1934 Act Registration No. 1-14696
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Month of May 2004
China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited
(Translation of registrants name into English)
60/F The Center
99 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong, China
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.) Form 20-F x Form 40-F
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.) Yes ¨ No x
(If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82- .)
EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number |
Page | |||
1.1 | Circular to Shareholders, dated May 3, 2004 |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Circular to Shareholders, constituting Exhibit 1.1 to this Form 6-K, contains forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to the Companys number of subscribers, prospects for future growth, market position, net profit and financial and other performances.
Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events. Actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, any further restructuring of the telecommunications industry, any changes in regulatory policies of the Ministry of Information Industry and other relevant government authorities, the effects of competition on the demand and price of the Companys cellular services, any changes in wireless and related technology, which could affect the viability and competitiveness of the Companys cellular networks and its cellular and other services, and changes in political, economic, legal and social conditions in China including the Chinese governments policies with respect to economic growth, foreign exchange, foreign investment and entry by foreign companies into Chinas telecommunications market. In addition, the Companys future network expansion and other capital expenditure and development plans are dependent on numerous factors, including the availability of adequate financing on acceptable terms, the adequacy of currently available spectrum or the availability of additional spectrum, the availability of transmission lines and equipment when required on acceptable terms, and the availability of qualified management and technical personnel.
2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CHINA MOBILE (HONG KONG) LIMITED | ||||
Date: May 3, 2004 |
By: | /s/ Wang Xiaochu | ||
Name: Wang Xiaochu | ||||
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
3
Exhibit 1.1
IMPORTANT
If you are in doubt as to any aspect of this circular or as to the action to be taken, you should consult your stockbroker or other registered dealer in securities, bank manager, solicitor, professional accountant or other professional adviser.
If you have sold or transferred all your shares or notes in China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited, you should at once hand this circular together with the accompanying form of proxy to the purchaser or other transferee or to the bank, stockbroker or other agent through whom the sale was effected for transmission to the purchaser or transferee.
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited takes no responsibility for the contents of this circular, makes no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this circular.
This circular is for the sole purpose of the extraordinary general meeting of the Company and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities.
CHINA MOBILE (HONG KONG) LIMITED
(Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability under the Companies Ordinance)
(Stock Code: 941)
DISCLOSEABLE TRANSACTION
AND CONNECTED TRANSACTION
Independent Financial Adviser to the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders
Financial Advisers to China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited
China International Capital Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited |
Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. | UBS Investment Bank |
A letter from the independent board committee of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited is set out on pages 21 to 22 of this circular. A letter from N M Rothschild & Sons (Hong Kong) Limited containing its advice to the independent board committee and the Independent Shareholders is set out on pages 23 to 40 of this circular.
A notice dated 3 May 2004 convening an extraordinary general meeting of the Company to be held in the Conference Room, 3rd Floor, JW Marriott Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong, on 16 June 2004 at 3:30 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as the annual general meeting of the Company to be convened at 2:30 p.m. at the same place and date shall have been concluded or adjourned), is set out at the end of this circular. Whether or not you are able to attend the meeting, you are requested to complete and return the enclosed form of proxy in accordance with the instructions printed thereon as soon as practicable and in any event at least 36 hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting. Completion and return of the form of proxy will not preclude you from attending and voting in person at the meeting or at any adjourned meeting should you so wish.
3 May 2004
CONTENTS
Pages | ||||
Definitions |
1 | |||
Letter from the Chairman |
8 | |||
1 |
Introduction |
8 | ||
2 |
The Acquisition |
9 | ||
3 |
The Consideration for the Acquisition |
11 | ||
4 |
Financing of the Acquisition |
14 | ||
5 |
Conditions of the Completion of the Acquisition |
14 | ||
6 |
Reasons for and Benefits of the Acquisition |
15 | ||
7 |
Prospective Financial Information |
18 | ||
8 |
Relationship with CMCC and Connected Transactions |
19 | ||
9 |
Extraordinary General Meeting |
19 | ||
10 |
Recommendation of the Independent Board Committee |
20 | ||
11 |
Additional Information |
20 | ||
Letter from the Independent Board Committee |
21 | |||
Letter from Rothschild |
23 | |||
Appendix I Further Information on the Target Companies |
I-1 | |||
Appendix II Accountants Report |
II-1 | |||
Appendix III Financial Information of the Listed Group |
III-1 | |||
Appendix IV Financial Information of the Combined Group |
IV-1 | |||
Appendix V Profit Forecast |
V-1 | |||
Appendix VI General Information |
VI-1 | |||
Notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting |
i
DEFINITIONS
In this circular, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions have the following meanings:
Acquisition |
the proposed acquisition by the Company of the entire issued share capital of each of the Target BVI Companies pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, as further described in this circular | |
Acquisition Agreement |
the conditional sale and purchase agreement dated 28 April 2004 made between the Company, CMBVI and CMCC relating to the Acquisition | |
adjusted EBITDA |
earnings before interest income, interest expense, non-operating income (expenses), taxation, depreciation and amortisation, and deficit on revaluation of fixed assets | |
Anhui Mobile |
Anhui Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Associates |
as defined in the Listing Rules | |
Beijing Mobile |
Beijing Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Board or Board of Directors |
the board of directors of the Company | |
Business Day |
a day (excluding Saturdays) on which banks are generally open in Hong Kong and the PRC for the transaction of normal banking business | |
CDMA |
Code Division Multiple Address technology, a digital transmission technology using various coding sequences to mix and separate voice and data signals for wireless transmission | |
China Netcom Group |
China Network Communications Group Corporation, a company established under the laws of the PRC | |
China Railcom |
China Railway Communication Co., Ltd., a company established under the laws of the PRC | |
China Telecommunications Corporation |
China Telecommunications Corporation, a company established under the laws of the PRC | |
China Unicom |
China United Telecommunications Corporation, a company established under the laws of the PRC | |
Chongqing Mobile |
Chongqing Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
CICC |
China International Capital Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, which is licensed for Type 1 regulated activity (dealing with securities) and Type 6 regulated activity (advising on corporate finance) under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and financial adviser to the Company in respect of the Acquisition |
1
DEFINITIONS
CMBVI |
China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and the immediate controlling shareholder of the Company | |
CMC |
China Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Beijing on 27 February 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by CMC BVI | |
CMC BVI |
China Mobile Communication (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
CMCC |
China Mobile Communications Corporation, a state-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC and the ultimate controlling shareholder of the Company | |
CMHKG |
China Mobile (Hong Kong) Group Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong and an indirect controlling shareholder of the Company | |
Combined Group |
the Company, its existing subsidiaries, the Target BVI Companies and the Target Companies | |
Companies Ordinance |
the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong) | |
Company or CMHK |
China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong whose shares are listed on the Stock Exchange and American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange | |
Convertible Noteholders |
holders of the Convertible Notes | |
Convertible Notes |
2.25% convertible notes due 2005 of the Company | |
Directors |
the directors of the Company | |
Extraordinary General Meeting |
the extraordinary general meeting of the Company to be convened on 16 June 2004, notice of which is set out at the end of this circular, or any adjournment thereof | |
Fujian Mobile |
Fujian Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Gansu Mobile |
Gansu Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Gansu on 29 January 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Gansu Mobile BVI | |
Gansu Mobile BVI |
Gansu Mobile (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
Goldman Sachs |
Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C., which is licensed for Type 1 regulated activity (dealing with securities) and Type 6 regulated activity (advising on corporate finance) under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and financial adviser to the Company in respect of the Acquisition |
2
DEFINITIONS
GSM |
Global System for Mobile Communications, a pan-European mobile telephone system based on digital transmission and cellular network architecture with roaming capability | |
Guangdong Mobile |
Guangdong Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company | |
Guangxi Mobile |
Guangxi Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Guizhou Mobile |
Guizhou Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Guizhou on 19 January 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Guizhou Mobile BVI | |
Guizhou Mobile BVI |
Guizhou Mobile (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
Hainan Mobile |
Hainan Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Hebei Mobile |
Hebei Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Heilongjiang Mobile |
Heilongjiang Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Heilongjiang on 2 February 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Heilongjiang Mobile BVI | |
Heilongjiang Mobile BVI |
Heilongjiang Mobile (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
Henan Mobile |
Henan Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
HK$ |
Hong Kong dollars, the lawful currency of Hong Kong | |
Hong Kong |
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China | |
Hubei Mobile |
Hubei Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Hunan Mobile |
Hunan Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Independent Board Committee |
the committee of Directors, consisting of Lo Ka Shui, Frank Wong Kwong Shing and Moses Cheng Mo Chi, Independent Non-executive Directors, formed to advise the Independent Shareholders in respect of the terms of the Acquisition | |
Independent Shareholders |
Shareholders other than CMBVI and its Associates |
3
DEFINITIONS
Interest Determination Date |
each of the following dates (or if that date falls on a non-Business Day, then on the next Business Day), the first being the second Business Day preceding the date of the Acquisition Agreement, or 26 April 2004, and thereafter 26 April 2006, 26 April 2008, 26 April 2010, 26 April 2012, 26 April 2014, 26 April 2016 and 26 April 2018 | |
Jiangsu Mobile |
Jiangsu Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Jiangxi Mobile |
Jiangxi Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Jilin Mobile |
Jilin Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Jilin on 18 January 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Jilin Mobile BVI | |
Jilin Mobile BVI |
Jilin Mobile (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
Jingyi Design Institute |
Beijing P&T Consulting & Design Institute Company Limited, a company established in Beijing on 15 March 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Zhongjing Design Institute BVI | |
Latest Practicable Date |
26 April 2004, being the latest practicable date prior to the printing of this circular for ascertaining certain information contained herein | |
Liaoning Mobile |
Liaoning Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Listed Group |
the Company and its existing subsidiaries | |
Listing Rules |
the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited | |
Mainland China |
China, other than Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan | |
MII |
Ministry of Information Industry of the PRC, or where the context so requires, its predecessor, the former Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications | |
Neimenggu Mobile |
Neimenggu Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Neimenggu (Inner Mongolia) on 16 January 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Neimenggu Mobile BVI | |
Neimenggu Mobile BVI |
Neimenggu Mobile (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
Ningxia Mobile |
Ningxia Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Ningxia on 30 January 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Ningxia Mobile BVI |
4
DEFINITIONS
Ningxia Mobile BVI |
Ningxia Mobile (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
Noteholders |
holders of the Notes | |
Notes |
7 7/8% notes due 2004 of the Company | |
PRC or China |
The Peoples Republic of China | |
Qinghai Mobile |
Qinghai Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Qinghai on 2 February 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Qinghai Mobile BVI | |
Qinghai Mobile BVI |
Qinghai Mobile (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
RMB |
Renminbi, the lawful currency of the PRC | |
Rothschild |
N M Rothschild & Sons (Hong Kong) Limited, an authorised financial institution deemed to have been registered under section 119(1) of the Securities and Futures Ordinance for Types 1, 4, 6 and 9 regulated activities from 1 April 2003 (previously an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Futures Commission) and the independent financial adviser to the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders in respect of the terms of the Acquisition | |
Securities and Futures Ordinance |
the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the laws of Hong Kong) | |
Shaanxi Mobile |
Shaanxi Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Shandong Mobile |
Shandong Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Shanghai Mobile |
Shanghai Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Shanxi Mobile |
Shanxi Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Share(s) |
ordinary share(s) of HK$0.10 each in the capital of the Company | |
Shareholders |
holders of Shares | |
Sichuan Mobile |
Sichuan Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
Stock Exchange |
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited |
5
DEFINITIONS
Target BVI Companies |
Neimenggu Mobile BVI, Jilin Mobile BVI, Heilongjiang Mobile BVI, Guizhou Mobile BVI, Yunnan Mobile BVI, Xizang Mobile BVI, Gansu Mobile BVI, Qinghai Mobile BVI, Ningxia Mobile BVI, Xinjiang Mobile BVI, Zhongjing Design Institute BVI and CMC BVI | |
Target Companies |
Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile, Xinjiang Mobile, Jingyi Design Institute and CMC | |
Target Group |
the group of companies comprising the Target Companies | |
Target Provincial Companies |
Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile and Xinjiang Mobile | |
Tianjin Mobile |
Tianjin Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC | |
UBS |
UBS Investment Bank, which is licensed for Type 1 regulated activity (dealing with securities) and Type 6 regulated activity (advising on corporate finance) under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and financial adviser to the Company in respect of the Acquisition | |
US dollars or US$ |
United States dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America | |
Xinjiang Mobile |
Xinjiang Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Xinjiang on 3 February 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Xinjiang Mobile BVI | |
Xinjiang Mobile BVI |
Xinjiang Mobile (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
Xizang Mobile |
Xizang Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Xizang (Tibet) on 9 February 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Xizang Mobile BVI | |
Xizang Mobile BVI |
Xizang Mobile (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
Yunnan Mobile |
Yunnan Mobile Communication Company Limited, a company established in Yunnan on 19 January 2004 under the laws of the PRC and wholly-owned by Yunnan Mobile BVI | |
Yunnan Mobile BVI |
Yunnan Mobile (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands | |
Zhejiang Mobile |
Zhejiang Mobile Communication Company Limited, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of the PRC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company | |
Zhongjing Design Institute BVI |
Beijing P&T Consulting & Design Institute (BVI) Limited, a company incorporated on 4 March 2004 in the British Virgin Islands |
6
DEFINITIONS
For your convenience and unless otherwise specified, this circular contains translations between RMB and US dollars at RMB8.2767 = US$1.00, between RMB and Hong Kong dollars at RMB1.0661 = HK$1.00, and between Hong Kong dollars and US dollars at HK$7.7636 = US$1.00, the prevailing rates on 31 December 2003. The translations are not representations that the RMB, Hong Kong dollar and US dollar amounts could actually be converted at those rates, if at all.
Unless otherwise noted, the financial information of the Listed Group presented in this circular includes the results of the Listed Groups subsidiaries, Anhui Mobile, Jiangxi Mobile, Chongqing Mobile, Sichuan Mobile, Hubei Mobile, Hunan Mobile, Shaanxi Mobile and Shanxi Mobile, from 1 July 2002, the date of the Listed Groups acquisition of Anhui Mobile, Jiangxi Mobile, Chongqing Mobile, Sichuan Mobile, Hubei Mobile, Hunan Mobile, Shaanxi Mobile and Shanxi Mobile and, unless otherwise noted, the operating information of the Listed Group presented in this circular includes information of Anhui Mobile, Jiangxi Mobile, Chongqing Mobile, Sichuan Mobile, Hubei Mobile, Hunan Mobile, Shaanxi Mobile and Shanxi Mobile from 1 January 2001.
7
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
CHINA MOBILE (HONG KONG) LIMITED
(Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability under the Companies Ordinance)
Executive Directors: WANG Xiaochu (Chairman) LI Yue LU Xiangdong XUE Taohai HE Ning LI Gang XU Long |
Registered Office: 60th Floor The Center 99 Queens Road Central Hong Kong | |
Independent Non-Executive Directors: LO Ka Shui Frank WONG Kwong Shing Moses CHENG Mo Chi |
||
Non-Executive Directors: ZHANG Ligui J. Brian CLARK |
||
3 May 2004 | ||
To the Shareholders and, for information only, |
Dear Sir or Madam,
DISCLOSEABLE TRANSACTION
AND CONNECTED TRANSACTION
Acquisition of Neimenggu Mobile BVI, Jilin Mobile BVI, Heilongjiang
Mobile BVI, Guizhou Mobile BVI, Yunnan Mobile BVI, Xizang Mobile BVI,
Gansu Mobile BVI, Qinghai Mobile BVI, Ningxia Mobile BVI, Xinjiang Mobile BVI,
Zhongjing Design Institute BVI and CMC BVI
1. | INTRODUCTION |
On 28 April 2004, the Board of Directors announced that the Company had entered into the Acquisition Agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire, and CMBVI, the Companys immediate controlling shareholder, agreed to sell, the entire issued share capital of each of the Target BVI Companies, subject to certain conditions.
The Acquisition was negotiated and entered into on an arms length basis and on normal commercial terms. The total consideration for the Acquisition is US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$28,468.2 million or RMB30,210 million), and will consist of payment of an initial consideration of
8
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
US$2,000 million (equivalent to approximately HK$15,599.0 million) on completion of the Acquisition and the payment of a deferred consideration of US$1,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$12,869.2 million). The Company intends to finance the initial consideration by using existing internal cash resources and to finance the deferred consideration using internal cash resources and/or proceeds from future external financing, which may include bank financing, the possible issuance of bonds or other sources. The translations above relating to the consideration of the Acquisition between Hong Kong dollars and US dollars and between Renminbi and US dollars are based on the prevailing rates at 12:00 noon (New York City time) on the second Business Day preceding the date of the Acquisition Agreement, being HK$7.7995 = US$1.00 and RMB8.2768 = US$1.00.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, CMBVI owned approximately 75.7% of the issued share capital of the Company. The total assets of the Listed Group as at 31 December 2003 was approximately RMB307,303 million (equivalent to approximately HK$288,250 million). The total assets of the Target BVI Companies and their subsidiaries, which are the subject of the Acquisition, were approximately 13.9% of the total assets of the Listed Group as of 31 December 2003. For the financial year ended 31 December 2003, the revenue attributable to the Target BVI Companies and their subsidiaries, was approximately 13.0% of the revenue of the Listed Group. The consideration for the Acquisition represented approximately 6.9% of the total market capitalisation of the Company as of 26 April 2004. Accordingly, under the Listing Rules, the Acquisition constitutes both a discloseable transaction and a connected transaction for the Company. The Acquisition requires the approval of the Independent Shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting at which CMBVI and its Associates will abstain from voting. The vote of the Independent Shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting shall be taken by poll.
An Independent Board Committee has been established to advise the Independent Shareholders in respect of the terms of the Acquisition. In this respect, Rothschild has been retained as the independent financial adviser to the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders and a copy of its letter of advice is set out on pages 23 to 40 of this circular.
CICC, Goldman Sachs and UBS are the financial advisers to the Company in respect of the Acquisition.
The purpose of this circular is to provide you with further information relating to the Acquisition and to seek your approval of the ordinary resolution set out in the notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting at the end of this circular. The recommendation of the Independent Board Committee to the Independent Shareholders is set out on pages 21 to 22 of this circular.
2. | THE ACQUISITION |
The Company has agreed, subject to certain conditions, to acquire from CMBVI the entire issued share capital of each of the Target BVI Companies for a total consideration of US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$28,468.2 million or RMB30,210 million). The only assets of each of the Target BVI Companies are its entire interest in the respective Target Companies, which include the Target Provincial Companies, Jingyi Design Institute and CMC. As a result of the Acquisition, the Company will assume the net indebtedness of the Target Companies. The aggregate amount of the net indebtedness of all twelve Target Companies amounted to approximately RMB3,878 million (equivalent to approximately US$469 million or HK$3,638 million) as of 31 December 2003. The Acquisition is in respect of the entire issued share capital of all twelve Target BVI Companies. Unless the entire issued share capital of all twelve Target BVI Companies can be acquired, the Acquisition will not proceed. Upon completion of the Acquisition, each of the Target BVI Companies will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
9
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The Target Provincial Companies are the leading providers of mobile telecommunications services in the provinces or autonomous regions in which they operate. As of 31 December 2003, the Target Provincial Companies had a total of approximately 24.50 million subscribers. Their estimated weighted average market share of mobile telecommunications subscribers was approximately 64.3% in the ten provinces and autonomous regions in which they operate as of 31 December 2003. The number of subscribers and the respective estimated market share of mobile telecommunications subscribers in each of the provinces and autonomous regions as of 31 December 2003 are set out below:
Target Provincial Companies |
Number of subscribers |
Estimated market share of mobile telecommunications subscribers in the province or autonomous region in which the Target Provincial Company is located (1) | ||
(in thousands) | (%) | |||
Neimenggu Mobile |
3,079 | 64.3 | ||
Jilin Mobile |
3,830 | 66.6 | ||
Heilongjiang Mobile |
4,923 | 58.5 | ||
Guizhou Mobile |
2,634 | 79.9 | ||
Yunnan Mobile |
4,249 | 67.6 | ||
Xizang Mobile |
309 | 93.3 | ||
Gansu Mobile |
1,714 | 61.9 | ||
Qinghai Mobile |
625 | 62.3 | ||
Ningxia Mobile |
805 | 65.7 | ||
Xinjiang Mobile |
2,329 | 55.3 |
(1) | Calculated based on the total number of mobile telecommunications subscribers in the relevant geographical regions as estimated by the Target Provincial Companies. |
CMC carries out certain network and business coordination functions for the Target Provincial Companies and the Listed Group. Such functions include, among other things, the coordination of network operations, network construction projects and nation-wide advertising and marketing campaigns, the coordination of spectrum, the operation of national roaming settlement and billing backup facilities, research and development (including the setting and the coordination of technical specifications and standards) and certain administrative functions.
Jingyi Design Institute is a leading large-scale telecommunications network planning and design institute operating in the PRC. It primarily provides design and consulting services for telecommunications operators. Jingyi Design Institute has the capability and the necessary qualifications to carry out large-scale and sophisticated work in the design of wireless and wireline telecommunications networks, which may include switching, radio, transmission and satellite networks for both voice and data telecommunications. Through its subsidiary, Jingyi Design Institute also provides construction project supervisory services.
10
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
3. | THE CONSIDERATION FOR THE ACQUISITION |
The consideration for the Acquisition was determined based on various factors, including the quality of the assets being acquired and their long-term growth prospects, their current and future earnings potential, current financial positions and future investment needs, as well as by reference to other financial and operational factors.
The consideration for the Acquisition will represent 9.69 times the combined 2004 forecast net profit of approximately RMB3,117 million (equivalent to approximately HK$2,924 million) of the Target Group. In addition, the enterprise value of the Target Group of RMB34,088 million (equivalent to approximately HK$32,122 million, calculated using the prevailing exchange rate on the second Business Day preceding the day on which the Acquisition was announced) will represent a multiple of 2.85 times the combined 2004 forecast adjusted EBITDA of approximately RMB11,971 million (equivalent to approximately HK$11,229 million) of the Target Group. The number of subscribers of the Target Provincial Companies is estimated to reach 28.93 million as of 31 December 2004 and the operating revenue of the Target Group for the year 2004 is expected to maintain double-digit growth. The forecast combined net profit and combined adjusted EBITDA of the Target Group are based on certain prospective financial information prepared by the Company and the Target Companies.
The Acquisition was negotiated and entered into on an arms length basis and on normal commercial terms. The total consideration for the Acquisition is US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$28,468.2 million or RMB30,210 million), and will consist of payment of an initial consideration and a deferred consideration.
The initial consideration of US$2,000 million (equivalent to approximately HK$15,599.0 million) will be satisfied on completion of the Acquisition by payment in cash to CMBVI, in HK dollars, RMB, US dollars or a combination of the above currencies.
The deferred consideration, in the amount of US$1,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$12,869.2 million), represents the difference between the total consideration and the initial consideration. The Company will pay interest to CMBVI at half-yearly intervals on the actual amount of deferred consideration remaining unpaid from the date of completion of the Acquisition. Interest is accrued daily and is calculated at 2.595% per annum for the first two years after completion of the Acquisition, which was the two-year US dollar LIBOR swap rate at 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on 26 April 2004, being the second Business Day preceding the date of the Acquisition Agreement. Thereafter, the interest rate will be adjusted every two years to equal the two-year US dollar LIBOR swap rate prevailing at 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the relevant Interest Determination Date. The translations above relating to the consideration of the Acquisition between Hong Kong dollars and US dollars and between Renminbi and US dollars are based on the prevailing rates at 12:00 noon (New York City time) on the second Business Day preceding the date of the Acquisition Agreement, being HK$7.7995 = US$1.00 and RMB8.2768 = US$1.00.
The deferred consideration is subordinated to other senior debts of the Company incurred from time to time including, but not necessarily limited to, the US$600 million Notes and the US$690 million Convertible Notes issued by the Company in 1999 and 2000, respectively. The deferred consideration is payable fifteen years after the date of completion of the Acquisition. The Company may make early payment of all or part of the deferred consideration, from time to time, at any time after completion of the Acquisition, without penalty. Any early payment can be made only if it does not have a significant impact on the Companys ability to repay any senior debt to which the deferred consideration is subordinated.
11
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The payment of the deferred consideration and the interest payments can be made in Hong Kong dollars, RMB or US dollars (or other currencies as may be agreed by the Company and CMBVI). Any payment made in currencies other than US dollars will be accounted for based on the exchange rates between US dollars and such currencies prevailing at 12:00 noon (New York City time) on 26 April 2004, which was the second Business Day preceding the date of the Acquisition Agreement.
The Board takes the view that the consideration payable by the Company for the Target Companies and the other terms of the Acquisition are fair and reasonable. In particular, the Board is of the view that the terms of the deferred consideration are more favourable than the usual terms of a commercial bank loan of a similar size and term. The Board is of the view that the Acquisition is in the interests of the Company and its investors and recommends the Independent Shareholders to vote in favour of the ordinary resolution to approve the Acquisition at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
12
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The following depicts the corporate structure of the Company, with its principal operating subsidiaries, following completion of the Acquisition:
13
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
(1) | CMCC owns 100% of the economic interest in CMHKG. |
(2) | Aspire Holdings Limited is a 66.41% owned subsidiary of the Company incorporated in the Cayman Islands in June 2000 and is engaged in the provision of wireless data and Internet enabling technologies, applications and service platforms. |
(3) | Nineteen of the existing twenty-one provincial operating subsidiaries and the twelve Target Companies are, and will be, held by the Company through thirty-one companies incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. |
Further information on the Target Companies is set out in Appendix I to this circular.
4. | FINANCING OF THE ACQUISITION |
The Company intends to finance the initial consideration by using existing internal cash resources.
The Company intends to finance the deferred consideration using internal cash resources and/or proceeds from future external financing, which may include bank financing, the possible issuance of bonds or other sources.
5. | CONDITIONS OF THE COMPLETION OF THE ACQUISITION |
Completion of the Acquisition is conditional upon the fulfilment of certain conditions on or before 30 September 2004, or such later date as CMBVI and the Company may agree. These conditions include:
(a) | the passing of resolutions by the Independent Shareholders approving the Acquisition; |
(b) | there having been no material adverse change to the financial condition, business operations, or prospects of any of the Target BVI Companies or the Target Companies; and |
(c) | the receipt of various approvals and registrations from the relevant PRC regulatory authorities. |
Certain PRC regulatory approvals have been obtained. In addition, application has been made for approval by the relevant Chinese regulatory authorities in relation to the change of legal status of the Target Companies to wholly foreign-owned enterprises, and is being reviewed by the relevant Chinese regulatory authorities.
Each of the Target Companies currently has a legal person business licence as a limited liability company. Upon approval by the relevant Chinese regulatory authorities, the legal person business licence of each of the Target Companies will be replaced by a new one issued by the local Administration for Industry and Commerce to reflect its status as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise. The Company expects that the new legal person business licences will be obtained within six months after receiving such approval from the relevant Chinese regulatory authorities. The businesses of the Target Companies will not be affected by the process of issuance of such new business licences.
The Acquisition shall be completed following the fulfilment (or waiver) of the above conditions, and is expected to take place on 1 July 2004, or such other date as may be agreed between CMBVI and the Company, following notification by the Company to CMBVI of the fulfilment or waiver of all the conditions. If any of the above-mentioned conditions is not fulfilled or waived by 30 September 2004, or such other date as CMBVI and the Company may agree, the Acquisition Agreement shall lapse.
14
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
6. | REASONS FOR AND BENEFITS OF THE ACQUISITION |
The Acquisition is an important milestone for the Company. Upon completion of the Acquisition, the Listed Group will be able to extend its network coverage and provide mobile services to all provinces, autonomous regions and directly administered municipalities throughout Mainland China. The Acquisition represents an attractive opportunity for the Listed Group to consolidate its position as the market leader and to further capitalise on the growth potential of the Chinese telecommunications industry and create value for its investors.
The Directors believe that contiguous coverage throughout the country will enhance the economies of scale of the Listed Groups operations and will enable the Listed Group to provide better services to its existing and future customers. The integration of telecommunications operations throughout the country under the Listed Group will permit the effective implementation of a unified development strategy throughout the country.
Each of the Target Provincial Companies is the leading provider of mobile telecommunications services in its respective region. The Target Provincial Companies have experienced significant growth in the total number of subscribers from approximately 13.85 million as of 31 December 2001 to approximately 24.50 million as of 31 December 2003. The Directors believe that the Acquisition will enhance the Listed Groups leading position in the mobile telecommunications market in China.
On a pro forma basis, based on information as of 31 December 2003, the number of subscribers of the Listed Group will increase from approximately 141.62 million before the Acquisition, or approximately 52.7% of all mobile subscribers in Mainland China as of such date, to approximately 166.12 million after the Acquisition, or approximately 61.8% of all mobile subscribers in Mainland China as of such date. The Acquisition will expand the areas where the Listed Group operates. The population in these areas will increase from approximately 1.05 billion to approximately 1.29 billion. The Directors believe that the Acquisition will provide a solid foundation for the Listed Groups future growth.
Upon completion of the Acquisition, the Listed Group will consolidate the network and business coordination functions of the thirty-one provinces, autonomous regions and directly administered municipalities throughout the country through CMC, thereby ensuring the efficient implementation of network expansion and improvement strategies and the promotion of management efficiency and operational synergies. Furthermore, with the integration of the design and consulting functions of Jingyi Design Institute, the Listed Group can better control the quality of network design and planning.
15
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Assuming that the Acquisition had taken place on 1 January 2003, the pro forma operating revenue, adjusted EBITDA and net profit of the Combined Group for the year ended 31 December 2003 are set out below.
For the year ended 31 December 2003 |
||||||||||||||
Before Acquisition |
After Acquisition |
|||||||||||||
Target Group Historical |
The Listed Group Historical |
Pro forma adjustments |
Note |
Combined Group |
||||||||||
(RMB millions) | (RMB millions) | (RMB millions) | (RMB millions) | |||||||||||
Operating revenue |
20,645 | 158,604 | (181 | ) | (a | ) | 179,068 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
9,385 | 92,278 | 101,663 | |||||||||||
Net profit before revaluation deficit |
2,112 | 35,556 | 633 | (b | ) | 37,467 | ||||||||
(169 | ) | (c | ) | |||||||||||
(354 | ) | (d | ) | |||||||||||
(222 | ) | (e | ) | |||||||||||
(89 | ) | (f | ) | |||||||||||
Deficit on revaluation of fixed assets |
(3,470 | ) | | (3,470 | ) | |||||||||
Net (loss)/profit |
(1,358 | ) | 35,556 | 33,997 |
(a) | Elimination of the intercompany transactions between the Target Group and the Listed Group on a combined basis. |
(b) | In connection with the Acquisition, the Target Groups fixed assets were revalued as at 31 December 2003 as required by the relevant PRC rules and regulations, resulting in a net revaluation deficit recorded on such date. The adjustment represents the reduction in depreciation charges resulting from the revaluation of the fixed assets as if the revaluation result had been recorded on 1 January 2003. |
(c) | To adjust for reduction in the interest income for the initial cash consideration to be taken from the internal resources of the Listed Group as if the transaction had taken place on 1 January 2003. |
(d) | To record the interest expense of the deferred consideration at 2.595% per annum as if the Acquisition had taken place on 1 January 2003. The interest expense is not deductible for taxation purposes. |
(e) | To record the amortisation of positive goodwill as a result of the acquisition of the Target Companies as if the acquisition had taken place on 1 January 2003. The amortisation is calculated to write off the cost of positive goodwill on a straight line basis over 20 years. |
(f) | To record the tax effect of the pro forma adjustment described in note (b) and (c) above. |
The unaudited pro forma balance sheet of the Combined Group as at 31 December 2003 is set out in Appendix IV to this circular.
The unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group is based on a number of assumptions, estimates, uncertainties and currently available information, and is provided for illustrative purposes. Accordingly, as a result of the uncertain nature of the unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group, it may not give a true picture of the actual financial position or results of the Combined Groups operations that would have been attained had the Acquisition actually occurred on the date indicated herein. Further, the unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group does not purport to predict the Combined Groups future financial position or results of operations.
The text of the letter from KPMG in respect of the unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group is set out in Appendix IV to this circular.
16
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Summary Operating and Other Data
The following table sets out certain summary operating and other data of the Listed Group and the group of Target Provincial Companies.
As of or for the year ended 31 December | ||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||||
The Listed Group |
||||||||
Total population base (in millions)(1) |
1,040.2 | 1,045.9 | 1,046.6 | |||||
Mobile penetration rate (%)(2) |
12.0 | 17.0 | 22.0 | |||||
Total Subscribers (in millions) |
90.6 | 117.7 | 141.6 | |||||
Market share (%)(3) |
72.7 | 67.0 | 64.8 | |||||
Average usage per user per month (minutes/user/month) |
234 | 207 | 240 | |||||
Average revenue per user per month (RMB/user/month) |
141 | (4) | 115 | (4) | 102 | |||
The Group of Target Provincial Companies |
||||||||
Total population base (in millions)(1) |
227.7 | 229.3 | 230.8 | |||||
Mobile penetration rate (%)(2) |
8.9 | 12.8 | 16.8 | |||||
Total Subscribers (in millions) |
13.8 | 18.9 | 24.5 | |||||
Market share (%)(3) |
70.4 | 66.2 | 64.3 | |||||
Average usage per user per month (minutes/user/month) |
231 | 241 | 265 | |||||
Average revenue per user per month (RMB/user/month) |
119 | 91 | 79 | |||||
(1) | Sources: 2001 Provincial Statistical Yearbooks and 2002 Provincial Statistical Yearbooks with respect to the data for the years 2001 and 2002. The data for the year 2003 are estimated by the Listed Group or the Target Provincial Companies. |
(2) | Sources: Calculated according to information published by the MII. |
(3) | Calculated according to the Listed Groups or the Target Provincial Companies estimates of the total number of mobile telecommunications subscribers, including subscribers of other operators, in the relevant geographical regions. |
(4) | Represents pro forma figure, which means it is assumed that the Listed Groups existing structure (including twenty-one mobile telecommunications companies) was in place from 1 January 2001. |
As of 31 December 2003, the Combined Group had a total of approximately 166.12 million subscribers and the mobile penetration rate of the 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in which the Combined Group operates is approximately 20.92% according to the calculations of the MII.
17
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
7. | PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
The Company and the Target Companies have prepared certain prospective financial information in respect of the Target Companies for the year ending 31 December 2004. There is no present intention to update this information during the year or to publish such information in future years, although the Directors are aware of the requirements of Notes 9 and 10 to Rule 13.09(1) of the Listing Rules. This information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions (see Appendix V) that, while presented with numerical specificity and considered reasonable by the Company and the Target Companies, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and the Target Companies, and upon assumptions with respect to future business decisions which are subject to change. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that these results will be realised. The prospective financial information presented below may vary from actual results, and these variations may be material.
The Company and the Target Companies believe that, on the bases and the assumptions discussed in Appendix V, the combined net profit of the Target Group for the year ending 31 December 2004 is unlikely to be less than RMB3,117 million (equivalent to approximately HK$2,924 million) under accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong (Hong Kong GAAP). The texts of the letters from KPMG, CICC, Goldman Sachs and UBS in respect of the profit forecast are set out in Appendix V to this circular.
On the same bases and assumptions for the profit forecast, the Company and the Target Companies believe that the combined adjusted EBITDA of the Target Group for the year ending 31 December 2004 is unlikely to be less than RMB11,971 million (equivalent to approximately HK$11,229 million). The Company and the Target Companies are not currently aware of any extraordinary items which have arisen or are likely to arise in respect of the year ending 31 December 2004 which would affect the prospective financial information presented.
The consolidated accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ending 31 December 2004 will be audited by their independent auditors. The Companys annual report for 2004 will discuss the performance of the Target Group and will address the profit forecast of the Target Group contained in this circular and provide an explanation of material differences, if any, between such profit forecast and the audited results of the Target Group prepared under Hong Kong GAAP.
18
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
8. | RELATIONSHIP WITH CMCC AND CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS |
Upon completion of the Acquisition, CMCC will remain our ultimate controlling shareholder, indirectly holding an approximately 75.7% interest in the issued share capital of the Company. CMCC will be responsible for the operations of its subsidiaries (other than the Combined Group) and will exercise its rights as our controlling shareholder, while the Company will be responsible for the operations of its mobile businesses throughout Mainland China.
A number of transactions have been entered into between the Target Companies and subsidiaries of CMCC, which will constitute continuing connected transactions for the Company under the Listing Rules upon completion of the Acquisition. These transactions include:
(a) | property leasing and property management services in relation to properties leased by the Target Companies and CMCC; |
(b) | telecommunications project planning, design and construction services provided by subsidiaries of CMCC to certain of the Target Provincial Companies; |
(c) | telecommunications line and pipeline construction services provided by subsidiaries of CMCC to certain of the Target Provincial Companies; and |
(d) | telecommunications line maintenance services provided by subsidiaries of CMCC to certain of the Target Provincial Companies. |
Because the above connected transactions are conducted on normal commercial terms and the value of the consideration furnished under each category of connected transactions listed above is less than the de minimis benchmark set out in Rule 14A.33(3) of the Listing Rules, these connected transactions are exempt from the reporting, announcement and independent shareholders approval requirements under the Listing Rules.
9. | EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING |
A notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting to be held in the Conference Room, 3rd Floor, JW Marriott Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong on 16 June 2004 at 3:30 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as the annual general meeting of the Company to be convened at 2:30 p.m. at the same place and date shall have been concluded or adjourned), is set out at the end of this circular. An ordinary resolution will be proposed to approve the Acquisition. The vote of the Independent Shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting shall be taken by poll.
In accordance with the Listing Rules, CMBVI, the controlling shareholder of the Company which is beneficially interested in approximately 75.7% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the Latest Practicable Date and controls the voting right in respect of all its shares in the Company, and its respective Associates, will abstain from voting on the resolution to approve the Acquisition at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
A form of proxy for use at the Extraordinary General Meeting is enclosed. Whether or not Shareholders are able to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting, they are requested to complete and return the enclosed form of proxy to the Companys registered office at 60th Floor, The Center, 99 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong, as soon as practicable and in any event at least 36 hours before the time appointed for holding the Extraordinary General Meeting. Completion and return of the form of proxy will not preclude Shareholders from attending and voting in person at the Extraordinary General Meeting should they so wish.
19
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
10. | RECOMMENDATION OF THE INDEPENDENT BOARD COMMITTEE |
Rothschild has been retained as the independent financial adviser to advise the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders in respect of the terms of the Acquisition.
The Independent Board Committee, having taken into account the advice of Rothschild, considers, from a financial perspective, that the terms of the Acquisition Agreement are fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned, and in the interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the Independent Board Committee recommends that Independent Shareholders vote in favour of the ordinary resolution to approve the Acquisition, as detailed in the notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting set out at the end of this circular. The letter from Rothschild containing its advice and recommendation and the principal factors and reasons taken into account in arriving at its recommendation is set out on pages 23 to 40 of this circular.
11. | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
Your attention is drawn to the letter of the Independent Board Committee set out on pages 21 to 22 of this circular, the letter set out on pages 23 to 40 of this circular from Rothschild, the independent financial adviser to the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders in respect of the terms of the Acquisition, and to the information set out in the appendices to this circular.
By Order of the Board |
China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited |
Wang Xiaochu |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
20
LETTER FROM INDEPENDENT BOARD COMMITTEE
CHINA MOBILE (HONG KONG) LIMITED
(Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability under the Companies Ordinance)
3 May 2004
To the Independent Shareholders
Dear Sir or Madam,
DISCLOSEABLE TRANSACTION
AND CONNECTED TRANSACTION
Acquisition of Neimenggu Mobile BVI, Jilin Mobile BVI, Heilongjiang
Mobile BVI, Guizhou Mobile BVI, Yunnan Mobile BVI, Xizang Mobile BVI,
Gansu Mobile BVI, Qinghai Mobile BVI, Ningxia Mobile BVI, Xinjiang Mobile BVI,
Zhongjing Design Institute BVI and CMC BVI
We refer to the circular (the Circular) dated 3 May 2004 issued by the Company to its Shareholders and, for information only, its Noteholders and Convertible Noteholders of which this letter forms part. The terms defined in the Circular shall have the same meanings when used in this letter, unless the context otherwise requires.
On 28 April 2004, the Board announced that the Company had entered into the Acquisition Agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire, and CMBVI agreed to sell, the entire issued share capital of each of Neimenggu Mobile BVI, Jilin Mobile BVI, Heilongjiang Mobile BVI, Guizhou Mobile BVI, Yunnan Mobile BVI, Xizang Mobile BVI, Gansu Mobile BVI, Qinghai Mobile BVI, Ningxia Mobile BVI, Xinjiang Mobile BVI, Zhongjing Design Institute BVI and CMC BVI, subject to certain conditions.
The Independent Board Committee was formed on 28 April 2004 to make a recommendation to the Independent Shareholders as to whether or not the terms of the Acquisition, from a financial perspective, are fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned, and whether or not the Acquisition is in the interests of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole. Rothschild has been retained as independent financial adviser to advise the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders on the fairness and reasonableness of the terms of the Acquisition from a financial perspective.
The terms and the reasons for the Acquisition (including arrangements regarding the financing of the Acquisition) are summarised in the Letter from the Chairman set out on pages 8 to 20 of the Circular.
As your Independent Board Committee, we have discussed with the management of the Company the reasons for the Acquisition and the basis upon which the terms of the Acquisition have been determined. We have also considered the key factors taken into account by Rothschild in arriving at its opinion regarding the terms of the Acquisition as set out in the letter from Rothschild on pages 23 to 40 of the Circular, which we urge you to read carefully.
21
LETTER FROM INDEPENDENT BOARD COMMITTEE
The Independent Board Committee, after taking advice from Rothschild, concurs with the views of Rothschild and considers, from a financial perspective, that the terms of the Acquisition Agreement are fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned, and in the interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the Independent Board Committee recommends that Independent Shareholders vote in favour of the ordinary resolution to approve the Acquisition, as detailed in the notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting set out at the end of the Circular.
Yours faithfully |
Lo Ka Shui |
Frank Wong Kwong Shing |
Moses Cheng Mo Chi |
Independent Board Committee |
22
LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
3 May 2004
To the Independent Board Committee
and the Independent Shareholders of
China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited
Dear Sir/Madam,
DISCLOSEABLE TRANSACTION
AND CONNECTED TRANSACTION
Acquisition of Neimenggu Mobile BVI, Jilin Mobile BVI, Heilongjiang
Mobile BVI, Guizhou Mobile BVI, Yunnan Mobile BVI, Xizang Mobile BVI,
Gansu Mobile BVI, Qinghai Mobile BVI, Ningxia Mobile BVI, Xinjiang Mobile BVI,
Zhongjing Design Institute BVI and CMC BVI
We refer to the Acquisition Agreement, details of which are contained in the circular (the Circular) of the Company dated 3 May 2004 to the Shareholders and, for information only, the Noteholders and the Convertible Noteholders, of which this letter forms part. Rothschild has been retained as the independent financial adviser by the Company to advise the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders as to whether or not the terms of the Acquisition, from a financial perspective, are fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned, and whether or not the Acquisition is in the interests of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole.
The terms used in this letter shall have the same meanings as defined elsewhere in the Circular unless the context otherwise requires.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, CMBVI owned approximately 75.7% of the issued share capital of the Company. Pursuant to the Listing Rules, the Acquisition constitutes both a discloseable and a connected transaction for the Company. Accordingly, the Acquisition is subject to, inter alia, the Independent Shareholders approval at the Extraordinary General Meeting to be taken by poll. CMBVI and its Associates will abstain from voting at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
In formulating our recommendation, we have relied on the information and facts supplied to us by the Company and have assumed that any information and representations made to us are true, accurate and complete in all material respects as at the date hereof and that they may be relied upon. We have also assumed that all information, representations and opinions contained or referred to in the Circular are fair and reasonable and have relied on them.
We have been advised by the Directors that no material facts have been omitted and we are not aware of any facts or circumstances which would render the information provided and the representations made to us untrue, inaccurate or misleading. We have no reason to doubt the truth, accuracy and completeness of the information and representations provided to us by the Board. The Directors have collectively and individually accepted full responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in the Circular and have confirmed, having made all reasonable enquiries, that to the best of their knowledge and belief, there
N M Rothschild & Sons (Hong Kong) Limited |
Telephone: (852) 2525-5333 | |
16th Floor, Alexandra House |
Fax: (852) 2868-1728 | |
1620 Chater Road Central |
(852) 2810-6997 | |
Hong Kong SAR |
23
LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
are no other facts the omission of which would make any statement in the Circular misleading. We consider that we have reviewed sufficient information to reach an informed view in order to provide a reasonable basis for our advice. We have not, however, conducted any independent in-depth investigation into the business and affairs of the Listed Group or the Target Group.
PRINCIPAL FACTORS AND REASONS
In arriving at our opinion, we have taken into consideration the following principal factors and reasons:
1. | Background and rationale |
Currently, the Listed Group provides mobile telecommunications services in 21 provinces, autonomous regions and directly administered municipalities in Mainland China. As noted in the Letter from the Chairman in the Circular, the Board is of the view that the completion of the Acquisition marks an important step for the Company as it enables the Listed Group to extend its network coverage and provide mobile services to all provinces, autonomous regions and directly administered municipalities throughout Mainland China. The Acquisition should also allow the Listed Group to consolidate its position as the market leader and further capitalise on the growth potential of the Chinese telecommunications industry, which should ultimately create value for its investors.
Each of the Target Provincial Companies is the leading provider of mobile telecommunications services in its respective operating region. Market shares for the Target Provincial Companies range from approximately 55.3% to 93.3% in their respective markets as at 31 December 2003 with a weighted average market share collectively of approximately 64.3%. The Acquisition will expand the areas where the Listed Group operates, and the population in such areas will increase from approximately 1.05 billion as at 31 December 2003, before the Acquisition, to approximately 1.29 billion as of such date after completion of the Acquisition. Total subscriber number of the Listed Group will increase from approximately 141.62 million as at 31 December 2003, before the Acquisition, to approximately 166.12 million as of such date after completion of the Acquisition, representing an increase of approximately 24.5 million subscribers or approximately 17.3%.
The Directors believe that, upon completion of the Acquisition, a continuous, nationwide network and service coverage in Mainland China will allow the Listed Group to better develop and execute a centralised strategy for an integrated business throughout the country, to provide better services to its customers, and to extract further value via enhanced economies of scale.
Currently, Mainland China is the largest telecommunications market in the world in terms of the overall number of subscribers. According to the MII, the number of mobile telecommunications subscribers has exceeded that of fixed line subscribers since October 2003. From the end of 2001 to the end of 2003, mobile telecommunications subscribers increased from approximately 145 million to approximately 269 million, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 36.2%, making the mobile telecommunications sector one of the fastest growing sectors within the telecommunications industry in Mainland China.
24
LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
Despite achieving such rapid growth, the overall mobile penetration rate in Mainland China remains relatively low at approximately 20.9% at the end of 2003, compared to the other Asian markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, with mobile penetration rates of approximately 106%, 83.5%, 62.7% and 69.6%, respectively, and the other international markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom with mobile penetration rates of approximately 51.9% and 88.5%, respectively, at the end of 2003. Furthermore, the weighted average mobile penetration rate for the regions in which the Target Provincial Companies operate is even lower, at approximately 16.8% at the end of 2003. As such, in addition to network and services extension, the Acquisition should also provide the Listed Group with an opportunity for future growth. Further background information on the Target Provincial Companies is set out in Appendix I to the Circular.
As part of the Acquisition, the Company will also acquire a 100% interest in each of CMC and Jingyi Design Institute. CMC provides certain network and business coordination functions for the Target Provincial Companies and the Listed Group. Given that the Listed Group, following the Acquisition, will have a nationwide network coverage and mobile services provisioning in Mainland China, accordingly, it is natural to consolidate and centralise these coordination functions under the same group. The integration of CMC is expected to enhance the Listed Groups abilities to implement its strategies for network expansion and upgrade in the future, improve management efficiencies and generate further operational synergies.
Jingyi Design Institute is a large-scale design institute providing telecommunications network design and consulting services. The addition of Jingyi Design Institute should enable the Listed Group to better control the quality of network construction, and achieve higher efficiencies.
On the above basis, we concur with the Boards view that the Acquisition represents an attractive opportunity for the Listed Group to consolidate its position as the market leader and further capitalise on the growth potential of the Chinese telecommunications industry. We also concur with the Board that this should in turn enhance the Listed Groups growth prospects, and ultimately create value for its investors.
2. | The Acquisition |
(a) | Assets to be acquired |
The Company has conditionally agreed to acquire from CMBVI the entire issued share capital of each of Neimenggu Mobile BVI, Jilin Mobile BVI, Heilongjiang Mobile BVI, Guizhou Mobile BVI, Yunnan Mobile BVI, Xizang Mobile BVI, Gansu Mobile BVI, Qinghai Mobile BVI, Ningxia Mobile BVI, Xinjiang Mobile BVI, Zhongjing Design Institute BVI and CMC BVI for a total consideration of US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$28,468.2 million). The only asset of each of the Target BVI Companies is its entire interest in the respective Target Companies.
Each of the 10 Target Provincial Companies is the leading provider of mobile telecommunications services in its respective geographical region and offers mobile communications services using GSM technology. Each of the Target Provincial Companies is also a major provider of wireless data and Internet Protocol communications services in its
25
LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
respective geographical region. The table below sets out the respective number of subscribers and the respective estimated market share of each of the Target Provincial Companies and the Listed Group as at 31 December 2003:
As at 31 December 2003 | ||||
Number of subscribers |
Market share (Note) | |||
(thousands) | (%) | |||
Neimenggu Mobile |
3,079 | 64.3 | ||
Jilin Mobile |
3,830 | 66.6 | ||
Heilongjiang Mobile |
4,923 | 58.5 | ||
Guizhou Mobile |
2,634 | 79.9 | ||
Yunnan Mobile |
4,249 | 67.6 | ||
Xizang Mobile |
309 | 93.3 | ||
Gansu Mobile |
1,714 | 61.9 | ||
Qinghai Mobile |
625 | 62.3 | ||
Ningxia Mobile |
805 | 65.7 | ||
Xinjiang Mobile |
2,329 | 55.3 | ||
Target combined |
24,497 | 64.3 | ||
The Listed Group |
141,616 | 64.8 |
Source: | Company |
Note: | Calculated based on the total number of mobile telecommunications subscribers in the relevant geographical regions as estimated by the Target Provincial Companies and the Listed Group (as the case may be). |
CMC carries out certain network and business coordination functions for the Target Provincial Companies and the Listed Group, including, among other things, the coordination of network operations, network construction projects and nation-wide advertising and marketing campaigns, the coordination of spectrum, the operation of national roaming settlement and billing backup facilities, research and development (including the setting and the coordination of technical specifications and standards) and certain administrative functions.
Jingyi Design Institute primarily provides design and consulting services for telecommunications operators. Its major customers include CMCC, China Telecommunications Corporation, China Unicom, China Netcom Group and China Satellite Communications Corporation. We note that Jingyi Design Institute has the capability and necessary qualifications to carry out large-scale and sophisticated work in the design of wireless and wireline telecommunications networks.
Further operational information on the Target Companies is set out in Appendix I to the Circular.
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
We summarise below the historical (a) revenue, (b) adjusted EBITDA, (c) net profit before revaluation deficit, and (d) net profit/(loss) of the Target Group for each of the three years ended 31 December 2003, which were extracted from or calculated based on Appendix II to the Circular.
Year ended 31 December |
|||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||||
Revenue |
|||||||
(RMB million) |
15,880 | 17,843 | 20,645 | ||||
(HK$ million) |
14,895 | 16,737 | 19,365 | ||||
(US$ million) |
1,919 | 2,156 | 2,494 | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
|||||||
(RMB million) |
7,479 | 8,373 | 9,385 | ||||
(HK$ million) |
7,015 | 7,854 | 8,803 | ||||
(US$ million) |
904 | 1,012 | 1,134 | ||||
Net profit before revaluation deficit (Note) |
|||||||
(RMB million) |
n.a. | n.a. | 2,112 | ||||
(HK$ million) |
n.a. | n.a. | 1,981 | ||||
(US$ million) |
n.a. | n.a. | 255 | ||||
Net profit/(loss) |
|||||||
(RMB million) |
2,593 | 2,214 | (1,358 | ) | |||
(HK$ million) |
2,432 | 2,077 | (1,274 | ) | |||
(US$ million) |
313 | 267 | (164 | ) |
Note: | In connection with the Acquisition, the Target Groups fixed assets were revalued as at 31 December 2003 as required by the relevant PRC rules and regulations, resulting in a revaluation deficit of approximately RMB3,470 million (equivalent to approximately HK$3,255 million) recorded on such date. |
It should be noted that the net loss of the Target Group for the year ended 31 December 2003 of approximately RMB1,358 million (equivalent to approximately HK$1,274 million) was due to the deduction of a deficit arising from the revaluation of certain fixed assets in relation to the Acquisition as required by the relevant PRC rules and regulations. Shareholders should note that such revaluation deficit is non-cash in nature and does not impact the cash flow of the Target Group. We note from Note (11) to the Accountants Report of the Target Group set out in Appendix II to the Circular that, other than revaluation carried out in compliance with relevant PRC rules and regulations, the Target Group has no plan to revalue its fixed assets on a regular basis. The net profit before revaluation deficit of the Target Group for the year ended 31 December 2003 was approximately RMB2,112 million (equivalent to approximately HK$1,981 million).
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
Based on the assumptions set out in Appendix V to the Circular, the Company and the Target Companies believe that the combined net profit and the combined adjusted EBITDA of the Target Group for the year ending 31 December 2004 is unlikely to be less than RMB3,117 million and RMB11,971 million, respectively, equivalent to approximately HK$2,924 million and approximately HK$11,229 million, respectively.
As at 31 December 2003, the combined net assets of the Target Group amounted to approximately RMB25,766 million (equivalent to approximately HK$24,168 million). Please refer to Appendix II to the Circular for the Accountants Report of the Target Group.
(b) | Basis of the consideration |
The Acquisition was negotiated and entered into on an arms length basis between the Company and CMBVI and based on normal commercial terms. We understand that the total consideration of US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$28,468.2 million) was determined based on various factors, including the quality of the assets being acquired and their long-term growth prospects, their current and future earnings potential, current financial positions and future investment needs, as well as by reference to other financial and operational factors. In addition, the Company will also assume the net indebtedness of the Target Companies of approximately RMB3,878 million (equivalent to approximately US$469 million or approximately HK$3,638 million) as at 31 December 2003.
(c) | Financing of the consideration |
Under the Acquisition Agreement, the total consideration for the Acquisition of US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$28,468.2 million) will be satisfied by the payment of an initial consideration in cash to CMBVI of US$2,000 million (equivalent to approximately HK$15,599.0 million) upon completion of the Acquisition, and a deferred consideration of US$1,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$12,869.2 million). The initial payment represents approximately 54.8% of the total consideration for the Acquisition.
The Company intends to finance the initial consideration of US$2,000 million (equivalent to approximately HK$15,599.0 million) by using existing internal cash resources. We note from Appendix III to the Circular that the Listed Group had a cash position (including cash, cash equivalents and bank deposits) of approximately RMB56,356 million (equivalent to approximately HK$52,862 million) and a net cash position (being total cash less total debt) of approximately RMB11,756 million (equivalent to approximately HK$11,027 million) as at 31 December 2003.
The deferred consideration is payable 15 years after the date of completion of the Acquisition. The Company intends to finance the deferred consideration using internal cash resources and/or proceeds from future external financing, which may include bank financing, the possible issuance of bonds or other sources.
The deferred consideration is subject to interest payable semi-annually to CMBVI on the actual amount of deferred consideration remaining unpaid from the date of completion of the Acquisition, calculated on a daily accrual basis and at the two-year US dollar LIBOR swap rate
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
at 11 a.m. (New York City time) on 26 April 2004, being the second Business Day preceding the date of the Acquisition Agreement for the first two years after completion of the Acquisition. Thereafter, the interest rate is adjusted every two years to equal the two-year US dollar LIBOR swap rate prevailing at 11 a.m. (New York City time) on the relevant Interest Determination Date.
It is noted that the deferred consideration is subordinated to other senior debts of the Company incurred from time to time including, but not by this reference limited to, the US$600 million Notes and the US$690 million Convertible Notes issued by the Company in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
The Company may make early payment of all or part of the deferred consideration, from time to time, at any time after completion of the Acquisition in its absolute discretion without penalty. Such early payment can be made only if it does not have a significant impact on the Companys ability to repay any senior debt to which the deferred consideration is subordinated.
We consider the financing structure for the Acquisition is favourable in particular for the following reasons:
| the deferred payment mechanism provides a 15 year payment period for the deferred consideration and an early payment option without penalty, thereby ensuring the Company considerable funding flexibility; |
| the payment mechanism utilises the considerable cash resources of the Company and effectively utilises available resources of the Combined Group; |
| the deferred payment provides an opportunity to optimise the current capital structure of the Company; and |
| the payment provides financing at more favourable rates than financing via debt or bank loans at present market rates. |
(d) | Valuation of the Target Group |
The total consideration for the Acquisition of US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$28,468.2 million) implies an enterprise value (EV) for the Target Group of approximately US$4,119 million (equivalent to approximately HK$32,122 million), being the equity value (the total consideration to be paid for the Acquisition) plus net debt of the Target Group to be assumed by the Listed Group of approximately RMB3,878 million (equivalent to approximately US$469 million or approximately HK$3,638 million).
We have analysed the consideration for the Acquisition using three valuation methodologies, namely discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, comparable company analysis and recent merger and acquisition transactions of mobile companies.
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
(i) | Discounted cash flow analysis |
We have used DCF analysis as a primary valuation tool as it reflects the future cash flows of the Target Group, taking into account the characteristics of the market, competition in the sector, regulatory environment, the Target Groups cost structure and capital expenditure requirements as well as the profile of the subscriber bases.
Our DCF model is driven by the parameters from the long-term business plans and forecasts of the Target Group obtained from the Target Group and/or the Company. We have reviewed the key assumptions and operating benchmarks of the Target Group, and compared our forecasts against the key business assumptions provided by the Company in the context of the overall Mainland China mobile market conditions, as well as researching the performance of other mobile operators in comparable markets.
The enterprise value of approximately US$4,119 million (equivalent to approximately HK$32,122 million) for the Acquisition implied by the consideration is reasonable in the context of our DCF valuation.
(ii) | Comparable company analysis |
We have conducted comparable company analysis using ratios commonly applied in the telecommunications industry, in particular price/earnings and EV/EBITDA multiples. Price/earnings and EV/EBITDA multiples are the most commonly used comparable company multiples in the telecoms sector. We have also used EV/subscriber as a further cross check, though it is less relevant in comparing companies across markets with different wealth and telecoms market dynamics. Price/net book value ratio has not been relied upon as it is not particularly useful in analysing companies in a high growth and capital intensive sector such as telecommunications, and does not take account of differences in accounting treatments for depreciation in different countries.
The consideration of US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$28,468.2 million) and enterprise value of approximately US$4,119 million (equivalent to approximately HK$32,122 million) for the Acquisition implies a 2004 price/earnings of approximately 9.69 times, a 2004 EV/EBITDA of approximately 2.85 times and a 2004 EV/subscriber of approximately US$142 (equivalent to approximately HK$1,127), based on the combined 2004 forecast net profit of RMB3,117 million (equivalent to approximately HK$2,924 million), the combined 2004 forecast adjusted EBITDA of RMB11,971 million (equivalent to approximately HK$11,229 million), and the estimated subscriber number of 28.93 million as of 31 December 2004 for the Target Group as set out in the Letter from the Chairman in the Circular.
Since the Target Group shares a number of characteristics with CMHK in terms of market position, relative ARPU levels and quality of subscriber base, and like CMHK is exclusively engaged in providing mobile services in China, we consider that CMHK represents the best comparable for the Target Group. Based on the closing price of HK$20.80 per share of CMHK on 27 April 2004, the 2004 price/earnings, EV/EBITDA
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
and EV/subscriber multiples implied by the Acquisition represent a discount of approximately 17.1%, 35.4% and 53.9%, respectively, to CMHKs corresponding estimated multiples (see table below). Based on the one calendar month average closing price of HK$22.39 per share of CMHK from 28 March 2004 to 27 April 2004, the 2004 price/earnings, EV/EBITDA and EV/subscriber multiples implied by the Acquisition represent a discount of approximately 23.0%, 40.1% and 57.2%, respectively, to CMHKs corresponding estimated multiples (see table below).
China Unicom, another Hong Kong listed telecommunications operator with a mobile business in Mainland China, is also considered to be a close comparable to the Target Group. We note that China Unicom is less comparable than CMHK for the purpose of valuing the Target Group, partly due to the fact that it is an integrated provider of telecommunications services, offering long distance, data and Internet services as well. Nonetheless, it is noted that China Unicom recently sold its paging business, and therefore mobile services constitute an increasing majority of its businesses. Based on the closing price of HK$6.40 per share of China Unicom on 27 April 2004, the 2004 price/earnings and EV/EBITDA multiples implied by the Acquisition represent a discount of approximately 28.3% and 33.4%, respectively, to China Unicoms corresponding estimated multiples; while the 2004 EV/subscriber implied by the Acquisition represents a slight premium of approximately 3.7% to China Unicoms estimated EV/subscriber (see table below). Based on the one calendar month average closing price of HK$6.93 per share of China Unicom from 28 March 2004 to 27 April 2004, the 2004 price/earnings, EV/EBITDA and EV/subscriber multiples implied by the Acquisition represent a discount of approximately 32.9%, 36.5% and 1.4%, respectively, to China Unicoms corresponding estimated multiples (see table below).
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
Price/forecast earnings 2004 (full year) |
EV/forecast EBITDA 2004 (full year) |
EV/estimated subscribers (end of 2004) |
|||||||
(times)(3) | (times)(3) | (US$)(3) | |||||||
Target Group |
9.69 | 2.85 | 142 | ||||||
Based on 27 April 2004 closing share prices(1) |
|||||||||
CMHK |
11.69 | 4.41 | 308 | ||||||
China Unicom |
13.51 | 4.28 | 137 | ||||||
Acquisition discount/(premium) to CMHK |
17.1 | % | 35.4 | % | 53.9 | % | |||
Acquisition discount/(premium) to China Unicom |
28.3 | % | 33.4 | % | (3.7 | )% | |||
Based on one calendar month average closing share prices(2) |
|||||||||
CMHK |
12.59 | 4.76 | 332 | ||||||
China Unicom |
14.43 | 4.49 | 144 | ||||||
Acquisition discount/(premium) to CMHK |
23.0 | % | 40.1 | % | 57.2 | % | |||
Acquisition discount/(premium) to China Unicom |
32.9 | % | 36.5 | % | 1.4 | % |
Notes:
1. | Closing share prices for CMHK and China Unicom as of 27 April 2004 (the last trading day prior to the date of the Acquisition Agreement) (Source: Bloomberg). |
2. | One calendar month average closing share prices for CMHK and China Unicom are calculated based on the closing share prices from 28 March 2004 to 27 April 2004 for the respective companies (Source: Bloomberg). |
3. | Forecast 2004 earnings (full year), 2004 EBITDA (full year) and 2004 year end subscriber numbers for CMHK and China Unicom are based on consensus brokers estimates. |
We have also prepared a list of comparable public mobile companies, which are further divided into four broad categories mobile companies in developing Asia, other emerging markets, developed Asia and developed Europe/America. These operators show a varying degree of common characteristics with the Target Group in terms of penetration rate, levels of income, ARPU and growth potential. These factors have been taken into account in our valuation assessment. The valuation benchmarks implied by the consideration for the Acquisition are reasonable when compared to the mean of the comparable company trading multiples.
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
(iii) | Comparable transaction analysis |
Our analysis also includes research into recent merger and acquisition transactions in the global mobile sector. The following table sets out our findings:
Transaction year price/ earnings (full year) |
Transaction year EV/ EBITDA (full year) |
Transaction year EV/ subscriber (year end) | ||||
(times) | (times) | (US$) | ||||
Recent cellular transactions worldwide |
||||||
High |
21.39 | 8.90 | 2,000 | |||
Low |
9.53 | 3.07 | 135 | |||
Mean |
15.61 | 6.35 | 999 |
We consider that the valuation benchmarks implied by the consideration under the Acquisition Agreement are reasonable when compared to recent merger and acquisition transactions in the global mobile sector.
Benchmarks derived from comparable transaction analysis do not take into account regulatory, accounting, economic and competitive differences in various countries. Our list of mobile transactions includes targets in developed and developing countries with a mixture of penetration rates, ARPU and levels of income. We have taken into account relative subscriber growth and ARPU levels in our analysis of these valuation benchmarks.
We have also considered the previous provincial asset acquisitions undertaken by CMHK in 1999, 2000 and 2002. However, we do not consider the pricing of the 1999 and 2000 acquisitions to be directly comparable when considering the Acquisition, as market valuation has changed significantly since these acquisitions were completed. In particular, price/earnings, EV/EBITDA and EV/subscriber multiples for the telecoms sector are significantly lower than in 1999 and 2000, which reflects the re-rating of telecommunications stocks by investors. When compared to the 2002 acquisition undertaken by CMHK, the 2004 price/earnings, EV/EBITDA and EV/subscriber multiples implied by the Acquisition represent a discount of approximately 23.7%, 45.2% and 60.1%, respectively.
On the basis of the above analyses under which, in particular: (i) the EV of the Target Group based on the consideration for the Acquisition is reasonable in the context of our DCF valuation; (ii) the implied 2004 price/earnings and EV/EBITDA multiples for the Acquisition are at an overall discount to the corresponding multiples of CMHK and China Unicom, the closest comparable companies to the Target Group; and (iii) the implied 2004 price/earnings, EV/EBITDA and EV/subscriber multiples for the Acquisition are reasonable when compared to the
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
recent merger and acquisition transactions in the global mobile sector and the 2002 acquisition undertaken by the Company, we consider the consideration for the Acquisition to be fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned.
(e) | Conditions of the Acquisition |
Completion of the Acquisition Agreement is conditional upon fulfilment of various conditions on or before 30 September 2004 or such other date as CMBVI and the Company may agree. These conditions include the approval of the Acquisition by the Independent Shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting, no material adverse changes to the financial and operational conditions and prospects of the Target Companies, and the receipt of various PRC regulatory approvals and registrations.
3. | Pro forma effects on the Listed Group |
We have conducted various analyses on the pro forma effects of the Acquisition on the Listed Group, which were prepared, for illustrative purposes only, based on the audited financials of the Target Group and the Listed Group and the unaudited pro forma financials of the Combined Group as set out in Appendices II to IV to the Circular. It should be noted that the pro forma figures in the Circular were prepared by the management of the Listed Group on the basis and assumptions as set out in Appendix IV to the Circular.
We summarise in the following table the key financial information of the Listed Group, before and after completion of the Acquisition, the cash payment of the initial consideration and the deferred consideration in relation to the Acquisition, which we have used in our demonstration of the pro forma effects of the Acquisition on the Listed Group. As discussed above, the following pro forma figures of the Combined Group were prepared based on various assumptions, including:
(a) | for the purpose of profit and loss analysis, the Acquisition had taken place on 1 January 2003 and for the purpose of balance sheet analysis, the Acquisition had taken place on 31 December 2003; |
(b) | the total consideration for the Acquisition is US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$28,468.2 million), including an initial consideration of US$2,000 million (equivalent to approximately HK$15,599.0 million) paid using existing internal cash resources of the Listed Group; and |
(c) | the deferred consideration is US$1,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$12,869.2 million) with an interest rate of 2.595% per annum, being the two-year US dollar LIBOR swap rate at 11 am (New York City time) on 26 April 2004. The interest expense is not deductible for taxation purposes. |
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
Year ended 31 December 2003 | ||||
The Listed Group |
The Combined Group | |||
(Actual) | (Pro forma) | |||
Revenue |
||||
(RMB million) |
158,604 | 179,068 | ||
(HK$ million) |
148,770 | 167,965 | ||
(US$ million) |
19,163 | 21,635 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA |
||||
(RMB million) |
92,278 | 101,663 | ||
(HK$ million) |
86,557 | 95,360 | ||
(US$ million) |
11,149 | 12,283 | ||
Net profit before revaluation deficit |
||||
(RMB million) |
35,556 | 37,467 | ||
(HK$ million) |
33,351 | 35,144 | ||
(US$ million) |
4,296 | 4,527 | ||
Net profit |
||||
(RMB million) |
35,556 | 33,997 | ||
(HK$ million) |
33,351 | 31,889 | ||
(US$ million) |
4,296 | 4,108 | ||
Net interest expense |
||||
(RMB million) |
1,292 | 1,889 | ||
(HK$ million) |
1,212 | 1,772 | ||
(US$ million) |
156 | 228 | ||
Interest coverage(1) |
||||
(times) |
71.4 | 53.8 |
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
As at 31 December 2003 |
||||||
The Listed Group |
The Combined Group |
|||||
(Actual) | (Pro forma) | |||||
Net assets |
||||||
(RMB million) |
198,803 | 198,803 | ||||
(HK$ million) |
186,477 | 186,477 | ||||
(US$ million) |
24,020 | 24,020 | ||||
Net assets per Share |
||||||
(RMB) |
10.11 | 10.11 | ||||
(HK$) |
9.48 | 9.48 | ||||
(US$) |
1.22 | 1.22 | ||||
Total debt(2) |
||||||
(RMB million) |
44,600 | 63,430 | ||||
(HK$ million) |
41,835 | 59,497 | ||||
(US$ million) |
5,389 | 7,664 | ||||
Net debt/(cash)(3) |
||||||
(RMB million) |
(11,756 | ) | 22,332 | |||
(HK$ million) |
(11,027 | ) | 20,947 | |||
(US$ million) |
(1,420 | ) | 2,698 | |||
Shareholders funds |
||||||
(RMB million) |
198,803 | 198,803 | ||||
(HK$ million) |
186,477 | 186,477 | ||||
(US$ million) |
24,020 | 24,020 | ||||
Total debt/Total capitalisation(4) |
18.3 | % | 24.2 | % | ||
Net debt/Shareholders funds |
-5.9 | % | 11.2 | % |
Notes:
1. | Adjusted EBITDA divided by net interest expense. |
2. | Sum of bank loans and other interest-bearing borrowings, bills payable, obligations under finance leases, and long term amount due to immediate holding companies. |
3. | Total debt less cash, cash equivalents and bank deposits. |
4. | Total capitalisation is the sum of total debt and shareholders funds. |
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
Adjusted EBITDA and earnings
Following completion of the Acquisition, the Target Companies will become indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, and the financials of the Target Companies will be consolidated into the financial statements of the Combined Group.
As set out in the above table, the pro forma adjusted EBITDA of the Combined Group would be approximately HK$95,360 million for the year ended 31 December 2003, which represents an increase of approximately 10.2% from the actual adjusted EBITDA of the Listed Group (without taking into account the Acquisition) of approximately HK$86,557 million for the same period. The pro forma net profit before revaluation deficit for the Combined Group would be approximately HK$35,144 million for the year ended 31 December 2003, which also represents an increase of approximately 5.4% from the actual results of the Listed Group (without taking into account the Acquisition) of approximately HK$33,351 million for the same period. The pro forma net profit for the Combined Group would be reduced by approximately 4.4% to approximately HK$31,889 million after completion of the Acquisition. The Independent Shareholders should note that such reduction was primarily due to the deduction of a deficit arising from the revaluation of certain fixed assets of the Target Group in relation to the Acquisition as required by the relevant PRC rules and regulations which is non-cash in nature and does not impact the cash flow of the Combined Group.
Net assets and goodwill
The pro forma net assets of the Combined Group would remain unchanged following completion of the Acquisition. However, the net tangible assets of the Combined Group (calculated by deducting goodwill and net deferred tax assets from net assets) would decrease, mainly due to a goodwill recorded as a result of the Acquisition, to approximately HK$147,027 million as at 31 December 2003, which is approximately 2.8% lower than the actual net tangible assets of approximately HK$151,265 million reported by the Listed Group (without taking into account the Acquisition) as of the same date. Relatively, the pro forma net tangible asset value per Share of the Combined Group would be approximately HK$7.47 as at 31 December 2003, representing a decrease of approximately 2.8% from the actual net tangible asset value per Share of approximately HK$7.69 of the Listed Group (without taking into account the Acquisition) as of the same date.
Assuming the Acquisition took place on 1 January 2003, a goodwill of approximately HK$4,168 million would be created as the difference between the total consideration of US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately HK$28,468.2 million) paid for the Acquisition and the fair value of the underlying net assets of the Target Group. This amount would be accrued and amortised on a straight line basis over 20 years, resulting in an annual amortisation charge of approximately HK$208 million. Such annual amortisation charge is expected to reduce the effect of the net profit contribution of the Target Group to the Combined Group in consolidation. Such amortisation charge
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
represents an amount of approximately HK$0.01 per Share. However, it should be noted that the amortisation charge is non-cash in nature and will not affect the underlying cash flow of the Combined Group.
Gearing
The pro forma total debt of the Combined Group would be approximately HK$59,497 million as at 31 December 2003, representing an increase of approximately 42.2% from the actual total debt of approximately HK$41,835 million reported at the same date. The pro forma net debt would increase to approximately HK$20,947 million from the net cash position as at 31 December 2003, as a net result of financing the initial consideration with the existing cash resources of the Listed Group, increasing the Listed Groups total debt by the deferred consideration and taking on the net indebtedness of the Target Companies. The pro forma net gearing of the Combined Group, defined as net debt divided by shareholders funds, would be approximately 11.2% as at 31 December 2003, compared to the actual net cash position of the Listed Group as of the same day. As also noted in the above table, the total debt/total capitalisation ratio would increase from approximately 18.3% to approximately 24.2%. However, we consider that the pro forma net gearing level of the Combined Group is at a comfortable level compared to other mobile operators around the world. Furthermore, the pro forma total cash of the Combined Group would be approximately RMB41,098 million (equivalent to approximately HK$38,550 million).
Interest cover
As noted in the above table, the pro forma net interest expenses of the Combined Group for the year ended 31 December 2003 would be approximately HK$1,772 million, increased from the Listed Groups actual net financing costs of approximately HK$1,212 million for the same period. This is mainly attributable to the reduction in interest income for the cash payment of the initial consideration and increased interest expense for the deferred consideration as a result of the Acquisition. Accordingly, the Companys interest cover, defined as the adjusted EBITDA over net interest expenses, would decrease from approximately 71.4 times to approximately 53.8 times for the year ended 31 December 2003. Although the interest cover would be decreased as a result of the Acquisition, we are of the view that such coverage ratio for the Combined Group remains at a comfortable level.
Shareholding
CMCCs shareholding in the Company will not be changed as a result of the Acquisition.
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
SUMMARY
Having considered the above principal factors and reasons, we would draw your attention to the following key factors in arriving at our recommendation:
(a) | the Acquisition will allow the Company to extend its network and service coverage throughout Mainland China, consolidate the Companys position as the market leader, further capitalise on the growth potential of the Chinese telecommunications industry, and should ultimately create value for its investors; |
(b) | the Acquisition was negotiated on an arms length basis. The financing of the consideration provides favourable terms, ensures considerable funding flexibility to the Company, effectively utilises its available resources, and provides an opportunity to optimise the capital structure of the Company; |
(c) | the valuation of the Target Group implied by the consideration for the Acquisition (i) is reasonable in the context of our DCF valuation; (ii) represents a discount to the corresponding multiples of CMHK and China Unicom, the closest comparable companies to the Target Group; and (iii) is reasonable when compared to the recent merger and acquisition transactions in the global mobile sector and the provincial asset acquisition undertaken by CMHK in 2002; |
(d) | the pro forma net profit of the Combined Group before revaluation deficit would increase; while the pro forma net profit of the Combined Group would decrease primarily due to revaluation deficit of the Target Group, if the Acquisition had taken place on 1 January 2003; |
(e) | the pro forma net asset value of the Combined Group would remain unchanged, and the pro forma net tangible asset value of the Combined Group would decrease on both total and per Share basis as a result of the goodwill recorded for the Acquisition; |
(f) | although the Combined Group would have a higher gearing and a lower interest cover following completion of the Acquisition, we are of the view that both would be at a comfortable level; and |
(g) | CMCC will remain as the controlling Shareholder. |
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LETTER FROM ROTHSCHILD
RECOMMENDATION
Having considered the above principal factors and reasons, we consider, from a financial perspective, the terms of the Acquisition Agreement to be fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned, and are in the interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, we advise the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders that the Independent Shareholders should vote in favour of the ordinary resolution to approve the Acquisition, as detailed in the notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting set out at the end of the Circular.
Yours very truly,
For and on behalf of
N M Rothschild & Sons (Hong Kong) Limited
Kelvin Chau
Director
40
APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
The telecommunications industry in Mainland China has experienced rapid growth over the last three years. Mainland China is the worlds largest telecommunications market in terms of the overall number of subscribers. According to the MII, fixed line subscribers increased from approximately 180 million at the end of 2001 to approximately 263 million at the end of 2003 with an average compound growth rate of approximately 20.8% per annum. Over the same period, mobile telecommunications subscribers increased from approximately 145 million to approximately 269 million with an average compound growth rate of approximately 36.2% per annum. Since October 2003, the total number of mobile telecommunications subscribers has exceeded the total number of fixed line subscribers. The mobile telecommunications sector is one of the fastest growing sectors within the telecommunications industry in Mainland China.
Even though there has been rapid growth in the number of mobile telecommunications subscribers in recent years, the mobile penetration rate in Mainland China is still relatively low compared with other more developed international markets. Given the rapid growth of the economy in Mainland China, the mobile telecommunications market has significant potential for future growth.
Currently, the principal operators in the mobile telecommunications industry in Mainland China are CMCC (including the Listed Group) and China Unicom. China Telecommunications Corporation, China Netcom Group and China Railcom are the principal operators in the wireline telecommunications industry in Mainland China.
The MII regulates the telecommunications industry and provides industry policy guidance as well as exercising regulatory authority over all telecommunications service providers in Mainland China.
I-1
APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
MARKET ENVIRONMENT OF THE TARGET PROVINCIAL COMPANIES
As of 31 December 2003, the total population in the ten provinces and autonomous regions in which the Target Provincial Companies operate was approximately 231 million, the GDP per capita was approximately RMB7,292, and the weighted average fixed line and mobile penetration rates were approximately 16.3% and 16.8%, respectively. The following table sets forth certain market environment data for Neimenggu (Inner Mongolia), Jilin, Heilongjiang, Guizhou, Yunnan, Xizang (Tibet), Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang for the periods indicated:
As of or for the year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
Population (in thousands)(1) |
||||||
Neimenggu (Inner Mongolia) |
23,775 | 23,786 | 23,878 | |||
Jilin |
26,908 | 26,994 | 27,037 | |||
Heilongjiang |
38,110 | 38,130 | 38,150 | |||
Guizhou |
37,985 | 38,373 | 38,765 | |||
Yunnan |
42,874 | 43,331 | 43,756 | |||
Xizang (Tibet) |
2,630 | 2,670 | 2,710 | |||
Gansu |
25,753 | 25,926 | 26,033 | |||
Qinghai |
5,231 | 5,286 | 5,338 | |||
Ningxia |
5,632 | 5,715 | 5,799 | |||
Xinjiang |
18,760 | 19,050 | 19,340 | |||
Total |
227,658 | 229,261 | 230,806 | |||
GDP per capita (RMB)(1) |
||||||
Neimenggu (Inner Mongolia) |
6,502 | 7,291 | 8,765 | |||
Jilin |
7,553 | 8,321 | 9,327 | |||
Heilongjiang |
9,344 | 10,181 | 11,620 | |||
Guizhou |
2,856 | 3,088 | 3,339 | |||
Yunnan |
4,839 | 5,152 | 5,619 | |||
Xizang (Tibet) |
5,247 | 6,030 | 6,716 | |||
Gansu |
4,165 | 4,480 | 4,998 | |||
Qinghai |
5,754 | 6,451 | 7,308 | |||
Ningxia |
5,291 | 5,757 | 6,639 | |||
Xinjiang |
7,918 | 8,390 | 9,157 | |||
Weighted average |
5,971 | 6,486 | 7,292 | |||
Fixed line penetration rate (%)(2) |
||||||
Neimenggu (Inner Mongolia) |
10.8 | 13.1 | 18.1 | |||
Jilin |
15.3 | 17.7 | 22.1 | |||
Heilongjiang |
15.1 | 17.5 | 23.0 | |||
Guizhou |
6.0 | 7.2 | 8.7 | |||
Yunnan |
8.3 | 10.2 | 11.1 | |||
Xizang (Tibet) |
5.8 | 7.5 | 10.3 | |||
Gansu |
9.6 | 12.5 | 15.5 | |||
Qinghai |
9.0 | 11.0 | 14.4 | |||
Ningxia |
12.4 | 15.0 | 17.5 | |||
Xinjiang |
12.1 | 16.9 | 21.6 | |||
Weighted average |
10.7 | 13.0 | 16.3 | |||
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
As of or for the year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
Mobile penetration rate (%)(2) |
||||||
Neimenggu (Inner Mongolia) |
9.6 | 14.6 | 19.8 | |||
Jilin |
12.3 | 17.1 | 23.3 | |||
Heilongjiang |
13.3 | 17.8 | 22.3 | |||
Guizhou |
4.8 | 6.5 | 8.6 | |||
Yunnan |
7.9 | 11.7 | 14.3 | |||
Xizang (Tibet) |
4.3 | 8.0 | 12.0 | |||
Gansu |
5.6 | 8.0 | 10.6 | |||
Qinghai |
8.8 | 14.7 | 18.6 | |||
Ningxia |
7.7 | 13.1 | 21.2 | |||
Xinjiang |
9.4 | 15.8 | 21.9 | |||
Weighted average |
8.9 | 12.8 | 16.8 | |||
(1) Sources: | 2001 and 2002 Provincial Statistical Yearbooks with respect to the data for the years 2001 and 2002. The data for the year 2003 are estimated by the Target Provincial Companies. |
(2) Sources: | Calculated according to data published by the MII. |
OPERATIONS OF THE TARGET PROVINCIAL COMPANIES
The Target Provincial Companies are the leading providers of mobile telecommunications services in the respective provinces or autonomous regions in which they operate. The Target Provincial Companies currently offer mobile telecommunications services using GSM technology, and their networks cover virtually all of the cities and counties and the major roads and highways within their respective geographic regions. Each of the Target Provincial Companies is also a major provider of wireless data services and an important provider of Internet Protocol (IP) telecommunications services within the geographical region in which it operates.
1. | Key Operating Data |
The Target Provincial Companies had a total of approximately 24.50 million mobile telecommunications subscribers as of 31 December 2003. Their estimated weighted average market share of mobile telecommunications subscribers was approximately 64.3% in the regions in which they operate as of 31 December 2003.
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
The following table sets out certain summary aggregated operating and other data of the Target Provincial Companies:
As of or for the year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
Subscribers (in thousands) |
13,849 | 18,928 | 24,497 | |||
Contract Subscribers(1) |
6,804 | 6,955 | 6,990 | |||
Prepaid Subscribers(1) |
7,045 | 11,973 | 17,507 | |||
Market share (%)(2) |
70.4 | 66.2 | 64.3 | |||
Total minutes of usage (in millions) |
30,805 | 47,441 | 69,169 | |||
Average usage per user per month (minutes/user/month) |
231 | 241 | 265 | |||
Contract Subscribers(1) |
317 | 364 | 425 | |||
Prepaid Subscribers(1) |
137 | 152 | 190 | |||
Average revenue per user per month (RMB/user/month) |
119 | 91 | 79 | |||
Contract Subscribers(1) |
169 | 143 | 141 | |||
Prepaid Subscribers(1) |
64 | 53 | 50 |
(1) | For management reference purposes, contract subscribers are classified to include GoTone subscribers and subscribers who have signed service contracts with the Target Provincial Companies; while prepaid subscribers are classified to include subscribers of Shenzhouxing, M-Zone and local brands or packages targeting low usage volume users. |
(2) | Calculated based on the total number of mobile telecommunications subscribers in the relevant geographical regions as estimated by the Target Provincial Companies. |
The following table sets forth the respective number of subscribers and market share of the Target Provincial Companies for the dates indicated:
As of 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
Subscribers (in thousands) |
||||||
Neimenggu Mobile |
1,512 | 2,177 | 3,079 | |||
Jilin Mobile |
2,297 | 3,040 | 3,830 | |||
Heilongjiang Mobile |
3,242 | 4,106 | 4,923 | |||
Guizhou Mobile |
1,245 | 1,863 | 2,634 | |||
Yunnan Mobile |
2,652 | 3,469 | 4,249 | |||
Xizang Mobile |
113 | 207 | 309 | |||
Gansu Mobile |
1,000 | 1,324 | 1,714 | |||
Qinghai Mobile |
319 | 496 | 625 | |||
Ningxia Mobile |
267 | 467 | 805 | |||
Xinjiang Mobile |
1,202 | 1,779 | 2,329 |
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
As of 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
Market share (%)(1) |
||||||
Neimenggu Mobile |
72.4 | 68.6 | 64.3 | |||
Jilin Mobile |
67.2 | 65.7 | 66.6 | |||
Heilongjiang Mobile |
66.2 | 62.4 | 58.5 | |||
Guizhou Mobile |
73.7 | 75.8 | 79.9 | |||
Yunnan Mobile |
78.5 | 69.0 | 67.6 | |||
Xizang Mobile |
100.0 | 98.2 | 93.3 | |||
Gansu Mobile |
69.9 | 63.9 | 61.9 | |||
Qinghai Mobile |
75.9 | 64.2 | 62.3 | |||
Ningxia Mobile |
64.1 | 66.9 | 65.7 | |||
Xinjiang Mobile |
66.3 | 59.9 | 55.3 |
(1) | Calculated based on the total number of mobile telecommunications subscribers in the relevant geographical regions as estimated by the Target Provincial Companies. |
The market demand for mobile telecommunications services in the regions in which the Target Provincial Companies operate remains strong, and the number of subscribers of each of the Target Provincial Companies has grown significantly during the period from 2001 to 2003. However, due to increased competition during the period from 2001 to 2003, the market share of mobile telecommunications subscribers of some of the Target Provincial Companies has slightly decreased. Nonetheless, each of the Target Provincial Companies continues to be the leading provider of mobile telecommunications services in its respective region.
The following table sets forth other selected key operating data of the Target Provincial Companies for the periods indicated:
Year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
Total minutes of usage (in millions) |
||||||
Neimenggu Mobile |
3,035 | 5,088 | 7,163 | |||
Jilin Mobile |
5,088 | 6,410 | 11,227 | |||
Heilongjiang Mobile |
7,287 | 10,228 | 13,940 | |||
Guizhou Mobile |
2,779 | 5,883 | 9,264 | |||
Yunnan Mobile |
6,345 | 9,245 | 11,577 | |||
Xizang Mobile |
383 | 388 | 624 | |||
Gansu Mobile |
1,824 | 2,887 | 5,471 | |||
Qinghai Mobile |
640 | 1,182 | 1,348 | |||
Ningxia Mobile |
634 | 1,170 | 1,842 | |||
Xinjiang Mobile |
2,790 | 4,960 | 6,713 |
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
Year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
Average usage per user per month (minutes/user/month) | ||||||
Neimenggu Mobile |
233 | 230 | 227 | |||
Jilin Mobile |
225 | 200 | 272 | |||
Heilongjiang Mobile |
221 | 232 | 257 | |||
Guizhou Mobile |
247 | 315 | 343 | |||
Yunnan Mobile |
245 | 252 | 250 | |||
Xizang Mobile |
372 | 202 | 202 | |||
Gansu Mobile |
185 | 207 | 300 | |||
Qinghai Mobile |
248 | 241 | 200 | |||
Ningxia Mobile |
250 | 266 | 241 | |||
Xinjiang Mobile |
236 | 277 | 272 | |||
Average revenue per user per month (RMB/user/month) | ||||||
Neimenggu Mobile |
120 | 89 | 72 | |||
Jilin Mobile |
126 | 87 | 75 | |||
Heilongjiang Mobile |
97 | 80 | 74 | |||
Guizhou Mobile |
115 | 101 | 84 | |||
Yunnan Mobile |
111 | 82 | 76 | |||
Xizang Mobile |
252 | 195 | 144 | |||
Gansu Mobile |
110 | 90 | 85 | |||
Qinghai Mobile |
142 | 94 | 74 | |||
Ningxia Mobile |
138 | 104 | 85 | |||
Xinjiang Mobile |
149 | 105 | 90 |
As the penetration rate of mobile subscribers increases, the subscriber base of each of the Target Provincial Companies has grown rapidly. Although there has been an increase in the proportion of low-usage subscribers in the subscriber base, resulting in a decline in the average revenue per user per month for the Target Provincial Companies, the total minutes of usage and the total operating revenue of the Target Provincial Companies have increased significantly from 2001 to 2003.
The weighted average monthly churn rates (excluding internal switching between different services offered by the Target Provincial Companies) of the Target Provincial Companies for 2002 and 2003 were approximately 1.28% and 1.33%, respectively.
2. | Services and Products |
The services of the Target Provincial Companies primarily include voice-related services and data services.
(i) | Voice-related Services of the Target Provincial Companies |
The voice-related services of the Target Provincial Companies include basic voice-related services and value-added voice services. Basic voice-related services enable subscribers to make and receive calls with a mobile phone at any point within the coverage area of the mobile telecommunications network. Such services include local calls, domestic long distance calls,
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
international long distance calls, intra-provincial roaming, inter-provincial roaming and international roaming. The Target Provincial Companies also provide IP-based long distance call services, which allow users to make domestic and international long distance calls at a relatively lower cost. The IP-based long distance call services of the Target Provincial Companies cover their entire respective service areas. Value-added voice services mainly include caller identity display, call waiting, call forwarding, call holding, voice mail, personalised ringing tones and others.
(ii) | Data Services of the Target Provincial Companies |
(a) | Mobile Data Businesses |
Each of the Target Provincial Companies conducts its various mobile data businesses under the Monternet brand. As a carrier of mobile data business, Monternet exemplifies the characteristics of mobile, open, making it possible for a large number of service providers (SP) to realise their individual creativity and competitive advantages, and to launch their products in the market quickly and efficiently. The Target Provincial Companies uphold the principles of fairness, openness and `win-win co-operation in the operation of Monternet and have entered into broad co-operation arrangements with various SP. Currently, there are many SP providing rich and interesting Monternet-based services, such as Short Message Services, WAP, multimedia messaging service and Treasure Box (Java).
| Short Message Services. Short Message Services refer to services which employ the existing resources of GSM telecommunications networks and the corresponding functions of mobile telecommunications terminals to deliver and receive text messages, including subscriber-to-subscriber messages, Monternet-based short messages and others. Short Message Services offer the virtues of convenience and multi-functionality. This business has grown rapidly in recent years. The usage volume of Short Message Services of the Target Provincial Companies has experienced rapid growth increasing from 550 million messages in 2001 to 3,110 million messages in 2002 and to 9,749 million messages in 2003, representing a compound annual growth rate of 321.0%. As of 31 December 2003, the total number of users of Short Message Services of the Target Provincial Companies reached approximately 14.48 million, accounting for approximately 59.1% of the total number of subscribers of the Target Provincial Companies. |
| Wireless Internet Access. The Target Provincial Companies provide wireless Internet access by utilising GPRS and WLAN technologies to access WAP websites and Internet websites. |
GPRS, or General Packet Radio Service technology, supports a higher transmission rate than the traditional GSM cellular technology and enables network operators to provide more information and applications via a wireless connection. WAP, or Wireless Application Protocol, provides users utilising mobile handsets with WAP functionality with wireless connection protocol to the Internet. The usage of WAP-based services has grown significantly as the transmission speed and reliability improves.
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Networks, is a wireless data transmission network which enables users to easily access local area networks via terminals with electromagnetic transmission and receiving functionalities such as local area networks computers. WLAN is a complement to, and an extension of, wired local area networks access. It supports up to 11 Mbps transmission speed under the 802.11b standard. The Target Provincial Companies have begun providing WLAN services at hot spots, such as airports, hotels, conference and exhibition centres and office buildings, within certain major cities.
| Other mobile data services. The Target Provincial Companies have developed many new products to capture the fast growing mobile data market. New products include Multimedia Messaging Service, M-commerce, Treasure Box (Java), Mobile Mailbox and others. |
(b) | Internet Access Services |
The Internet access services offered by the Target Provincial Companies to mobile and fixed-line users enable subscribers to connect to the Internet via the networks of the Target Provincial Companies by dialing the prefix 172XX. The Target Provincial Companies also offer private integrated voice-related and Internet connection services to corporate subscribers.
Revenue from new businesses has increased from RMB275 million in 2001 to RMB768 million in 2002 and to RMB1,731 million in 2003, representing a compound annual growth rate of 150.9%.
3. | Tariffs |
(i) | Basic Tariffs |
Except under circumstances where promotional discounts are offered, the tariff structures and rates charged by the Target Provincial Companies for their services are similar to those of the Listed Group. The Listed Group and the Target Provincial Companies are subject to the same regulatory framework with respect to basic tariffs.
(ii) | Tariff Packages |
All of the Target Provincial Companies offer tariff packages. There are different tariff packages schemes which offer different monthly fees covering different levels of basic usage and different charges per minute for usage exceeding the covered basic usage, value-added services at different rates and different levels of services for different customers. In broad terms, the higher the monthly fee of a tariff package, the greater the price concession, which illustrates the principle call more, save more. The tariff packages often incorporate different complimentary value-added services packages.
(iii) | Discounts and Promotions |
Given the rapid growth in mobile penetration rates and increased competition, in order to remain competitive in terms of price and performance with other mobile telecommunications operators, the Target Provincial Companies provide certain discounts and promotional offers in and during corresponding regions and call periods targeting different customers. Such discounts and promotional offers mainly include rewards for the pre-payment of fees, free trials of value-added services, tariff discounts during off-peak hours and in low-traffic areas, and tariff discounts for specified call recipients.
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
4. | Sales and Customer Services |
Sales Channels. The Target Provincial Companies sell their mobile services through an extensive network of proprietary sales outlets and retail outlets. As of 31 December 2003, the Target Provincial Companies had 1,409 proprietary sales outlets and 29,383 retail outlets, as set forth in the following table:
Neimenggu (Inner |
Jilin |
Heilongjiang |
Guizhou |
Yunnan |
Xizang (Tibet) |
Gansu |
Qinghai |
Ningxia |
Xinjiang |
Total | ||||||||||||
Proprietary sales outlets |
247 | 77 | 207 | 106 | 175 | 27 | 193 | 52 | 48 | 277 | 1,409 | |||||||||||
Retail outlets |
2,685 | 6,883 | 5,601 | 3,098 | 5,913 | 280 | 1,953 | 690 | 633 | 1,647 | 29,383 | |||||||||||
Total |
2,932 | 6,960 | 5,808 | 3,204 | 6,088 | 307 | 2,146 | 742 | 681 | 1,924 | 30,792 | |||||||||||
In addition to providing retail sales and network connection services, most of the proprietary sales outlets owned by the Target Provincial Companies also provide subscribers under different brands with differentiated services such as billing information and payment collection, services consultation, handset repair and other customer services. In addition, most of the proprietary sales outlets owned by the Target Provincial Companies provide training and service demonstrations to retail outlets.
The retail outlets sell the Target Provincial Companies mobile services according to agency agreements with the Target Provincial Companies. In connection with these sales, all applicable fees payable after initial connection are paid to the Target Provincial Companies.
Market Segmentation Strategy. As subscriber demand for mobile telecommunications becomes more varied and complex, each of the Target Provincial Companies has conducted research on market segmentation and has launched brands and products which cater to the specific needs of different subscriber groups.
The Target Provincial Companies mainly promote three brands, each with a different focus. GoTone targets high to middle-end subscribers. Shenzhouxing targets the mass market. The new brand M-Zone, which targets the young user group through the integration of voice and data services, has achieved sound results.
Each of the Target Provincial Companies has introduced VPMN services to its corporate subscribers. VPMN, or Virtual Private Mobile Network services, feature a virtual private telecommunications network provided to corporate subscribers as an overlay upon the basic public telecommunications network, which enables corporate internal telecommunications functions such as speed dialing and information broadcasting. VPMN has been implemented in certain market segments with a targeted approach. The Target Provincial Companies provide comprehensive solutions to corporate customers through VPMN, which not only enhances the loyalty of corporate customers and stimulates usage, but also attracts potential customers to subscribe to the services of the Target Provincial Companies.
Customer Services. The after-sales customer support service centres of the Target Provincial Companies offer 24-hour staff-answering and automatic-answering service hotlines in their respective service areas, dealing with customer enquiries on services and billing, as well as handling customer complaints. In order to retain high-value and corporate customers and enhance customer satisfaction, all of the Target Provincial Companies offer a series of after-sale services targeted at high-value and corporate customers, including dedicated account executives, on-site visits and systems for collecting comments and handling complaints.
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
Customer Retention. As a result of increasing competition, the Target Provincial Companies place great emphasis on customer retention. The strategy of the Target Provincial Companies is to win and retain high-value customers by providing high quality services to the satisfaction of customers. Bonus point reward schemes represent an important measure by each of the Target Provincial Companies to retain high-value customers. Customers are identified and grouped as diamond, gold, silver and VIP card members according to their respective value contribution and points accrued. Different levels of membership entitle members to different privileges. In addition, some of the high-value customers may use their accumulated bonus points and/or commit future usage charges in exchange for gifts, such as free flight mileage and free calling minutes, and mobile handsets discounts.
Churn Management. The Target Provincial Companies have devised internal monitoring systems to detect subscribers who are prone to discontinue their subscriptions. The churn alert system prompts customer service representatives to proactively approach those subscribers, and customers who have recently discontinued their service, to improve customer relations and minimise churn.
Credit Control. Each of the Target Provincial Companies has implemented subscriber registration procedures, such as identity checks for individual contract-based customers and similar information checks for corporate customers, to assist in credit control. In certain situations, the Target Provincial Companies require contract subscribers to pay a deposit representing a certain amount of usage charges before mobile services are activated. For each Target Provincial Company, the actual usage charges incurred are verified against the balance of the amount deposited at regular intervals on a daily basis, and if there are unusual circumstances, appropriate and effective control measures will be implemented. Direct debit services are available in each geographical region. The accounts of contract subscribers are required to be settled on a monthly basis, and a late payment fee is imposed on each subscriber whose account balance is not settled by the monthly due date. If the subscribers account remains overdue, the subscribers services will be deactivated and such subscribers must pay all overdue amounts, including applicable late payment fees, to reactivate services. To further control credit risk, the Target Provincial Companies have expanded the sphere of service offerings that require subscribers to pre-pay for services.
Trademark. The Target Provincial Companies market their services under the CHINA MOBILE trademark, which is the trademark used throughout Mainland China by CMCC. The Company has entered into a licence agreement with CMCC for the use of the CHINA MOBILE trademark in the regions and in connection with businesses which the Listed Group currently operates in Mainland China. The licence agreement also permits the Company to authorise third parties to use the CHINA MOBILE trademark within specified regions and in connection with specified businesses. The Target Companies, other than Jingyi Design Institute, have entered into similar licence agreements with CMCC.
5. | Interconnection |
Like the Listed Groups existing networks, the networks of each of the Target Provincial Companies interconnect with the local public fixed line network of China Telecommunications Corporation or China Netcom Group. Each of the Target Provincial Companies has an interconnection agreement with the relevant subsidiary or branch of China Telecommunications Corporation or China Netcom Group that operates the fixed line network within its region.
Each of the Target Provincial Companies has entered into an interconnection and settlement agreement with the relevant subsidiary or branch of China Unicom which allows its network to interconnect with China Unicoms telecommunications network within its region.
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
Each of the Target Provincial Companies has entered into an interconnection and settlement agreement with the relevant branch of China Railcom which allows its network to interconnect with China Railcoms telecommunications network within its region.
6. | Roaming |
As of 31 December 2003, each of the Target Provincial Companies provides its subscribers with roaming capabilities throughout Mainland China and in 155 countries and regions (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) around the world.
7. | Networks, Spectrum, Number Resources and Capital Expenditures |
Mobile Telecommunications Networks. Superior networks with extensive coverage that support high quality and reliable transmission provide a competitive advantage to the Target Provincial Companies. As of 31 December 2003, the networks of the Target Provincial Companies covered virtually all of the cities and counties and the major roads and highways within their respective geographic regions. The average population coverage rate was approximately 80%.
As of 31 December 2003, the Target Provincial Companies had an aggregate of 182 mobile switching centres, 20,847 base stations, an aggregate wireless network capacity of 29.33 million subscribers and a weighted average utilisation rate of approximately 84%.
Transmission Infrastructure. The Target Provincial Companies have acquired and constructed transmission networks in certain high-traffic areas after carrying out cost-benefit analysis, in order to bolster the competitiveness, operational flexibility and long-term profitability of the Target Provincial Companies. In addition, the Target Provincial Companies lease some transmission lines, and pay fees based on tariff schedules stipulated by the relevant regulatory authorities, which may be discounted in certain cases. Decisions to acquire, construct or lease transmission lines are made by the Target Provincial Companies in order to maximise commercial advantage.
Spectrum. The Target Provincial Companies have each been approved by the MII to use 34 MHz of spectrum to operate their mobile telecommunications networks, for transmission and for reception, respectively, in the 900 MHz frequency band and the 1800 MHz frequency band. The Target Provincial Companies believe that they have sufficient spectrum resources to support their future user growth and business development.
Number Resources. According to the Measures for Administration of Number Resources for Telecommunications Networks promulgated by the MII, the MII is responsible for the administration of number resources nationwide. The Target Provincial Companies have been approved by the MII to use network number codes including 135, 136, 137, 138 and 139 for the customers of their GSM mobile telecommunications networks, 17950 and 17951 as the network number codes for their IP telephone networks, and 172XX as the network number codes for their Internet access services. According to the Telecommunications Regulations of the PRC, telecommunications operators in Mainland China are required to pay fees for the use of number resources. However, rules regulating these standard charges and the methods of collecting charges have not yet been promulgated.
Capital Expenditure. The capital expenditures of the Target Companies for the year 2001, 2002 and 2003 were RMB15,975 million, RMB11,387 million and RMB9,373 million, respectively. The Company estimates that the Target Companies will require an aggregate of approximately US$2.956 billion for capital
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
expenditures from 2004 through to the end of 2006 primarily for the development, optimisation and expansion of their networks, the appropriate deployment of transmission and support systems and the development of new technologies and new businesses.
The following sets forth the planned total capital expenditure requirements of the Target Companies for the periods indicated. Actual future capital expenditures may differ from the amounts indicated below.
(RMB in millions) |
(US$ in millions) | |||
2004 |
8,547 | 1,033 | ||
2005 |
8,375 | 1,012 | ||
2006 |
7,539 | 911 | ||
Total |
24,461 | 2,956 | ||
8. | Employees |
As of 31 December 2003, the Target Companies employed 18,222 employees in total. The following table sets forth information regarding employees of the Target Companies as of 31 December 2003:
Management |
4,115 | |
Technical and engineering |
5,233 | |
Sales and marketing |
6,927 | |
Financial and accounting |
768 | |
Administrative and others |
1,179 | |
Total |
18,222 | |
9. | Competition |
China Unicom operates through its subsidiaries or branches in the regions in which the Target Provincial Companies operate. The Chinese government currently allows China Unicom to set its mobile service tariffs at levels that are as much as 10% below the rates prescribed by the government.
CMCC (including the Listed Group) and the Target Provincial Companies provide mobile telecommunications services over a unified GSM network. China Unicom provides mobile telecommunications services over GSM and CDMA networks in the operating regions of all Target Provincial Companies except Xizang (Tibet) where China Unicom only provides CDMA network coverage.
Apart from Haoyitong in Xizang (Tibet), China Telecommunications Corporation or China Netcom Group offers local wireless access services (i.e. Xiaolingtong) in the regions in which the Target Provincial Companies operate. Xiaolingtong services are local telecom services based on the PAS (Personal Access System) technology which provide subscribers with wireless access in a low-mobility environment through radio base stations with short-distance coverage.
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APPENDIX I |
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TARGET COMPANIES |
The Target Provincial Companies are facing increasing competition from other operators. China Unicom, China Telecommunications Corporation and China Netcom Group launch promotional offers such as handset subsidies and tariff packages from time to time to attract customers. China Telecommunications Corporation and China Netcom Group also offer Xiaolingtong services along with fixed line services as a package. Despite increasing competition, the Target Provincial Companies have significant competitive advantages over other operators in terms of the quality of their mobile telecommunications networks, their financial resources, the experience and quality of their management and employees, their widely-recognised trademark and brand names, their broad distribution networks and their focus on customer services and extensive range of value-added services. It is expected that the Target Provincial Companies will remain the leaders in the mobile telecommunications market in the regions in which they operate.
BUSINESSES OF CMC AND JINGYI DESIGN INSTITUTE
CMC carries out certain network and business coordination functions for the Target Provincial Companies and the Listed Group. Such functions include, among other things, the coordination of network operations, network construction projects and nation-wide advertising and marketing campaigns, the coordination of spectrum, the operation of national roaming settlement and billing backup facilities, research and development (including the setting and the coordination of technical specifications and standards) and certain administrative functions.
Jingyi Design Institute is a leading large-scale telecommunications network planning and design institute operating in the PRC. It primarily provides design and consulting services for telecommunications operators. Jingyi Design Institute has the capability and the necessary qualifications to carry out large-scale and sophisticated work in the design of wireless and wireline telecommunications networks, which may include switching, radio, transmission and satellite networks for both voice and data communications. Through its subsidiary, Jingyi Design Institute also provides construction project supervisory services. Its major customers are CMCC, China Telecommunications Corporation, China Unicom, China Netcom Group and China Satellite Communications Corporation. The rapid development of the telecommunications industry in Mainland China has boosted the demand for telecommunications design and consulting services.
PROPERTIES
The Target Companies own certain buildings and real properties, which are utilised as offices, retail outlets, base stations and other technical facilities, and other ancillary buildings. The Target Companies have also leased various properties for use as offices, sales outlets, technical facilities, cell sites and switching equipment from other subsidiaries of CMCC.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None of the Target Companies is involved in or threatened with any litigation or claims of material importance.
I-13
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
The following is the text of a report, prepared for the purpose of inclusion in this circular, received from the independent reporting accountants, KPMG, Certified Public Accountants, Hong Kong. As described in the section headed Documents available for inspection in Appendix VI, a copy of the following accountants report is available for inspection.
8th Floor | ||||
Princes Building | ||||
10 Chater Road | ||||
Hong Kong | ||||
3 May 2004 |
The Directors
China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited
60/F The Center
99 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong
Dear Sirs,
We set out below our report on the financial information relating to Neimenggu Mobile Communication Company Limited (Neimenggu Mobile), Jilin Mobile Communication Company Limited (Jilin Mobile), Heilongjiang Mobile Communication Company Limited (Heilongjiang Mobile), Guizhou Mobile Communication Company Limited (Guizhou Mobile), Yunnan Mobile Communication Company Limited (Yunnan Mobile), Xizang Mobile Communication Company Limited (Xizang Mobile), Gansu Mobile Communication Company Limited (Gansu Mobile), Qinghai Mobile Communication Company Limited (Qinghai Mobile), Ningxia Mobile Communication Company Limited (Ningxia Mobile), Xinjiang Mobile Communication Company Limited (Xinjiang Mobile), Beijing P&T Consulting & Design Institute Company Limited (Jingyi Design Institute) and China Mobile Communication Company Limited (CMC) (hereinafter each individually referred to as a Target Company and together with its subsidiary collectively referred to as the Target Group) for each of the three years ended 31 December 2003 (the relevant periods), for inclusion in the shareholders circular of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited (the Company) dated 3 May 2004 (the circular).
Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile and Xinjiang Mobile, are principally engaged in the provision of mobile telecommunication and related services in Neimenggu autonomous region, Jilin province, Heilongjiang province, Guizhou province, Yunnan province, Xizang autonomous region, Gansu province, Qinghai province, Ningxia Hui autonomous region and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region of the Peoples Republic of China (the PRC) respectively; Jingyi Design Institute is engaged in the provision of design and consulting services for telecommunication operators in the PRC; CMC carries out network and business coordination functions for the Target Companies and the Company and its subsidiaries, such functions include, among other things, the coordination of network operations, network construction projects and nation-wide advertising and marketing campaigns, the coordination of spectrum, the operation of national roaming settlement and billing backup facilities, research and development (including the setting and the coordination of technical specifications and standards) and certain administrative functions (hereafter collectively referred to as the Target Business). The Company and its subsidiaries (the Listed Group) currently operate the mobile telecommunication services in 16 provinces, 4 municipalities and 1 autonomous region in the PRC.
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile, Xinjiang Mobile, Jingyi Design Institute and CMC were incorporated in the PRC by China Mobile Communications Corporation (China Mobile) on 16 January 2004, 18 January 2004, 2 February 2004, 19 January 2004, 19 January 2004, 9 February 2004, 29 January 2004, 2 February 2004, 30 January 2004, 3 February 2004, 15 March 2004 and 27 February 2004, respectively and ultimately to be acquired by the Company pursuant to the Acquisition.
The ultimate holding company of the Target Companies is China Mobile. China Mobile is a state-owned enterprise established in the PRC in 1999 under the approval of the State Council to hold the mobile telecommunications assets and operate mobile telecommunications business in the PRC.
Prior to the Acquisition, China Mobile transferred the Target Business together with the related assets and liabilities into the Target Companies. The equity interests of the Target Companies were then transferred to respective new companies incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, namely Neimenggu Mobile (BVI) Limited (Neimenggu Mobile BVI), Jilin Mobile (BVI) Limited (Jilin Mobile BVI), Heilongjiang Mobile (BVI) Limited (Heilongjiang Mobile BVI), Guizhou Mobile (BVI) Limited (Guizhou Mobile BVI), Yunnan Mobile (BVI) Limited (Yunnan Mobile BVI), Xizang Mobile (BVI) Limited (Xizang Mobile BVI), Gansu Mobile (BVI) Limited (Gansu Mobile BVI), Qinghai Mobile (BVI) Limited (Qinghai Mobile BVI), Ningxia Mobile (BVI) Limited (Ningxia Mobile BVI), Xinjiang Mobile (BVI) Limited (Xinjiang Mobile BVI), Beijing P&T Consulting & Design Institute (BVI) Limited (Zhongjing Design Institute BVI) and China Mobile Communication (BVI) Limited (CMC BVI).
Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, as described more fully in the section headed The Acquisition in the Letter from the Chairman contained in this circular, the Company will acquire the entire issued share capital of Neimenggu Mobile BVI, Jilin Mobile BVI, Heilongjiang Mobile BVI, Guizhou Mobile BVI, Yunnan Mobile BVI, Xizang Mobile BVI, Gansu Mobile BVI, Qinghai Mobile BVI, Ningxia Mobile BVI, Xinjiang Mobile BVI, Zhongjing Design Institute BVI and CMC BVI. Following the Acquisition, Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile, Xinjiang Mobile, Jingyi Design Institute and CMC will become wholly foreign-owned enterprises.
No financial statements have been prepared for Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile, Xinjiang Mobile, Jingyi Design Institute and CMC as they were incorporated subsequent to 31 December 2003, and they have not been involved in any significant business transactions since incorporation other than the transactions referred to herein. For the purpose of this report, we have audited the financial statements of the Target Business now comprising the Target Group for the relevant periods to 31 December 2003 in accordance with Statements of Auditing Standards issued by the Hong Kong Society of Accountants (the HKSA). We have not audited any financial statements of the Target Group in respect of any period subsequent to 31 December 2003.
We have prepared this report on the basis set out in Section A below in accordance with the Auditing Guideline Prospectuses and the Reporting Accountant issued by the HKSA.
Basis of preparation
The financial information of the Target Group set out below (the Financial Information), comprising the combined income statements, the combined statements of changes in equity and the combined cash flow statements of the Target Group for the relevant periods and the combined balance
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
sheets of the Target Group as at 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003, together with notes thereto, is prepared based on the audited financial statements of the Target Business now comprising the Target Group on the basis set out in Section A below.
Responsibilities
The management of the Target Group is responsible for preparing the Financial Information set out below which gives a true and fair view. In preparing this Financial Information which gives a true and fair view, it is fundamental that appropriate accounting policies are selected and applied consistently, that judgements and estimates are made which are prudent and reasonable and that the reasons for any significant departure from applicable accounting standards are stated.
It is our responsibility to form an independent opinion on the Financial Information.
Opinion
In our opinion, the Financial Information set out below together with the notes thereto, for the purpose of this report and on the basis of presentation set out in Section A, give a true and fair view of the combined results and cash flows of the Target Group for each of the three years ended 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003 and of their combined state of affairs as at 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003.
A. | BASIS OF PRESENTATION |
The combined income statements, combined statements of changes in equity and combined cash flow statements of the Target Group for the relevant periods set out below have been prepared as if the Target Business had been conducted by the Target Companies throughout the relevant periods.
The Financial Information of the Target Group set out below, which included the financial information of the Target Companies and a subsidiary, has been prepared on a combined basis to reflect the financial position, results of operation and cash flows of the Target Companies. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated on combination.
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
B. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
1. | Combined income statements |
The following are the combined income statements of the Target Group for the relevant periods, prepared on the basis set out in Section A above:
Year ended 31 December |
||||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
||||||||||
Note | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||||||
Operating revenue (Turnover) |
2 | |||||||||||
Usage fees |
11,726 | 13,019 | 14,675 | |||||||||
Monthly fees |
2,971 | 3,202 | 3,401 | |||||||||
Connection fees |
66 | | | |||||||||
Other operating revenue |
1,117 | 1,622 | 2,569 | |||||||||
15,880 | 17,843 | 20,645 | ||||||||||
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||
Leased lines |
(779 | ) | (840 | ) | (683 | ) | ||||||
Interconnection |
(1,118 | ) | (1,217 | ) | (1,343 | ) | ||||||
Depreciation |
(3,859 | ) | (5,385 | ) | (6,664 | ) | ||||||
Personnel |
(1,424 | ) | (1,684 | ) | (2,021 | ) | ||||||
Other operating expenses |
3 | (5,443 | ) | (6,040 | ) | (7,416 | ) | |||||
(12,623 | ) | (15,166 | ) | (18,127 | ) | |||||||
Profit from operations |
3,257 | 2,677 | 2,518 | |||||||||
Deficit on revaluation of fixed assets |
11 | | | (3,470 | ) | |||||||
Other net income |
4 | 363 | 311 | 203 | ||||||||
Non-operating net income |
5 | 71 | 107 | 93 | ||||||||
Interest income |
67 | 56 | 53 | |||||||||
Finance costs |
6 | (a) | (238 | ) | (165 | ) | (127 | ) | ||||
Profit/(loss) from ordinary activities before taxation |
6 | 3,520 | 2,986 | (730 | ) | |||||||
Taxation |
7 | (927 | ) | (772 | ) | (628 | ) | |||||
Net profit/(loss) |
2,593 | 2,214 | (1,358 | ) | ||||||||
The accompanying notes form part of the Financial Information.
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
2. | Combined balance sheets |
The following are the combined balance sheets of the Target Group as at 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003, prepared on the basis set out in Section A above:
At 31 December |
|||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||||
Note | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||||
Non-current assets |
|||||||||||
Fixed assets |
11 | 24,799 | 34,701 | 33,996 | |||||||
Construction in progress |
12 | 8,890 | 4,661 | 5,059 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets |
13 | 408 | 705 | 75 | |||||||
34,097 | 40,067 | 39,130 | |||||||||
Current assets |
|||||||||||
Inventories |
384 | 370 | 330 | ||||||||
Amounts due from ultimate holding company |
14 | 1,280 | 642 | 381 | |||||||
Accounts receivable |
15 | 775 | 702 | 602 | |||||||
Other receivables |
16 | 700 | 636 | 408 | |||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
374 | 413 | 502 | ||||||||
Deposits with banks |
112 | 83 | 125 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
17 | 2,894 | 1,714 | 1,171 | |||||||
6,519 | 4,560 | 3,519 | |||||||||
Current liabilities |
|||||||||||
Bank loans and other interest-bearing borrowings |
18 | (4,077 | ) | (6,948 | ) | (5,140 | ) | ||||
Bills payable |
(20 | ) | (42 | ) | (24 | ) | |||||
Current instalments of obligations under finance leases |
19 | (154 | ) | (46 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||
Current portion of deferred revenue |
21 | (253 | ) | (424 | ) | (712 | ) | ||||
Amounts due to group companies |
14 | (11,952 | ) | (3,003 | ) | (3,073 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable |
20 | (4,739 | ) | (4,061 | ) | (4,370 | ) | ||||
Accrued expenses and other payables |
(2,748 | ) | (3,198 | ) | (3,384 | ) | |||||
Tax payable |
(197 | ) | (68 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||
(24,140 | ) | (17,790 | ) | (16,718 | ) | ||||||
Net current liabilities |
(17,621 | ) | (13,230 | ) | (13,199 | ) | |||||
Total assets less current liabilities carried forward |
16,476 | 26,837 | 25,931 | ||||||||
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
2. | Combined balance sheets (continued) |
At 31 December |
|||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||||
Note | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities brought forward |
16,476 | 26,837 | 25,931 | ||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
|||||||||||
Bank loans and other interest-bearing borrowings |
18 | (2,092 | ) | | | ||||||
Obligations under finance leases, excluding current instalments |
19 | (50 | ) | (11 | ) | | |||||
Deferred revenue, excluding current portion |
21 | (78 | ) | (205 | ) | (165 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
13 | (984 | ) | (1,260 | ) | | |||||
(3,204 | ) | (1,476 | ) | (165 | ) | ||||||
NET ASSETS |
13,272 | 25,361 | 25,766 | ||||||||
OWNERS EQUITY |
13,272 | 25,361 | 25,766 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes form part of the Financial Information.
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
3. | Combined statements of changes in equity |
The following are the combined statements of changes in equity of the Target Group for the relevant periods, prepared on the basis set out in Section A above:
Revaluation reserve |
Owners capital/ retained profits |
Total owners equity |
|||||||||
Note | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||||
At 1 January 2001 |
| 6,227 | 6,227 | ||||||||
Net profit for the year |
| 2,593 | 2,593 | ||||||||
Contributions from owner |
| 5,580 | 5,580 | ||||||||
Distributions to owner |
| (1,128 | ) | (1,128 | ) | ||||||
At 31 December 2001 |
| 13,272 | 13,272 | ||||||||
Net profit for the year |
| 2,214 | 2,214 | ||||||||
Contributions from owner |
| 10,758 | 10,758 | ||||||||
Distributions to owner |
| (883 | ) | (883 | ) | ||||||
At 31 December 2002 |
| 25,361 | 25,361 | ||||||||
Net loss for the year |
| (1,358 | ) | (1,358 | ) | ||||||
Contributions from owner |
| 911 | 911 | ||||||||
Distributions to owner |
| (1,123 | ) | (1,123 | ) | ||||||
Revaluation surplus |
11 | 689 | | 689 | |||||||
Elimination of net deferred tax liabilities |
13 | (ii) | | 1,286 | 1,286 | ||||||
At 31 December 2003 |
689 | 25,077 | 25,766 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes form part of the Financial Information.
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
4. | Combined cash flow statements |
The following are the combined cash flow statements of the Target Group for the relevant periods, prepared on the basis set out in Section A above:
Year ended 31 December |
|||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||||
Note | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||||
Operating activities |
|||||||||||
Profit/(loss) from ordinary activities before taxation |
3,520 | 2,986 | (730 | ) | |||||||
Adjustments for: |
|||||||||||
Depreciation of fixed assets |
3,859 | 5,385 | 6,664 | ||||||||
Deficit on revaluation of fixed assets |
| | 3,470 | ||||||||
Loss on disposal of fixed assets |
22 | 118 | 111 | ||||||||
Write off of fixed assets |
152 | 183 | 93 | ||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
611 | 615 | 663 | ||||||||
Interest income |
(67 | ) | (56 | ) | (53 | ) | |||||
Finance costs |
238 | 165 | 127 | ||||||||
Operating profit before changes in working capital |
8,335 | 9,396 | 10,345 | ||||||||
(Increase)/decrease in inventories |
(147 | ) | 14 | 40 | |||||||
(Increase)/decrease in amounts due from ultimate holding company |
(28 | ) | 353 | 30 | |||||||
Increase in accounts receivable |
(543 | ) | (542 | ) | (561 | ) | |||||
Decrease in other receivables |
146 | 67 | 218 | ||||||||
Increase in prepayments and other current assets |
(193 | ) | (39 | ) | (89 | ) | |||||
(Decrease)/increase in amounts due to group companies |
(44 | ) | 4 | 54 | |||||||
Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable |
37 | (274 | ) | (88 | ) | ||||||
Increase in accrued expenses and other payables |
399 | 443 | 179 | ||||||||
Increase in deferred revenue |
183 | 298 | 248 | ||||||||
Cash generated from operations |
8,145 | 9,720 | 10,376 | ||||||||
Tax paid |
|||||||||||
PRC income tax paid |
(697 | ) | (432 | ) | (713 | ) | |||||
Net cash from operating activities carried forward |
7,448 | 9,288 | 9,663 | ||||||||
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ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
4. | Combined cash flow statements (continued) |
Year ended 31 December |
|||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||||
Note | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||||
Net cash from operating activities brought forward |
7,448 | 9,288 | 9,663 | ||||||||
Investing activities |
|||||||||||
Capital expenditure |
(13,557 | ) | (10,806 | ) | (8,564 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets |
21 | 28 | 31 | ||||||||
Interest received |
64 | 53 | 61 | ||||||||
(Increase)/decrease in deposits with banks |
(88 | ) | 29 | (42 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(13,560 | ) | (10,696 | ) | (8,514 | ) | |||||
Financing activities |
|||||||||||
Bank loans and other interest-bearing borrowings |
5,809 | 10,593 | 3,980 | ||||||||
Repayment of bank loans and other interest-bearing borrowings |
(12,466 | ) | (9,814 | ) | (5,788 | ) | |||||
Capital elements of finance leases rental |
(367 | ) | (163 | ) | (47 | ) | |||||
Interest paid |
(472 | ) | (365 | ) | (191 | ) | |||||
Contributions from owner |
5,580 | 10,758 | 911 | ||||||||
Distributions to owner |
(1,272 | ) | (752 | ) | (604 | ) | |||||
Advances from/(repayment to) ultimate holding company |
9,934 | (10,029 | ) | 47 | |||||||
Net cash from /(used in) financing activities |
6,746 | 228 | (1,692 | ) | |||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
634 | (1,180 | ) | (543 | ) | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
2,260 | 2,894 | 1,714 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
17 | 2,894 | 1,714 | 1,171 | |||||||
Notes to combined cash flow statements
(a) | Significant non-cash transactions |
The Target Group incurred payables of RMB3,878 million, RMB3,370 million and RMB3,555 million to equipment suppliers for additions of construction in progress during the years ended 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003 respectively. The Target Group also acquired equipment of RMB91 million and RMB16 million under finance leases during each of the years ended 31 December 2001 and 2002 respectively (2003: Nil).
The accompanying notes form part of the Financial Information.
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
C. | NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
1. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
(a) | Statement of compliance |
The Financial Information has been prepared in accordance with the principal accounting policies set out below. These accounting policies would be acceptable under the Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (which includes all applicable Statements of Standard Accounting Practice and Interpretations) issued by the HKSA, accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong and the requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. The Financial Information also complies with the applicable disclosure provisions of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited as applicable to Accountants Report.
(b) | Basis of preparation |
The measurement basis used in the preparation of the Financial Information is historical cost modified by the revaluation of fixed assets, as explained in the accounting policies set out below.
(c) | Fixed assets and depreciation |
(i) | Fixed assets are stated at cost or revalued amount less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses (see note 1(e)). The circumstances and basis under which the revalued amount is arrived at are set out in detail in note 11. |
(ii) | The cost of fixed assets comprises the purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its working condition and location for its intended use. Expenditure incurred after the fixed asset has been put into operation, such as repairs and maintenance and overhaul costs, is normally charged to the combined income statements in the period in which it is incurred. In situations where it can be clearly demonstrated that the expenditure has resulted in an increase in the future economic benefits expected to be obtained from the use of the fixed asset, the expenditure is capitalised as an additional cost of the fixed asset. |
(iii) | Gains or losses arising from the retirement or disposal of a fixed asset are determined as the difference between the estimated net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the assets and are recognised in the combined income statements on the date of retirement or disposal. |
(iv) | Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost, or revalued amount where appropriate, of fixed assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, to residual values, as follows: |
Depreciable life |
Residual value |
||||
Land use rights |
Over the period of grant | | |||
Buildings |
835 years | 3 | % | ||
Telecommunications transceivers, switching centres and other network equipment |
710 years | 3 | % | ||
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures and others |
418 years | 3 | % |
(d) | Leased assets |
Leases of assets under which the lessee assumes substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership are classified as finance leases.
Where the Target Group acquires the use of assets under finance leases, the amounts representing the fair value of the leased asset, or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments, of such assets are included in the fixed assets and the corresponding liabilities, net of finance charges, are recorded as obligations under finance leases. Depreciation is provided at rates which write off the cost of the assets in equal annual amounts over the term of the relevant lease or, where it is likely the Target Group will obtain ownership of the asset, the life of the asset, as set out in note 1(c). Impairment losses are accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy as set out in note 1(e). Finance charges implicit in the lease payments are charged to the combined income statements over the period of the leases so as to produce an approximately constant periodic rate of charge on the remaining balance of the obligations for each accounting period.
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
(e) | Impairment of assets |
Internal and external sources of information are reviewed at each balance sheet date to identify indications that the following assets may be impaired or an impairment loss previously recognised no longer exists or may have decreased:
| fixed assets; and |
| construction in progress. |
If any such indication exists, the assets recoverable amount is estimated. An impairment loss is recognised in the combined income statements whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount.
(i) | Calculation of recoverable amount |
The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its net selling price and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Where an asset does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows independently (i.e. a cash-generating unit).
(ii) | Reversals of impairment losses |
An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favourable change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount.
A reversal of impairment losses is limited to the assets carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised in prior years. Reversals of impairment losses are credited to the combined income statements in the year in which the reversals are recognised.
(f) | Construction in progress |
Construction in progress is stated at cost less impairment losses (see note 1(e)). Cost comprises direct costs of construction as well as interest expense and exchange differences capitalised during the periods of construction and installation. Capitalisation of these costs ceases and the construction in progress is transferred to fixed assets when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the assets for their intended use are completed. No depreciation is provided in respect of construction in progress until it is completed and ready for its intended use.
(g) | Inventories |
Inventories, which consist primarily of handsets, SIM cards and accessories, are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost represents purchase cost of goods calculated using the weighted average cost method. Net realisable value is determined by reference to the sales proceeds of items sold in the ordinary course of business after the balance sheet date or to managements estimates based on prevailing market conditions.
When inventories are sold, the carrying amount of those inventories is recognised as a deduction of other income due to its insignificance. The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realisable value and all losses of inventories are recognised as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of inventories, arising from an increase in net realisable value, is recognised as a reduction in the amount of inventories recognised as an expense in the period in which the reversal occurs. No reversal of any write-down of inventories occurred during the years presented.
(h) | Deferred revenue |
Deferred revenue, which consists primarily of deferred revenue from prepaid service fees received from subscribers, are stated at the combined balance sheets at the amount received less income recognised in the combined income statements up to the respective balance sheet dates. Revenue from prepaid service fees is recognised when the mobile telecommunication services are rendered.
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
Deferred revenue also includes the unamortised portion of tax credit granted by local tax authorities to the Target Group in respect of purchase of domestic manufactured telecommunication equipment, which is amortised over the remaining useful lives of the related fixed assets. Such amortisation is included in non-operating net income.
(i) | Interest costs |
Interest costs are expensed in the combined income statements in the period in which they are incurred, except to the extent that they are capitalised as being directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of an asset which necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use.
(j) | Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks, and short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, having been within three months of maturity at acquisition.
(k) | Allowance for doubtful accounts |
An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based upon evaluation of the recoverability of the receivables at the balance sheet date.
(l) | Provisions and contingent liabilities |
Provisions are recognised for liabilities of uncertain timing or amount when the Target Group has a legal or constructive obligation arising as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made. Where the time value of money is material, provisions are stated at the present value of the expenditures expected to settle the obligation.
Where it is not probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required, or the amount cannot be estimated reliably, the obligation is disclosed as a contingent liability, unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote. Possible obligations, whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events are also disclosed as contingent liabilities unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.
(m) | Revenue recognition |
Provided it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Target Group and the revenue and costs, if applicable, can be measured reliably, revenue is recognised in the combined income statements as follows:
(i) | usage fees are recognised as revenue when the service is rendered; |
(ii) | monthly fees are recognised as revenue in the month during which the service is rendered; |
(iii) | connection fees are recognised as revenue when the activating service is rendered; |
(iv) | deferred revenue from prepaid services is recognised as income when the mobile telecommunication services are rendered upon actual usage by subscribers; |
(v) | interest income is recognised on a time proportion basis by reference to the principal outstanding and the rate applicable; and |
(vi) | sales of SIM cards and handsets are recognised on delivery of goods to the buyer. Project design services income is recognised when the service is rendered. Such income, net of related cost, is included in other net income due to its insignificance. |
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APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
(n) | Translation of foreign currencies |
The functional currency of the Target Groups operation is the Renminbi. Foreign currency transactions during the relevant periods are translated into Renminbi at the exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Renminbi at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet dates. Exchange gains and losses, other than those capitalised as construction in progress, are recognised in the combined income statements. Exchange differences attributable to the translation of borrowings denominated in foreign currencies and used for financing the construction of fixed assets, are included in the cost of the related construction in progress. Exchange differences capitalised to construction in progress are immaterial for the periods presented.
(o) | Income tax |
(i) | Income tax for the relevant periods comprises current tax and movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Current tax and movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised in the combined income statements except to the extent that they relate to items recognised directly to equity, in which case they are recognised in equity. |
(ii) | Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the relevant periods, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet dates, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. |
(iii) | Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from deductible and taxable temporary differences respectively, being the differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets also arise from unused tax losses and unused tax credits. |
Apart from certain limited exceptions, all deferred tax liabilities, and all deferred tax assets to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised, are recognised. Future taxable profits that may support the recognition of deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences include those that will arise from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, provided those differences relate to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity, and are expected to reverse either in the same period as the expected reversal of the deductible temporary difference or in periods into which a tax loss arising from the deferred tax asset can be carried back or forward. The same criteria are adopted when determining whether existing taxable temporary differences support the recognition of deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and credits, that is, those differences are taken into account if they relate to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity, and are expected to reverse in a period, or periods, in which the tax loss or credit can be utilised.
The limited exceptions to recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities are those temporary differences arising from goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, negative goodwill treated as deferred income, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit (provided they are not part of a business combination), and temporary differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that, in the case of taxable differences, the Target Group controls the timing of the reversal and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future, or in the case of deductible differences, unless it is probable that they will reverse in the future.
The amount of deferred tax recognised is measured based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.
The carrying amount of a deferred tax asset is reviewed at each balance sheet date and is reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow the related tax benefit to be utilised. Any such reduction is reversed to the extent that it becomes probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available.
II-13
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
(iv) | Current tax balances and deferred tax balances, and movements therein, are presented separately from each other and are not offset. Current tax assets are offset against current tax liabilities, and deferred tax assets against deferred tax liabilities if, and only if, the Target Group has the legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the following additional conditions are met: |
| in the case of current tax assets and liabilities, the Target Group intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously; or |
| in the case of deferred tax assets and liabilities, if they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either: |
| the same taxable entity; or |
| different taxable entities, which, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered, intend to realise the current tax assets and settle the current tax liabilities on a net basis or realise and settle simultaneously. |
(p) | Employee benefits |
(i) | Salaries, annual bonuses, paid annual leave, leave passage and the cost to the Target Group of non-monetary benefits are accrued in the year in which associated services are rendered by employees of the Target Group. Where payment or settlement is deferred and the effect would be material, these amounts are stated at their present values. |
(ii) | The employees of the Target Group participate in defined contribution retirement plans managed by the local government authorities whereby the Target Group is required to contribute to the schemes at fixed rates of the employees salary costs. In addition to the local governmental defined contribution retirement plans, the Target Group also participates in supplementary defined contribution retirement plans managed by independent insurance companies whereby the Target Group is required to make contributions to the retirement plans at fixed rates of the employees salary costs or in accordance with the terms of the plans. The Target Groups contributions to these plans are charged to the combined income statements when incurred. The Target Group has no obligation for the payment of retirement and other post-retirement benefits of staff other than the contributions described above. |
(iii) | Termination benefits are recognised when, and only when the Target Group demonstrably commits itself to terminate employment or to provide benefits as a result of voluntary redundancy by having a detailed formal plan which is without realistic possibility of withdrawal. |
(q) | Operating leases |
Leases of assets under which the lessor has not transferred all the risks and benefits of ownership are classified as operating leases.
Where the Target Group has the use of assets under operating lease, payments made under the leases are charged to the combined income statements in equal instalments over the accounting periods covered by the lease term, except where an alternative basis is more representative of the pattern of benefits to be derived from the leased asset. Lease incentives received are recognised in the combined income statements as an integral part of the aggregate net lease payments made. Contingent rentals are charged to the combined income statements in the accounting period in which they are incurred.
(r) | Related parties |
For the purposes of the Financial Information set out below, parties are considered to be related to the Target Group if the Target Group has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the party or exercise significant influence over the party in making financial and operating decisions, or vice versa, or where the Target Group and the party are subject to common control or common significant influence. Related parties may be individuals or other entities.
All material related parties transactions have been disclosed in the relevant notes to the Financial Information.
II-14
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
(s) | Segment reporting |
A segment is a distinguishable component of the Target Group that is engaged either in providing products or services (business segment), or in providing products or services within a particular economic environment (geographical segment), which is subject to risks and rewards that are different from those of other segments.
No analysis of the Target Groups turnover and contribution to profit from operations by geographical segment or business segment has been presented as all the Target Groups operating activities are carried out in the PRC and less than 10 per cent. of the Target Groups turnover and contribution to profit from operations were derived from activities outside the Target Groups mobile telecommunication and related services activities. There is no other geographical or business segment with segment assets equal to or greater than 10 per cent. of the Target Groups total assets.
2. | TURNOVER |
The principal activities of the Target Group are the provision of mobile telecommunication and related services in Neimenggu autonomous region, Jilin province, Heilongjiang province, Guizhou province, Yunnan province, Xizang autonomous region, Gansu province, Qinghai province, Ningxia Hui autonomous region and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region of the PRC.
Turnover primarily represents usage fees, monthly fees and other operating revenue derived from the Target Groups mobile telecommunication networks, net of PRC business tax and government surcharges. Business tax and government surcharges are charged at 3 per cent. to 3.3 per cent. of the corresponding revenue.
Other operating revenue mainly represents charges for wireless data and value added services, roaming in fees and interconnection revenue.
3. | Other operating expenses |
Other operating expenses primarily comprise selling and promotion expenses, provision for doubtful accounts, operating lease charges, maintenance charges, debt collection fees, spectrum charges and other miscellaneous expenses.
4. | Other net income |
Other net income mainly consists of the gross margin from sales of mobile telephone SIM cards and handsets and project design services.
Year ended 31 December |
|||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||||
Sales of SIM cards and handsets |
686 | 527 | 430 | ||||||
Cost of SIM cards and handsets |
(446 | ) | (349 | ) | (271 | ) | |||
240 | 178 | 159 | |||||||
Project design services income |
236 | 231 | 124 | ||||||
Cost of project design services |
(121 | ) | (127 | ) | (103 | ) | |||
115 | 104 | 21 | |||||||
Others |
8 | 29 | 23 | ||||||
363 | 311 | 203 | |||||||
II-15
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
5. | NON-OPERATING NET INCOME |
Year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||
Penalty income on overdue accounts |
37 | 26 | 32 | |||
Exchange gain |
3 | 9 | | |||
Others |
31 | 72 | 61 | |||
71 | 107 | 93 | ||||
6. | PROFIT/(LOSS) FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION |
Profit/(loss) from ordinary activities before taxation is arrived at after charging:
(a) | Finance costs: |
Year ended 31 December |
|||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||||
Interest on bank loans and other borrowings repayable within five years |
476 | 365 | 198 | ||||||
Finance charges on obligations under finance leases |
13 | 7 | | ||||||
Total interest costs |
489 | 372 | 198 | ||||||
Less: Amount capitalised as construction in progress (Note) |
(251 | ) | (207 | ) | (71 | ) | |||
238 | 165 | 127 | |||||||
Note: Interest costs have been capitalised at the following rates per annum for construction in progress:
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
For the year ended 31 December |
3.00% to 9.00% | 3.45% to 5.94% | 3.45% to 5.94% |
(b) | Other items: |
Year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||
Depreciation |
||||||
owned assets |
3,584 | 5,177 | 6,632 | |||
assets held under finance leases |
275 | 208 | 32 | |||
Loss on disposal of fixed assets |
22 | 118 | 111 | |||
Write off of fixed assets |
152 | 183 | 93 | |||
Operating lease charges in respect of |
||||||
properties |
104 | 111 | 148 | |||
leased lines |
779 | 840 | 683 | |||
others |
38 | 40 | 48 | |||
Contributions to retirement plans |
158 | 195 | 291 | |||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
611 | 615 | 663 | |||
Auditors remuneration |
| | | |||
II-16
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
7. | TAXATION |
(a) | Taxation in the combined income statements represents: |
Year ended 31 December | |||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | |||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||
Current tax |
|||||||
Provision for PRC enterprise income tax on the estimated taxable profits for the year |
359 | 844 | 200 | ||||
Deferred tax |
|||||||
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (Note 13) |
568 | (72 | ) | 428 | |||
927 | 772 | 628 | |||||
The provision for the PRC enterprise income tax is based on a statutory rate of 33 per cent. of the assessable profit of the Target Group as determined in accordance with the relevant income tax rules and regulations of the PRC during the year, except for certain Target Companies and certain operations of the Target Companies located in the Western Region of the PRC, which enjoy a preferential rate of 15 per cent. for each of the years ended 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003.
(b) | Reconciliation between income tax expense and accounting profit/(loss) at applicable tax rates: |
Year ended 31 December |
|||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||||
Expected PRC taxation at statutory tax rates |
1,162 | 985 | (241 | ) | |||||
Non-taxable income |
(20 | ) | (12 | ) | (13 | ) | |||
Non-deductible expenses |
199 | 238 | 952 | ||||||
Rate differential |
(464 | ) | (439 | ) | (66 | ) | |||
Reversal of deferred taxation due to change of tax rate |
50 | | (4 | ) | |||||
Income tax |
927 | 772 | 628 | ||||||
8. | DIRECTORS REMUNERATION |
The aggregate of the emoluments in respect of the directors during the relevant periods is as follows:
Year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMB000 | RMB000 | RMB000 | ||||
Fees |
| | | |||
Salaries, allowances and benefits in kind |
| | | |||
Retirement scheme contributions |
| | | |||
Performance related bonuses |
| | | |||
| | | ||||
The number of directors whose remuneration from the Target Group falls within the following band is set out below:
Year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMBNil RMB1,000,000 |
| | | |||
II-17
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
There were no emoluments paid during each of the relevant periods to former directors in connection with their retirement from employment or compensation for loss of office with the Target Group. There were no amounts paid during the relevant periods to directors as an inducement to join or upon joining the Target Group. There was no arrangement under which a director waived or agreed to waive any remuneration during each of the relevant periods.
9. | SENIOR MANAGEMENT REMUNERATION |
The aggregate of the emoluments in respect of the five highest paid individuals during the relevant periods is as follows:
Year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMB000 | RMB000 | RMB000 | ||||
Salaries, allowances and benefits in kind |
570 | 333 | 417 | |||
Retirement scheme contributions |
47 | 100 | 123 | |||
Performance related bonuses |
1,468 | 2,855 | 2,794 | |||
2,085 | 3,288 | 3,334 | ||||
The number of employees who were not directors during the relevant periods and who were amongst the five highest paid employees of the Target Group falls within the following band, is set out below:
Year ended 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMBNil RMB1,000,000 |
5 | 5 | 5 | |||
No emoluments were paid or payable to senior management as an inducement to join or upon joining the Target Group or as compensation for loss of office during the relevant periods.
10. | DIVIDENDS |
No dividends have been declared or paid by Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile, Xinjiang Mobile, Jingyi Design Institute and CMC since their incorporation. During the relevant periods, the Target Business had made cash distributions to the owner of RMB1,128 million, RMB883 million and RMB1,123 million for the years ended 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
II-18
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
11. | FIXED ASSETS |
Land use rights and buildings |
Telecommunications transceivers, switching centres and other network equipment |
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures and others |
Total |
|||||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||||||
Cost: |
||||||||||||
At 1 January 2001 |
1,172 | 23,495 | 1,129 | 25,796 | ||||||||
Additions |
91 | 295 | 265 | 651 | ||||||||
Transferred from construction in progress |
558 | 10,826 | 269 | 11,653 | ||||||||
Disposals |
(15 | ) | (128 | ) | (20 | ) | (163 | ) | ||||
Assets written-off (note) |
(2 | ) | (3,873 | ) | (12 | ) | (3,887 | ) | ||||
At 31 December 2001 |
1,804 | 30,615 | 1,631 | 34,050 | ||||||||
Representing: |
||||||||||||
Cost 2001 |
1,804 | 30,615 | 1,631 | 34,050 | ||||||||
Accumulated depreciation: |
||||||||||||
At 1 January 2001 |
145 | 8,809 | 293 | 9,247 | ||||||||
Charge for the year |
55 | 3,599 | 205 | 3,859 | ||||||||
Written back on disposals |
(6 | ) | (103 | ) | (11 | ) | (120 | ) | ||||
Assets written-off (note) |
(1 | ) | (3,722 | ) | (12 | ) | (3,735 | ) | ||||
At 31 December 2001 |
193 | 8,583 | 475 | 9,251 | ||||||||
Net book value: |
||||||||||||
At 31 December 2001 |
1,611 | 22,032 | 1,156 | 24,799 | ||||||||
Note: It represents mainly the write-off of analog network equipment whereas full provision has been made in prior years.
II-19
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
11. | FIXED ASSETS (CONTINUED) |
Land use rights and buildings |
Telecommunications transceivers, switching centres and other network equipment |
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures and others |
Total |
|||||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||||||
Cost: |
||||||||||||
At 1 January 2002 |
1,804 | 30,615 | 1,631 | 34,050 | ||||||||
Additions |
107 | 142 | 331 | 580 | ||||||||
Transferred from construction in progress |
2,404 | 12,137 | 495 | 15,036 | ||||||||
Disposals |
(21 | ) | (345 | ) | (42 | ) | (408 | ) | ||||
Assets written-off |
(2 | ) | (512 | ) | (40 | ) | (554 | ) | ||||
At 31 December 2002 |
4,292 | 42,037 | 2,375 | 48,704 | ||||||||
Representing: |
||||||||||||
Cost 2002 |
4,292 | 42,037 | 2,375 | 48,704 | ||||||||
Accumulated depreciation: |
||||||||||||
At 1 January 2002 |
193 | 8,583 | 475 | 9,251 | ||||||||
Charge for the year |
128 | 4,933 | 324 | 5,385 | ||||||||
Written back on disposals |
(5 | ) | (231 | ) | (26 | ) | (262 | ) | ||||
Assets written-off |
(1 | ) | (342 | ) | (28 | ) | (371 | ) | ||||
At 31 December 2002 |
315 | 12,943 | 745 | 14,003 | ||||||||
Net book value: |
||||||||||||
At 31 December 2002 |
3,977 | 29,094 | 1,630 | 34,701 | ||||||||
II-20
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
11. | FIXED ASSETS (CONTINUED) |
Land use rights and buildings |
Telecommunications transceivers, switching centres and other network equipment |
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures and others |
Total |
|||||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||||||
Cost/valuation: |
||||||||||||
At 1 January 2003 |
4,292 | 42,037 | 2,375 | 48,704 | ||||||||
Additions |
321 | 326 | 397 | 1,044 | ||||||||
Transferred from construction in progress |
1,488 | 5,966 | 477 | 7,931 | ||||||||
Disposals |
(22 | ) | (380 | ) | (134 | ) | (536 | ) | ||||
Assets written-off |
(5 | ) | (190 | ) | (40 | ) | (235 | ) | ||||
Revaluation |
(68 | ) | (21,399 | ) | (1,445 | ) | (22,912 | ) | ||||
At 31 December 2003 |
6,006 | 26,360 | 1,630 | 33,996 | ||||||||
Representing: |
||||||||||||
Valuation 2003 |
6,006 | 26,360 | 1,630 | 33,996 | ||||||||
Accumulated depreciation: |
||||||||||||
At 1 January 2003 |
315 | 12,943 | 745 | 14,003 | ||||||||
Charge for the year |
194 | 5,799 | 671 | 6,664 | ||||||||
Written back on disposals |
(2 | ) | (268 | ) | (124 | ) | (394 | ) | ||||
Assets written-off |
(2 | ) | (106 | ) | (34 | ) | (142 | ) | ||||
Written back on revaluation |
(505 | ) | (18,368 | ) | (1,258 | ) | (20,131 | ) | ||||
At 31 December 2003 |
| | | | ||||||||
Net book value: |
||||||||||||
At 31 December 2003 |
6,006 | 26,360 | 1,630 | 33,996 | ||||||||
All of the Target Groups land are located outside Hong Kong and are held under medium-term leases.
As required by the relevant PRC rules and regulations with respect to the Acquisition, the fixed assets of the Target Group as at 31 December 2003 were revalued by Beijing China Enterprise Appraisals Co., Ltd. (CEA), China United Assets Appraisal Co., Ltd. and Zhongdi Real Estate Valuation Co., Ltd., independent qualified valuers in the PRC, on a replacement cost basis. The value of fixed assets of the Target Group as at 31 December 2003 have been determined at RMB33,996 million. Such amount will serve as the tax base of such assets for future years. The surplus on revaluation of certain fixed assets totalling RMB689 million was credited to the revaluation reserve while deficit arising from revaluation of certain fixed assets totalling RMB3,470 million was recognised as expenses for the year ended 31 December 2003. The net deficit on revaluation of approximately RMB2,781 million was reflected in the combined balance sheet of the Target Group as at 31 December 2003.
The Target Groups land and buildings as at 31 December 2003 were also valued separately by Chesterton Petty Limited, an independent qualified valuer in Hong Kong, at approximately the same amount as the CEA valuation.
Other than revaluations carried out in compliance with relevant PRC rules and regulations, the Target Group has no plan to revalue their fixed assets on a regular basis.
II-21
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
11. | FIXED ASSETS (CONTINUED) |
The effect of the above revaluation is to reduce annual depreciation charges by approximately RMB755 million for future periods commencing on 1 January 2004. Had the fixed assets been stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, the net book value of fixed assets of the Target Group as at 31 December 2003 would have been RMB36,777 million, made up as follows:
At 31 December 2003 | ||
RMB million | ||
Land use rights and buildings |
5,569 | |
Telecommunication transceivers, switching centers and other network equipment |
29,391 | |
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures and others |
1,817 | |
36,777 | ||
The net book value of fixed assets of the Target Group includes amounts of RMB327 million, RMB118 million and RMB56 million in respect of assets held under finance leases as at 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003 respectively. None of the leases includes contingent rentals.
12. | CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS |
Construction in progress comprises expenditure incurred on the network expansion projects and construction of office buildings not yet completed at the balance sheet dates.
II-22
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
13. | DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
The components of deferred tax assets/(liabilities) recognised in the combined balance sheets and the movements during the relevant periods are as follows:
Note |
At 1 January 2001 |
Credited/ (charged) to combined income statements |
Charged to owners equity |
At 31 December 2001 |
||||||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||||||||
Deferred tax assets arising from: |
||||||||||||||
Provision for obsolete inventories |
3 | (3 | ) | | | |||||||||
Write-down and write-off of fixed assets relating to network equipment |
529 | (518 | ) | | 11 | |||||||||
Income recognition on prepaid service fee |
231 | 1 | | 232 | ||||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
244 | (79 | ) | | 165 | |||||||||
Tax losses not utilised |
(i) | | 95 | (95 | ) | | ||||||||
1,007 | (504 | ) | (95 | ) | 408 | |||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities arising from: |
||||||||||||||
Capitalised interest |
(22 | ) | (39 | ) | | (61 | ) | |||||||
Fixed assets basis differences |
(898 | ) | (25 | ) | | (923 | ) | |||||||
(920 | ) | (64 | ) | | (984 | ) | ||||||||
Total |
87 | (568 | ) | (95 | ) | (576 | ) | |||||||
(note 7 | (a)) |
II-23
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
13. | DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
At 1 January 2002 |
Credited/ (charged) to combined income statements |
Charged to owners equity |
At 31 December 2002 |
||||||||||||
Note | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||||||||
Deferred tax assets arising from: |
|||||||||||||||
Write-down and write-off of fixed assets relating to network equipment |
11 | (6 | ) | | 5 | ||||||||||
Income recognition on prepaid service fee |
232 | 203 | | 435 | |||||||||||
Accrual for certain operating expenses |
(iii | ) | | 47 | | 47 | |||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
165 | 53 | | 218 | |||||||||||
Tax losses not utilised |
(i | ) | | 51 | (51 | ) | | ||||||||
408 | 348 | (51 | ) | 705 | |||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities arising from: |
|||||||||||||||
Capitalised interest |
(61 | ) | (17 | ) | | (78 | ) | ||||||||
Fixed assets basis differences |
(923 | ) | (259 | ) | | (1,182 | ) | ||||||||
(984 | ) | (276 | ) | | (1,260 | ) | |||||||||
Total |
(576 | ) | 72 | (51 | ) | (555 | ) | ||||||||
(note 7 | (a)) |
II-24
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
13. | DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONTINUED) |
At 1 January 2003 |
Credited/ (charged) to combined income statements |
Credited/ (charged) to owners equity |
At 31 December 2003 | |||||||||||
Note | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||||||
Deferred tax assets arising from: |
||||||||||||||
Write-down and write-off of fixed assets relating to network equipment |
5 | (5 | ) | | | |||||||||
Income recognition on prepaid service fee |
435 | (435 | ) | | | |||||||||
Accrual for certain operating expenses |
(iii | ) | 47 | 28 | | 75 | ||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
(ii | ) | 218 | (35 | ) | (183 | ) | | ||||||
Tax losses not utilised |
(i | ) | | 228 | (228 | ) | | |||||||
705 | (219 | ) | (411 | ) | 75 | |||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities arising from: |
||||||||||||||
Capitalised interest |
(ii | ) | (78 | ) | | 78 | | |||||||
Fixed assets basis differences |
(ii | ) | (1,182 | ) | (209 | ) | 1,391 | | ||||||
(1,260 | ) | (209 | ) | 1,469 | | |||||||||
Total |
(555 | ) | (428 | ) | 1,058 | 75 | ||||||||
(note 7 | (a)) |
(i) | This represents net tax losses carried forward of the Target Group for the year. As the tax losses were utilised by China Mobile in the same tax year, the utilisation of the deferred tax asset was reflected as a distribution to owner. |
(ii) | As described in Note 11, in connection with the Acquisition, the fixed assets of the Target Group have been revalued as at 31 December 2003. Such revalued amount will serve as the tax base for these assets for future years. In addition, in connection with the Acquisition, the tax base of the Target Groups assets and liabilities that gave rise to the temporary differences above (except for item (iii)) have been adjusted to conform to the related financial carrying amounts. As a result, the timing differences that gave rise to the net deferred tax liabilities relating to the items above were eliminated. The reduction of net deferred tax liabilities of RMB1,286 million as at 31 December 2003 was reflected as a credit to owners equity. |
(iii) | This represents accrued expenses that are deductible for tax purpose when they are paid. Such temporary differences are expected to be reversed. |
II-25
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
14. | AMOUNTS DUE FROM ULTIMATE HOLDING COMPANY AND AMOUNTS DUE TO GROUP COMPANIES |
Amounts due from ultimate holding company are unsecured, non-interest bearing and repayable on demand and arose in the ordinary course of business (see note 25).
Amounts due to group companies represent:
At 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||
Amounts due to ultimate holding company |
10,221 | 532 | 243 | |||
Amounts due to fellow subsidiaries |
1,731 | 2,471 | 2,830 | |||
11,952 | 3,003 | 3,073 | ||||
Amounts due to ultimate holding company and fellow subsidiaries are unsecured, non-interest bearing and repayable on demand and arose in the ordinary course of business.
The Target Group has received an undertaking from China Mobile, the ultimate holding company, such that both China Mobile and the relevant fellow subsidiaries will not call for repayment of any amounts due to them, including the designated loans from China Mobile (see note 18(iii)), as they fall due which would cause the Target Group unable to meet any of its obligation.
15. | ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE |
Accounts receivable, net of provision for doubtful accounts, are all outstanding for less than three months with the following ageing analysis:
At 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||
Within 30 days |
564 | 531 | 463 | |||
3160 days |
87 | 81 | 67 | |||
6190 days |
124 | 90 | 72 | |||
775 | 702 | 602 | ||||
Balances are due for payment within one month from the date of billing. Customers with balances that are overdue or exceed credit limits are required to settle all outstanding balances before any further phone calls can be made.
16. | OTHER RECEIVABLES |
Included in other receivables as at 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003 are amounts due from the PRC fixed line telephone services providers, including China Telecommunications Corporation (China Telecom) and its subsidiaries (collectively the China Telecom Group) and China Network Communications Group Corporation (China Netcom) and its subsidiaries (collectively the China Netcom Group), totalling RMB288 million, RMB261 million and RMB51 million respectively, representing primarily revenue collected on behalf of the Target Group. These balances are unsecured, non-interest bearing and repayable within one year.
II-26
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
17. | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
At 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||
Deposits with banks |
1 | | 80 | |||
Cash at banks and in hand |
2,893 | 1,714 | 1,091 | |||
2,894 | 1,714 | 1,171 | ||||
18. | BANK LOANS AND OTHER INTEREST-BEARING BORROWINGS |
At 31 December | |||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | |||||||||
Note | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||||
Current |
|||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
(ii | ) | 493 | | | ||||||
Unsecured other loans |
(iii | ) | 2,345 | 6,705 | 5,140 | ||||||
Current portion of long term bank loans and other loans |
1,239 | 243 | | ||||||||
4,077 | 6,948 | 5,140 | |||||||||
Non-current |
|||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
(ii | ) | 1,616 | 238 | | ||||||
Unsecured other loans |
(iii | ) | 1,715 | 5 | | ||||||
Less: current portion of long term bank loans and other loans |
(1,239 | ) | (243 | ) | | ||||||
2,092 | | | |||||||||
6,169 | 6,948 | 5,140 | |||||||||
The Target Groups long-term bank and other loans were repayable as follows:
At 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMB million |
RMB million |
RMB million | ||||
Non-current |
||||||
On demand or within one year |
1,239 | 243 | | |||
After one year but within two years |
382 | | | |||
After two years but within five years |
1,710 | | | |||
2,092 | | | ||||
3,331 | 243 | | ||||
(i) | All the bank loans and other loans were denominated in Renminbi. |
(ii) | At 31 December 2001 and 2002, bank loans amounting to RMB700 million and RMB200 million respectively were guaranteed by the relevant former provincial telecommunications administration (PTA) (2003: Nil). |
(iii) | Other loans at 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003 mainly represent designated loans of RMB3,885 million, RMB6,535 million and RMB5,140 million respectively borrowed from China Mobile, the ultimate holding company, which bear interest at a range from 3.453 per cent. to 3.861 per cent. per annum, with maturity through 2004. Other loans at 31 December 2001 and 2002 also include a loan of RMB175 million from the relevant former PTA. |
II-27
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
19. | OBLIGATIONS UNDER FINANCE LEASES |
The Target Group had obligations under finance leases repayable as follows:
At 31 December 2001 | ||||||
Present value of the minimum lease payments |
Interest expense relating to future periods |
Total minimum lease payments | ||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||
Within 1 year |
154 | 5 | 159 | |||
After 1 year but within 2 years |
40 | 1 | 41 | |||
After 2 years but within 5 years |
10 | | 10 | |||
204 | 6 | 210 | ||||
At 31 December 2002 | ||||||
Present value of the minimum lease payments |
Interest expense relating to future periods |
Total minimum lease payments | ||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||
Within 1 year |
46 | 1 | 47 | |||
After 1 year but within 2 years |
11 | | 11 | |||
57 | 1 | 58 | ||||
At 31 December 2003 | ||||||
Present value of the minimum lease payments |
Interest expense relating to future periods |
Total minimum lease payments | ||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||
Within 1 year |
10 | | 10 | |||
20. | ACCOUNTS PAYABLE |
Accounts payable primarily includes payables for network expansion projects expenditure, leased lines and interconnection expenses. Included in accounts payable as at 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003 are amounts due to the China Telecom Group and China Netcom Group totalling RMB653 million, RMB462 million and RMB288 million respectively, representing primarily payables for leased lines and interconnection expenses.
The ageing analysis of accounts payable as at 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003 is as follows:
At 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||
Accounts payable in the next: |
||||||
1 month or on demand |
2,833 | 2,352 | 2,854 | |||
2-3 months |
399 | 631 | 479 | |||
4-6 months |
509 | 512 | 432 | |||
7-9 months |
752 | 142 | 122 | |||
10-12 months |
246 | 424 | 483 | |||
4,739 | 4,061 | 4,370 | ||||
II-28
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
21. | DEFERRED REVENUE |
Deferred revenue includes primarily prepaid service fees received from subscribers which are recognised as income when the mobile telecommunication services are rendered upon actual usage by subscribers.
Deferred revenue also includes the unamortised portion of tax credit granted by local tax authorities to the Target Group in respect of purchase of certain domestic manufactured telecommunication equipment during the relevant periods, which is amortised over the remaining useful lives of the related fixed assets.
At 31 December |
|||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||||
Balance at 1 January |
148 | 331 | 629 | ||||||
Additions during the year |
2,234 | 2,301 | 2,310 | ||||||
Recognised in the combined income statements |
(2,051 | ) | (2,003 | ) | (2,062 | ) | |||
Balance at 31 December |
331 | 629 | 877 | ||||||
Less: Current portion |
(253 | ) | (424 | ) | (712 | ) | |||
Non-current portion |
78 | 205 | 165 | ||||||
22. | EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT BENEFITS |
As stipulated by the regulations of the PRC, the employees of the Target Group participate in basic defined contribution pension plans organised by their respective Municipal Governments under which they are governed.
Employees in the PRC are entitled to retirement benefits equal to a fixed proportion of their salary at their normal retirement age. The Target Group has no other material obligation for payment of basic retirement benefits beyond the annual contributions which are calculated at a rate based on the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of its employees.
Other than the above, the Target Group also participates in supplementary defined contribution retirement plans managed by independent insurance companies whereby the Target Group is required to make contributions to the retirement plans at fixed rates of the employees salary costs or in accordance with the terms of the plans.
23. | DISTRIBUTABLE RESERVES |
As at 31 December 2003, the Target Companies had not been incorporated and hence there were no reserves available for distribution as at 31 December 2003.
II-29
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
24. | COMMITMENTS |
(a) | Capital commitments |
Capital commitments outstanding at 31 December 2001, 2002 and 2003 not provided for were summarised as follows:
At 31 December | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||
Commitments in respect of land and buildings |
||||||
authorised and contracted for |
527 | 380 | 285 | |||
authorised but not contracted for |
675 | 733 | 639 | |||
1,202 | 1,113 | 924 | ||||
Commitments in respect of telecommunications equipment |
||||||
authorised and contracted for |
3,031 | 2,465 | 1,720 | |||
authorised and not contracted for |
7,963 | 5,632 | 5,861 | |||
10,994 | 8,097 | 7,581 | ||||
Total commitments |
||||||
authorised and contracted for |
3,558 | 2,845 | 2,005 | |||
authorised and not contracted for |
8,638 | 6,365 | 6,500 | |||
12,196 | 9,210 | 8,505 | ||||
(b) | Operating lease commitments |
The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are payable as follows:
At 31 December 2001 | ||||||||
Land and buildings |
Leased lines |
Others |
Total | |||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||
Within 1 year |
38 | 553 | 22 | 613 | ||||
After 1 year but within 5 years |
74 | 94 | 25 | 193 | ||||
After 5 years |
31 | 2 | 2 | 35 | ||||
143 | 649 | 49 | 841 | |||||
At 31 December 2002 | ||||||||
Land and buildings |
Leased lines |
Others |
Total | |||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||
Within 1 year |
36 | 444 | 26 | 506 | ||||
After 1 year but within 5 years |
84 | 76 | 27 | 187 | ||||
After 5 years |
81 | 2 | 1 | 84 | ||||
201 | 522 | 54 | 777 | |||||
II-30
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
24. | COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED) |
At 31 December 2003 | ||||||||
Land and buildings |
Leased lines |
Others |
Total | |||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | |||||
Within 1 year |
62 | 450 | 17 | 529 | ||||
After 1 year but within 5 years |
118 | 61 | 22 | 201 | ||||
After 5 years |
88 | 2 | 2 | 92 | ||||
268 | 513 | 41 | 822 | |||||
The Target Group leases certain land and buildings, leased lines and other equipment under operating leases. None of the leases includes contingent rentals.
25. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
Companies are considered to be related if one company has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Companies are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence.
The Target Group conducts business with China Mobile and its subsidiaries (including the Listed Group but excluding the Target Group). The following is a summary of principal related party transactions of the Target Group during the relevant periods:
Year ended 31 December | |||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | |||||||
Note | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||
Interconnection revenue |
(i | ) | 830 | 967 | 1,006 | ||||
Interconnection expenses |
(ii | ) | 841 | 994 | 1,080 | ||||
Roaming handling and billing processing income |
(iii | ) | 282 | 215 | 181 | ||||
Leased line charges |
(iv | ) | 44 | 61 | 79 | ||||
Spectrum fees |
(v | ) | 5 | 52 | 127 | ||||
Operating lease charges |
(vi | ) | 11 | 20 | 23 | ||||
Sales commission |
(vii | ) | 17 | 19 | 5 | ||||
Debt collection service fees |
(vii | ) | 2 | 1 | | ||||
Equipment and telecommunications line maintenance service fees |
(viii | ) | 40 | 124 | 154 | ||||
Interest paid/payable |
(ix | ) | 22 | 286 | 185 | ||||
Prepaid card sales commission income |
(x | ) | 38 | 32 | 19 | ||||
Prepaid card sales commission expenses |
(x | ) | 29 | 24 | 12 | ||||
Construction and related service fees |
(xi | ) | 1,641 | 722 | 406 | ||||
Transmission tower production, sales and other services and antenna maintenance |
(xii | ) | | 62 | 14 |
Notes:
(i) | A mobile telephone user using roaming services is charged at the respective roaming usage rate and applicable long distance charges for roaming in calls. Interconnection revenue represents domestic and international roaming in usage charges and applicable long distance charges from non-subscribers received or receivable from the relevant domestic and international mobile telecommunication operators through China Mobile. |
II-31
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
25. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED) |
(ii) | A mobile telephone user using roaming services is charged at the respective roaming usage rate and applicable long distance charges for roaming out calls. Interconnection expenses represent the amount of domestic and international roaming out charges and applicable long distance charges received or receivable from subscribers which is to be remitted to the relevant domestic and international mobile telecommunication operators for their share of revenue through China Mobile. |
(iii) | This represents the international roaming handling charges and roaming billing processing charges received or receivable from the Listed Group for the provision of international roaming settlement and roaming billing processing services. |
(iv) | Leased line charges represent expenses paid or payable to China Mobile for the use of inter-provincial leased lines which link the Target Groups mobile switching centres together and with other mobile switching centres of the subsidiaries of China Mobile. |
(v) | Spectrum fees represent the spectrum usage fees paid or payable to China Mobile for the usage of the frequency bands allocated to the Target Group. |
(vi) | Operating lease charges represent the rental and property management fees paid or payable to the subsidiaries of China Mobile for operating leases in respect of land and buildings and others. |
(vii) | The Target Group entered into certain service agreements in respect of marketing services with authorised dealers and debt collection services with the subsidiaries of China Mobile. |
Sales commission represents the amounts paid or payable to the subsidiaries of China Mobile for their marketing of the mobile telecommunication services in the relevant provinces or autonomous regions.
Debt collection service fees represent the amounts paid or payable to the subsidiaries of China Mobile for the provision of debt collection services to the Target Group.
(viii) | Equipment and telecommunications line maintenance service fees represent the amounts paid or payable to the subsidiaries of China Mobile, for the provision of the maintenance services to the Target Group. |
(ix) | Interest paid/payable represents the interest paid or payable to China Mobile in respect of the designated loans borrowed. |
(x) | Prepaid card sales commission income and expenses represent handling charges received / receivable from the Listed Group to the Target Group or paid/payable by the Target Group to the Listed Group through China Mobile in respect of prepaid card services. |
(xi) | Construction and related service fees represent the amounts paid or payable to the subsidiaries of China Mobile, for the provision of telecommunications projects planning, design and construction services and telecommunications lines and pipelines construction services to the Target Group. |
(xii) | This represents the amount paid or payable to the subsidiaries of China Mobile for acquiring transmission towers and the provision of transmission tower related services. |
The directors of the Target Group are of the opinion that the above transactions with related parties were conducted on normal commercial terms and have confirmed that the above transactions, except for those set out in note (vii) above, will continue after the Acquisition.
26. | ULTIMATE HOLDING COMPANY |
The directors consider the ultimate holding company of Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile, Xinjiang Mobile, Jingyi Design Institute and CMC to be China Mobile, a company incorporated in the PRC.
II-32
APPENDIX II |
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT |
D. | DIRECTORS REMUNERATION |
Save as disclosed herein, no remuneration has been paid or is payable in respect of the relevant periods by the Target Group, to the directors of the Target Group.
E. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
Save as other notes disclosed elsewhere in this report, no other significant events took place subsequent to 31 December 2003.
F. | SUBSEQUENT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
No audited financial statements have been prepared by the Target Group in respect of any period subsequent to 31 December 2003.
Yours faithfully, |
KPMG |
Certified Public Accountants |
Hong Kong |
II-33
APPENDIX III |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE LISTED GROUP |
EXTRACTS OF THE AUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE LISTED GROUP
The following consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows of the Listed Group for the year ended 31 December 2003 and the consolidated balance sheet of the Listed Group as at 31 December 2003 are extracted from the audited financial statements of the Listed Group prepared under accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong. All such financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and accompanying notes, which are included in the Companys annual report.
Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2003
2003 |
2002 restated |
|||||
RMB million | RMB million | |||||
Operating revenue (Turnover) |
||||||
Usage fees |
111,027 | 93,272 | ||||
Monthly fees |
20,666 | 16,901 | ||||
Other operating revenue |
26,911 | 18,388 | ||||
158,604 | 128,561 | |||||
Operating expenses |
||||||
Leased lines |
(4,914 | ) | (5,287 | ) | ||
Interconnection |
(12,868 | ) | (12,975 | ) | ||
Depreciation |
(36,611 | ) | (26,827 | ) | ||
Personnel |
(7,700 | ) | (6,757 | ) | ||
Other operating expenses |
(43,308 | ) | (27,919 | ) | ||
(105,401 | ) | (79,765 | ) | |||
Profit from operations |
53,203 | 48,796 | ||||
Amortisation of goodwill |
(1,850 | ) | (936 | ) | ||
Other net income |
2,464 | 1,686 | ||||
Non-operating net income |
434 | 571 | ||||
Interest income |
807 | 713 | ||||
Finance costs |
(2,099 | ) | (1,852 | ) | ||
Profit from ordinary activities before taxation |
52,959 | 48,978 | ||||
Taxation |
(17,412 | ) | (16,375 | ) | ||
Profit from ordinary activities after taxation |
35,547 | 32,603 | ||||
Minority interests |
9 | (2 | ) | |||
Profit attributable to shareholders |
35,556 | 32,601 | ||||
III-1
APPENDIX III |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE LISTED GROUP |
Consolidated Income Statement (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2003
2003 |
2002 restated | |||
RMB million | RMB million | |||
Dividends attributable to the year: |
||||
Interim dividend declared and paid during the year |
3,339 | | ||
Final dividend proposed after the balance sheet date |
4,178 | 6,678 | ||
7,517 | 6,678 | |||
Earnings per share |
||||
Basic |
RMB1.81 | RMB1.70 | ||
Diluted |
RMB1.81 | RMB1.70 | ||
III-2
APPENDIX III |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE LISTED GROUP |
Consolidated Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2003
2003 |
2002 restated |
|||||
RMB million | RMB million | |||||
Non-current assets |
||||||
Fixed assets |
171,604 | 165,409 | ||||
Construction in progress |
28,370 | 23,013 | ||||
Goodwill |
34,373 | 36,223 | ||||
Interest in associates |
16 | 16 | ||||
Investment securities |
77 | 77 | ||||
Deferred tax assets |
3,263 | 4,991 | ||||
Deferred expenses |
143 | 190 | ||||
237,846 | 229,919 | |||||
Current assets |
||||||
Inventories |
2,050 | 1,586 | ||||
Amount due from ultimate holding company |
762 | 1,282 | ||||
Accounts receivable |
6,116 | 6,066 | ||||
Other receivables |
1,787 | 1,465 | ||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
2,128 | 2,059 | ||||
Tax recoverable |
258 | | ||||
Deposits with banks |
17,227 | 11,069 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
39,129 | 32,575 | ||||
69,457 | 56,102 | |||||
Current liabilities |
||||||
Bank loans and other interest-bearing borrowings |
(13,090 | ) | (8,132 | ) | ||
Bills payable |
(2,059 | ) | (1,256 | ) | ||
Current instalments of obligations under finance leases |
(68 | ) | (68 | ) | ||
Current portion of deferred revenue |
(9,476 | ) | (6,760 | ) | ||
Amount due to ultimate holding company |
(1,352 | ) | (1,217 | ) | ||
Amount due to immediate holding company |
(47 | ) | (402 | ) | ||
Accounts payable |
(25,225 | ) | (19,251 | ) | ||
Accrued expenses and other payables |
(22,317 | ) | (16,460 | ) | ||
Tax payable |
(4,516 | ) | (6,568 | ) | ||
(78,150 | ) | (60,114 | ) | |||
Net current liabilities |
(8,693 | ) | (4,012 | ) | ||
Total assets less current liabilities carried forward |
229,153 | 225,907 | ||||
III-3
APPENDIX III |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE LISTED GROUP |
Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued)
At 31 December 2003
2003 |
2002 restated |
|||||
RMB million | RMB million | |||||
Total assets less current liabilities brought forward |
229,153 | 225,907 | ||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||
Bank loans and other interest-bearing borrowings |
(19,407 | ) | (36,348 | ) | ||
Amount due to immediate holding company |
(9,976 | ) | (15,176 | ) | ||
Deferred revenue, excluding current portion |
(688 | ) | (869 | ) | ||
Deferred tax liabilities |
(97 | ) | (58 | ) | ||
(30,168 | ) | (52,451 | ) | |||
Minority interests |
(182 | ) | (191 | ) | ||
NET ASSETS |
198,803 | 173,265 | ||||
CAPITAL AND RESERVES |
||||||
Share capital |
2,099 | 2,099 | ||||
Reserves |
196,704 | 171,166 | ||||
198,803 | 173,265 | |||||
III-4
APPENDIX III |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE LISTED GROUP |
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2003
2003 |
2002 |
|||||
RMB million | RMB million | |||||
Shareholders equity at 1 January |
||||||
as previously reported |
172,202 | 111,779 | ||||
prior year adjustment arising from change in accounting policy for deferred taxation |
1,063 | 1,204 | ||||
as restated |
173,265 | 112,983 | ||||
Net profit for the year (2002: restated) |
||||||
as previously reported |
32,742 | |||||
prior year adjustment arising from change in accounting policy for deferred taxation |
(141 | ) | ||||
Net profit for the year (2002: as restated) |
35,556 | 32,601 | ||||
Dividends declared or approved during the year |
(10,018 | ) | | |||
Movements in share capital: |
||||||
Issue of new shares |
| 25 | ||||
Issue of consideration shares for acquisition of subsidiaries |
| 88 | ||||
Net share premium arising on issuance of shares |
| 27,568 | ||||
Net increase in shareholders equity arising from capital transactions with shareholders |
| 27,681 | ||||
Shareholders equity at 31 December |
198,803 | 173,265 | ||||
III-5
APPENDIX III |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE LISTED GROUP |
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2003
2003 |
2002 |
|||||
RMB million | RMB million | |||||
Operating activities |
||||||
Profit from ordinary activities before taxation |
52,959 | 48,978 | ||||
Adjustment for: |
||||||
Depreciation of fixed assets |
36,611 | 26,827 | ||||
Amortisation of goodwill |
1,850 | 936 | ||||
Profit on deemed disposal of a subsidiary |
| (255 | ) | |||
Loss on disposal of fixed assets |
795 | 205 | ||||
Write off of fixed assets |
669 | 96 | ||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
2,006 | 1,749 | ||||
Amortisation of deferred expenses |
47 | 43 | ||||
Interest income |
(807 | ) | (713 | ) | ||
Interest expense and finance lease charges |
2,099 | 1,852 | ||||
Dividend income |
(48 | ) | (25 | ) | ||
Unrealised exchange loss, net |
47 | 8 | ||||
Operating profit before changes in working capital |
96,228 | 79,701 | ||||
Increase in inventories |
(464 | ) | (234 | ) | ||
Decrease in amount due from ultimate holding company |
520 | 765 | ||||
Increase in accounts receivable |
(1,968 | ) | (733 | ) | ||
Increase in other receivables |
(259 | ) | (234 | ) | ||
(Increase)/decrease in prepayments and other current assets |
(69 | ) | 91 | |||
Increase in amount due to ultimate holding company |
135 | 450 | ||||
(Decrease)/increase in amount due to immediate holding company |
(355 | ) | 402 | |||
Increase in accounts payable |
940 | 4,915 | ||||
Increase in accrued expenses and other payables |
6,246 | 469 | ||||
Increase in deferred revenue |
2,535 | 2,370 | ||||
Cash generated from operations |
103,489 | 87,962 | ||||
Tax paid |
||||||
PRC income tax paid |
(17,955 | ) | (18,540 | ) | ||
Net cash from operating activities carried forward |
85,534 | 69,422 | ||||
III-6
APPENDIX III |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE LISTED GROUP |
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2003
2003 |
2002 |
|||||
RMB million | RMB million | |||||
Net cash from operating activities brought forward |
85,534 | 69,422 | ||||
Investing activities |
||||||
Payment of amount due to immediate holding company in respect of acquisition of subsidiaries |
(5,200 | ) | | |||
Payment for acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash and cash equivalents acquired) |
| (28,733 | ) | |||
Capital expenditure |
(43,871 | ) | (41,000 | ) | ||
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets |
233 | 411 | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of shares to minority interest by subsidiary, net of expenses |
| 412 | ||||
(Increase)/decrease in deposits with banks |
(6,158 | ) | 3,901 | |||
Interest received |
656 | 867 | ||||
Dividends received |
48 | 25 | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(54,292 | ) | (64,117 | ) | ||
Financing activities |
||||||
Proceeds from issue of shares, net of expenses |
| 5,970 | ||||
New bank and other loans |
760 | 6,955 | ||||
Repayments of bank and other loans |
(12,790 | ) | (12,232 | ) | ||
Capital elements of finance leases rental |
| (1,652 | ) | |||
Proceeds from issue of bonds |
| 8,000 | ||||
Expenses on issue of bonds |
| (53 | ) | |||
Interest paid |
(2,640 | ) | (1,539 | ) | ||
Dividend paid |
(10,018 | ) | | |||
Net cash (used in)/from financing activities |
(24,688 | ) | 5,449 | |||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
6,554 | 10,754 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
32,575 | 21,821 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
39,129 | 32,575 | ||||
III-7
APPENDIX IV |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMBINED GROUP |
1. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMBINED GROUP
The following is the text of a report, prepared for the sole purpose of inclusion in this circular, received from the independent reporting accountants, KPMG, Certified Public Accountants, Hong Kong.
8th Floor | ||||||
Princes Building | ||||||
10 Chater Road | ||||||
Hong Kong | ||||||
3 May 2004 |
The Board of Directors
China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited
60/F The Center
99 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong
We report on the unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group (the Listed Group (as defined herein) together with the Target Group (as defined herein)) set out on pages IV-3 to IV-7 in Section 1 of Appendix IV to the circular dated 3 May 2004, which has been prepared by China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited (the Company, and together with its subsidiaries are referred to as the Listed Group) solely for illustrative purposes to provide information about how the Acquisition of the interests in the Target Companies (as defined herein) by the Company and the transactions as described in the accompanying introduction to the unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group might have affected the historical amounts in the accompanying unaudited pro forma balance sheet of the Combined Group as at 31 December 2003, and the unaudited pro forma income statement for the year then ended. The historical financial information is derived from the audited historical financial information of the Listed Group and of the Target Group appearing elsewhere herein. The basis of preparation of the pro forma financial information is set out in the accompanying introduction and notes to the unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility solely of the directors of the Company to prepare the pro forma financial information in accordance with Paragraph 29 of Chapter 4 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the Listing Rules).
It is our responsibility to form an opinion, as required by the Listing Rules, on the pro forma financial information and to report our opinion to you. We do not accept any responsibility for any reports previously given by us on any financial information used in the compilation of the pro forma financial information beyond that owed to those to whom those reports were addressed by us at the dates of their issue.
Basis of opinion
We conducted our work in accordance with the Statements of Investment Circular Reporting Standards and Bulletin 1998/8 Reporting on pro forma financial information pursuant to the Listing Rules issued by the Auditing Practices Board in the United Kingdom, where applicable. Our work consisted
IV-1
APPENDIX IV |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMBINED GROUP |
primarily of comparing the unadjusted financial information with the source documents, considering the evidence supporting the adjustments and discussing the pro forma financial information with the directors of the Company.
Our work did not constitute an audit or review made in accordance with Statements of Auditing Standards issued by the Hong Kong Society of Accountants, and accordingly, we do not express any such audit or review assurance on the pro forma financial information.
The pro forma financial information is for illustrative purposes only, based on the directors judgements and assumptions, and because of its nature, it does not provide any assurance or indication that any event will take place in the future and may not be indicative of the financial position or results of:
| the Combined Group had the transaction actually occurred as at the dates indicated therein; or |
| the Combined Group at any future date or for any future periods. |
Opinion
In our opinion:
(a) | the accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information has been properly compiled on the basis stated; |
(b) | such basis is consistent with the accounting policies of the Company; and |
(c) | the adjustments are appropriate for the purposes of the pro forma financial information as disclosed pursuant to Paragraph 29(1) of Chapter 4 of the Listing Rules. |
Yours faithfully |
KPMG |
Certified Public Accountants |
Hong Kong |
IV-2
APPENDIX IV |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMBINED GROUP |
Introduction to the unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group
The accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group has been prepared to illustrate the effect of the Companys proposed acquisition of Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile, Xinjiang Mobile, Jingyi Design Institute and CMC (each individually referred to as a Target Company, and together with its subsidiary collectively referred to as the Target Group) at consideration of US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately RMB30,210 million). The consideration will be satisfied by the payment of an initial consideration and a deferred consideration. The initial consideration of US$2,000 million (equivalent to approximately RMB16,554 million) will be satisfied by cash. The deferred consideration of US$1,650 million (equivalent to approximately RMB13,656 million), being the difference between the total consideration and the initial consideration, is interest bearing and repayable within fifteen years.
The accompanying unaudited pro forma income statement for the year ended 31 December 2003 of the Combined Group gives effect to the above transactions as if such transactions had taken place on 1 January 2003. The accompanying unaudited pro forma balance sheet of the Combined Group as at 31 December 2003 gives effect to the transactions described above as if they had been consummated on 31 December 2003.
In connection with the Acquisition, the fixed assets of the Target Group were revalued at 31 December 2003 as required by the relevant PRC rules and regulation. The Target Group expects that the revaluation of fixed assets will have a material impact on its overall results of operations. The accompanying unaudited pro forma income statement of the Combined Group has also been adjusted to give effect to the revaluation as if it had been consummated on 1 January 2003.
The accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group is prepared based upon the historical financial information of the Target Group as set out in Appendix II Accountants Report to this circular and the consolidated financial statements of the Listed Group after giving effect to the pro forma adjustments described in the accompanying notes. A narrative description of the pro forma adjustments that are (i) directly attributable to the transactions; (ii) expected to have a continuing impact on the Combined Group; and (iii) factually supportable, are summarised in the accompanying notes.
The unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group is based on a number of assumptions, estimates, uncertainties and currently available information, and is provided for illustrative purposes. Accordingly, as a result of the uncertain nature of the accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group, it may not give a true picture of the actual financial position or results of the Combined Groups operations that would have been attained had the Acquisition actually occurred on the dates indicated herein. Further, the accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group does not purport to predict the Combined Groups future financial position or results of operations.
The unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group should be read in conjunction with the Accountants Report of the Target Group as set out in Appendix II, the financial information of the Listed Group as set out in Appendix III and other financial information included elsewhere in this circular.
IV-3
APPENDIX IV |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMBINED GROUP |
Unaudited pro forma income statement of the Combined Group
For the year ended 31 December 2003
Target Group historical |
The Listed Group historical |
Pro forma adjustments |
Note | Adjusted balance |
|||||||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||||||||
Operating revenue (Turnover) |
|||||||||||||||
Usage fees |
14,675 | 111,027 | 125,702 | ||||||||||||
Monthly fees |
3,401 | 20,666 | 24,067 | ||||||||||||
Other operating revenue |
2,569 | 26,911 | (181 | ) | (a | ) | 29,299 | ||||||||
20,645 | 158,604 | 179,068 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
|||||||||||||||
Leased lines |
(683 | ) | (4,914 | ) | (5,597 | ) | |||||||||
Interconnection |
(1,343 | ) | (12,868 | ) | 145 | (a | ) | (14,066 | ) | ||||||
Depreciation |
(6,664 | ) | (36,611 | ) | 633 | (b | ) | (42,642 | ) | ||||||
Personnel |
(2,021 | ) | (7,700 | ) | (9,721 | ) | |||||||||
Other operating expenses |
(7,416 | ) | (43,308 | ) | 36 | (a | ) | (50,688 | ) | ||||||
(18,127 | ) | (105,401 | ) | (122,714 | ) | ||||||||||
Profit from operations |
2,518 | 53,203 | 56,354 | ||||||||||||
Deficit on revaluation of fixed assets |
(3,470 | ) | | (3,470 | ) | ||||||||||
Amortisation of goodwill |
| (1,850 | ) | (222 | ) | (c | ) | (2,072 | ) | ||||||
Other net income |
203 | 2,464 | 2,667 | ||||||||||||
Non-operating net income |
93 | 434 | 527 | ||||||||||||
Interest income |
53 | 807 | (169 | ) | (d | ) | 691 | ||||||||
Finance costs |
(127 | ) | (2,099 | ) | (354 | ) | (e | ) | (2,580 | ) | |||||
(Loss)/profit from ordinary activities before taxation |
(730 | ) | 52,959 | 52,117 | |||||||||||
Taxation |
(628 | ) | (17,412 | ) | (89 | ) | (f | ) | (18,129 | ) | |||||
(Loss)/profit from ordinary activities after taxation |
(1,358 | ) | 35,547 | 33,988 | |||||||||||
Minority interests |
| 9 | 9 | ||||||||||||
Net (loss)/profit |
(1,358 | ) | 35,556 | 33,997 | |||||||||||
IV-4
APPENDIX IV |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMBINED GROUP |
Unaudited pro forma balance sheet of the Combined Group
At 31 December 2003
Target Group historical |
The Listed Group historical |
Pro forma adjustments |
Note | Adjusted balance |
|||||||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
|||||||||||||||
Fixed assets |
33,996 | 171,604 | 205,600 | ||||||||||||
Construction in progress |
5,059 | 28,370 | 33,429 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| 34,373 | 4,444 | (g | ) | 38,817 | |||||||||
Interest in associates |
| 16 | 16 | ||||||||||||
Investment securities |
| 77 | 77 | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
75 | 3,263 | 3,338 | ||||||||||||
Deferred expenses |
| 143 | 143 | ||||||||||||
39,130 | 237,846 | 281,420 | |||||||||||||
Current assets |
|||||||||||||||
Inventories |
330 | 2,050 | 2,380 | ||||||||||||
Amounts due from ultimate holding company |
381 | 762 | 1,143 | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
602 | 6,116 | 6,718 | ||||||||||||
Other receivables |
408 | 1,787 | 2,195 | ||||||||||||
Prepayment and other current assets |
502 | 2,128 | 2,630 | ||||||||||||
Tax recoverable |
| 258 | 258 | ||||||||||||
Deposits with banks |
125 | 17,227 | 17,352 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
1,171 | 39,129 | (16,554 | ) | (h | ) | 23,746 | ||||||||
3,519 | 69,457 | 56,422 | |||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
|||||||||||||||
Bank loans and other interest-bearing borrowings |
(5,140 | ) | (13,090 | ) | (18,230 | ) | |||||||||
Bills payable |
(24 | ) | (2,059 | ) | (2,083 | ) | |||||||||
Current instalments of obligations under finance leases |
(10 | ) | (68 | ) | (78 | ) | |||||||||
Current portion of deferred revenue |
(712 | ) | (9,476 | ) | (10,188 | ) | |||||||||
Amounts due to group companies |
(3,073 | ) | (1,399 | ) | (4,472 | ) | |||||||||
Accounts payable |
(4,370 | ) | (25,225 | ) | (29,595 | ) | |||||||||
Accrued expenses and other payables |
(3,384 | ) | (22,317 | ) | (25,701 | ) | |||||||||
Tax payable |
(5 | ) | (4,516 | ) | (4,521 | ) | |||||||||
(16,718 | ) | (78,150 | ) | (94,868 | ) | ||||||||||
Net current liabilities |
(13,199 | ) | (8,693 | ) | (38,446 | ) | |||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities carried forward |
25,931 | 229,153 | 242,974 | ||||||||||||
IV-5
APPENDIX IV |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMBINED GROUP |
Unaudited pro forma balance sheet of the Combined Group (continued)
At 31 December 2003
Target Group historical |
The Listed Group historical |
Pro forma adjustments |
Note | Adjusted balance |
|||||||||||
RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | RMB million | ||||||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities brought forward |
25,931 | 229,153 | 242,974 | ||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
|||||||||||||||
Bank loans and other interest-bearing borrowings |
| (19,407 | ) | (19,407 | ) | ||||||||||
Amount due to immediate holding company |
| (9,976 | ) | (13,656 | ) | (i | ) | (23,632 | ) | ||||||
Deferred revenue, excluding current portion |
(165 | ) | (688 | ) | (853 | ) | |||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| (97 | ) | (97 | ) | ||||||||||
(165 | ) | (30,168 | ) | (43,989 | ) | ||||||||||
Minority interests |
| (182 | ) | (182 | ) | ||||||||||
Net assets |
25,766 | 198,803 | 198,803 | ||||||||||||
Capital and reserves |
25,766 | 198,803 | (25,766 | ) | (j | ) | 198,803 | ||||||||
IV-6
APPENDIX IV |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMBINED GROUP |
Description of pro forma adjustments
(a) | Elimination of the intercompany transactions between the Target Group and the Listed Group on a combined basis. |
(b) | In connection with the Acquisition, the Target Groups fixed assets were revalued as at 31 December 2003 as required by the relevant PRC rules and regulations, resulting in a net revaluation deficit recorded on such date. The adjustment represents the reduction in depreciation charges resulting from the revaluation of the fixed assets as if the revaluation result had been recorded on 1 January 2003. |
(c) | To record the amortisation of positive goodwill as a result of the acquisition of the Target Companies as if the acquisition had taken place on 1 January 2003. The amortisation is calculated to write off the cost of positive goodwill on a straight line basis over 20 years. |
(d) | To adjust for reduction in the interest income for the initial cash consideration to be taken from the internal resources of the Listed Group as if the transaction had taken place on 1 January 2003. |
(e) | To record the interest expense of the deferred consideration at 2.595% per annum as if the Acquisition had taken place on 1 January 2003. The interest expense is not deductible for taxation purposes. |
(f) | To record the tax effect of the pro forma adjustment described in note (b) and (d) above. |
(g) | To record positive goodwill as a result of the acquisition of the Target Companies as if the acquisition had taken place on 31 December 2003. Positive goodwill represents the excess of the total purchase consideration of US$3,650 million (equivalent to approximately RMB30,210 million) and the estimated fair value of the underlying net assets of the Target Group as at 31 December 2003. |
(h) | To record the initial cash consideration for the Target Group to be taken from the internal resources of the Listed Group as at 31 December 2003. |
(i) | To record the deferred consideration payable to CMBVI in connection with the Acquisition of the Target Group as at 31 December 2003. |
(j) | To eliminate the owners equity of the Target Group as at 31 December 2003. |
IV-7
APPENDIX IV |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMBINED GROUP |
2. WORKING CAPITAL
The Directors are of the opinion that the Combined Group will, following the completion of the Acquisition, have sufficient working capital for its present requirements.
3. INDEBTEDNESS
At the close of the business on 31 March 2004, being the latest practicable date for the purpose of this indebtedness statement, the Combined Group had outstanding borrowings of approximately RMB45,449 million in aggregate. These borrowings comprise unsecured bank loans of approximately RMB1,997 million, other unsecured loans of approximately RMB18,494 million, bills payable of approximately RMB1,161 million, finance lease obligations of approximately RMB78 million, unsecured fixed rate notes of approximately RMB4,984 million, unsecured convertible notes of approximately RMB5,735 million and bonds of RMB13,000 million.
In respect of the above borrowings, approximately RMB93 million of the unsecured bank loans and approximately RMB68 million of finance lease obligations are guaranteed by third parties and the bonds of RMB13,000 million are guaranteed by CMCC.
Save as aforesaid and apart from intra-group liabilities, none of the companies in the Combined Group had outstanding at the close of business on 31 March 2004 any mortgages, charges or debentures, loan capital, bank overdrafts, loans and other similar indebtedness, hire purchase commitments, liabilities under acceptances, guarantees or other material contingent liabilities.
IV-8
APPENDIX V |
PROFIT FORECAST |
The forecast combined profit after taxation but before extraordinary items of the Target Group for the year ending 31 December 2004 is set out in the section headed Prospective Financial Information in the Letter from the Chairman.
(A) | BASES AND ASSUMPTIONS |
The management of the Company and the Target Companies have prepared the forecast combined profit after taxation but before extraordinary items of the Target Group for the year ending 31 December 2004. The management of the Company and the Target Companies are not currently aware of any extraordinary items which have arisen or are likely to arise in respect of the year ending 31 December 2004. The forecast has been prepared on a basis consistent in all material respects with the accounting policies currently adopted by the Target Group as summarised in Appendix II and on the following principal assumptions:
(1) | there will be no material changes in existing political, legal, regulatory, fiscal or economic conditions in Hong Kong and the PRC; |
(2) | there will be no material changes in legislation or regulations governing the telecommunications industry in the PRC which would materially affect the business or operations of the Target Companies; |
(3) | inflation, interest rates and RMB exchange rates will not differ materially from those prevailing as at the date of this circular; and |
(4) | there will be no material changes in the bases or rates of taxation applicable to the Target Companies, except as otherwise disclosed in this circular. |
V-1
APPENDIX V |
PROFIT FORECAST |
(B) | LETTERS |
Set out below are the text of the letters received from the reporting accountants, KPMG, and from the Companys financial advisers in connection with the profit forecast and prepared for the purpose of inclusion in this circular.
(i) | Letter from KPMG |
8th Floor | ||||
Princes Building | ||||
10 Chater Road | ||||
Hong Kong | ||||
3 May 2004 |
The Directors
China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited
China International Capital Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited
Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C.
UBS Investment Bank
Dear Sirs
We have reviewed the accounting policies and calculations adopted in arriving at the forecast (the Forecast) of the combined profit after taxation but before extraordinary items of Neimenggu Mobile Communication Company Limited, Jilin Mobile Communication Company Limited, Heilongjiang Mobile Communication Company Limited, Guizhou Mobile Communication Company Limited, Yunnan Mobile Communication Company Limited, Xizang Mobile Communication Company Limited, Gansu Mobile Communication Company Limited, Qinghai Mobile Communication Company Limited, Ningxia Mobile Communication Company Limited, Xinjiang Mobile Communication Company Limited, Beijing P&T Consulting & Design Institute Company Limited and China Mobile Communication Company Limited (together with its subsidiary collectively referred to as the Target Group) for the year ending 31 December 2004, for which the directors (the Directors) of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited (the Company) and the management of the Target Group (the Management) are solely responsible, as set out in the circular dated 3 May 2004 issued by the Company.
In our opinion so far as the accounting policies and calculations are concerned, the Forecast has been properly compiled on the bases and the assumptions made by the Directors and the Management as set out in Part A of Appendix V to the above-mentioned circular and is presented on a basis consistent in all material respects with the accounting policies adopted by the Target Group as set out in our accountants report dated 3 May 2004, the text of which is set out in Appendix II to the said circular.
Yours faithfully |
KPMG |
Certified Public Accountants |
Hong Kong |
V-2
APPENDIX V |
PROFIT FORECAST |
(ii) | Letter from financial advisers |
China International Capital Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited Suite 2307, 23rd Floor One International Finance Centre 1 Harbour View Street Central Hong Kong |
Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. 68th Floor Cheung Kong Center 2 Queens Road Central Hong Kong |
UBS Investment Bank 25th Floor One Exchange Square 8 Connaught Place Central Hong Kong |
3 May 2004
The Directors
China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited
60th Floor, The Center
99 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong
Dear Sirs
We refer to the forecast of the combined profit after taxation but before extraordinary items of Neimenggu Mobile Communication Company Limited (Neimenggu Mobile), Jilin Mobile Communication Company Limited (Jilin Mobile), Heilongjiang Mobile Communication Company Limited (Heilongjiang Mobile), Guizhou Mobile Communication Company Limited (Guizhou Mobile), Yunnan Mobile Communication Company Limited (Yunnan Mobile), Xizang Mobile Communication Company Limited (Xizang Mobile), Gansu Mobile Communication Company Limited (Gansu Mobile), Qinghai Mobile Communication Company Limited (Qinghai Mobile), Ningxia Mobile Communication Company Limited (Ningxia Mobile), Xinjiang Mobile Communication Company Limited (Xinjiang Mobile), Beijing P&T Consulting & Design Institute Company Limited (Jingyi Design Institute) and China Mobile Communication Company Limited (CMC), for the year ending 31 December 2004 as set out in the circular issued by China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited (the Company), dated 3 May 2004.
We have discussed with you the bases and assumptions upon which the profit forecast has been made. We have also considered the letter dated 3 May 2004 addressed to you and us from KPMG regarding the accounting policies and calculations upon which the forecast has been made.
On the basis of the assumptions made by the management of the Company and Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile, Xinjiang Mobile, Jingyi Design Institute and CMC, respectively, and on the bases of the accounting policies and calculations reviewed by KPMG, we are of the opinion that the profit forecast, for which the management of the Company and Neimenggu Mobile, Jilin Mobile, Heilongjiang Mobile, Guizhou Mobile, Yunnan Mobile, Xizang Mobile, Gansu Mobile, Qinghai Mobile, Ningxia Mobile, Xinjiang Mobile, Jingyi Design Institute and CMC are solely responsible, has been made after due and careful enquiry.
Yours faithfully, For and on behalf of CHINA INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED Bi Mingjian Managing Director |
Yours faithfully, For and on behalf of GOLDMAN SACHS (ASIA) L.L.C. Wang Hsueh-Ming Managing Director |
Yours faithfully, For and on behalf of UBS INVESTMENT BANK He Di Managing Director |
V-3
APPENDIX VI |
GENERAL INFORMATION |
1. | RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT |
This circular includes particulars given in compliance with the Listing Rules for the purpose of giving information with regard to the Company. The Directors collectively and individually accept full responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in this circular and confirm, having made all reasonable enquiries, that to the best of their knowledge and belief there are no other facts the omission of which would make any statement herein misleading.
2. | DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS |
(i) | As at the Latest Practicable Date, the interests and short positions of the directors and the chief executive of the Company in the shares, underlying shares and debentures of the Company or any of its associated corporations (within the meaning of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance) as recorded in the register required kept under section 352 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance were as follows: |
Name of Director |
Personal Interest | |
Wang Xiaochu |
500 American Depositary Shares (1) |
(1) | One American Depositary Share represents five Shares. |
(ii) | As at the Latest Practicable Date, options exercisable for an aggregate of 9,071,000 Shares had been granted to the following Directors under the Companys share option scheme: |
Name of Directors |
Number of Shares covered by options | |
Wang Xiaochu |
4,520,000 | |
Xue Taohai |
200,000 | |
He Ning |
1,436,000 | |
Li Gang |
1,470,000 | |
Xu Long |
1,445,000 |
Save as disclosed above, as at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors had or was deemed to have any interests or short positions in the shares, underlying shares and debentures of the Company or any of its associated corporations (within the meaning of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance) which were required to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (including interests and short positions which they are deemed or taken to have under the Securities and Futures Ordinance) or which are required, pursuant to section 352 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance to be entered in the register referred to therein or which are required, pursuant to the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Companies, to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange.
None of the Directors is materially interested in any contract or arrangement subsisting at the date hereof which is significant in relation to the business of the Combined Group taken as a whole.
Since 31 December 2003, the date of the latest published audited financial statements of the Company, none of the Directors nor any experts named in paragraph 8 of this Appendix has any direct or indirect material interest in any assets which have been acquired or disposed of by or leased to any member of the Combined Group, or are proposed to be acquired or disposed of by or leased to any member of the Combined Group.
VI-1
APPENDIX VI |
GENERAL INFORMATION |
3. | SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS |
As at the Latest Practicable Date, so far as is known to the Directors, the following corporations were, directly or indirectly, interested in 10% or more of the issued share capital carrying rights to vote at general meetings of any member of the Combined Group:
No. of Shares held |
Percentage of total issued share capital of the Company |
||||||
directly |
indirectly |
||||||
CMCC |
| 14,890,116,842 | 75.69 | % | |||
CMHKG |
| 14,890,116,842 | 75.69 | % | |||
CMBVI |
14,890,116,842 | | 75.69 | % |
Note: | In light of the fact that CMCC and CMHKG directly or indirectly control one-third or more of the voting rights at the shareholders meetings of CMBVI, in accordance with the Securities and Futures Ordinance, the interests of CMBVI are deemed to be, and have therefore been included in, the interests of CMCC and CMHKG. |
Save as disclosed above, there is no person known to the Directors who, as at the Latest Practicable Date, had an interest or short position in the Shares and underlying shares of the Company which would fall to be disclosed to the Company under the provisions of Divisions 2 and 3 of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance, or, was, directly or indirectly, interested in 10% or more of the nominal value of the issued share capital carrying rights to vote in all circumstances at general meetings of any member of the Combined Group, or any options in respect of such capital.
4. | LITIGATION |
There is no litigation or claim of material importance known to the Directors to be pending or threatened against any member of the Combined Group.
5. | SERVICE CONTRACTS |
As at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors had entered into any service contracts with the Company or any member of the Combined Group (excluding contracts expiring or determinable by the employer within one year without payment of compensation (other than statutory compensation)).
The aggregate of the remuneration payable to and benefits in kind receivable by the Directors of the Company will not be varied in consequence of the Acquisition.
6. | MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE |
The Directors are not aware of any material adverse change in the financial or trading position of the Listed Group since 31 December 2003, being the date of the latest published audited financial statements of the Company.
7. | CONSENT |
CICC, Goldman Sachs, UBS, KPMG and Rothschild have given and have not withdrawn their respective written consents to the issue of this circular with the inclusion of their reports and letters (if any), as the case may be, and references to their names in the form and context in which they respectively appear.
VI-2
APPENDIX VI |
GENERAL INFORMATION |
None of CICC, Goldman Sachs, UBS, KPMG and Rothschild is beneficially interested in the share capital of any member of the Listed Group and none of them has any right, whether legally enforceable or not, to subscribe for or to nominate persons to subscribe for securities in any member of the Listed Group.
8. | QUALIFICATIONS OF EXPERTS |
The following are the qualifications of the professional advisers who have given opinions or advice contained in this circular:
Names |
Qualifications | |
CICC |
Registered investment adviser | |
Goldman Sachs |
Registered investment adviser | |
UBS |
Registered investment adviser | |
KPMG |
Certified public accountants | |
Rothschild |
Restricted licence bank and deemed registered institution |
9. | PROCEDURE TO DEMAND A POLL AT THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING |
In accordance with the Listing Rules, any vote taken at the Extraordinary General Meeting to approve the Acquisition must be taken by poll. According to the Articles of Association of the Company, a poll may be demanded by:
(a) | the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting; or |
(b) | at least three Shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting; or |
(c) | any Shareholder or Shareholders present in person or by proxy and representing in the aggregate not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all Shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting; or |
(d) | any Shareholder or Shareholders present in person or by proxy and holding shares conferring a right to attend and vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting on which there have been paid up sums in the aggregate equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all Shares conferring that right. |
A poll shall be taken at such time (being not later than thirty days after the date of the demand) and in such manner as the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting may appoint. On a poll, every Shareholder present at the Extraordinary General Meeting shall be entitled to one vote for every fully paid-up Share of which he is the holder. The result of such poll shall be deemed for all purposes to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was so directed or demanded.
VI-3
APPENDIX VI |
GENERAL INFORMATION |
10. | MISCELLANEOUS |
(a) | The company secretary of the Company and the qualified accountant of the Company (as required under the Listing Rules) is Yung Shun Loy, Jacky (FCCA, FHKSA, CPA (Australia)). |
(b) | The registered office and head office of the Company is at 60th Floor, The Center, 99 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong. |
(c) | Hong Kong Registrars Limited, the share registrar of the Company, is at Rooms 19015, 19th Floor Hopewell Centre, 183 Queens Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong. |
(d) | The English text of this circular and form of proxy shall prevail over the Chinese text. |
11. | DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION |
Copies of the following documents will be available for inspection at Linklaters, 10th Floor, Alexandra House, Chater Road, Hong Kong during normal business hours on any Business Day from the date of this circular until 17 May 2004:
(a) | the Acquisition Agreement; |
(b) | the memorandum and articles of association of the Company; |
(c) | the consolidated audited financial statements of the Listed Group for the year ended 31 December 2003; |
(d) | the letters of consent referred to in this circular; |
(e) | the letter from Rothschild dated 3 May 2004, the text of which is set out on pages 23 to 40 of this circular; |
(f) | the accountants report from KPMG dated 3 May 2004, the text of which is set out in Appendix II to this circular; |
(g) | the report from KPMG on the unaudited pro forma financial information of the Combined Group dated 3 May 2004, the text of which is set out in Appendix IV to this circular; and |
(h) | the letters from KPMG and the Companys financial advisers both dated 3 May 2004, the texts of which are set out in Appendix V to this circular. |
VI-4
NOTICE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
CHINA MOBILE (HONG KONG) LIMITED
(Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability under the Companies Ordinance)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Extraordinary General Meeting of the shareholders of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited (the Company) will be held at 3:30 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as the annual general meeting of the Company to be convened at 2:30 p.m. at the same place and date shall have been concluded or adjourned) on 16 June 2004, in the Conference Room, 3rd Floor, JW Marriott Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong for the purposes of considering and, if thought fit, passing, with or without modifications, the following resolution as Ordinary Resolution:
Ordinary Resolution
1. | THAT the conditional sale and purchase agreement dated 28 April 2004 (the Acquisition Agreement) between the Company, China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited (CMBVI) and China Mobile Communications Corporation, a copy of which has been initialled by the chairman of this meeting and for the purpose of identification marked A, pursuant to which, inter alia, CMBVI has agreed as legal and beneficial owner to sell, and the Company has agreed to purchase, the entire issued share capital of each of Neimenggu Mobile (BVI) Limited, Jilin Mobile (BVI) Limited, Heilongjiang Mobile (BVI) Limited, Guizhou Mobile (BVI) Limited, Yunnan Mobile (BVI) Limited, Xizang Mobile (BVI) Limited, Gansu Mobile (BVI) Limited, Qinghai Mobile (BVI) Limited, Ningxia Mobile (BVI) Limited, Xinjiang Mobile (BVI) Limited, Beijing P&T Consulting & Design Institute (BVI) Limited and China Mobile Communication (BVI) Limited, which holds 100% of each of Neimenggu Mobile Communication Company Limited, Jilin Mobile Communication Company Limited, Heilongjiang Mobile Communication Company Limited, Guizhou Mobile Communication Company Limited, Yunnan Mobile Communication Company Limited, Xizang Mobile Communication Company Limited, Gansu Mobile Communication Company Limited, Qinghai Mobile Communication Company Limited, Ningxia Mobile Communication Company Limited, Xinjiang Mobile Communication Company Limited, Beijing P&T Consulting & Design Institute Company Limited and China Mobile Communication Company Limited, respectively, at a consideration of US$3,650 million, comprising an initial consideration of US$2,000 million payable in cash to CMBVI and a deferred consideration of US$1,650 million payable within fifteen years after completion of the Acquisition Agreement, is hereby generally and unconditionally approved and the directors of the Company are hereby authorised to do all such further acts and things and execute such further documents and take all such steps which in their opinion may be necessary, desirable or expedient to implement and/or give effect to the terms of the Acquisition Agreement. |
By Order of the Board |
Yung Shun Loy, Jacky |
Company Secretary |
Hong Kong, 3 May 2004
NOTICE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
Notes:
1. | A member entitled to attend and vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to attend and, on a poll, vote in his stead. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. |
2. | In order to be valid, a form of proxy together with any power of attorney or other authority, if any, under which it is signed, or a notarially certified copy of such power of authority, must be deposited at the Companys registered office at 60th Floor, The Center, 99 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong, at least 36 hours before the time appointed for holding the Extraordinary General Meeting. Completion and return of the form of proxy will not preclude a member from attending and voting in person at the meeting or at any adjourned meeting should a member so wish. |