Brian A. Johnson | ||
August 14, 2015 |
+1 212 937 7206 (t) +1 212 230 8888 (f) brian.johnson@wilmerhale.com |
VIA EDGAR SUBMISSION
Securities and Exchange Commission
Division of Corporation Finance
100 F Street, NE
Mail Stop 6010
Washington, DC 20549-6010
Attention: Larry Spirgel
Re: | Nabriva Therapeutics AG |
Amendment No.1 to Registration Statement on Form F-1
Filed July 7, 2015
File No. 333-205073
Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of Nabriva Therapeutics AG (the Company), set forth below is additional information to supplement the Companys prior responses to comments previously communicated orally and in writing by the staff (the Staff) of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to Amendment No.1 to the Companys Registration Statement on Form F-1 (the Registration Statement) relating to the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of common shares of the Company represented by American Depositary Shares (the ADSs). These updated responses from the Company supplement the original responses contained in its letters to the Staff dated July 17, 2015, July 27, 2015 and July 31, 2015.
The responses set forth below are based upon information provided to Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP by the Company and are provided on behalf of the Company.
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The Company advises the Staff that, following its prior discussions with the Staff, the Company has further assessed and documented its analysis of the requirements of IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation (IAS 32) against the terms of both the shareholders agreement dated September 17, 2009 (the Shareholders Agreement 2009) and the shareholders agreement dated April 2, 2015 (the Shareholders Agreement 2015), as well as Austrian Company Law, all as it relates to the accounting for the Companys issued common shares. IAS 32 requires that the substance of the contractual arrangements rather than the form be the crucial determinate of
Securities and Exchange Commission August 14, 2015 Page 2 |
classification as a liability or equity. The judgement of the Company is that, with the exception of the preferred B dividend right of the 2015 preferred B shareholders granted under the Shareholders Agreement 2015 (the preferred B dividend right), it has only issued common shares that evidence a residual interest in the assets of the Company.
No shareholder can require the Company to pay cash, a financial asset or a variable number of the Companys shares, other than holders of the preferred B dividend right granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015 which has been accounted for as a liability. The Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 solely create preference rights. These preference rights describe how the shareholders have agreed to distribute any proceeds that might arise from certain exit type events such as an initial public offering of the Company, the sale of a majority of the Companys assets or an eventual liquidation of the Company. The preference rights do not create redeemable shares, rather they describe how the holders of the shares will participate in the proceeds in the event of an exit type event.
The exit type events that might give rise to such proceeds are within the control of the Company, i.e. the corporate bodies of the Company based on the governance structure provided for under Austrian Company Law. Thus, the Company does not have an unavoidable contractual obligation to deliver cash or a variable number of its own shares.
The Company has not, to date, been required to pay cash or deliver a variable number of its own shares. All preference rights granted under the Shareholders Agreement 2009 were cancelled in April 2015 for no compensation upon conclusion of the Shareholders Agreement 2015. The Company expects, in the event of a completed initial public offering (IPO), to issue a variable number of shares to the holders of the preferred B dividend rights. All preference rights related to the Companys shares at the date of the IPO will lapse at the point of a completed IPO. The accompanied detailed analysis included as Appendix A to this letter summarizes the relevant clauses of the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 and Austrian Company Law as well as the requirements of IAS 32 and its application guidance that were considered by the Company for the determination of equity or liability classification. A detailed summary of the Shareholders Agreement 2009 and the Shareholders Agreement 2015 are included as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively, to the analysis in Appendix A. Where applicable to the accounting analysis documented therein, reference has been made to the relevant sections of each Exhibit in support of the assessment made by the Company.
* * *
If you have any further questions or comments, or if you require additional information, please contact the undersigned by telephone at (212) 937-7206 or electronically at brian.johnson@wilmerhale.com. Thank you for your assistance.
Securities and Exchange Commission August 14, 2015 Page 3 |
Very truly yours,
/s/ Brian A. Johnson |
Brian A. Johnson |
cc: | Colin Broom |
Ralf Schmid
APPENDIX A
Consideration of the relevant provisions of IAS 32:
Standard |
Excerpt from IAS 32 |
Consideration of Shareholders |
Accounting assessment | |||
IAS 32.11 | A financial liability is any liability that is:
(a) a contractual obligation:
(i) to deliver cash or another financial asset to another entity; or
(ii) to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with another entity under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the entity; or
(b) a contract that will or may be settled in the entitys own equity instruments and is:
(i) a non-derivative for which the entity is or may be obliged to deliver a variable number of the entitys own equity instruments; or
(ii) a derivative that will or may be settled other than by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of the entitys own equity instruments. For this purpose, rights, options or warrants to acquire a fixed number of the entitys own equity instruments for a fixed amount of any currency are equity instruments if the entity offers the rights, options or warrants pro rata to all of its existing owners of the same class of its own non-derivative equity instruments. Also for these purposes the entitys own equity instruments do not include puttable financial instruments classified as equity instruments in accordance with paragraphs 16A and 16B, instruments that impose on the entity an obligation to deliver to |
Nabriva has solely issued common par-value shares with a nominal amount of EUR 1 as registered with the commercial register. No other class of shares has been issued by Nabriva. [Exhibit A- Item 1; Exhibit B- Item 1]
The holders of common shares with certain contractual preference rights pursuant to the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 are entitled to receive a preferred dividend (such dividend being solely contractually agreed under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015, but not provided for as a matter of statutory law) of 8% of the respective share purchase price for each business year upon the occurrence of certain events. [Exhibit A- Item 2.1; Exhibit B- Item 2.1]
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2009, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the |
The Company has analyzed the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 in conjunction with the common shares and Austrian Company Law.
The Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 contain provisions that could result in the issuance of a variable number of the Companys shares, however, the Company has the ability to control whether or not such events occur, thus the Company can avoid the issuance of a variable number of shares and does not have a contractual obligation. The only exception is the preferred B dividend right granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015 which has been accounted for as a liability.
The Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 contain certain provisions that provide for a redistribution of any proceeds arising from the sale of existing shares by current shareholders. Any proceeds available from such a sale do not flow to the Company for distribution to shareholders but are a transaction solely among shareholders.
The Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 further provide for the possibility of redemption by way of (i) repayment of the nominal value (1 euro) of each common share of the Company in the course of a capital decrease and, additionally, (ii) the distribution of statutory dividends. The |
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another party a pro rata share of the net assets of the entity only on liquidation and are classified as equity instruments in accordance with paragraphs 16C and 16D, or instruments that are contracts for the future receipt or delivery of the entitys own equity instruments.
As an exception, an instrument that meets the definition of a financial liability is classified as an equity instrument if it has all the features and meets the conditions in paragraphs 16A and 16B or paragraphs 16C and 16D.
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. |
preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. [Exhibit A- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, the voluntary conversion and the decision on an automatic conversion by a majority of the shareholders with preferential rights, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. The conversion events mentioned above are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function. [Exhibit B- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 3.1 and Exhibit B- Item 3.1 for a summary of the liquidation events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015. |
Company believes that the likelihood that it could be compelled to pay even the nominal value per share is remote and therefore has concluded that this clause lacks commercial substance when determining the classification of the Companys common shares.
The Company has concluded that with the exception of the preferred B dividend right granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, it cannot be obliged to pay cash, transfer financial assets or issue a variable number of its own shares. |
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Refer also to Exhibit B- Item 4 for a summary of the conversion events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreement 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 5 and Exhibit B- Item 5 for a summary of the redemption provisions that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 2.4 and Exhibit B- Item 2.4 for a summary of the mechanics for the payment of a preferred dividend upon the occurrence of a preferred dividend event. |
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IAS 32.13 | In this Standard, contract and contractual refer to an agreement between two or more parties that has clear economic consequences that the parties have little, if any, discretion to avoid, usually because the agreement is enforceable by law. Contracts, and thus financial instruments, may take a variety of forms and need not be in writing. | The Company has determined that the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 are relevant for the purpose of classification of the common shares of the Company under IAS 32. | ||||
IAS 32.15 | The issuer of a financial instrument shall classify the instrument, or its component parts, on initial recognition as a financial liability, a financial asset or an equity instrument in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement and the definitions of a financial liability, a financial asset and an equity instrument. | The Shareholders Agreement 2015 includes the following provisions that are not included in the Shareholders Agreement 2009: (i) conversion events, some of which are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function, that constitute a preferred dividend event, and (ii) all shareholders covenant to vote in favor of the requisite capital increase and the ultimate satisfaction of the preferred dividend rights following the occurrence of a specified triggering event. [Exhibit B- Item 2.5.1] | The Company has concluded that it has issued a compound financial instrument under the Shareholders Agreement 2015 consisting of a right to variable shares to satisfy the preferred dividend rights of certain shareholders (preferred B dividend right).
The Company has concluded that the shares issued under the Shareholders Agreement of 2009 evidence only a residual interest in the assets of the Company and hence an equity instrument. | |||
IAS 32.17 | With the exception of the circumstances described in paragraphs 16A and 16B or | The holders of common shares with certain contractual preference rights pursuant to the | The Company has concluded that with the exception of the preferred B dividend right |
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paragraphs 16C and 16D, a critical feature in differentiating a financial liability from an equity instrument is the existence of a contractual obligation of one party to the financial instrument (the issuer) either to deliver cash or another financial asset to the other party (the holder) or to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with the holder under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the issuer. Although the holder of an equity instrument may be entitled to receive a pro rata share of any dividends or other distributions of equity, the issuer does not have a contractual obligation to make such distributions because it cannot be required to deliver cash or another financial asset to another party. | Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 are entitled to receive a preferred dividend (such dividend being solely contractually agreed under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015, but not provided for as a matter of statutory law) of 8% of the respective share purchase price for each business year upon the occurrence of certain events. [Exhibit A- Item 2.1; Exhibit B- Item 2.1]
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2009, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. [Exhibit A- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, the voluntary conversion and the decision on an automatic conversion by a majority of the shareholders with preferential rights, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% |
granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, it cannot be obliged to pay cash, transfer financial assets or issue a variable number of its own shares.
The Companys shares are not puttable instruments and no put rights are created under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015. |
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majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. The conversion events mentioned above are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function. [Exhibit B- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
The Shareholders Agreement 2015 includes the following provisions that are not included in the Shareholders Agreement 2009: (i) conversion events, some of which are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function, that constitute a preferred dividend event, and (ii) all shareholders covenant to vote in favor of the requisite capital increase and the ultimate satisfaction of the preferred dividend rights following the occurrence of a specified triggering event. [Exhibit B- Item 2.5.1]
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 3.1 and Exhibit B- Item 3.1 for a summary of the liquidation events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit B- Item 4 for a summary of the conversion events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreement 2015. |
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Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 5 and Exhibit B- Item 5 for a summary of the redemption provisions that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 2.4 and Exhibit B- Item 2.4 for a summary of the mechanics for the payment of a preferred dividend upon the occurrence of a preferred dividend event. |
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IAS 32.18 | The substance of a financial instrument, rather than its legal form, governs its classification in the entitys statement of financial position. Substance and legal form are commonly consistent, but not always. Some financial instruments take the legal form of equity but are liabilities in substance and others may combine features associated with equity instruments and features associated with financial liabilities. For example:
(a) a preference share that provides for mandatory redemption by the issuer for a fixed or determinable amount at a fixed or determinable future date, or gives the holder the right to require the issuer to redeem the instrument at or after a particular date for a fixed or determinable amount, is a financial liability.
(b) a financial instrument that gives the holder the right to put it back to the issuer for cash or another financial asset (a puttable instrument) is a financial liability, except for those instruments classified as equity instruments in accordance with paragraphs 16A and 16B or paragraphs 16C and 16D. The financial |
Holders of shares with preferential rights under the Shareholders Agreement 2009 and 2015 have redemption rights at any time before an IPO or a liquidation event, subject to the requirements of Austrian Company Law. Under Austrian Company Law, a redemption of shares is generally prohibited. Other than declared dividends, the only process available to shareholders to receive cash from the company and in return surrender their shares is by way of: (i) a capital decrease or (ii) a capital reduction against cancellation of shares. [Exhibit A- Item 5.1; Exhibit B- 5.1]
In the course of a capital decrease, shareholders can only ask for repayment of their nominal share capital (EUR 1 per share) provided that all creditors have been satisfied and/or collateral has been provided for their claims.
Once such a decision on a capital decrease is taken, a subset of detailed steps have to be followed, including, in particular, the convocation of all creditors and expiry of a three-month-waiting period. The amount of the capital decrease is finally distributed to all common shareholders on a pro rate a basis. |
The preference rights under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015, with the exception of the preferred B dividend right granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, do not give any shareholder the right to a fixed or determinable amount of cash or an amount satisfied by a variable number of shares. The preference rights describe how the shareholders will participate in any distributions that may be made and how the proceeds of a sale by shareholders of existing shares would be distributed amongst the shareholders. The rights to effect a capital decrease or a capital reduction against cancellation of shares by way of a shareholders resolution exist for any joint stock company under Austrian company law, relate only to the nominal amount of 1 euro per share and it has been assessed by the company as remote that such a redemption might be claimed.
The Companys shares are not puttable instruments and no put rights are created under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015. |
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instrument is a financial liability even when the amount of cash or other financial assets is determined on the basis of an index or other item that has the potential to increase or decrease. The existence of an option for the holder to put the instrument back to the issuer for cash or another financial asset means that the puttable instrument meets the definition of a financial liability, except for those instruments classified as equity instruments in accordance with paragraphs 16A and 16B or paragraphs 16C and 16D. For example, open-ended mutual funds, unit trusts, partnerships and some co-operative entities may provide their unitholders or members with a right to redeem their interests in the issuer at any time for cash which results in the unitholders or members interests being classified as financial liabilities, except for those instruments classified as equity instruments in accordance with paragraphs 16A and 16B or paragraphs 16C and 16D. However, classification as a financial liability does not preclude the use of descriptors such as net asset value attributable to unitholders and change in net asset value attributable to unitholders in the financial statements of an entity that has no contributed equity (such as some mutual funds and unit trusts, see Illustrative Example 7) or the use of additional disclosure to show that total members interests comprise items such as reserves that meet the definition of equity and puttable instruments that do not (see Illustrative Example 8). | Further payments in excess of the nominal amount can only be made to the shareholders in case there is sufficient profit displayed in the balance sheet and the respective corporate procedures for the payment of a statutory dividend have been observed, i.e. proposal for the distribution and resolution of the shareholders meeting. [Exhibit A- Item 5.2; Exhibit B- Item 5.2]
A capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares is only permitted (i) when it has been provided for in the companys articles of association (compulsory collection), or (ii) when the shareholders meeting approves a repurchase of own shares for the purpose of their cancellation. The articles of association of the company do not foresee a (mandatory or discretionary) capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares. As such, the cancellation can only be made by way of a reduction of the share capital. [Exhibit A- Item 5.3; Exhibit B- Item 5.3]
The Shareholders Agreements do not establish a mandatory redemption right for any individual holder of a common share. Such general redemption right is not permissible under Austrian law. The only available mechanism to effect any payment to a shareholder is by way of a capital decrease, which is subject to a vote of the shareholders meeting as the corporate body of the company.[Exhibit A- Item 5; Exhibit B- Item 5] |
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IAS 32.19 | If an entity does not have an unconditional right to avoid delivering cash or another financial asset to settle a contractual obligation, the obligation | The Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 cannot, in a legally binding manner, create any direct obligations of the company to effect | The Company can avoid delivering cash or a variable number of shares, other than those arising under the preferred B dividend rights |
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meets the definition of a financial liability, except for those instruments classified as equity instruments in accordance with paragraphs 16A and16B or paragraphs 16C and 16D. For example:
(a) a restriction on the ability of an entity to satisfy a contractual obligation, such as lack of access to foreign currency or the need to obtain approval for payment from a regulatory authority, does not negate the entitys contractual obligation or the holders contractual right under the instrument.
(b) a contractual obligation that is conditional on a counterparty exercising its right to redeem is a financial liability because the entity does not have the unconditional right to avoid delivering cash or another financial asset. |
payments to shareholders if there are no distributable profits. In case no distributable profits are available, the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 contemplate the issuance of new shares against payment of a capital contribution to achieve a corresponding economic effect. The implementation thereof is subject to a vote of the shareholders meeting. Further, the issuance of any (new) shares would inter alia require a capital contribution to effect such capital increase. The issuance of shares without any consideration would violate Austrian capital maintenance laws. [Exhibit A- Item 1; Exhibit B- Item 1].
In case of available distributable profits, dividend payments, if any, are subject to a proposal by the management board to distribute a dividend and a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company (irrespective of any contractually agreed preference rights). No individual shareholder can request the company to pay dividends even if the company has distributable profits. [Exhibit A Item 2.4.1, Exhibit B Item 2.4.1]
The payment of a preferred dividend, is provided for under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 upon a) the occurrence of a preferred dividend event, b) a decision of shareholders with preferential rights opting for either a cash payment or the issuance of new shares, and c) the implementation of such measures, subject to Austrian law.
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2009, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, are subject to a |
issued to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, because it can control whether or not such events occur or deems that the respective clause does not have any commercial substance. The proceeds from a sale by existing shareholders of their shares would result in a distribution of the proceeds among the shareholders and not involve the Company.
The Company is not relying on counterparties refraining from exercising their rights to determine the classification of shares and the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015. |
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decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. [Exhibit A- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, the voluntary conversion and the decision on an automatic conversion by a majority of the shareholders with preferential rights, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is |
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remote. The conversion events mentioned above are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function. [Exhibit B- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
The Shareholders Agreement 2015 includes the following provisions that are not included in the Shareholders Agreement 2009: (i) conversion events, some of which are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function, that constitute a preferred dividend event, and (ii) all shareholders covenant to vote in favor of the requisite capital increase and the ultimate satisfaction of the preferred dividend rights following the occurrence of a specified triggering event. [Exhibit B- Item 2.5.1]
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 3.1 and Exhibit B- Item 3.1 for a summary of the liquidation events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit B- Item 4 for a summary of the conversion events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreement 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 5 and Exhibit B- Item 5 for a summary of the redemption provisions that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 2.4 and Exhibit B- Item 2.4 for a summary of the mechanics for the payment of a preferred dividend upon the occurrence of a preferred dividend event. |
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IAS 32.20 | A financial instrument that does not explicitly establish a contractual obligation to deliver cash or another financial asset may establish an obligation indirectly through its terms and conditions. For example:
(a) a financial instrument may contain a non-financial obligation that must be settled if, and only if, the entity fails to make distributions or to redeem the instrument. If the entity can avoid a transfer of cash or another financial asset only by settling the non-financial obligation, the financial instrument is a financial liability.
(b) a financial instrument is a financial liability if it provides that on settlement the entity will deliver either:
(i) cash or another financial asset; or
(ii) its own shares whose value is determined to exceed substantially the value of the cash or other financial asset.
Although the entity does not have an explicit contractual obligation to deliver cash or another financial asset, the value of the share settlement alternative is such that the entity will settle in cash. In any event, the holder has in substance been guaranteed receipt of an amount that is at least equal to the cash settlement option (see paragraph 21). |
The holders of common shares with certain contractual preference rights pursuant to the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 are entitled to receive a preferred dividend (such dividend being solely contractually agreed under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015, but not provided for as a matter of statutory law) of 8% of the respective share purchase price for each business year upon the occurrence of certain events. [Exhibit A- Item 2.1; Exhibit B- Item 2.1]
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2009, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. [Exhibit A- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, the voluntary conversion and the decision on an automatic conversion by a majority of the shareholders with |
There are no provisions that involve any non-financial obligations.
The preferred B dividend rights, granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, are the only instance where the Company can be compelled to issue a variable number of its own shares to satisfy a determinable amount, equal to a cash dividend of 8% on invested capital. This component has been accounted for as a liability and measured under the provisions of IAS 32.28 IAS 32.31. |
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preferential rights, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. The conversion events mentioned above are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function. [Exhibit B- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
The Shareholders Agreement 2015 includes the following provisions that are not included in the Shareholders Agreement 2009: (i) conversion events, some of which are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function, that constitute a preferred dividend event, and (ii) all shareholders covenant to vote in favor of the requisite capital increase and the ultimate satisfaction of the preferred dividend rights following the occurrence of a specified triggering event. [Exhibit B- Item 2.5.1]
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 3.1 and Exhibit B- Item 3.1 for a summary of the liquidation events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015. |
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Refer also to Exhibit B- Item 4 for a summary of the conversion events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreement 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 5 and Exhibit B- Item 5 for a summary of the redemption provisions that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 2.4 and Exhibit B- Item 2.4 for a summary of the mechanics for the payment of a preferred dividend upon the occurrence of a preferred dividend event. |
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IAS 32.21 | A contract is not an equity instrument solely because it may result in the receipt or delivery of the entitys own equity instruments. An entity may have a contractual right or obligation to receive or deliver a number of its own shares or other equity instruments that varies so that the fair value of the entitys own equity instruments to be received or delivered equals the amount of the contractual right or obligation. Such a contractual right or obligation may be for a fixed amount or an amount that fluctuates in part or in full in response to changes in a variable other than the market price of the entitys own equity instruments (eg an interest rate, a commodity price or a financial instrument price). Two examples are (a) a contract to deliver as many of the entitys own equity instruments as are equal in value to CU100, and (b) a contract to deliver as many of the entitys own equity instruments as are equal in value to the value of 100 ounces of gold. Such a contract is a financial liability of the entity | Under the Shareholders Agreement 2009, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. [Exhibit A- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events] | With the exception of the preferred B dividend right granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, the preference rights under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 only provide for the distribution of the net assets of the company and do not entitle any shareholder to a fixed or determinable amount. |
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even though the entity must or can settle it by delivering its own equity instruments. It is not an equity instrument because the entity uses a variable number of its own equity instruments as a means to settle the contract. Accordingly, the contract does not evidence a residual interest in the entitys assets after deducting all of its liabilities. | Under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, the voluntary conversion and the decision on an automatic conversion by a majority of the shareholders with preferential rights, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. The conversion events mentioned above are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function. [Exhibit B- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
The Shareholders Agreement 2015 includes the following provisions that are not included in the Shareholders Agreement 2009: (i) conversion events, some of which are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function, that constitute a preferred dividend event, and (ii) all shareholders covenant to vote in favor of the requisite capital increase and the ultimate satisfaction of the preferred dividend rights following the occurrence of a specified triggering event. [Exhibit B- Item 2.5.1] |
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Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 3.1 and Exhibit B- Item 3.1 for a summary of the liquidation events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit B- Item 4 for a summary of the conversion events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreement 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 5 and Exhibit B- Item 5 for a summary of the redemption provisions that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 2.4 and Exhibit B- Item 2.4 for a summary of the mechanics for the payment of a preferred dividend upon the occurrence of a preferred dividend event. |
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IAS 32.23 | With the exception of the circumstances described in paragraphs 16A and 16B or paragraphs 16C and 16D, a contract that contains an obligation for an entity to purchase its own equity instruments for cash or another financial asset gives rise to a financial liability for the present value of the redemption amount (for example, for the present value of the forward repurchase price, option exercise price or other redemption amount). This is the case even if the contract itself is an equity instrument. One example is an entitys obligation under a forward contract to purchase its own equity instruments for cash. The financial liability is recognised initially at the present value of the redemption amount, and is reclassified from equity. | The Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 do not establish a mandatory redemption right for any individual holder of a common share. Such general redemption right is not permissible under Austrian law. Other than declared dividends, the only process available to shareholders to receive cash from the company and in return surrender their shares is by way of: (i) a capital decrease or (ii) a capital reduction against cancellation of shares. [Exhibit A- Item 5.1; Exhibit B- 5.1]
In the course of a capital decrease, shareholders can only ask for repayment of their nominal share capital (EUR 1 per share) provided that all creditors have been satisfied and/or collateral has been provided for their claims. |
The rights to effect a capital decrease or a capital reduction against cancellation of shares exist for any joint stock company under Austrian company law, relate only to the nominal amount of 1 euro per share and it has been assessed by the company as remote that such a redemption would be claimed. The judgement of the company is that the redemption rights granted in the Shareholders Agreement 2009 and 2015 lack commercial substance and do not result in classification of the instrument as a financial liability. |
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Subsequently, the financial liability is measured in accordance with IFRS 9. If the contract expires without delivery, the carrying amount of the financial liability is reclassified to equity. An entitys contractual obligation to purchase its own equity instruments gives rise to a financial liability for the present value of the redemption amount even if the obligation to purchase is conditional on the counterparty exercising a right to redeem (eg a written put option that gives the counterparty the right to sell an entitys own equity instruments to the entity for a fixed price). | Once such a decision on a capital decrease is taken, a subset of detailed steps have to be followed, including, in particular, the convocation of all creditors and expiry of a three-month-waiting period. The amount of the capital decrease is finally distributed to all common shareholders on a pro rate a basis.
Further payments in excess of the nominal amount can only be made to the shareholders in case there is sufficient profit displayed in the balance sheet and the respective corporate procedures for the payment of a statutory dividend have been observed, i.e. proposal for the distribution and resolution of the shareholders meeting. [Exhibit A- Item 5.2; Exhibit B- Item 5.2]
A capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares is only permitted (i) when it has been provided for in the companys articles of association (compulsory collection), or (ii) when the shareholders meeting approves a repurchase of own shares for the purpose of their cancellation. The articles of association of the company do not foresee a (mandatory or discretionary) capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares. As such, the cancellation can only be made by way of a reduction of the share capital. [Exhibit A- Item 5.3; Exhibit B- Item 5.3]
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IAS 32.24 | A contract that will be settled by the entity delivering or receiving a fixed number of its own equity instruments in exchange for a variable amount of cash or another financial asset is a financial asset or financial liability. An example | The Shareholders Agreement 2015 includes the following provisions that are not included in the Shareholders Agreement 2009: (i) conversion events, some of which are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board | The Company has not agreed to deliver a fixed number of its own equity instruments for a variable amount of cash under either the Shareholders Agreement 2009 and 2015. The Company has agreed to deliver a variable number |
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is a contract for the entity to deliver 100 of its own equity instruments in return for an amount of cash calculated to equal the value of 100 ounces of gold. | or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function, that constitute a preferred dividend event, and (ii) all shareholders covenant to vote in favor of the requisite capital increase and the ultimate satisfaction of the preferred dividend rights following the occurrence of a specified triggering event. [Exhibit B- Item 2.5.1] | of shares to satisfy the value of the preferred B dividend right granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015 and has accounted for this as a liability. | ||||
IAS 32.25 | A financial instrument may require the entity to deliver cash or another financial asset, or otherwise to settle it in such a way that it would be a financial liability, in the event of the occurrence or non-occurrence of uncertain future events (or on the outcome of uncertain circumstances) that are beyond the control of both the issuer and the holder of the instrument, such as a change in a stock market index, consumer price index, interest rate or taxation requirements, or the issuers future revenues, net income or debt to equity ratio. The issuer of such an instrument does not have the unconditional right to avoid delivering cash or another financial asset (or otherwise to settle it in such a way that it would be a financial liability). Therefore, it is a financial liability of the issuer unless:
(a) the part of the contingent settlement provision that could require settlement in cash or another financial asset (or otherwise in such a way that it would be a financial liability) is not genuine;
(b) the issuer can be required to settle the obligation in cash or another financial asset (or otherwise to settle it in such a way that it would be a financial liability) only in the event of liquidation of the issuer; or
(c) the instrument has all of the features and meets the conditions in paragraphs 16A and 16B. |
The Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 do not establish a mandatory redemption right for any individual holder of a common share. Such general redemption right is not permissible under Austrian law. Other than declared dividends, the only process available to shareholders to receive cash from the company and in return surrender their shares is by way of: (i) a capital decrease or (ii) a capital reduction against cancellation of shares. [Exhibit A- Item 5.1; Exhibit B- 5.1]
In the course of a capital decrease, shareholders can only ask for repayment of their nominal share capital (EUR 1 per share) provided that all creditors have been satisfied and/or collateral has been provided for their claims.
Once such a decision on a capital decrease is taken, a subset of detailed steps have to be followed, including, in particular, the convocation of all creditors and expiry of a three-month-waiting period. The amount of the capital decrease is finally distributed to all common shareholders on a pro rata a basis.
Further payments in excess of the nominal amount can only be made to the shareholders in case there is sufficient profit displayed in the balance sheet and the respective corporate procedures for the payment of a statutory |
There are no contingent settlement provisions that are outside the control of the Company that could result in the payment of cash or a variable number of the Companys shares.
The Company has assessed the redemption feature in the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 as lacking commercial substance, because, under Austrian law, the only mechanism to achieve a redemption is a capital decrease, which requires a series of detailed steps to accomplish it and would only return a nominal per share amount to the shareholders. The Company believes that the likelihood that it could be compelled to pay even the nominal value per share is remote.
The Company has concluded that the liquidation events specified in the Shareholders Agreement 2009 and 2015 are within the control of the Company, save for the sale of shares in the company. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company.
IAS 32.25 (c) is not applicable. |
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dividend have been observed, i.e. proposal for the distribution and resolution of the shareholders meeting. [Exhibit A- Item 5.2; Exhibit B- Item 5.2]
A capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares is only permitted (i) when it has been provided for in the companys articles of association (compulsory collection), or (ii) when the shareholders meeting approves a repurchase of own shares for the purpose of their cancellation. The articles of association of the company do not foresee a (mandatory or discretionary) capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares. As such, the cancellation can only be made by way of a reduction of the share capital. [Exhibit A- Item 5.3; Exhibit B- Item 5.3]
All liquidation events lead to the distribution of the proceeds received by the shareholders (in the case of a sale/disposal of shares) or, in all other cases, by the company. In case the liquidation event does not cause the termination of the company, such payment by the company is subject to the procedure for the distribution of dividends, as described in Exhibit A- Item 2.4.1 and Exhibit B- Item 2.4.1, or the procedure for the reduction of share capital, as described in Exhibit A- Item 5.2 and Exhibit B- Item.
The company pays out any funds to the shareholders as a collective in accordance with their statutory dividend entitlement (which corresponds to their pro rata shareholding in the company), who then distribute the proceeds among themselves in line with the contractually agreed liquidation preferences, by taking into account any preferred dividends. [Exhibit A- Item 3.2; Exhibit B- Item 3.2] |
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IAS 32.35 | Interest, dividends, losses and gains relating to a financial instrument or a component that is a financial liability shall be recognised as income or expense in profit or loss. Distributions to holders of an equity instrument shall be recognised by the entity directly in equity. Transaction costs of an equity transaction shall be accounted for as a deduction from equity. | The Company has classified the preferred B dividend rights issued to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015 as a liability and the accretion of interest and any value changes will be accounted for as financial income or expense. | ||||
IAS 32.AG6 | Perpetual debt instruments (such as perpetual bonds, debentures and capital notes) normally provide the holder with the contractual right to receive payments on account of interest at fixed dates extending into the indefinite future, either with no right to receive a return of principal or a right to a return of principal under terms that make it very unlikely or very far in the future. For example, an entity may issue a financial instrument requiring it to make annual payments in perpetuity equal to a stated interest rate of 8 per cent applied to a stated par or principal amount of CU1,000. Assuming 8 per cent to be the market rate of interest for the instrument when issued, the issuer assumes a contractual obligation to make a stream of future interest payments having a fair value (present value) of CU1,000 on initial recognition. The holder and issuer of the instrument have a financial asset and a financial liability, respectively. | The holders of common shares with certain contractual preference rights pursuant to the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 are entitled to receive a preferred dividend (such dividend being solely contractually agreed under the Shareholders Agreements of 2009 and 2015, but not provided for as a matter of statutory law) of 8% of the respective share purchase price for each business year upon the occurrence of certain events. [Exhibit A- Item 2.1; Exhibit B- Item 2.1]
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2009, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. [Exhibit A- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events] |
The preferred B dividend rights under the Shareholders Agreement 2015 are perpetual and do not lapse until certain stated events (including a successful IPO) occur. The preferred dividend rights under the 2009 Shareholders Agreement determine the relative rights of the shareholders to participate in any distributions made by the Company. No preferred dividends were declared or paid under the Shareholders Agreement 2009 and the rights lapsed when the Shareholders Agreement 2015 was executed. |
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Under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, the voluntary conversion and the decision on an automatic conversion by a majority of the shareholders with preferential rights, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. The conversion events mentioned above are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function. [Exhibit B- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
The Shareholders Agreement 2015 includes the following provisions that are not included in the Shareholders Agreement 2009: (i) conversion events, some of which are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function, that constitute a preferred dividend event, and (ii) all shareholders covenant |
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to vote in favor of the requisite capital increase and the ultimate satisfaction of the preferred dividend rights following the occurrence of a specified triggering event. [Exhibit B- Item 2.5.1]
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 3.1 and Exhibit B- Item 3.1 for a summary of the liquidation events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit B- Item 4 for a summary of the conversion events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreement 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 5 and Exhibit B- Item 5 for a summary of the redemption provisions that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 2.4 and Exhibit B- Item 2.4 for a summary of the mechanics for the payment of a preferred dividend upon the occurrence of a preferred dividend event. |
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IAS 32.AG8 | The ability to exercise a contractual right or the requirement to satisfy a contractual obligation may be absolute, or it may be contingent on the occurrence of a future event. For example, a financial guarantee is a contractual right of the lender to receive cash from the guarantor, and a corresponding contractual obligation of the guarantor to pay the lender, if the borrower defaults. The contractual right and obligation exist because of a past transaction or event (assumption of the guarantee), even though the lenders ability to exercise its right and the requirement for the guarantor to perform under its obligation are both contingent on a future act of | Under the Shareholders Agreement 2009, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the | The Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 do not contain contingent settlement provisions that are outside the control of the Company or might result in the Company paying cash or issuing a variable number of shares except for the preferred B dividend rights granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015. |
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default by the borrower. A contingent right and obligation meet the definition of a financial asset and a financial liability, even though such assets and liabilities are not always recognised in the financial statements. Some of these contingent rights and obligations may be insurance contracts within the scope of IFRS 4. | preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. [Exhibit A- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, the voluntary conversion and the decision on an automatic conversion by a majority of the shareholders with preferential rights, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. The conversion events mentioned above are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function. [Exhibit B- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
The Shareholders Agreement 2015 includes the following provisions that are not included in the Shareholders Agreement 2009: (i) conversion |
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events, some of which are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function, that constitute a preferred dividend event, and (ii) all shareholders covenant to vote in favor of the requisite capital increase and the ultimate satisfaction of the preferred dividend rights following the occurrence of a specified triggering event. [Exhibit B- Item 2.5.1]
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 3.1 and Exhibit B- Item 3.1 for a summary of the liquidation events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit B- Item 4 for a summary of the conversion events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreement 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 5 and Exhibit B- Item 5 for a summary of the redemption provisions that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 2.4 and Exhibit B- Item 2.4 for a summary of the mechanics for the payment of a preferred dividend upon the occurrence of a preferred dividend event. |
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IAS32.AG25 | Preference shares may be issued with various rights. In determining whether a preference share is a financial liability or an equity instrument, an issuer assesses the particular rights attaching to the share to determine whether it exhibits the fundamental characteristic of a financial liability. For example, a preference share that provides for redemption on a specific date or at the option of | The Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 do not establish a mandatory redemption right for any individual holder of a common share. Such general redemption right is not permissible under Austrian law. Other than declared dividends, the only process available to shareholders to receive cash from the company and in return surrender their shares is by way of: (i) a capital | No share can be redeemed at a specific date or for a specific amount under Austrian company law other than the statutory right for shareholders to claim only the nominal value of shares in certain specific situations. The Company has assessed the likelihood of such redemption as remote. The Shareholders Agreement of 2009 and 2015 do not give rise to the ability of any shareholder to redeem its shares for a fixed or determinable amount. |
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the holder contains a financial liability because the issuer has an obligation to transfer financial assets to the holder of the share. The potential inability of an issuer to satisfy an obligation to redeem a preference share when contractually required to do so, whether because of a lack of funds, a statutory restriction or insufficient profits or reserves, does not negate the obligation. An option of the issuer to redeem the shares for cash does not satisfy the definition of a financial liability because the issuer does not have a present obligation to transfer financial assets to the shareholders. In this case, redemption of the shares is solely at the discretion of the issuer. An obligation may arise, however, when the issuer of the shares exercises its option, usually by formally notifying the shareholders of an intention to redeem the shares. | decrease or (ii) a capital reduction against cancellation of shares. [Exhibit A- Item 5.1; Exhibit B- 5.1]
In the course of a capital decrease, shareholders can only ask for repayment of their nominal share capital (EUR 1 per share) provided that all creditors have been satisfied and/or collateral has been provided for their claims.
Once such a decision on a capital decrease is taken, a subset of detailed steps have to be followed, including, in particular, the convocation of all creditors and expiry of a three-month-waiting period. The amount of the capital decrease is finally distributed to all common shareholders on a pro rate a basis.
Further payments in excess of the nominal amount can only be made to the shareholders in case there is sufficient profit displayed in the balance sheet and the respective corporate procedures for the payment of a statutory dividend have been observed, i.e. proposal for the distribution and resolution of the shareholders meeting. [Exhibit A- Item 5.2; Exhibit B- Item 5.2]
A capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares is only permitted (i) when it has been provided for in the companys articles of association (compulsory collection), or (ii) when the shareholders meeting approves a repurchase of own shares for the purpose of their cancellation. The articles of association of the company do not foresee a (mandatory or discretionary) capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares. As such, the cancellation can only be made by way of a reduction of the share capital. [Exhibit A- Item 5.3; Exhibit B- Item 5.3] |
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All liquidation events lead to the distribution of the proceeds received by the shareholders (in the case of a sale/disposal of shares) or, in all other cases, by the company. In case the liquidation event does not cause the termination of the company, such payment by the company is subject to the procedure for the distribution of dividends, as described in Exhibit A- Item 2.4.1 and Exhibit B- Item 2.4.1, or the procedure for the reduction of share capital, as described in Exhibit A- Item 5.2 and Exhibit B- Item. | ||||||
IAS32.AG26 | When preference shares are non-redeemable, the appropriate classification is determined by the other rights that attach to them. Classification is based on an assessment of the substance of the contractual arrangements and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. When distributions to holders of the preference shares, whether cumulative or non-cumulative, are at the discretion of the issuer, the shares are equity instruments. The classification of a preference share as an equity instrument or a financial liability is not affected by, for example:
(a) a history of making distributions;
(b) an intention to make distributions in the future;
(c) a possible negative impact on the price of ordinary shares of the issuer if distributions are not made (because of restrictions on paying dividends on the ordinary shares if dividends are not paid on the preference shares);
(d) the amount of the issuers reserves; |
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2009, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. [Exhibit A- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
Under the Shareholders Agreement 2015, the circumstances triggering a preferred dividend event, other than the redemption, the voluntary |
The Company has concluded that its shares are in substance non-redeemable. Distributions to shareholders are discretionary or triggered by events within the control of the Company thus the company has the ability to avoid distributing cash or a variable number of shares except for the preferred B dividend rights granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015 which have been accounted for as a liability. |
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(e) an issuers expectation of a profit or loss for a period; or
(f) an ability or inability of the issuer to influence the amount of its profit or loss for the period. |
conversion and the decision on an automatic conversion by a majority of the shareholders with preferential rights, are subject to a decision by the management board, a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function of the Company or, in the case of a share disposal, require a 50% majority of the shareholders. In the latter case, however, no payment is effected by the company. Any such sale or other disposal of their own shares in the company is in the discretion of each shareholder. The proceeds from a sale of existing shares are allocated among the shareholders, taking into consideration the preferred dividend amount; the company does not receive or make any payments. Further, the likelihood that the company needs to effect cash payments to the shareholders on the basis of the redemption is remote. The conversion events mentioned above are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function. [Exhibit B- Item 2.2 Preferred Dividend Events]
The Shareholders Agreement 2015 includes the following provisions that are not included in the Shareholders Agreement 2009: (i) conversion events, some of which are not subject to a decision by the management or supervisory board or a majority decision by the shareholders meeting as part of the normal corporate governance function, that constitute a preferred dividend event, and (ii) all shareholders covenant to vote in favor of the requisite capital increase and the ultimate satisfaction of the preferred dividend rights following the occurrence of a specified triggering event. [Exhibit B- Item 2.5.1] |
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Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 3.1 and Exhibit B- Item 3.1 for a summary of the liquidation events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit B- Item 4 for a summary of the conversion events that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreement 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 5 and Exhibit B- Item 5 for a summary of the redemption provisions that qualify as a preferred dividend event under the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015.
Refer also to Exhibit A- Item 2.4 and Exhibit B- Item 2.4 for a summary of the mechanics for the payment of a preferred dividend upon the occurrence of a preferred dividend event. |
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IAS32.AG27 | The following examples illustrate how to classify different types of contracts on an entitys own equity instruments:
(a) A contract that will be settled by the entity receiving or delivering a fixed number of its own shares for no future consideration, or exchanging a fixed number of its own shares for a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset, is an equity instrument (except as stated in paragraph 22A). Accordingly, any consideration received or paid for such a contract is added directly to or deducted directly from equity. One example is an issued share option that gives the counterparty a right to buy a fixed number of the entitys shares for a fixed amount of cash. However, if the contract requires the entity to purchase (redeem) its own shares for cash or another financial asset at a fixed or determinable |
The shareholders agreement does not establish a mandatory redemption right for any individual holder of a common share. Such general redemption right is not permissible under Austrian law. Other than declared dividends, the only process available to shareholders to receive cash from the company and in return surrender their shares is by way of: (i) a capital decrease or (ii) a capital reduction against cancellation of shares. [Exhibit A- Item 5.1; Exhibit B- 5.1]
In the course of a capital decrease, shareholders can only ask for repayment of their nominal share capital (EUR 1 per share) provided that all creditors have been satisfied and/or collateral has been provided for their claims. |
With respect to (a), the Company cannot be compelled to purchase its own shares for cash or a variable number of new shares at a fixed or determinable date or on demand.
With respect to (b), the Company cannot be compelled to purchase its own shares for cash or a variable number of shares.
Subsections (c) and (d) of IAS 32.AG27 are not applicable to the Companys facts and circumstances. |
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date or on demand, the entity also recognises a financial liability for the present value of the redemption amount (with the exception of instruments that have all the features and meet the conditions in paragraphs 16A and 16B or paragraphs 16C and 16D). One example is an entitys obligation under a forward contract to repurchase a fixed number of its own shares for a fixed amount of cash.
(b) An entitys obligation to purchase its own shares for cash gives rise to a financial liability for the present value of the redemption amount even if the number of shares that the entity is obliged to repurchase is not fixed or if the obligation is conditional on the counterparty exercising a right to redeem (except as stated in paragraphs 16A and 16B or paragraphs 16C and 16D). One example of a conditional obligation is an issued option that requires the entity to repurchase its own shares for cash if the counterparty exercises the option.
(c) A contract that will be settled in cash or another financial asset is a financial asset or financial liability even if the amount of cash or another financial asset that will be received or delivered is based on changes in the market price of the entitys own equity (except as stated in paragraphs 16A and 16B or paragraphs 16C and 16D). One example is a net cash-settled share option.
(d) A contract that will be settled in a variable number of the entitys own shares whose value equals a fixed amount or an amount based on changes in an underlying variable (eg a commodity price) is a financial asset or a financial liability. An example is a written option |
Once such a decision on a capital decrease is taken, a subset of detailed steps have to be followed, including, in particular, the convocation of all creditors and expiry of a three-month-waiting period. The amount of the capital decrease is finally distributed to all common shareholders on a pro rate a basis.
Further payments in excess of the nominal amount can only be made to the shareholders in case there is sufficient profit displayed in the balance sheet and the respective corporate procedures for the payment of a statutory dividend have been observed, i.e. proposal for the distribution and resolution of the shareholders meeting. [Exhibit A- Item 5.2; Exhibit B- Item 5.2]
A capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares is only permitted (i) when it has been provided for in the companys articles of association (compulsory collection), or (ii) when the shareholders meeting approves a repurchase of own shares for the purpose of their cancellation. The articles of association of the company do not foresee a (mandatory or discretionary) capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares. As such, the cancellation can only be made by way of a reduction of the share capital. [Exhibit A- Item 5.3; Exhibit B- Item 5.3] |
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to buy gold that, if exercised, is settled net in the entitys own instruments by the entity delivering as many of those instruments as are equal to the value of the option contract. Such a contract is a financial asset or financial liability even if the underlying variable is the entitys own share price rather than gold. Similarly, a contract that will be settled in a fixed number of the entitys own shares, but the rights attaching to those shares will be varied so that the settlement value equals a fixed amount or an amount based on changes in an underlying variable, is a financial asset or a financial liability. | ||||||
IAS32.AG28 | Paragraph 25 requires that if a part of a contingent settlement provision that could require settlement in cash or another financial asset (or in another way that would result in the instrument being a financial liability) is not genuine, the settlement provision does not affect the classification of a financial instrument. Thus, a contract that requires settlement in cash or a variable number of the entitys own shares only on the occurrence of an event that is extremely rare, highly abnormal and very unlikely to occur is an equity instrument. Similarly, settlement in a fixed number of an entitys own shares may be contractually precluded in circumstances that are outside the control of the entity, but if these circumstances have no genuine possibility of occurring, classification as an equity instrument is appropriate. | The Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 do not establish a mandatory redemption right for any individual holder of a common share. Such general redemption right is not permissible under Austrian law. Other than declared dividends, the only process available to shareholders to receive cash from the company and in return surrender their shares is by way of: (i) a capital decrease or (ii) a capital reduction against cancellation of shares. [Exhibit A- Item 5.1; Exhibit B- 5.1]
In the course of a capital decrease, shareholders can only ask for repayment of their nominal share capital (EUR 1 per share) provided that all creditors have been satisfied and/or collateral has been provided for their claims.
Once such a decision on a capital decrease is taken, a subset of detailed steps have to be followed, including, in particular, the convocation of all creditors and expiry of a three-month-waiting period. The amount of the capital decrease is finally distributed to all common shareholders on a pro rate a basis. |
The Company has concluded that the redemption provisions under Austrian Company Law and the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 have no genuine possibility of occurring and thus classification as an equity instrument is appropriate. |
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Further payments in excess of the nominal amount can only be made to the shareholders in case there is sufficient profit displayed in the balance sheet and the respective corporate procedures for the payment of a statutory dividend have been observed, i.e. proposal for the distribution and resolution of the shareholders meeting. [Exhibit A- Item 5.2; Exhibit B- Item 5.2]
A capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares is only permitted (i) when it has been provided for in the companys articles of association (compulsory collection), or (ii) when the shareholders meeting approves a repurchase of own shares for the purpose of their cancellation. The articles of association of the company do not foresee a (mandatory or discretionary) capital reduction by way of cancellation of shares. As such, the cancellation can only be made by way of a reduction of the share capital. [Exhibit A- Item 5.3; Exhibit B- Item 5.3] |
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IAS32.AG37 | The following example illustrates the application of paragraph 35 to a compound financial instrument. Assume that a non-cumulative preference share is mandatorily redeemable for cash in five years, but that dividends are payable at the discretion of the entity before the redemption date. Such an instrument is a compound financial instrument, with the liability component being the present value of the redemption amount. The unwinding of the discount on this component is recognised in profit or loss and classified as interest expense. Any dividends paid relate to the equity component and, accordingly, are recognised as a distribution of profit or loss. A similar treatment would apply if the redemption was not mandatory but at the | None of the specific sections of the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015 nor the provisions of Austrian Company Law are applicable. | There is no fixed redemption price or amount that arises on the common shares or as a result of the Shareholders Agreements 2009 and 2015. The fixed or determinable amount relates solely to the preferred B dividend rights granted to certain shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement 2015 and these have been appropriately accounted for as a liability and the accretion of interest and any value changes accounted for as financial income or expense in accordance with IAS 32.35. |
30
option of the holder, or if the share was mandatorily convertible into a variable number of ordinary shares calculated to equal a fixed amount or an amount based on changes in an underlying variable (eg commodity). However, if any unpaid dividends are added to the redemption amount, the entire instrument is a liability. In such a case, any dividends are classified as interest expense. |
31
Exhibit A: Summary analysis of the shareholders agreement 2009
Shareholders Agreement 2009
Substance of clause |
Austrian Company Law |
32
2. Section 4.3 Preferred Dividend Rights
2.1 Overview / Process
|
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Exhibit B: Summary analysis of the shareholders agreement 2015
Shareholders Agreement 2015
Substance of clause |
Austrian Company Law |
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
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