, solely for the purpose of developing, making, using and selling Licensed Product in the Field within the Licensed Territory.
 
8.2.  TERMINATION BY XTL. XTL may terminate this Agreement and the license granted herein, in its entirety or as to any particular Licensed Patent in a particular country, at any time, by providing B&C with 90 days prior written notice. In addition, XTL shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon written notice to B&C in the event B&C is in material breach of any of its obligations hereunder, unless B&C cures the breach within 60 days after the date written notice thereof was given by XTL to B&C.
 
8.3.  TERMINATION BY B&C. B&C shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon written notice to XTL in the event XTL is in material breach of any of its payment obligations pursuant to Article 3, unless XTL cures the breach within 60 days after the date written notice thereof was given by B&C to XTL.
 
8.4.  ACCRUED RIGHTS; SURVIVING OBLIGATIONS. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect any accrued rights of either party. The terms of Sections 2.6, 4.3, 8.1, 8.6, 8.7, 10.1 and 10.3 and Articles 6 and 9 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement.
 
8.5.  TERMINATION UPON BANKRUPTCY. XTL shall have the right to terminate this License Agreement immediately upon any of the following events: (i) B&C goes into liquidation, (ii) a receiver is appointed for all or a portion of the property or estate of B&C, (iii) B&C files a voluntary petition for bankruptcy or insolvency, (iv) a petition for bankruptcy or insolvency is filed against B&C, (v) B&C makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors or (vi) B&C experiences an equivalent event.
 
8.6.  INSOLVENCY. If, during the term of this Agreement, B&C becomes insolvent (that is, its total liabilities exceed its total assets), upon written notice from XTL and payment by XTL to B&C of U.S.$*****, minus all payments made by XTL to B&C pursuant to this Agreement, B&C agrees to grant and hereby grants a perpetual, irrevocable, fully paid, exclusive license to use any Licensed Technology then being used by XTL, solely for the purpose of developing, making, using and selling Licensed Product in the Field within the Licensed Territory. B&C shall notify XTL in writing within five days of becoming insolvent. Furthermore, B&C shall provide XTL with B&C’s balance sheet for each fiscal quarter within 30 days after the end of such quarter.
 
 
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8.7.  TERMINATION BY RECEIVER OR TRUSTEE. Concurrently with the termination of this Agreement by a bankruptcy/reorganization trustee or receiver on behalf of B&C, XTL shall automatically be granted, and B&C agrees to grant and hereby grants to XTL, a perpetual, irrevocable, fully paid, exclusive license to use any Licensed Technology then being used by XTL, solely for the purpose of developing, making, using and selling Licensed Product in the Field within the Licensed Territory, subject to payment by XTL to B&C of U.S.$*****, minus all payments made by XTL to B&C pursuant to this Agreement, within 60 days after the date XTL receives notice of such termination.
 
ARTICLE 9.
 
INDEMNIFICATION
 
9.1.  INDEMNIFICATION BY B&C.
 
(a)  B&C shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless XTL and its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, agents, employees and representatives, from and against any and all third-party claims, suits, actions, demands, liabilities and expenses (“Claims”), including any attorneys’ fees and expenses of litigation related thereto, arising from any breach of B&C’s representations and warranties set forth in Section 7.1. B&C’s obligations under this Section 9.1 shall be in addition to any other remedies XTL may have elsewhere under this Agreement or at law or in equity with respect to such breach.
 
(b)  B&C shall not settle any Claims for which it is obligated to indemnify XTL under this Section 9.1 without the prior written consent of XTL, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
9.2.  INDEMNIFICATION BY XTL. 
 
(a)  XTL shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless B&C and its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, agents, employees and representatives, from and against any and all Claims, including any attorneys’ fees and expenses of litigation related thereto, arising from any breach of XTL’s representations and warranties set forth in Section 7.2. XTL’s obligations under this Section 9.2 shall be in addition to any other remedies B&C may have elsewhere under this Agreement or at law or in equity with respect to such breach.
 
(b)  XTL shall not settle any Claims for which it is obligated to indemnify B&C under this Section 9.2 without the prior written consent of B&C, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
 
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ARTICLE 10.
 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
10.1.  GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in all respects under the laws of the State of California, U.S.A. applicable to contracts entered into and wholly to be performed within the State of California by California residents (regardless of the choice of law principles of California or any other jurisdiction).
 
10.2.  LEGAL COMPLIANCE. The parties shall review in good faith and cooperate in taking such actions to ensure compliance of this Agreement with all applicable laws.
 
10.3.  ARBITRATION.  Any dispute under this Agreement shall be finally settled by binding arbitration, conducted in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. The arbitration proceedings and all pleadings and written evidence shall be in the English language. Any written evidence originally in a language other than English shall be submitted in English translation accompanied by the original or a true copy thereof. The costs of the arbitration, including administrative and arbitrator’s fees, shall be shared equally by the parties. Each party shall bear its own costs and attorneys’ fees and witness’ fees. The prevailing party in any arbitration, as determined by the arbitration panel, shall be entitled to an award against the other party in the amount of the prevailing party’s costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. The arbitration shall be held in San Francisco, California.
 
10.4.  NOTICES. All notices or other communications required or permitted to be made or given hereunder shall be deemed so made or given when hand-delivered or sent by confirmed facsimile, or two business days after delivery to a recognized overnight courier service, charges prepaid, and properly addressed to such other party as set forth below or at such other address as may be specified by either party hereto by written notice similarly sent or delivered.
 
All notices to XTL shall be addressed as follows:
 
XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
Kiryat Weizmann, P.O. Box 370
Rehovot, Israel 76100
Fax: 972-8-940-5017
 
All notices to B&C shall be addressed as follows:
 
B&C Biopharm Co., Ltd.
IAE Bldg., Yong-in
P.O. Box 25
Kyungki-do 449-600
Korea
Attention: *****
Fax: 82 31 330 7718
 
 
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10.5.  FORCE MAJEURE. No party shall be liable for any delay or failure of performance to the extent such delay or failure is caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control and that by the exercise of due diligence it is unable to prevent, provided that the party claiming excuse uses its best efforts to overcome the same.
 
10.6.  ENTIRETY OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter contained herein and merges all prior discussions and agreements between them, and no party shall be bound by any representation other than as expressly stated in this Agreement or in a written amendment to this Agreement signed by authorized representatives of each of the parties.
 
10.7.  NON-WAIVER. The failure of a party in any one or more instances to insist upon strict performance of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment, to any extent, of the right to assert or rely upon any such terms or conditions on any future occasion.
 
10.8.  DISCLAIMER OF AGENCY. This Agreement shall not constitute any party the legal representative or agent of another, nor shall any party have the right or authority to assume, create, or incur any third party liability or obligation of any kind, express or implied, against or in the name of or on behalf of another except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
 
10.9.  SEVERANCE. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or void, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.
 
10.10.  ASSIGNMENT. Except as otherwise provided herein, neither party may assign its rights or delegate its duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, not to be unreasonably withheld; provided however, that XTL may assign this Agreement to any Affiliate or to any successor by merger or sale of substantially all of its business unit to which this Agreement relates in a manner such that the assignor will remain liable and responsible for the performance and observance of all its duties and obligations hereunder. Subject to the restrictions contained in the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties. Any attempted delegation or assignment not in accordance with this Section 10.10 shall be void and have no force or effect.
 
10.11.  HEADINGS. The headings contained in this Agreement have been added for convenience only and shall not be construed as limiting.
 
10.12.  COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute together the same document.
 
 
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement.
 
XTL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
 
 
By:                                                                                                    
(Signature)
                                                                                                  
(Printed Name)
                                                                                                  
(Title)
                                                                                                  
(Date)
B&C BIOPHARM CO., LTD.
 
 
By:                                                                                                    
(Signature)
                                                                                                  
(Printed Name)
                                                                                           
(Title)
                                                                                           
(Date)

 


 
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SCHEDULE A
Countries Included in Asia
 

*****
     
       
       
 
Note that confidential treatment has been requested and one page of material has been redacted from this Schedule A and filed separately with the Commission.

 
 
 

 
 ***** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.
 
 


SCHEDULE B
B&C Compounds
 
*****
 

Note that confidential treatment has been requested and one page of material has been redacted from this Schedule B and filed separately with the Commission.
 
 
 

 
 ***** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.
 
 


SCHEDULE C
Licensed Patents
 
*****
 
 
Note that confidential treatment has been requested and one page of material has been redacted from this Schedule C and filed separately with the Commission.
 
 
 

 
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SCHEDULE D
Summary of Rights under Section 2.2


Territory
 
Rights to B&C
Compounds in the Field
 
Responsibility for Development and Commercialization
 
Financial Terms
World excluding Asia
 
XTL receives exclusive license to Licensed Technology
 
XTL
 
XTL pays B&C according to Article 3
Japan
 
XTL receives exclusive license to Licensed Technology
 
XTL
 
XTL and B&C equally share all costs and revenues
Korea
 
B&C retains all rights to B&C Compounds
 
B&C with XTL collaboration on clinical study design
 
B&C responsible for all costs and receives all revenues
Asia excluding Korea and Japan
 
XTL and B&C
 
XTL and B&C
 
XTL and B&C equally share all costs and revenues

 
 

 
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SCHEDULE E
B&C Development Activities
 
*****
 

Note that confidential treatment has been requested and one page of material has been redacted from this Schedule E and filed separately with the Commission.
EX-4.18 6 v022798_ex4-18.htm
Exhibit 4.18
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
 
This Employment Agreement is entered into as of August 1st, 1999, effective as of August l, 1999 (the "Effective Date"), by and between XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., an Israeli company with its principal offices in Building No. 3 (third floor), Kiryat Weizmann, Rehovot, Israel, (the "Company "), and Jonathan Burgin (ID Number 12714515) an individual whose address 53 Hanesher St., Raanana, Israel (the "Employee").
 
 
WITNESSETH:
 
 
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Employee as its Chief Financial Officer, and the Employee desires to be employed by the Company as its Chief Financial Officer, on the terms and conditions set forth below:
 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
 
l. EMPLOYMENT: DUTIES
 
 
The Company hereby employs the Employee, and the Employee hereby accepts employment, as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company on the terms and conditions set forth below. The Employee shall be responsible for, and shall supervise and manage all the financial activities of the Company, including without limitation, to its financial affairs vis-a-vis suppliers, the office of the Chief Scientist, the Israel Investment Center, subcontractors, investors and investment banks. In addition, the Employee shall perform such other services and duties as are normally incident to the position held by the Employee and are commensurate with the Employee's background, education and professional standing or as are requested of the Employee by the Company's CEO and the Board of Directors of the Company. In carrying out these functions, the Employee shall work at the direction of and subject to the approval of, and shall report to, the CEO of the Company. The Employee shall perform his duties hereunder at such locations as are directed by the Company's Board of Directors. The Employee shall devote all of his business time and efforts to the performance of his duties and the business and affairs of the Company. The duties of the Employee are such as require personal trust and confidence, as referred to in Section 30(a)(5) of the Hours of Work and Rest Law, 5711-1951.
 
 
2.  TERMINATION
 
 
(a) The Employee's employment hereunder shall commence on the date set forth above and shall continue until terminated upon the first to occur of the following events (each of the following shall be deemed a "Terminating Event"):
 
 
(i) The death or disability of the Employee (for purposes of this Section 2, "disability" shall be deemed to have occurred if Employee is unable, due to any physical or mental disease or condition, to perform his normal duties of employment for 90 consecutive days in any 12-month period);
 
 
(ii) Termination by the Company for just cause. Any of the following actions or omissions by the Employee shall constitute just cause: -
 
 
1

(1) Material breach by the Employee of Section 5 of this Agreement;
 
 
(2) Material breach by the Employee of any provision of this Agreement other than Section 5 which is not cured by the Employee within fifteen (15) days after his receipt of notice thereof from the Company containing a description of the breach or breaches alleged to have occurred;
 
 
(3) Habitual neglect by the Employee or gross failure by the Employee to adequately perform the duties set forth in Section 1 hereof; or
 
 
(4) Any action by the Employee to intentionally harm the Company or any act of embezzlement or theft committed by the Employee against the Company.
 
 
(iii) Termination by the Employee for just cause. Any of the following actions or omissions by the Company shall constitute just cause:
 
 
(1) Material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement which is not cured by the Company within fifteen (15) days after its receipt of notice thereof from the Employee containing a description of the breach or breaches alleged to have occurred; Material breach shall include, inter alia, events in which the company imposes, without cause, substantial and material changes in the conditions of the Employee's employment, or limits without cause the Employee's activities in a manner which substantially and materially detracts from his capacity as Chief Financial Officer of the Company or an appointment of another employee to a position which is, in substance, parallel, similar or identical to the position of the Employee as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company as described in Section 1 herein above.
 
(2) Any action by the Company to intentionally harm the Employee.
 
(3) The Employee is required by the Company to perform actions and activities which the Employee deems as illegal or detrimental to the Company's business.
 
 
(iv) Termination without cause. The Company may, without cause, terminate this Agreement at any time, by giving ninety (90) days notice to the Employee. The Employee may, without cause, terminate this Agreement at any time by giving ninety (90) days notice to the Company. In any such event, the Employee shall be paid his regular compensation up to the date of termination and shall continue, if requested by the Company, to render his services to the Company during such period.
 
 
(b) Post-termination. Except as provided herein or required by law, the Parties shall not have any claim against each other, for damages or otherwise, or be entitled to any payment or other benefit, as a result of the termination of this Agreement. If so requested by the Company, the Employee shall use his best efforts to effect an orderly transfer of his duties to his successor.
 
 
(c) Effect of Termination. Upon the occurrence of any of the Terminating Events (except for Subsection (a)(ii)(4) above), the Employee will be entitled to receive: (a) his Salary, as defined below, for a period of three (3) months from the date of the Terminating Event (the end of such period shall be referred to herein as the "Termination Date"), and (b) "severance pay" in the event of termination by the Company in an amount equal to 100% of the Employee's last Salary, as defined below, multiplied by the relevant period he has been employed by the Company from the date hereof and until the Termination Date (number of years, months and days). The "severance pay" or "termination fee", as applicable, shall comprise of all the amounts accrued in the Managers Insurance as Severance, with any shortfall to be paid up by the Company.
 
2

 
3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS, EXPENSES
 
 
(a) Compensation and Benefits. As compensation for the performance of his duties on behalf of the Company, the Employee shall be entitled to the following compensation:
 
 
(i) Monthly Salary. The Company shall pay the Employee a monthly salary in NIS equal to US$7,500, calculated in accordance with the respective exchange rate as of the date of each payment (the "Salary"), gross per month during his employment with the Company. The Salary shall be paid in monthly installments not later than the fifth day of each month with respect to the preceding month. The Company shall pay the Employee twelve (12) monthly salaries per year. The Salary shall be linked to the US dollar. The Company, will deduct all income tax and other taxes or government levies imposed on the Salary or on other amounts paid by the Company to the Employee. The linkage of the Salary to the US.Dollar is in lieu of any "Tosefet Yoker", or other statutory or mandatorily required increase in salary, which the Employee hereby waives.
 
 
(ii) Managers Insurance. At the end of each month during the employment of Employee hereunder (or such other day as is consistent with the Company's general practices), the Company shall pay an aggregate amount equal to 155/6% of the Employee's monthly Salary for the preceding month to a Managers Insurance (Bituach Manahalim) policy (the "Policy") through an agency and with an insurance company to be jointly selected by the Company and the Employee, or to Makefet (in the event that the Employee chooses to do so) to be divided as follows: 81/3% toward Severance; 5% toward Compensation; and 2.5% toward "Shalva" insurance (or comparable loss of working capacity insurance). In addition, at the beginning of each month the Company shall deduct from the Salary of the Employee an amount equal to 5% of the Employee's monthly Salary for the preceding month, and shall pay such amount as premium payable in respect of the "Compensation" component of the Policy. Upon any increase in the Employee's Salary, the Company shall contribute to the Employee's Policy the difference, if any, between the amount accumulated in the Policy towards Severance, and the product of the Employee's last monthly Salary multiplied by the number of complete years, or parts thereof, the Employee was employed by the Company.
 
 
(iii) Keren Hishtalmut Fund. At the end of each month during the employment of the Employee hereunder (or such other day as is consistent with the Company's general practices), the Company shall pay an amount equal to up to 71/2% of the Employee's monthly Salary for the preceding month (the "Maximum Amount"), but in no event an amount which is exceeds the amount which is tax qualified for the Employee (the "Tax Amount"), to a Keren Hishtalmut Fund designated by the Employee (the "Fund"), and shall deduct from the Salary of the Employee an amount equal to up to 21/2 % of the Employee's monthly Salary for the preceding month and pay the same to the Fund. Any amounts resulting the Maximum Amount less the Tax Amount, shall be paid to the Employee after payment of applicable taxes.
 
 
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(iv) Transfer of Policy and Fund. All sums accumulated as premiums in respect of the Policy and the Fund (whether paid by the Company or by the Employee), shall entirely belong to the Employee, and the Company shall take all such actions as are necessary to effect the same. The Company undertakes that upon any of the aforesaid Terminating Events, it shall take all such actions and complete all such forms as are necessary to fully, automatically and unconditionally release the Policy and the Keren Hishtalmut Fund to the Employee or as the Employee shall direct. Notwithstanding the aforesaid in this sub-section (iv), in the event of termination of the employment by the Company for just cause, as set forth in Section 2(a)(ii), the Company may release or withhold the severance portion in the Policy at its sole and absolute discretion.
 
 
(v) Vacation; Recuperation Day . The Employee shall be entitled to Twenty (20) days of paid vacation annually during the term of this Agreement (prorated for any partial calendar year during which he is employed hereunder). The Employee may carry forward any unused portion of any such vacation. The value of any unused vacation days shall be paid to the Employee, pro rata, on the basis of the Salary, at the end of each calendar year or upon termination of this Agreement, at the discretion of the Employee. The Employee shall be entitled to recuperation days as prescribed by applicable law. The value of any unused recuperation days shall be paid to the Employee, pro rata, at the end of each calendar year.
 
 
(vi) Sick Leave. The Employee shall be entitled to sick leave as prescribed by applicable law. The Employee may carry forward any unused portion of any such sick leave as prescribed by applicable law.
 
 
(vii) Company Automobile. The Employee will be entitled to use a Company-owned automobile of a value not exceeding US$25,000. The Company will bear all expenses of maintaining and operating the same, including, without limitation, insurance, gasoline, maintenance and repairs. The Company will gross up and pay any tax that the Employee may be required to pay for the use of the Company-owned automobile.
 
 
(ix) Telephone Line; Cellular Phone. The Company shall purchase and maintain for the Employee a telephone line at the Employees home. The Company shall gross up and bear the expenses of the usage of such telephone line, including any tax that the Employee may be required to pay for the use of the Company owned telephone line. The Company shall purchase and maintain for the Employee a portable cellular telephone. The Company shall gross up and bear the expenses of the usage of such cellular phone, including any tax that the Employee may be required to pay for the use of the Company owned cellular phone
 
 
(b) Expenses. The Company shall pay or reimburse the Employee for all normal, usual and necessary expenses incurred or paid by the Employee in the performance of his duties hereunder, against receipt by the Company of appropriate vouchers, receipts or other proof of the Employee's expenditures.
 
 
(c) Review. The Board of Directors will annually, and at such other times as agreed upon between the parties, review the terms of employment of the Employee, based upon the Employee's contribution to the Company and based upon a consideration of compensation at comparable companies in Israel. In addition, the Board of Directors may review the terms mentioned in this Section 3, upon special performances of the Company.
 
 
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(d) Grant of Shares/Options. The Employee shall be entitled to receive 67,872 options to purchase Common Shares of the Company equal to 0.8% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company on the date hereof (the "Options"). The exercise price of such Options shall be equal to US$4.9723 per Option. The Options shall vest monthly over a four (4) year period so that for each complete month the Employee has been employed by the Company, 1/48 of the Options shall vest. The grant of such Options and the terms and conditions applicable thereto are subject to (i) the inclusion of the Employee in the Company's stock option plan; (ii) approval by the Company's Board of Directors, and (iii) such other terms and conditions as required in order to effect the grant of the Options. All tax consequences resulting from the grant, vesting and exercise of the Options to or by the Employee shall be his sole and exclusive responsibility.
 
 
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE EMPLOYEE
 
 
The Employee hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:
 
 
(a) No Conflicts. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the performance by the Employee of his duties and other obligations hereunder violate or will violate any prior employment agreement, contract, or other instrument to which the Employee is a party or by which he is bound.
 
 
(b) Capacity. The Employee has the full right, power and legal capacity to enter and deliver this Agreement and to perform his duties and other obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Employee. To the best of the Employee's knowledge, no approvals or consents of any persons or entities are required for the Employee to execute and deliver this Agreement or perform his duties and other obligations hereunder.
 
 
5. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, NON COMPETITION
 
 
5.1 The Employee obligations concerning Confidential Information.
 
 
(i)  During the term of his retention by the Company and for an indefinite period thereafter, the Employee shall treat Confidential Information, including the Company's clients, partners, shareholders or suppliers, or any other parry to whom the Company owes an obligation of confidence on a confidential basis and shall not disclose any such information to others without the prior written permission of the Company, or use Confidential Information for any purpose, other than for the performance of services for the Company.
 
 
(ii) The Employee acknowledges that Confidential Information is the sole and exclusive properly of the Company. Upon any termination of the Employee's retention by the Company, the Employee shall surrender possession of all Confidential Information to the Company.
 
 
(iii) For the purpose of this Section 5.1, "Confidential Information" shall mean all information of, or pertaining to, the Company which is, by its nature, confidential, including, without limitation, all documentation, software, customer lists, know-how and other information of any kind or nature relating to the past, present or future business, as known at the time of the actual departure, of the Company or any plans therefor, or relating to the past, present or future business of a third party or plans therefor that are disclosed to the Company, which the Company does not disclose to third parties without restrictions on use or further disclosure, and information concerning products, services and technology, both current and under development, promotion and marketing programs, lists, trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary business information of the Company or any of its clients, partners, shareholders or suppliers, except to the extent required to carry out his responsibilities to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Confidential Information" shall not include information which the Employee can evidence to the Company: (i) is in, or enters the public domain otherwise than by reason of a breach hereof by the Employee; (ii) is known by the Employee at the time of disclosure thereof by the Company; (iii) is independently obtainable by the Employee without recourse to Confidential Information; or (iv) is rightfully transmitted or disclosed to the Employee by a third party which owes no obligation of confidentiality with respect to such information.
 
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5.2 Restrictive Covenants. During the term of this Agreement, and until one (1) year after the Termination Date (the "Determining Date"), in consideration of the terms and covenants contained herein, the Employee warrants, represents and covenants that he shall not, except as may be approved in writing by the Company and as an employee, representative or agent of the Company, within the geographic area known as the world:
 
 
(i) perform any services, directly or indirectly, for any person or entity, regarding any development and/or sale and/or license of a product or know how, competing, directly or indirectly, with the Company or any affiliate thereof;
 
 
(ii) own, directly or indirectly, an interest in, or promote or assist financially or otherwise, any entity competing , by way of development and/or sale and/or license of a product or know how, directly or indirectly, with the Company on the date hereof or at any time (during the term of this Agreement).
 
 
(iii) compete, directly or indirectly, with any services marketed or offered by the Company;
 
 
(iv) canvass, solicit or accept any business, patronage, orders, customers, or clients in any form, for himself or for any other person or entity that he owns that is engaged in a business competing, directly or indirectly, with the Company or any affiliate thereof, from any clients or customers of the Company, or give any other person, firm or corporation the right to do any of the foregoing;
 
 
(v)  directly or indirectly request or advise any clients, customers, shareholders, or suppliers of the Company to withdraw, curtail, or cancel their business with the Company, or in any other way directly or indirectly interfere with or disrupt or attempt to disrupt the Company's business relationship (express, implied, or otherwise) with any of its clients, customers, shareholders, or suppliers;
 
 
(vi) directly or indirectly induce, or attempt to influence, any employee or representative of the Company to terminate his or her employment with the Company or its successor;
 
 
(vii) directly or indirectly employ, or attempt to employ, any employee or representative of the Company;
 
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The Employee acknowledges that a breach of the foregoing restrictive covenants by the Employee would result in substantial injury and damage to the Company for which there is no adequate remedy at law. Therefore, in the event of an actual or threatened breach of such restrictive covenants by the Employee, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to all other remedies and damages that may be available to the Company at law or in equity, to a preliminary restraining order and an injunction, or any other available equitable remedy, to restrain the violation or attempted violation of this Agreement by the Employee or by any other person or entity acting for his benefit or on his behalf. In the event there is any action to enforce the terms of such restrictive covenants, the prevailing party, in addition to any other remedy, shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and all other reasonable costs associated with any such action both on the trial and appellate level and in any creditor's proceedings. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction determines by final non-appealable judgment that the scope, time period, or geographical limitations of any of the restrictive covenants specifically set forth herein are too broad to be capable of enforcement, said court is authorized, and the parties hereto stipulate that such court shall, modify said restrictive covenants and enforce such provisions as to scope, time, and geographical areas as the court deems equitable, just and appropriate considering the intent of the parties hereto.
 
 
(e) Communication to the Company. At all times prior to the Determining Date, the Employee shall communicate and direct to the Company all knowledge, business opportunities and client contact and any other matters or information acquired by him which are in the scope of the business of the Company. Any such information communicated to the Company as required herein shall be and shall remain the property of the Company, notwithstanding the subsequent termination of this Agreement.
 
 
6.  MISCELLANEOUS
 
 
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the parties with, respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements and discussions between them, oral or written, with respect to such subject matter. This Agreement shall not be modified or amended except by a written instrument, signed by the parties hereto. All remedies specified herein or otherwise available shall be cumulative and in addition to any and every other remedy provided hereunder or not or hereafter available at law or in equity. No waiver or failure to act with respect to any breach or default hereunder, whether or not the other party has notice thereof, shall be deemed to be a waiver with respect to any subsequent breach of default, whether of similar or different nature.
 
 
(b) Binding Effect. The rights, benefits, duties and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to, and be binding upon, the Company, its successors and assigns, and upon the Employee and his legal representatives. This Agreement constitutes a personal service agreement, and the performance of the Employee's obligations hereunder may not be transferred or assigned by the Employee.
 
 
(c) Notices. Any notice or other communication required or desired to be given by either party to the other hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given for all purposes (a) when received or seven (7) days after it is mailed by prepaid registered airmail, return receipt requested; (b) upon the transmittal thereof by telecopier; or (c) upon the manual delivery thereof, to the respective addressee or fax numbers set forth above, or such other addresses of which notice as aforesaid has actually been received.
 
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(d) Applicable Law, Attorney's Fees. This Agreement shall be interpreted according to the laws of the State of Israel. The prevailing party in any arbitration or legal proceedings or litigation arising hereunder shall be entitled to be awarded its attorney's fees on the trial and appellate levels, its costs, and all other costs and damages as the appropriate tribunal shall render and award.
 
 
(e) Assignment. The Employee acknowledges that his services are unique and personal. Accordingly, the Employee may not assign his rights or delegate his duties or obligations under this Agreement except with the prior written consent of the Company. The Company's rights and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company's successors and assigns. The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor in interest without the consent of the Employee.
 
 
(f) Reformation; Severability
 
 
(i) Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid under applicable law, such provision will be effective only to the extent of its enforceability or validity, without affecting the enforceability or validity of the remainder of this Agreement, and such court shall have jurisdiction to reform this Agreement to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the parties will abide by the court's determination. In the event that any such provision of this Agreement cannot be reformed, such provision will be deemed severed from this Agreement, but every other provision of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
 
 
(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if for any reason any portion of the restrictions contained herein are held to be unreasonable, arbitrary, or against public policy, then the restrictions shall be considered divisible, both as to the-time and to the geographical area, with each month of the specified period being deemed a separate period of time and each radius mile of the restricted territory being deemed a separate geographical area, so that the lesser period of time or geographical area shall remain effective so long as the same is not unreasonable, arbitrary, or against public policy. If any court of competent jurisdiction determines the specified period or the specified geographical area of the restricted territory to be unreasonable, arbitrary, or against public policy, a court of competent jurisdiction shall construe and interpret or reform such provision so that a lesser time period or geographical area which is determined to be reasonable, non-arbitrary, and not against public policy may be enforced. If the Employee violates any of the covenants contained herein and if any court action is instituted to prevent or enjoin such violation, then the period of time during which the Employee shall be restricted, as provided in this Agreement, shall be lengthened by a period of time equal to the period between the date of such breach of the terms or covenants contained in this Agreement and the date on which the decree of the court disposing of the issues upon the merits shall become final and not subject to further appeal.
 
 
(g) Cumulative remedies. All rights and remedies of the parties shall be cumulative, and the parties shall have the right to obtain all available equitable remedies against each other for the enforcement of this Agreement.
 
(h) Non-Waiver. The failure of either party to insist upon the strict performance of any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of future compliance therewith or with any other term, condition or provision hereof, and said terms, conditions and provisions shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement on the part of either party shall be effective for any purpose whatsoever unless such waiver is in writing and signed by such party.
 
 
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(i) Headings. The headings of paragraphs are inserted for convenience and shall not affect any interpretation of this Agreement.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
 

 
By: /s/ Jonathan Burgin                                          
       Jonathan Burgin
       (the “Employee”)
 
 
 
By: /s/ Martin Becker                                               
       XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
      
Martin Becker
       
Chief Executive Officer

 

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AGREEMENT
 
This Agreement (“Agreement”) is made by and among XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. the “Company”) and Jonathan Burgin (“Burgin”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company and Burgin entered into an Employment Agreement dated August 1, 1999, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Employment Agreement”);
 
WHEREAS, the parties hereby desire to amend certain terms and conditions contained in the Employment Agreement, on the terms set forth below.
 
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements set forth in this Agreement and Release, it is agreed by and between the undersigned as follows:
 
1.  Termination Payment.
 
1.1  The Parties hereto agree, that upon the termination of Burgin’s employment with the Company, for any reason other than for “cause” (the “Termination Date”), the Company shall continue to pay to Burgin, in accordance with Sections 2(a)(iv) and 2(c) of the Employment Agreement (such provisions stating a three (3) months notice period (Section 2(a)(iv) and a three (3) months additional period (Section 2(c)), an amount equal to Burgin's base salary (including all the rights detailed in Section 3 of the Employment Agreement) as at the time of the Termination Date, less required tax withholdings, for a period of six (6) months from the Termination Date (the “Additional Period”), without requiring Burgin to physically be present at the Company and render his services to it during such Additional Period. The Company or Burgin shall notify each other regarding the termination of the Employment Agreement upon fourteen (14) days written notice to the other.
 
1.2 Burgin will be entitled to receive a cash bonus in the amount of US$50,000 in recognition of his hard work and dedication in the Company to date (the “Bonus”), such Bonus to be paid in two equal installments, the first (US$25,000) at the end of April 2005 (together with the monthly salary payment to be paid at the beginning of May 2005) and the second (US$25,000), immediately upon the completion of the listing of the Company’s shares on NASDAQ and commencement of trading.
 
1.3  Burgin shall retain the right to exercise all the options (the "Options") granted to him by the Company during the term of his employment, to the extent vested, until the earlier of (a) the final period for the exercise of such options, or (b) twelve (12) months from the expiry of the Additional Period. The Options will continue to vest until the end of the Additional Period. A list of the Options, including the date of grant, date of option termination, exercise price and total number of shares vested as of the date hereof is set forth on Exhibit B hereto.
 
2.  Entire Agreement. Other than the amendments to the Employment Agreement set out herein, the remainder of the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement shall continue to be in full force and effect. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions contained in the Employment Agreement and the terms and conditions contained herein, the terms and conditions contained herein shall govern. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.
 
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3.  Severability. In the event any provision of this Agreement shall be found unenforceable by an arbitrator or a court of competent jurisdiction, the provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to allow enforceability of the provision as so limited, it being intended that the Company shall receive the benefits contemplated herein to the fullest extent permitted by law. If a deemed modification is not satisfactory in the judgment of such arbitrator or court, the unenforceable provision shall be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.
 
4.  Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Israel.
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.


 
Dated: ___________________   
 
By: /s/ Jonathan Burgin                       
       Jonathan Burgin
 
Dated: ___________________
 
By: /s/ XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.  
       XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
 
 

 
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EX-4.19 7 v022798_ex4-19.htm
Exhibit 4.19
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
This Employment Agreement is effective as of May 1, 1994, by and between XENOGRAFT TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., an Israeli company of P.O. Box 370, Rehovot, Israel (the "Company"), and Shlomo Dagan, an individual who currently resides at Bustanai 12, Rehovot (the "Employee") .
 
WITNESSETH
 
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Employee as its Chief Immunologist, and the Employee desires to be employed by the Company as its Chief Immunologist, on the terms and conditions set forth below;
 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
 
1. EMPLOYMENT: DUTIES
 
(a) The Company hereby employs the Employee, and the Employee hereby accepts employment, as the Chief Immunologist of the Company on the terms and conditions set forth below.
 
(b) The Employee shall be responsible for, and shall supervise and manage, all the research and development activities performed at the Facilities of the Company, as well as such activities as are performed on behalf of the Company through its Sponsored Research agreements. In addition, the Employee shall perform such other services and duties as are normally incident to the position held by the Employee and are commensurate with Employee's background, education and professional standing or as are requested of the Employee by the General Manager for Israeli Operations and/or the President of the Company. In carrying out these functions, the Employee shall work at the direction of and subject to the approval of, and shall report to, the General Manager of Israeli Operations of the Company.
 
(c) The Employee shall perform his duties hereunder at the Company's facilities in Israel, provided, however, that Employee acknowledges and agrees that the performance of his duties hereunder may require significant domestic and international travel.
 
(d) Subject to the provisions of Section 1(e), the Employee shall devote essentially all of his business time, attention and efforts to the performance of his duties and the business and affairs of the Company. Subject to the provisions of Section 1(e) , the Employee shall not during the term of this Agreement be engaged (whether or not during normal business hours) in any other business or professional activity whether or not such activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage.
 
(e) The provisions of Section 1(d) notwithstanding, (i) the Employee shall not be prevented from purchasing securities in any corporation which does not compete with the Company and whose securities are publicly traded, provided that such purchases shall not result in his collectively owning beneficially at any time five percent or more of the equity securities of any such corporation; and (ii) the Employee shall not be prevented from participating in conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books or teaching, with the prior approval of the Company's General Manager for Israeli Operations.
 
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2.  TERM
 
During the six months period following the date hereof (the "Trial Period"), each of the Company and the Employee may terminate this Agreement at. any time by giving the other party hereto a notice at least two months prior to the date of termination of employment. If neither party hereto terminates this Agreement prior to the termination of the Trial Period then, subject to the rights of the parties to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7 hereof, the term of the Employee's employment with the Company (the "Initial Term") shall continue through the second anniversary of the date of the expiration of the Trial Period. The Company will notify the Employee, no later than three months prior to the expiration of the Initial Term, if the Company has then determined not to renew this Agreement upon its expiration. Upon expiration of the Initial Term, the term of this Agreement will thereafter be automatically renewed for successive two-year terms unless either the Company or Employee notifies the other in writing, no later than three months prior to the expiration of any such two-year renewal term, of the termination of Employee's employment hereunder. Any renewals of this Agreement will be subject to renegotiation between the parties.
 
3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
 
(a) As compensation for the performance of his duties on behalf of the Company, the Employee shall be compensated as follows:
 
(i) Annual Salary. The Company shall pay the Employee an annual salary ("Salary") in NIS at a rate initially equivalent to $57,000 per year during his employment with the Company. The Salary shall be paid in monthly installments not later than the third day of each month with respect to the preceding month, in accordance with the Company's payroll practices in Israel. Each monthly installment of the Salary will be indexed to the Israeli Consumer Price Index as published on or about the 15th day of the month for which the payment is being made; the basic Consumer Price Index for purposes of this Agreement being the one published on or about May 15, 1994. The indexation of the Salary to the Israeli Consumer Price Index is in lieu of any "Tosefet Yoker" or other mandatory or statutorily required increase in salary, which the Employee hereby waives.
 
(ii) Managers Insurance. At the end of each month during the employment of Employee hereunder (or such other day as is consistent with the Company's general practices), the Company shall pay an aggregate amount equal to 155/6% of Employee's monthly Salary for the preceding month to a Managers Insurance (Bituach Manahalim) policy (the "Policy") through an agency and with an insurance company to be jointly selected by the Company and the Employee, to be divided as follows: 81/3% toward Severance; 5% toward Compensation; and 21/2% toward "Shalva" (or comparable loss of working capacity) insurance. In addition, at the beginning of each month the Company shall deduct from the Salary of Employee an amount equal to 5% of the Employee's monthly Salary for the preceding month, and shall pay such amount as premium payable in respect of the "Compensation" component of the Policy.
 
(iii) Keren Hishtalmut Fund. At the end of each month during the employment of Employee hereunder (or such other day as is consistent with the Company's general practices), the Company shall pay an amount equal to 71/2% of Employee's monthly Salary for the preceding month to a Keren Hishtalmut Fund designated by the Employee (the "Fund"), and shall deduct from the Salary of Employee an amount equal to 21/2% of the Employee's monthly Salary for the preceding month and pay the same to the Fund.
 
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(iv) Stock Options. The Company shall grant the Employee options to purchase 25,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per share. Such options shall vest and become exercisable as to 50% (12,500 shares) on the second anniversary of the effective date of this Agreement, 25% (6,250 shares) on the third anniversary of the effective date of this Agreement and 25% (6,250 shares) on the fourth anniversary of the effective date of this Agreement. The grant of such options and the terms and conditions applicable thereto (including the exercise price of such options), are subject to (i) the adoption of an employee stock option plan by the Company's Board of Directors, (ii) approval by the Company's Board of Directors, and (iii) such other terms and conditions as may be set forth in a stock option agreement approved by the Company's Board of Directors and signed by Employee. All tax consequences resulting from the grant, vesting or exercise of options to or by the Employee shall be his sole and exclusive responsibility.
 
(v) Vacation. The Employee shall be entitled to fifteen (15) business days of paid vacation annually during the term of this Agreement (prorated for any partial calendar year during which he is employed hereunder).
 
The Company shall withhold all applicable taxes, insurance payments and such other amounts as may be required by law or agreed upon by the parties with respect to the compensation payable to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement.
 
(b) The Company shall pay or reimburse Employee for all normal, usual and necessary expenses incurred or paid by Employee in the performance of his duties hereunder, against receipt by the Company of appropriate vouchers, receipts or other proof of Employee's expenditures and otherwise in accordance with such Expense Reimbursement Policy as may from time to time be adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE EMPLOYEE
 
 
The Employee hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:
 
(a) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the performance by the Employee of his duties and other obligations hereunder violate or will violate any statute, law, determination or award, or conflict with or constitute a default under (whether immediately, upon the giving of notice or lapse of time or both) any prior employment agreement, contract, or other instrument to which the Employee is a party or by which he is bound.
 
(b) The Employee has the full right, power and legal capacity to enter and deliver this Agreement and to perform his duties and other obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Employee enforceable against him in accordance with its terms. No approvals or consents of any persons or entities are required for the Employee to execute and deliver this Agreement or perform his duties and other obligations hereunder.
 
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5.  NON-COMPETITION
 
(a) The Employee understands and recognizes that his services to the Company are special and unique and agrees that, during the term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years from the date of termination of his employment hereunder, he shall not in any manner, directly or indirectly, on behalf of himself or any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, corporation or other business entity ("Person"), enter into or engage in any business competitive with the Company's business in the field of in vivo production of human monoclonal antibodies and/or chimeric animal models of human diseases, and/or any business which the Company may enter into or contemplate entering into during Employee's employment hereunder, either as an individual for his own account, or as an employee, partner, joint venturer, executive, agent, consultant, salesperson, officer, director or shareholder of a Person; provided, however, that nothing herein will preclude the Employee from holding up to five percent (5%) of the stock of any publicly traded company which is not a competitor of the Company.
 
(b) For a period of two years after the termination of this Agreement, the Employee shall not interfere with or disrupt or attempt to disrupt the Company's business relationship with any of its customers, or solicit any of the employees of the Company.
 
(c) In the event that the Employee breaches any provisions of this Section 5 or there is a threatened breach, then, in addition to any other rights which the Company may have, the Company shall be entitled, without the posting of a bond or other security, to injunctive relief to enforce the restrictions contained herein. In the event that an actual proceeding is brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Section 5, the Employee shall not urge as a defense that there is an adequate remedy at law nor shall the Company be prevented from seeking any other remedies which may be available.
 
6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
 
(a) The Employee agrees that during the course of his employment or at any time after termination, he will not disclose or make accessible to any other Person, any information of, or pertaining to, the Company which is, by its nature, confidential, including, without limitation, information concerning products, services and technology, both current and under development, promotion and marketing programs, lists, trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary business information (collectively, "Confidential Information") of the Company or any of its clients, except to the extent required to carry out his responsibilities to the Company: The Employee agrees: (i) not to use any such information, directly or indirectly, for himself or others; and (ii) not to take any such material or reproductions thereof from the Company's facilities at any time during his employment by the Company except as required in connection with the Employee's duties to the Company. The Employee agrees to return all such material and reproductions thereof (whether or not merged with other works) in his possession to the Company promptly upon request and in any event immediately upon termination of employment.
 
(b) Except with prior written authorization by the Company, the Employee agrees not to disclose or publish any of the Confidential Information or material of the Company, its clients or any other party to whom the Company owes an obligation of confidence, at any time during or after his employment with the company.
 
4

(c) The Employee hereby assigns to the Company all right, title and interest he may have or acquire in all inventions (including patent rights) developed by the Employee during his employment by the Company ("Inventions") and agrees that all Inventions shall be the sole property of the Company and its assigns, and the Company and its assigns shall be the sole owner of all patents, copyrights and other rights in connection therewith. Employee further agrees to assist the Company in every proper way (but at the Company's expense) to obtain and from time to time enforce patents, copyrights or other rights on said Inventions in any and all countries.
 
7.  TERMINATION
 
The Employee's employment hereunder shall commence on the effective date of this Agreement, and shall continue for the period set forth in Section 2 hereof unless sooner terminated either during, or immediately after, the Trial Period, or upon the first to occur of the following events:
 
(a) The death or disability of the Employee (for purposes of this Section 7, "disability" shall be deemed to have occurred if Employee is unable, due to any physical or mental disease or condition, to perform his normal duties of employment for 90 consecutive days or 120 days in any 12-month period);
 
(b) Termination by the Board of Directors of the Company for just cause. Any of the following actions or omissions by the Employee shall constitute just cause:
 
(i) Material breach by the Employee of Section 5 or Section 6 of this Agreement;
 
(ii) Material breach by the Employee of any provision of this Agreement other than Section 5 or Section 6 which is not cured by the Employee within fifteen (15) days after his receipt of notice thereof from the Company containing a description of the breach or breaches alleged to have occurred; or
 
(iii) Any action by the Employee to intentionally harm the Company.
 
(c) Termination by the Employee for just cause. Any of the following actions or omissions by the Company shall constitute just cause:
 
(i) Material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement which is not cured by the Company within fifteen (15) days after its receipt of notice thereof from the Employee containing a description of the breach or breaches alleged to have occurred;
 
(ii) Any action by the Company to intentionally harm the Employee;
 
or
(iii) Requirement by the Company that Employee relocate to a business location outside of the State of Israel.
 
5

8.  NOTICES
 
Any notice or other communication under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: when delivered personally against receipt therefor or by facsimile when followed by a hard copy thereof; or three (3) days after being mailed registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to either party at the address set forth above, or to such other address as such party shall give by notice hereunder to the other party.
 
9. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS
 
If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced in whole or in part, the remaining conditions and provisions or portions thereof shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect and enforceable, and no provision shall be deemed dependent upon any other covenant or provision unless so expressed herein.
 
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: NO PRIOR AGREEMENT: MODIFICATION
 
This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and the parties hereto have made no agreements, representations or warranties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement which are not set forth herein. No modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.
 
11. BINDING EFFECT
 
The rights, benefits, duties and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to, and be binding upon, the Company, its successors and assigns, and upon the Employee and his legal representatives: This Agreement constitutes a personal service agreement, and the performance of the Employee's obligations hereunder may not be transferred or assigned by the Employee.
 
12.  NONWAIVER
 
The failure of either party to insist upon the strict performance of any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of future compliance therewith or with any other term, condition or provision hereof, and said terms, conditions and provisions shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement on the part of either party shall be effective for any purpose whatsoever unless such waiver is in writing and signed by such party.
 
13. GOVERNING LAW
 
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Israel.
 
14.  HEADINGS
 
The headings of paragraphs are inserted for convenience and shall not affect any interpretation of this Agreement.
 
6

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
 
Dated: ___________________   
 
By: /s/ Shlomo Dagan              
       Shlomo Dagan
 
Dated: ___________________
 
By: /s/ XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
       XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
 
 
7

EX-4.20 8 v022798_ex4-20.htm Unassociated Document

Private & Confidential

 
August 1, 2005
 
Michael S. Weiss
Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.
750 Lexington Avenue
26th Floor
New York, NY 10022
USA
 
Dear Mr. Weiss
 
This letter records the terms on which you are invited to serve as a non-Executive director of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (the "Company", “XTLbio”).
 
1.  Chairman's Duties 
 
As the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, Michael S. Weiss (“Weiss”) shall be responsible for the overall management, direction and leadership of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall report directly to Weiss as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The description of responsibilities set forth herein shall serve as a general statement of the duties, responsibilities and authority of Weiss. Additional duties, responsibilities and authority consistent with that of a Chairman may be assigned to Weiss by the Board of Directors of the Company from time to time in its reasonable discretion.
 
2.  Term
 
Weiss's appointment as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company shall commence from the date of the resolution of the Board of Directors appointing him as a Chairman of the Company. The terms and conditions contained in the Agreement and Weiss’s engagement shall commence upon the date the Agreement is approved by the shareholders of the Company (the "Effective Date") and shall continue until terminated as provided (the "Term").
 
3.  Compensation
 
(a) As compensation for the performance of his duties on behalf of XTLbio, Weiss shall be compensated as follows:
 
 
(i) Annual Fee. Weiss shall receive a fee at the annualised rate of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars (US$150,000), less applicable state and federal withholdings, (as may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the Agreement, the "Chairman’s Fee"), payable quarterly in arrears. Weiss shall be entitled to annual increases in the Chairman's Fee, the amount of which shall be within the sole discretion of the Company's Board of Directors, but each such increase will require the approval of the shareholders of the Company.
 
 
(ii) Stock Options. The Company will grant Weiss options (the "Options") to purchase a total of 9,250,000 ordinary shares of New Israeli Shekels 0.02 each (the "Ordinary Shares") of the Company (the "Grant") at an exercise price equal to $0.354(£0.20) (the "Exercise Price"), which options shall be exercisable for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance (expected to be the Effective Date). Weiss's Options will be granted under the same terms and conditions as share options granted in accordance with the Company's Share Option Plan 2001 (the "Plan") and according to the terms of any share option agreement entered into by Weiss and the Company; provided, however, that if any provisions of the Agreement are inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the Plan and any such share option agreement, the terms of the Agreement shall control. In accordance with the Plan, should any change be made to the Ordinary Shares by reason of any stock split, stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalisation, combination of shares, exchange of shares or other change affecting the outstanding Ordinary Shares as a class without the Company's receipt of consideration, appropriate adjustments shall be made to the total number and/or class of securities subject to such options, and the Exercise Price in order to reflect such change and thereby preclude a dilution or enlargement under such options.
 
 
Page 2 of 4

 
 
The Grant shall vest as follows:
 
 
(A) 1/3 of the options shall vest and be exercisable upon the Company achieving a total market capitalization on a fully diluted basis of more than US$150 million, as determined utilizing the Market Capitalization Formula (defined below);
 
(B) 1/3 of the options shall vest and be exercisable upon the Company achieving a total market capitalization on a fully diluted basis of more than US$250 million, as determined utilizing the Market Capitalization Formula; and
 
(C) 1/3 of the options shall vest and be exercisable upon the Company achieving a total market capitalization on a fully diluted basis of more than US$350 million, as determined utilizing the Market Capitalization Formula;
 
Provided that at each such vesting Weiss is still a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, the “Market Capitalization Formula” shall be calculated as follows:
 
(A)  the amount obtained as the product of
 
(1) the fully diluted Ordinary Shares (including shares attributable to all options, warrants, other purchase rights and convertible securities, which are in the money and including shares held by affiliates (collectively "market capitalization shares")), multiplied by
 
(2) the quotient of:
 
(x) the three (3) consecutive trading day average of the closing price of the American Depository Shares ("ADS"), as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market (or such other exchange as such shares are then listed or in the good-faith determination of the Board of Directors, if not then listed or quoted), divided by
 
(y) the number of Ordinary Shares then represented by each ADS; plus
 
(B)  long-term debt (as of any date); minus
 
(C)  Working Capital (as defined below); and minus
 
(D)  the aggregate exercise price of all options and warrants included in the market capitalization shares.
 
The term “Working Capital” shall mean as of any date, (1) the current assets plus investment securities or cash equivalents thereof or similar assets that have maturities in excess of 12 months, minus (2) current liabilities.
 
(iii) In the event of a Change of Control or a Reorganization Event, as those terms are defined in the Plan, or in the event that Weiss is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined below) or terminates his engagement for Good Reason (as defined below) or dies or suffers a Disability (as defined below), the exercisability of any of the options described in this Section 3 that are unexercisable at the time of such event or termination shall accelerate (and, in the case of a Change of Control or a Reorganization Event, such acceleration shall occur at a time and in a manner which allows Weiss to participate in such event in respect of the shares subject to such options in the same manner as other shareholders). Additionally, the Board of Directors shall have the discretion to accelerate all or a portion of these options at any time. In addition, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, Weiss shall be entitled to special grants of subsequent stock options. Weiss shall be entitled to pay the exercise price of any or all of the options described in this Section 3 by each of the methods set forth in the Plans and shall be allowed to satisfy any withholding obligations incurred on the exercise of such options by electing to have option shares withheld upon such exercise. The Company shall use best efforts to cause all of the shares underlying such options to be fully registered and freely tradable, including for resale without any limitations or restrictions, provided, however, that while Weiss is an employee or director of the Company, Weiss agrees to abide by the trading restrictions that may be imposed upon him from time to time pursuant to any laws, statutes, rules or regulations to which the shares underlying the options may be subject from time to time.
 
 
Page 3 of 4

 
 
(b) Expenses 
 
The Company shall reimburse Weiss for all normal, usual and necessary expenses incurred by Weiss in furtherance of the business and affairs of the Company, including travel and entertainment, provided Weiss submits to the Company appropriate vouchers, receipts or other proof of Weiss's expenditures and otherwise in accordance with such expense reimbursement policy as may from time to time be adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
4.  Confidential Information 
 
Weiss agrees to sign and comply with the Company's Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.
 
5.  Termination 
 
(a) Either party may terminate Weiss's engagement and appointment with the Company without Cause (in the case of the Company) or for Good Reason (in the case of Weiss) (as such terms are defined herein) at any time upon thirty (30) days notice. The Board of Directors shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to require Weiss to continue as Chairman or as a Director working for the Company during the notice period. For purposes of the Agreement, Weiss shall have "Good Reason" upon the occurrence of: (i) a failure to elect or re-elect Weiss to the office of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company or other change by the Company of Weiss's function, duties or responsibilities such that Weiss is no longer the highest member of the Board of Directors, or any other materially adverse change in such functions, duties or responsibilities, without Weiss's written consent; (ii) a reduction of Weiss's Chairman’s Fee (as set forth in Section 3(a)(i)) by more than ten percent (10%), except where the Company has made similar reductions in the base salary of senior management throughout the Company; or (iii) the Company's breach of any material term of the Agreement; or (iv) a Change in Control or Reorganization Event. "Good Reason" shall not exist unless the Company has not cured the basis for Weiss's resignation within fifteen (15) days following Weiss's written notice to the Company specifying the basis of his resignation. For purposes of the Agreement, "Cause" shall mean: (i) material breach by Weiss of the confidentiality and ownership of inventions agreement; (ii) the wilful and continual failure or refusal by Weiss to perform his duties under the Agreement (other than by reason of death or Disability (as defined below), or other reasons beyond Weiss' control), provided such failure or refusal continues for a period of thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Board of Directors providing reasonable detail of such failure or refusal; (iii) any action by Weiss constituting wilful misconduct in respect of Weiss's obligation to the Company that results in material, economic damage to the Company; or (iv) conviction of a felony. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall not constitute Cause for the termination of Weiss’s engagement or the modification or diminution of any of his authority hereunder: any personal or policy disagreement between the Company and Weiss, or Weiss and any member of the Board of Directors of the Company; or any action taken by Weiss in connection with his duties hereunder if Weiss acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, and not opposed to, the best interest of the Company.
 
(b) If the Company terminates Weiss without Cause or Weiss terminates his engagement for Good Reason, the Board of Directors shall take the necessary steps so that (i) any outstanding, but unvested, options granted to Weiss in accordance with Section 3, above, shall vest upon the effective date of his termination; and (ii) the period during which Weiss shall be permitted to exercise such options shall be extended to the earlier of two (2) years from the effective date of his termination, and ten (10) years from the Effective Date.
 
(c) In the event of a Change of Control Event or a Reorganization Event, as those terms are defined in the Plans, Weiss shall be entitled to (i) the immediate acceleration of any outstanding, but unvested options granted to him in accordance with Section 3, above, and (ii) the extension of the period during which Weiss shall be permitted to exercise such options to the earlier of two (2) years from the effective date of his termination (if applicable) and ten (10) years from the Effective Date
 
(d) Should Weiss's engagement terminate by his death or disability, he or his estate, if applicable, shall be entitled to continue to receive his Chairman’s Fee for three (3) months (less applicable state and federal withholdings) following his last day of actual engagement by the Company. For purposes of the Agreement, "Disability" shall be deemed to have occurred if Weiss is unable, due to any physical or mental disease or condition, to perform his normal duties of engagement for 120 consecutive days or 180 days in any twelve-month period. In addition, the Board of Directors shall take the necessary steps so that (i) any outstanding, but unvested, options granted to him in accordance with Section 3, above, shall vest upon the effective date of his termination; and (ii) the period during which he shall be permitted to exercise such options shall be extended to the earlier of two (2) years from the effective date of his termination and ten (10) years from the Effective Date. Should Weiss's engagement terminate as a result of his death, the benefits granted herein, shall be granted instead to his lawful heir or heirs.
 
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its shareholders may terminate Weiss’s engagement immediately and without prior notice for Cause.
 
(f) In the event that Weiss's engagement has been terminated in accordance with Section 5(e), above, Weiss shall not be entitled to receive any of the severance benefits set forth in this Section 5, but he shall be entitled to any unpaid Chairman’s Fees, which have accrued through his date of termination.
 
6. Governing Law  
 
This letter shall be governed by Israeli Law.
 
 
Yours sincerely,
 
for and on behalf of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd
 
/s/ XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd
 
I agree to the above terms of my appointment.
 
Dated: August 1, 2005
 
/s/ Michael S. Weiss  
Michael S. Weiss
 
 
Page 4 of 4

 
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MT:G33J9FIT%4H4Y0G."KRC[.*I0=*HYRC_M4Y2?MHP22C+DIS2_>RYIT_8?A MY^U/I'Q)\>6WA?1?@_\`'&Q\#ZWK/B[PYX*^.VJ^%O#`^$?CK7_`[:TGB*QT MAM*\:ZK\2O#M@I\.:Z-`\6_$;X;^!_`WC0Z?&O@GQ/XB?5]!75>NU/\`:9^` MOAKQ-8>"O'/Q>^%GP\\9:]XQN/`WA#PEXV^*GPRT?Q-XX\017*65O9>$M!3Q MA=:KJE]J%XSVEGH+VEMXH%S%)!>:%:2F-)/+_A5^SM\9_AKXMT33'_:-M]2_ M9[\#^)/%?B+P'\*=*^$\'A[Q]+:^)X=>^Q>"OB?\7G\?:WI?CGP)X*OO$=W> M^#M.\,_"GX:^(_\`B2^$HO&'BOQB^DZI/K_(^)OV';+Q+XK^+7BJX\?VJ7/Q M.2UCMXYO`L5W/X9CM_B_X;^+4D<-Z_B>.34$GN_#-AIKJD6F*+B&SUE@\EC# M9'"=/*/K+3KI8;V,.66&^M.7.YR@G5>*PR:K0I\E7$QITY8>C0 M"Y]1^+7@&RA\7Z#\7KC6+/X3ZWX7DN?$$2:_I'Q/N_#VOVOP\U+26N[+QK<: M'K$'AJ;4Y=,O5@\,^,G['NN_%+XU_P#"Q=,^*.@>&O`OBMOV?Y?BSX*U7X3V MOC#QEKTW[,_Q,USXK?#,_#7XFW/C32+;X8PWGB36Y;;QE#JW@'XCF\TV%KCP M5)X!\37VH>)+KPO]F_\`X)IZ[\#_`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`^ M/O\`P3>\-_'31O%&E'XC77@>;7O&/Q$^(%IJGA7P]J^@:M8^*_%OQ)_9^^*F M@7$_B'P;X\\&^+UL]&\2_L]^&[7Q'/X7\3>$/%7B?1-2F@T/Q9X$UC3--UR( MIT.'IO"1JXS%T%5AAUBJE.$J_P!5E[*D\3/V(;JRK1ITJPCU3PWXP\&Z]I7BCPMXATR8LL.HZ'X@ MT2[OM)U:PE*.([RPN[BWD*L%D)4XZ:OGG]EWX$G]G3X1:9\-[C7+3Q1K(UWQ M3XJ\3>)[*Y^+UW%XC\4>,->OO$.O:Y)-\=?C=^T5\3FN]2U"^ENKYO$7Q=\5 M/+>23SV\EG!*EG#]#5X^*CAX8G$0PE6=;"QK58X>M4A[.I5H*;5* EX-4.21 10 v022798_ex4-21.htm
Exhibit 4.21
Private & Confidential
 
August 1, 2005
 
 
Dear XXX,
 
1.  
This letter records the terms on which you are invited to serve as a non-Executive director of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (the "Company").
 
2.  
Your appointment is to continue unless you terminate this arrangement upon giving the Company not less than 2 months’ written notice, which may be given at any time, provided that such notice does not expire before the end of the said period. However, your appointment will terminate forthwith, without any entitlement on your part to compensation, if:
 
a.  
you are not reappointed as a director at any Company annual general meeting where you are required to retire under the Articles of Association of the Company (as amended from time to time);
 
b.  
you cease to be a director by reason of your vacating office pursuant to any provision of the Articles of Association of the Company (as amended from time to time) or the Israeli Companies Act - 1999 (the “Act”);
 
c.  
you are convicted of any criminal offence (excluding minor road traffic offences);
 
d.  
you breach the terms of this appointment (such breach not being capable of remedy) or you fail or refuse to carry out your duties as required by this letter; or
 
e.  
you are guilty of gross misconduct or any act in any way, which may, in the opinion of the Board, bring the Company into disrepute or discredit.
 
3.  
You will be entitled to a fee for your services as a non-Executive director, at the rate of US$20,000 per annum, such fee to be payable quarterly in 4 equal instalments, subject to deduction of any tax or other deduction which the Company is required to deduct by law. In addition, you will be entitled to receive a fee of US$2,000 for each individual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company whether you attend in person or by telephone, and a fee of US$500 for each meeting of a Board Committee, which you attend in your capacity as a non-Executive Director (whether in person or by telephone). Such additional fees incurred will be paid in accordance with the payment terms relating to the annual fee, above. In addition the Company shall reimburse you for any reasonable out of pocket expenses due to your position as a non-Executive Director of the Company.
 
XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. Kiryat Weizmann Science Pk, Bldg 3, POB 370, Rehovot 76100, Israel Tel: +972-8-930-4444 Fax: +972-8-930-4445

4.  
You will be granted 2,000,000 Options to purchase Ordinary Shares, of nominal value NIS 0.02 each of the Company (the “Shares”) having an exercise price equal to $____ (£0.20) per share. The options shall be exercisable for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance at the Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting on 1 August 2005. The Options will be granted in accordance with the terms and conditions governing the Company's 2001 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") and will be subject to the terms and conditions thereof; provided, however, that if any provisions hereunder are inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the Plan, the terms hereunder shall control. In accordance with the Plan, should any change be made to the Ordinary Shares by reason of any stock split, stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalisation, combination of shares, exchange of shares or other change affecting the outstanding Ordinary Shares as a class without the Company's receipt of consideration, appropriate adjustments shall be made to (A) the total number and/or class of securities subject to such options and (B) the Exercise Price in order to reflect such change and thereby preclude a dilution or enlargement under such options.
 
The Options granted to you shall vest as follows: (a) 1/3 of the Options shall vest and be exercisable upon the Company achieving a total market capitalization on a fully diluted basis of more than US$150 million, as determined utilizing the Market Capitalization Formula (defined below); (b) 1/3 of the Options shall vest and be exercisable upon the Company achieving a total market capitalization on a fully diluted basis of more than US$250 million, as determined utilizing the Market Capitalization Formula; and (c) 1/3 of the Options shall vest and be exercisable upon the Company achieving a total market capitalization on a fully diluted basis of more than US$350 million, as determined utilizing the Market Capitalization Formula, provided that at each such vesting the Grantees is still a Director of the Company.
 
The Company shall use best efforts to cause all of the shares underlying such Options to be fully registered and freely tradable, including for resale without any limitations or restrictions, provided, however, that while you are a Director of the Company, you shall agree to abide by the trading restrictions that may be imposed upon Directors from time to time pursuant to any laws, statutes, rules or regulations to which the shares underlying the Options may be subject from time to time.
 
The “Market Capitalization Formula” shall be calculated as follows: the fully diluted shares (including shares attributable to all options, warrants, other purchase rights and convertible securities, which are in the money and including shares held by affiliates (collectively "market capitalization shares")) multiplied by the three (3) consecutive trading day average of the closing price of the Ordinary Shares as reported by Nasdaq (or such other exchange as such shares are then listed or in the good-faith determination of the board, if not then listed or quoted) plus long-term debt (as of any date) minus Working Capital (as defined below) and minus the aggregate exercise price of all options and warrants included in the market capitalization shares. The term “Working Capital” shall mean as of any date, (1) the current assets plus investment securities or cash equivalents thereof or similar assets that have maturities in excess of 12 months, minus (2) current liabilities.
 
Page 2 of 3

5.  
In the event of termination of this appointment (otherwise than on termination in accordance with paragraphs 2(a) to (e) inclusive of this letter) you will be entitled to that proportion of the fees due and unpaid, accrued on a daily basis up to and including the date of termination of the appointment.
 
6.  
In the event that you are called on or requested to perform any special duties or responsibilities outside your ordinary duties as Director the Board may agree to pay you special remuneration.
 
7.  
As a non-Executive director you will perform the duties normally attendant on that office, including (without limitation) using reasonable efforts to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors (you may attend either in person or through telephone attendance).
 
8.  
Both during the term of your appointment and for three years after its termination you will observe the obligations of confidentiality, which are attendant on the office of director. In addition, although they are not specifically mentioned in this letter, you will of course be subject to the normal legal duties and responsibilities of a director of a company incorporated under Israeli law.
 
9.  
Upon termination of this appointment you will resign from your office as a director of the Company and from all other appointments or offices, which you hold as nominee or representative of the Company.
 
10.  
This letter shall be governed by Israeli Law.
 
Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter and returning the copy to me at the above address.
 
Yours sincerely,
for and on behalf of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd
 
________________________________
XXX
I agree to the above terms of my appointment.

Dated: August 1, 2005
 
________________________________
XXX
 
Page 3 of 3

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Exhibit 4.22

Private & Confidential

 
August 1, 2005
 
Dear XXX,
 
 
1.  
This letter records the terms on which you are invited to serve as a non-Executive director of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (the "Company")
 
2.  
Your appointment is to continue unless you terminate this arrangement upon giving the Company not less than 2 months’ written notice, which may be given at any time, provided that such notice does not expire before the end of the said period. However, your appointment will terminate forthwith, without any entitlement on your part to compensation, if:
 
a.  
you are not reappointed as a director at any Company annual general meeting where you are required to retire under the Articles of Association of the Company (as amended from time to time);
 
b.  
you cease to be a director by reason of your vacating office pursuant to any provision of the Articles of Association of the Company (as amended from time to time) or the Israeli Companies Act - 1999 (the “Act”);
 
c.  
you are convicted of any criminal offence (excluding minor road traffic offences);
 
d.  
you breach the terms of this appointment (such breach not being capable of remedy) or you fail or refuse to carry out your duties as required by this letter; or
 
e.  
you are guilty of gross misconduct or any act in any way, which may, in the opinion of the Board, bring the Company into disrepute or discredit.
 
3.  
You will be entitled to a fee for your services as a non-Executive director, at the rate of US$20,000 per annum, such fee to be payable quarterly in 4 equal instalments, subject to deduction of any tax or other deduction which the Company is required to deduct by law. In addition, you will be entitled to receive a fee of US$2,000 for each individual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company whether you attend in person or by telephone, and a fee of US$500 for each meeting of a Board Committee, which you attend in your capacity as a non-Executive Director (whether in person or by telephone). Such additional fees incurred will be paid in accordance with the payment terms relating to the annual fee, above. In addition, the Company reimburses you for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
 
XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. Kiryat Weizmann Science Pk, Bldg 3, POB 370, Rehovot 76100, Israel Tel: +972-8-930-4444 Fax: +972-8-930-4445

 
4.  
You will be granted 60,000 options with an exercise price per each option equal to the average price per share, as derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange, in the three (3) days preceding the Extraordinary General Meeting and all such options shall be issued in accordance with the Stock Option Plan 2001 and shall vest over three (3) years so that upon the first, second and third anniversary of the Extraordinary General Meeting, they each shall be entitled to exercise 1/3 (one third) of the Options granted, provided that during such time you are still members of the Board;
 
Grant of annual options to you, on the first, second and third anniversary of the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting, August 1, 2005, so long as you are still members of the Board of Directors of XTLbio, of 20,000 Ordinary Shares per year (total of 60,000 options each) at an exercise price equal to the then current closing price of the securities of the Company as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market (or such other exchange as such shares are then listed or in the good-faith determination of the Board of Directors, if not then listed or quoted), which options shall be exercisable for a period of ten (10) years from the date of issuance. Each annual option grant shall vest from the date of its allocation in 12 equal quarterly instalments over a 3-year period.
 
5.  
In the event of termination of this appointment (otherwise than on termination in accordance with paragraphs 2(a) to (e) inclusive of this letter) you will be entitled to that proportion of the fees due and unpaid, accrued on a daily basis up to and including the date of termination of the appointment.
 
6.  
In the event that you are called on or requested to perform any special duties or responsibilities outside your ordinary duties as Director the Board may agree to pay you special remuneration.
 
7.  
As a non-Executive director you will perform the duties normally attendant on that office, including (without limitation) using reasonable efforts to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors (you may attend either in person or through telephone attendance).
 
8.  
Both during the term of your appointment and for three years after its termination you will observe the obligations of confidentiality, which are attendant on the office of director. In addition, although they are not specifically mentioned in this letter, you will of course be subject to the normal legal duties and responsibilities of a director of a company incorporated under Israeli law.
 
9.  
Upon termination of this appointment you will resign from your office as a director of the Company and from all other appointments or offices, which you hold as nominee or representative of the Company.
 
10.  
This letter shall be governed by Israeli Law.
 
Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter and returning the copy to me at the above address.
 
Yours sincerely,
for and on behalf of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd
 
________________________________
XXX
I agree to the above terms of my appointment.
 
Dated: August 1, 2005
 
________________________________
XXX
 
EX-4.23 13 v022798_ex4-23.htm
Exhibit 4.23
Private & Confidential

August 1, 2005
 
Dear XXX,

This letter records the terms on which you are invited to serve as a non-Executive Director of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (the “Company”) and confirms the agreement previously reached between us:

1.  
For the purpose of the Israeli Companies Act 1999 (the “Act”), each non-Executive Director who is appointed to the position of any Outside Director (as such term is defined in the Act) is required to provide the Company with a representation as to any related party association with the Company. By agreeing to the terms contained herein and signing this agreement, you hereby confirm, that:

a.  
You, your relative, your partner, your employee or a corporation you control, has not, at the date of your appointment or had not in two years before the date of your appointment, any relation to the Company, or has not at the date of your appointment, any relation to the Controlling Person (as defined in the Act), or to “another corporation”.

For the purpose hereof, “relation” shall mean employer-employee relationships, business or professional relationships on a continuous basis or control, and serving as an officer in the Company, except for serving as Director of the Company for less than three months in which period the Company completed an IPO; and “another corporation” shall mean a corporation which the Controlling Person, at the date of your appointment or in the two years preceding your appointment, is the Company or the Controlling Person of the Company.

b.  
Your other jobs or duties do not cause, and are not likely to cause, any conflict of interest with your duty as a director of the Company, or do not impair your capability to serve as Director of the Company.

c.  
You are not serving as an Outside Director in any other Company in which one of the Directors of the Company is serving as an Outside Director.

2.  
Your appointment is to continue for a period of 36 months from the date hereof and shall continue thereafter until you terminate this arrangement upon giving the Company not less than 2 months’ written notice which may be given at any time, provided that such notice does not expire before the end of the said minimum period. However, your appointment will terminate forthwith, without any entitlement on your part to compensation, if:

a.  
You are not reappointed as a Director at any Company Annual General Meeting where you are required to retire under the Articles of Association of the Company (as amended from time to time);

XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. Kiryat Weizmann Science Pk, Bldg 3, POB 370, Rehovot 76100, Israel Tel: +972-8-930-4444 Fax: +972-8-930-4445

 
 
b.  
You cease to be a Director by reason of your vacating office pursuant to any provision of the Articles of Association of the Company (as amended from time to time) or the Act;

c.  
You are convicted of any criminal offence (excluding minor road traffic offences);

d.  
You breach the terms of this appointment (such breach not being capable of remedy) or you fail or refuse to carry out your duties as required by this letter; or

e.  
You are guilty of gross misconduct or any act in any way which may, in the opinion of the Board, bring the Company into disrepute or discredit.

3.  
You will be entitled to a fee for your services as a non-Executive Director, at the rate of US$20,000 per annum, such fee to be payable quarterly in 4 equal instalments, subject to restrictions imposed by applicable law and to the deduction of any tax or other deduction which the Company is required to deduct by law. In addition, you will be entitled to receive a fee of US$2,000 for participating in person in a Board Meeting or a Committee Meeting occurring in addition to a scheduled Board Meeting, and a fee of US$500 for participating in a Committee Meeting occurring at the time of a Board Meeting or for participating in a Board or a Committee meeting held via phone. Such additional fees incurred will be paid in accordance with the payment terms relating to the annual fee, above.

4.  
In the event of termination of this appointment (otherwise than on termination in accordance with paragraphs 2(b) to (e) inclusive of this letter) you will be entitled to that proportion of the fees due and unpaid, accrued on a daily basis up to and including the date of termination of the appointment.

5.  
In the event that you are called on or requested to perform any special duties or responsibilities outside your ordinary duties as Director the Board may agree to pay you special remuneration.

6.  
As a non-Executive Director you will perform the duties normally attendant on that office, including (without limitation) using reasonable efforts to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors (you may attend either in person or through telephone attendance).

In addition, you will be a member of the Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee of the Board. The Committees meet as often as each deems necessary for the performance of their functions.

7.  
Both during the term of your appointment and after its termination you will observe the obligations of confidentiality which are attendant on the Officer of Director. In addition, although they are not specifically mentioned in this letter, you will of course be subject to the normal legal duties and responsibilities of a Director of a company incorporated under Israeli law.

8.  
Upon termination of this appointment you will resign from your office as a Director of the Company and from all other appointments or offices which you hold as nominee or representative of the Company.

Page 2 of 3

 
9.  
This letter shall be governed by Israeli Law.

Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter and returning the copy to me at the above address.
 
Yours sincerely,
for and on behalf of XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
 
________________________________
XXX
I agree to the above terms of my appointment.

Dated: August 1, 2005
 
________________________________
XXX
 
Page 3 of 3

EX-4.24 14 v022798_ex4-24.htm
Exhibit 4.24
INDEMNITY AND EXCULPATION agreement

THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of August 1, 2005, is between XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., an Israeli company with its principal offices in Kiryat Weizmann Science Pk, Bldg 3, third floor, Nes Ziona, Israel (the “Company”), and _______________________, and individual whose address is _____________________________________________________________ (the “Indemnitee”).
 
WHEREAS,  the Indemnitee is an Office Holder of the Company (as defined below);
 
WHEREAS,  both the Company and Indemnitee recognize the increased risk of litigation and other claims being asserted against Office Holders of a public company;
 
WHEREAS,  the Articles of Association of the Company authorize the Company to indemnify Office Holders; and
 
WHEREAS,  in recognition of Indemnitee’s need for substantial protection against personal liability in order to assure Indemnitee’s continued service to the Company in an effective manner and Indemnitee’s reliance on the aforesaid Articles of Association and, in part, to provide Indemnitee with specific contractual assurance that the protection promised by the Articles of Association will be available to Indemnitee (regardless of, among other things, any amendment to or revocation or any change in the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors or the Company’s management or acquisition of the Company), the Company wishes to provide in this Agreement for the indemnification of and the advancing of expenses (whether partial or complete) to Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law and as set forth in this Agreement.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
1.1
Expenses: includes reasonable costs of litigation, including attorney’s fees, expended by the Indemnitee or for which the Indemnitee has been charged by a court. Expenses shall also include, without limitation and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, all expenses reasonably incurred in defending any claim (including investigation and pre-litigation negotiations) and any security or bond that the Indemnitee may be required to post in connection with an Indemnifiable Event (as defined below).
 
1.2
Office Holder: as such term is defined in the Israeli Companies Law, 5759-1999.
2. INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES
 
2.1
The Company hereby undertakes to indemnify the Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, for any liability and Expense that may be imposed on Indemnitee, up to an aggregate of $4million, due to an act performed or failure to act by him in his capacity as an Office Holder of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or any entity in which Indemnitee serves as an Office Holder at the request of the Company either prior to or after the date hereof for (the following shall be hereinafter referred to as “Indemnifiable Events”):
 

 
 
2.1.1
monetary liability imposed on the Indemnitee in favour of a third party in a judgment (which third parties include, without limitation and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any governmental entity), including a settlement or an arbitration award confirmed by a court, for an act that the Indemnitee performed by virtue of being an Office Holder of the Company; and
 
2.1.2
reasonable costs of litigation, including attorneys’ fees, expended by the Indemnitee or for which the Indemnitee has been charged by a court, in an action brought against the Indemnitee by or on behalf of the Company or a third party, or in a criminal action in which the Indemnitee was found innocent, or in a criminal offence in which the Indemnitee was convicted and in which a proof of criminal intent is not required.
 
2.2.
The indemnification undertaking made by the Company shall be only with respect to such events as are described in Schedule A attached hereto. The maximum amount payable by the Company under all indemnification agreements with all the non-Executive Directors of the Company shall not exceed four million dollars measured promptly after receipt by the Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding to be made against the Company.
 
2.3
If so requested by the Indemnitee, the Company shall advance an amount (or amounts) estimated by it to cover Indemnitee’s reasonable litigation Expenses with respect to which the Indemnitee is entitled to be indemnified under Sections 2.1 and 2.2 above.
 
2.4
The Company’s obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee and advance Expenses in accordance with this Agreement shall be for such period as the Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible claim or threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding or any inquiry or investigation, whether civil, criminal or investigative, arising out of the Indemnitee’s service in the foregoing positions, whether or not the Indemnitee is still serving in such positions.
 
3. GENERAL LIMITATIONS ON INDEMNIFICATION
If, when and to the extent that the Indemnitee would not be permitted to be so indemnified under applicable law, the Company shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the Indemnitee (who hereby agrees to reimburse the Company) for all such amounts theretofore paid (unless the Indemnitee has commenced legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to secure a determination that the Indemnitee should be indemnified under applicable law, in which event the Indemnitee shall not be required to so reimburse the Company until a final judicial determination is made with respect thereto as to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been exhausted or lapsed) and shall not be obligated to indemnify or advance any additional amounts to the Indemnitee (unless there has been a determination by a court or competent jurisdiction that the Indemnitee would be permitted to be so indemnified under this Agreement).
 
2

 
The Company undertakes that in the event of a Change in Control, the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall continue to be in effect following such Change in Control, and the Company shall take all necessary actions to ensure that the party acquiring control of the Company shall independently undertake to continue in effect this Agreement, to maintain the provisions of the Articles of Association allowing indemnification and to indemnify Indemnitee in the event that the Company shall not have sufficient funds or otherwise shall not be able to fulfil its obligations hereunder.
 
“Change of Control” means any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity, other corporate reorganization, sale of control, or any transaction in which all or substantially all of the assets or shares of the Company are sold.
 
4. NO WAIVER
 
No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver. Any waiver shall be in writing.
 
5. SUBROGATION
 
In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.
6. REIMBURSEMENT
 
The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment in connection with any claim made against the Indemnitee to the extent the Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment (under any insurance policy or otherwise) of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder. Any amounts paid to the Indemnitee under such insurance policy or otherwise after the Company has indemnified the Indemnitee for such liability or Expense shall be repaid to the Company promptly upon receipt by Indemnitee.
 
7. EFFECTIVENESS
 
SUBJECT TO THE RECEIPT OF ALL THE REQUIRED APPROVALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ISRAELI LAW, INCLUDING THE APPROVALS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY, THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS OF THE DATE HEREOF.

3


8. NOTIFICATION AND DEFENSE OF CLAIM
 
Promptly after receipt by the Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, the Indemnitee will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the Company under this Agreement, notify the Company of the commencement hereof; but the omission so to notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to the Indemnitee otherwise than under this Agreement. With respect to any such action, suit or proceeding as to which the Indemnitee notifies the Company of the commencement thereof and without derogating from Section 2.1:
 
The Company will be entitled to participate therein at its own expense;
 
 
8.1
To the extent that it may wish, the Company jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified will be entitled to assume the defence thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee, provided, however, that the Company will not be entitled to do so if Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and the Indemnitee in the conduct of the defence of such action.
 
8.2
The Indemnitee shall have the right to employ his or her own counsel in such action, suit or proceeding at the expense of the Company.
 
8.3
The Company shall not be liable to indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any action or claim effected without its prior written consent - not to be unreasonably withheld. The Company shall not settle any action or claim in any manner that would impose any penalty, liability or limitation on the Indemnitee without the Indemnitee’s prior written consent. Neither the Company nor the Indemnitee will unreasonably withhold their consent to any proposed settlement.
 
9. EXCULPATION
 
The Company hereby exempts the Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from any liability for damages caused as a result of the Indemnitee’s breach of the duty of care to the Company, provided that the Indemnitee shall not be exempt with respect to any action or omission as to which, under applicable law, the Company is not entitled to exculpate the Indemnitee.
 
10. NON-EXCLUSIVITY
 
The rights of the Indemnitee hereunder shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights the Indemnitee may have under the Company’s Articles of Association or applicable law or otherwise, and to the extent that during the indemnification period the rights of the then existing Office Holders are more favourable to such Office Holders than the rights provided thereunder or under this Agreement to the Indemnitee, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to the full benefits of such more favourable rights.

4



11. BINDING EFFECT
 
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, spouses, heirs and personal and legal representatives. This Agreement shall continue in effect regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve as an Office Holder of the Company or of any other enterprise at the Company’s request, provided that the claim for indemnification relates to an Indemnifiable Event.
 
12. SEVERABILITY
 
The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable in the event that any provision hereof (including any provision within a single section, paragraph or sentence) is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
 
13. GOVERNING LAW
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Israel.
 
14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND TERMINATION
 
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any other agreements, contracts or understandings between the parties, whether written or oral, with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. No supplement, modification, amendment, termination or cancellation of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties hereto.


XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
 
Name: _________________________________
 
Date: _________________________________
 
Signature: ______________________________
Non-Executive Director
 
Name: _________________________________
 
Date: __________________________________
 
Signature: ______________________________
 
5

 
 
Schedule A

1. 
Negotiations, execution, delivery and performance of agreements on behalf of the Company
2. 
Anti-competitive acts and acts of commercial wrongdoing
3. 
Acts in regard to invasion of privacy including with respect to databases and acts in regard of slander
4. 
Acts in regard to copyrights, patents, designs and any other intellectual property rights, and acts in regard to defects in the Company’s products or services
5. 
Approval of corporate actions including the approval of the acts of the Company’s management, their guidance and their supervision
6. 
Claims of failure to exercise business judgment and a reasonable level of proficiency, expertise and care in regard to the Company’s business
7. 
Claims relating to the offering of securities, claims relating to violations of securities laws of any jurisdiction and claims arising out of the Company’s status as a publicly-traded company, including, without limitation, fraudulent disclosure claims, failure to comply with SEC disclosure rules and other claims relating to relationships with investors and the investment community
8. 
Violations of securities laws of any jurisdiction, including without limitation, fraudulent disclosure claims and other claims relating to relationships with investors and the investment community
9. 
Violations of laws requiring the Company to obtain regulatory and governmental licenses, permits and authorizations in any jurisdiction
10. 
Claims in connection with publishing or providing any information, including any filings with governmental authorities, on behalf of the Company in the circumstances required under applicable laws
11. 
Violations of any law or regulation governing domestic and international telecommunications in any jurisdiction

6

CORRESP 15 filename15.htm Unassociated Document

Alston&Bird llp
90 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10016

212-210-9400
Fax: 212-210-9444
www.alston.com

Mark F. McElreath
Direct Dial: 212-210-9595
E-mail: mmcelreath@alston.com


 
VIA:  UPS AND EDGAR

United States Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Division of Corporation Finance
Mail Stop 6010
Washington, D.C. 20549

 
Re:
Form 20-FR12G filed on July 14, 2005
File No. 0-51310

 
At the request and on behalf of our client, XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (the “Company”), we hereby file, via EDGAR, responses to the Commission’s comment letter dated August 3, 2005, to the Company’s registration statement on Form 20-F (File No. 0-51310) (the “Registration Statement”), filed on July 14, 2005. These responses have been prepared by the Company with the assistance of its legal counsel. As requested, these responses are keyed to correspond to the Commission’s comment letter. A copy of this letter, other supplemental materials referenced herein, a clean copy of Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (“Amendment No. 1”) which was filed on August 10, 2005, and a copy of Amendment No. 1 marked to show changes from the Company’s original filing, are being sent to the Commission via overnight mail. The page references in this letter are keyed to the marked version of Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement submitted in hard copy by overnight mail.
 
Capitalized terms used in the responses in this letter and not otherwise defined have the meaning set forth in the Registration Statement.
 

One Atlantic Center
1201 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309-3424
404-881-7000
Fax: 404-881-7777
Bank of America Plaza
101 South Tryon Street, Suite 4000
Charlotte, NC 28280-4000
704-444-1000
Fax: 704-444-1111
3201 Beechleaf Court, Suite 600
Raleigh, NC 27604-1062
919-862-2200
Fax: 919-862-2260
601 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
North Building, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20004-2601
202-756-3300
Fax: 202-756-3333



XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
Form 20-FR12G filed on July 14, 2005; File No. 0-51310
Page 2

 
Risk Factors

“If we lose our key personnel or are unable to attract and retain additional...,” page 9.


1.
We note the disclosure in the subsection of your document entitled “Employment Agreements” pertaining to agreements you have with your chief financial officer and chief scientific officer, respectively. Please tell us why you have not specifically identified these two individuals in this risk factor. The fact that you have employment agreements with both of these individuals appears to suggest they are “key personnel” that should be included in this risk factor. In the alternative, please revise this risk factor to add those individuals to this risk factor.

Response:

The Company did not identify the Chief Financial Officer nor the Chief Scientific Officer in this risk factor, because despite the fact that they have employment agreements, they are not considered key personnel that would be difficult for the Company to replace.

“Our current restructuring plan may not achieve the results we intend and…,” page 11.

2.
We note your response to comment 21 and reissue the comment in part. The inclusion of a cross-reference to Item 8 of your Form 20-F does not satisfy our comment as such item does not appear to indicate whether you intend to make additional workforce reductions in the next 12 months. Please revise your risk factor accordingly.

Response:

Please refer to page 11 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised in response to your comment. Although we have revised the disclosure to indicate that we are likely to have further headcount reductions in the next 12 months, we are uncertain at this time as to the extent of such further reductions, and have therefore refrained from including details that would be speculative.




XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
Form 20-FR12G filed on July 14, 2005; File No. 0-51310
Page 3
 

“Our results of operations may be negatively affected by the obligation…,” page 16.

3.
Delete the phrase “under certain circumstances” since it is vague and potentially misleading.

Response:

 
Please refer to page 16 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised in response to your comment.

HepeX-B (Product for the Prevention of Re-Infection of Hepatitis B), page 20.

4.
We note your response to comment 32 and your revised disclosure. Please describe any statistical analysis conducted on the study. If no such analysis was done, please so state.

Response:

Please refer to page 21 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised in response to your comment. Please refer to the attached Source A for third party documentation supporting the Company’s statements as to the current Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIg) treatment protocols.

XTL-6865, page 21.

5.
We note your response to comment 35 and reissue the comment in part. Please disclose what statistical analysis, if any, was performed and the degree of statistical significance found as measured by the p-values obtained. Please also explain what the P value measures in your document. If no such statistical analysis was performed on the studies, please so indicate.

Response:

Please refer to page 23 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised in response to your comment to disclose that the small number of patients in the referenced study did not allow the Company to draw statistical analysis.

6.
We note your response to comment 36 and reissue the comment in part with respect to information concerning payments received/made to date; and additional aggregate potential payments. Please note that the information requested by our prior comment 36 is generally not appropriate subject matter for confidential treatment requests as we believe this information is material to investors. Additionally, please note that after our review of your confidential treatment application, we may issue additional comments relating to discussion of several of your agreements you discuss in Item 4.
 

XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
Form 20-FR12G filed on July 14, 2005; File No. 0-51310
Page 4
 
Response:

Please refer to pages 26-27 of the Registration Statement, which have been revised in response to your comment.

XTL-2125 License, page 26.

7.
We note your response to comment 37 and your supplemental response that you do not believe your agreement with B&C Biopharm Co., Ltd. is a material agreement. Your disclosure in the document, however, appears to suggest otherwise. For example, you refer to the XTL-2125 as your “lead product candidate” from your HCV-SM small molecule. Please provide us with further analysis as to why you believe this agreement is not material to you, including the costs you have paid to date to acquire the XTL-2125 license and the cost to date you have incurred for the research and development of this product; when you acquired the license; what progress you have made to the product as well as the current phase of development; and whether you are obligated to pay any part of the milestone payment prior to commencing sale of the product.

Response:

Please refer to the exhibit list on page 88 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised to include the license agreement with B&C Biopharm Co., Ltd. For disclosure regarding the progress of XTL-2125, please refer to page 23 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised in response to your comment. For disclosure regarding the costs paid to date to acquire the XTL-2125 license, please refer to page 27 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised in response to your comment. For disclosure regarding the research and development costs associated with XTL-2125, please refer to page 45 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised in response to your comment.

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, page 32.

Liquidity and Capital Resources, page 41.

8.
We note that both you and your auditors believe that the continuation of your current operations, after utilizing your cash reserves in 2006, is dependent upon the generation of additional financial resources, either through agreements for the commercialization of your product portfolio or through external financing. Please revise your disclosures to: (a) focus on this dependency, (b) elaborate on the likelihood that you will be able to generate additional financial resources in either of the ways that you mentioned, and (c) the reasonably.




XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
Form 20-FR12G filed on July 14, 2005; File No. 0-51310
Page 5

Response:

Please refer to page 43 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised in response to your comment. Please note that in order to avoid extensive repetitive language, we have included a cross-reference to “Item 3: Key Information - Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Financial Condition.”

Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, page 43.

9.
We note the disclosures you provided in response to our prior comment number 38. For each period presented, please disclose the total research and development costs, as defined by SFAS 2, and reconcile that amount to the sum of the project costs you have disclosed. If you exclude any of the following, please tell us why they do not represent research and development costs, as defined by SFAS 2: (a) your costs of revenues or (b) the costs you have reduced by the amounts you received under participation.

Response:

Please refer to pages 45-46 of the Registration Statement, which have been revised in response to your comment.

Non-plan Share Options, page 56.

10.
Please indicate what licensing agreement you are referring to, and the specific reasons the consultants received the shares pursuant to the licensing agreement.

Response:

Please refer to page 58 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised in response to your comment.

Memorandum and Articles of Association, page 58.

11.
We note your response to comment 45 and reissue the comment in part. Please disclose whether your articles or Israeli law permit shareholders to approve corporate matters by written consent.

Response:

Please refer to page 65 of the Registration Statement, which has been revised in response to your comment.



XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
Form 20-FR12G filed on July 14, 2005; File No. 0-51310
Page 6


Item 19. Exhibits, page 84.

12.
We note your response to comment 47 and note that many of your exhibits still remain to be filed. As previously noted, we may not clear comments on your registration statement until we have reviewed these exhibits. To that end, please file your remaining exhibits with your next amendment or as soon as they become available as we will require some time to review the exhibits.

Response:

On August 10, 2005, the Company filed Amendment No. 1, including all remaining exhibits to the Registration Statement. Two of those exhibits are the subject of additional requests for confidential treatment, and we have submitted a supplemental request letter to the Commission in accordance with the Division of Corporation Finance Staff Bulletin No. 1, as amended. We have also provided three copies of the supplemental request letter, original exhibits and redacted versions, for your review.

*  *  *

If you have any further questions, comments or informational requests relating to this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at the telephone number above.
 
     
  Sincerely,
 
 
 
 
 
 
  By:   /s/ Mark F. McElreath
 
Mark F. McElreath
   

Cc:  Jonathan Burgin, Chief Financial Officer, XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
Ronen Kantor, Kantor & Co. Law Offices
Arieh Vaizler, Kesselman & Kesselman, CPA

Enclosures

 



 
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