|
|
30 September 2009 |
|
31 March 2009 |
|
|
HK$’000 |
|
HK$’000 |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(audited) |
Capital expenditure in connection with property
development contracted, but not provided for |
|
40,311 |
|
117,173 |
|
|
|
|
|
18. |
|
OPERATING LEASE
ARRANGEMENTS |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
As lessee |
|
|
|
|
|
At 30
September 2009, the Group had total future minimum lease payments under
non-cancellable operating leases falling due as
follows: |
|
|
30 September 2009 |
|
31 March 2009 |
|
|
HK$’000 |
|
HK$’000 |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(audited) |
Within one year |
|
8,025 |
|
14,365 |
In the second to fifth years, inclusive |
|
5,242 |
|
13,426 |
|
|
|
13,267 |
|
27,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
18
18. |
|
OPERATING LEASE ARRANGEMENTS
(Continued) |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
As lessor |
|
|
|
|
|
At 30
September 2009, the Group had total future minimum lease receivables under
non-cancellable operating leases with tenants of the Group’s properties
falling due as follows: |
|
|
30 September 2009 |
|
31 March 2009 |
|
|
HK$’000 |
|
HK$’000 |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(audited) |
Within one year |
|
25,147 |
|
20,178 |
In the second to fifth years, inclusive |
|
18,785 |
|
25,263 |
|
|
|
43,932 |
|
45,441 |
19. |
|
CONTINGENT
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
As at
30 September 2009, the Group had contingent liabilities relating to
guarantees in respect of mortgage facilities for certain purchasers
amounting to approximately HK$41.6 million (unaudited) (31 March 2009:
HK$52.2 million). This represented the guarantees in respect of mortgage
facilities granted by a PRC bank related to the mortgage loans arranged
for certain purchasers of the Group’s properties. Pursuant to the terms of
the guarantees, upon default in mortgage payments by these purchasers, the
Group is responsible to repay the outstanding mortgage principal together
with accrued interest and penalty owed by the defaulted purchasers to the
bank. The Group’s guarantee period starts from the dates of grant of the
relevant mortgage loans and ends upon issuance of real estate ownership
certificates to the purchasers. |
|
|
|
The
fair value of the guarantees is not significant and the Group considers
that in case of default in payments, the net realisable value of the
related properties will be sufficient to cover the repayment of the
outstanding mortgage principal together with accrued interest and penalty
and therefore no provision has been made as at 30 September 2009 and 31
March 2009 in the financial statements for the guarantees. |
|
20. |
|
COMPARATIVE AMOUNTS |
|
|
|
Certain comparative amounts have been re-classified to conform to
the current period’s presentation. |
19
Management
Discussion and Analysis
DIVIDEND
The Board has
resolved to declare an interim dividend of HK3.00 cents per share for the six
months ended 30 September 2009 (six months ended 30 September 2008: Nil),
payable to shareholders whose names appear on the Register of Members of the
Company on Tuesday, 5 January 2010.
The interim dividend
will be paid on or around Wednesday, 20 January 2010.
CLOSURE OF REGISTER OF MEMBERS
The Register of
Members of the Company will be closed on Tuesday, 5 January 2010, on which day,
no transfer of shares will be registered. In order to qualify for the interim
dividend, all valid documents for the transfers of shares accompanied by the
relevant share certificates must be lodged with the Company’s Hong Kong branch
share registrar, Tricor Secretaries Limited, at 26th Floor, Tesbury Centre, 28
Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong not later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, 4 January 2010.
BUSINESS REVIEW
Pearl Operations
The global economic
downturn triggered by the United States financial and credit crisis in second
half of 2008 has badly hit the Hong Kong economy. Merchandise exports, including
re-exports, declined by 17% and 14% for first two quarters of 2009 and the third
quarter of 2009, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2008. Though
there are signs that demand for export has ceased to worsen, however, the future
development of global economy, particularly in the luxury product market, is
still hard to predict. Persistent high unemployment rates were posted in the
United States and Europe, in which our major customers operate. We anticipate
the economies of the United States and Europe will take longer to stabilise and
recover. Customers remain cautious about increasing their levels of inventory,
which adversely affects demands for products in our Pearl Operation. With the
difficult business environment for Pearl Operation, we will continue to monitor
the effects of the financial crisis in the markets where we operate and to adopt
appropriate business and financial management policies in order to capture
business growth opportunities when the economy improves.
Real Estate Operations
The fiscal stimulus
programs initiated by the Chinese government creating additional liquidity of
RMB4,000 billion have produced results. China’s gross domestic product (“GDP”),
according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, grew by 7.7% in first
three quarters of 2009. The Chinese government has also introduced measures to
stabilise the real estate market, such as lowering the required minimum amount
of down payment and exemption of stamp duty and business tax on certain property
transactions. In response to tightening financial and credit markets, the
People’s Bank of China has reduced the one year base lending rate from 7.47% to
5.31%.
As a result of the
implementation of the stimulus measures, signs of stabilisation in economic
conditions emerge, illustrated by the upward growth trend of quarterly GDPs and
fixed asset investments during the first three quarters in 2009. China is
well-positioned to maintain economic growth during the current global financial
crisis. Our promoting activities for China Pearls and Jewellery Project
(“CP&J Project”) have also borne fruits, revenue of our Real Estate
Operations increased by 51% from HK$21.5 million for the six months ended 30
September 2008 to HK$32.4 million for the six months ended 30 September 2009. We
anticipate the performance of real estate sector in the PRC will improve
provided that the global economic conditions would not worsen further and that
no macroeconomic measures would be taken to restrict the growth in the real
estate sector. We continue to hold an optimistic view on the real estate market
in China in the medium to longer term.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Group has two
main business segments during the period. One business segment is in the
purchasing, processing, assembling, merchandising and wholesale distribution of
pearls and jewelry products (the ‘‘Pearl Segment’’) while the other is in
property development and investment (the ‘‘Property Segment’’).
20
Revenue and Gross Profit
(i) |
|
Pearl Segment |
|
|
|
Net sales
attributable to our Pearl Segment decreased by HK$74.3 million, or 39.0%,
from HK$190.4 million for the six months ended 30 September 2008 to
HK$116.1 million for the six months ended 30 September 2009 due to the
decrease in market demand worldwide, as a result of the current global
economic contraction and recession. |
|
|
|
Gross profit
decreased by HK$26.5 million or 36.9%, from HK$71.9 million for the six
months ended 30 September 2008 to HK$45.4 million for the six months ended
30 September 2009. Such decrease was primarily attributable to the
decrease in net sales in our overall market due to the global economic
downturn. Gross profit margin attributable to our Pearl Segment increased
from 37.8% for the six months ended 30 September 2008 to 39.1% for the six
months ended 30 September 2009. The increase in gross profit margin was
primarily a result of the lower cost of pearls sourced from the PRC caused
by slackened demand. |
|
(ii) |
|
Property Segment |
|
|
|
For the six
months ended 30 September 2009, the Property Segment recorded a total
revenue of HK$32.4 million (six months ended 30 September 2008: HK$21.5
million) including the sales of properties in CP&J Project and rental
income from the investment properties. |
|
|
|
Income from the
sales of properties in CP&J Project increased more than a double from
HK$9.1 million for the six months ended 30 September 2008 to HK$20.1
million for the six months ended 30 September 2009. To improve sales,
preferential discounts were offered to investors who purchased the shops
in large numbers during the current period, resulting in a decrease in a
gross margin from 67% for the six months ended 30 September 2008 to 26%
for the six months ended 30 September 2009. |
|
|
|
Rental income
maintained at HK$12.4 million for both the six months ended 30 September
2008 and 2009. Rental income amounting to HK$9.2 million (six months ended
30 September 2008: HK$8.7 million) and HK$3.2 million (six months ended 30
September 2008: HK$3.7 million) were from the properties of CP&J
Project and other properties in Hong Kong and the PRC
respectively. |
Selling and Administrative Expenses (the
‘‘S&A expenses’’)
(i) |
|
Pearl Segment |
|
|
|
S&A expenses
slightly increased by HK$0.8 million, or 2.0% from HK$39.9 million for the
six months ended 30 September 2008 to HK$40.7 million for the six months
ended 30 September 2009. The increase was primarily due to an increase of
HK$4.0 million in share based payment for share options granted under
staff incentive scheme. This increase was partially offset by a decrease
of HK$1.6 million in provision for doubtful debts and a decrease of HK$0.8
million in the marketing expenses. |
|
(ii) |
|
Property Segment |
|
|
|
S&A expenses
decreased by HK$15.6 million, or 81.3% from HK$19.2 million for the six
months ended 30 September 2008 to HK$3.6 million for the six months ended
30 September 2009. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease of HK$4.5
million in advertising and promotion costs associated with CP&J
Project and the write-back of allowance for doubtful debts of HK$5.5
million. |
Net unrealised loss on financial assets at
fair value through profit or loss
Under a volatile
stock market, net unrealised loss on financial assets (listed equity investments
in Hong Kong) amounted to HK$1.4 million was recorded for the six months ended
30 September 2009 against net unrealised loss amounted to HK$5.2 million for the
six months ended 30 September 2008. The Group did not hold any derivative or
structured financial products as at the date hereof.
Profit/(Loss) attributable to shareholders
The Group recorded a
profit attributable to shareholders of HK$20.2 million for the six months ended
30 September 2009 against a loss attributable to shareholders of HK$21.7 million
for the six months ended 30 September 2008. The significant loss for the six
months ended 30 September 2008 was primarily due to the decrease in fair value
of the investment properties of HK$115.1 million. No similar devaluation was
made in the current period.
21
Liquidity and capital
resources
At 30 September 2009,
the Group’s total shareholders’ funds amounted to HK$1,137.8 million (31 March
2009: HK$1,113.7 million). At 30 September 2009, the Group had working capital
of HK$301.6 million (31 March 2009: HK$351.6 million). With the committed
banking facilities in place and cash on hand, the Group has adequate financial
resources to meet our anticipated future liquidity requirements. Cash and cash
equivalents amounted to HK$559.0 million (31 March 2009: HK$462.8 million) and
accounted for 54% (31 March 2009: 49%) of Group’s total current assets at 30
September 2009. Current ratio decreased from 1.6 at 31 March 2009 to 1.4 at 30
September 2009.
At 30 September 2009,
the Group’s total secured bank loans were HK$203.4 million (31 March 2009:
HK$192.1 million) which was mainly associated with CP&J Project. Gearing
ratio, represents the ratio of total bank borrowings to total equity
attributable to shareholders, was 0.18 as at 30 September 2009 (31 March 2009:
0.17).
At 30 September 2009,
the Group had available bank facilities of HK$353.4 million (31 March 2009:
HK$392.1 million) with various banks of which HK$203.4 million (31 March 2009:
HK$192.1 million) has been drawn and HK$150.0 million (31 March 2009: HK$200.0
million) remained unutilised. The Group does not currently use any derivatives
to manage our interest rate risk.
For the six months
ended 30 September 2009, most of the Group’s transactions were denominated in US
dollars, Hong Kong dollars and Renminbi. Since the Hong Kong dollar remains
pegged to the US dollar within a defined range, the Group has not been exposed
to any significant foreign exchange risk, and therefore had not adopted any
hedging measures. The Group has subsidiaries engaging in business in the PRC,
with most of its transactions dominated in Renminbi. Since the Group obtains
Renminbi through revenue and bank loans in the PRC for the settlement of
liabilities in Renminbi, the Group was not exposed to any significant exchange
risk on Renminbi.
PROSPECTS
Following the
introduction of stimulus measures initiated by various governments, global
economic contraction began to ease. There are signs of recovery in some economic
sectors. The economy in China has taken the lead in the recovery; based on
recently released data, China’s GDP growth in 2009 is expected to meet the
targeted 8%. However, there are still uncertainties and mixed signals in the
global economy such as the persistent high unemployment rate in the United
States and the latest news on Dubai World which have impacts on the consumer
spending that may adversely affect our sales and profit.
Looking forward, we
will continue to strengthen our operation and management and closely monitor the
market trend and development. We are equipped to carry out timely and
appropriate business and financial management policies to capture any
opportunities when the economic conditions improve.
22
Other Information
SHARE OPTION
During the six months
ended 30 September 2009, 38,750,000 share options were granted to directors of
the Company (the “Director(s)”) and certain employees of the Group under the
share option scheme adopted by the Company on 2 August 2002 (the “2002 Share
Options Scheme”) for an aggregate consideration of HK$27. The fair value of the
options granted during the period calculated using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model was HK$8,032,000. No option was granted during the six months
ended 30 September 2008.
Details of the share
options granted to the Directors and eligible employees under the 2002 Share
Option Scheme and their movements during the reporting period are set out as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of share options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
Exercised |
|
Lapsed |
|
Balance as
at |
|
|
Grantees |
|
|
|
|
|
Vesting |
|
Exercise price |
|
Balance as
at |
|
during the |
|
during the |
|
during the |
|
30
September |
|
|
Directors |
|
Date of
grant |
|
Exercisable
period |
|
period |
|
HK$ |
|
1 April
2009 |
|
period |
|
period |
|
period |
|
2009 |
|
Notes |
Mr. Cheng Chung Hing |
|
2 May 2006 |
|
2 May 2006 to 1 May 2012 |
|
Nil |
|
0.253 |
|
1,000,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
1,000,000 |
|
(1), (2) |
Mr. Cheng Tai Po |
|
2
May 2006 |
|
2 May 2006 to 1 May 2012 |
|
Nil |
|
0.253 |
|
1,000,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
1,000,000 |
|
(1), (2) |
Ms. Yan Sau Man, Amy |
|
2 May 2006 |
|
2 May 2006 to 1 May 2012 |
|
Nil |
|
0.253 |
|
10,000,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
10,000,000 |
|
(1), (2) |
|
|
1 September 2009 |
|
1 September 2009 to 31 |
|
Note (3) |
|
0.450 |
|
— |
|
8,000,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
8,000,000 |
|
(1), (2) |
|
|
|
|
August 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Lee Kang Bor, Thomas |
|
1
September 2009 |
|
1 September 2010 to 31 |
|
Note (4) |
|
0.450 |
|
— |
|
10,000,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
10,000,000 |
|
(1), (2) |
|
|
|
|
August
2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000,000 |
|
18,000,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
30,000,000 |
|
|
|
Other
Employees |
|
2 May 2006 |
|
2 May 2006 to 1 May 2012 |
|
Nil |
|
0.253 |
|
15,000,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
15,000,000 |
|
(1), (2) |
|
|
18 September 2006 |
|
18 September 2006 to 17 |
|
Nil |
|
0.233 |
|
7,000,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
7,000,000 |
|
(1), (2) |
|
|
|
|
September 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 March 2007 |
|
1 January 2008 to 12 March |
|
Note (5) |
|
0.500 |
|
5,000,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
5,000,000 |
|
(1), (2) |
|
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 August 2009 |
|
27 August 2009 to 26 August |
|
Note (6) |
|
0.397 |
|
— |
|
20,750,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
20,750,000 |
|
(1), (2) |
|
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,000,000 |
|
20,750,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
47,750,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,000,000 |
|
38,750,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
77,750,000 |
|
|
Notes:
(1) |
|
These
share options represent personal interest held as beneficial
owners. |
|
(2) |
|
The
Company recorded the fair value of these share options as staff cost in
the income statement. The Company will record the nominal value of the
shares which is HK$0.10 per share issued pursuant to the exercise price of
the share options as additional share capital and the Company will record
the excess of the exercise price of the share options over nominal value
of the shares in its share premium account. Any share options which have
lapsed or been cancelled will be deducted from the balance of the share
options. |
|
(3) |
|
2,500,000 options were vested on the date of grant, vesting period
of another 2,500,000 options is from 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010
and that of the remaining 3,000,000 options is from 1 September 2009 to 31
August 2011. |
|
(4) |
|
Vesting period of 5,000,000 options is from 1 September 2009 to 31
August 2010 and that of the remaining 5,000,000 options is from 1
September 2009 to 31 August 2011. |
|
(5) |
|
Vesting period of these options was from 13 March 2007 to 31
December 2007. |
|
(6) |
|
14,750,000 options were vested on the date of grant, vesting period
of 3,000,000 options is from 27 August 2009 to 26 August 2010 and that of
the remaining 3,000,000 options is from 27 August 2009 to 26 August
2011. |
|
23
The fair value of
equity-settled share options granted was estimated as at the respective dates of
grant, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table lists
the inputs to the model used:
Date of
grant |
|
|
27 August
2009 |
|
1 September
2009 |
Number of share options
granted |
|
20,750,000 |
|
18,000,000 |
Weighted average share price on the date
of grant |
|
HK$0.390 |
|
HK$0.450 |
Exercise price |
|
HK$0.397 |
|
HK$0.450 |
Expected volatility |
|
90.63% |
|
90.63% |
Expected life |
|
2.5 years |
|
2.5 years |
Risk-free interest rate |
|
0.990% |
|
0.990% |
Expected dividend yield |
|
1.810% |
|
1.810% |
Total expense of
HK$3,978,000 was recognised in the income statement for the six months ended 30
September 2009 in relation to share options granted by the Company. No expense
was recognised for the six months ended 30 September 2008.
DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN
SECURITIES
As at 30 September
2009, the interests and short positions of the Directors and 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 (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (the
“SFO”)) which (a) were required to be notified to the Company and The Stock
Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Stock Exchange”) pursuant to Divisions 7 and
8 of Part XV of the SFO (including interests and short positions which the
Directors have taken or deemed to have under such provisions of the SFO); or (b)
were required, pursuant to section 352 of the SFO, to be entered in the register
referred to therein; or (c) were required, pursuant to the Model Code for
Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Companies (the “Model Code”) as
set out in Appendix 10 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the
Stock Exchange (the “Listing Rules”) to be notified to the Company and the Stock
Exchange, were set out below:
(a) Long positions in ordinary shares of the
Company
|
|
|
|
Number of ordinary
shares of HK$0.10 each held |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of the
issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
share capital of
the |
Name of
Director |
|
Capacity |
|
Direct
interest |
|
Deemed
interest |
|
Total
interest |
|
Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note 7) |
|
|
|
|
Mr. Cheng Chung Hing |
|
Beneficial owner and interest of
a |
|
136,011,273 |
|
494,406,000 |
|
630,417,273 |
|
51.47% |
|
|
controlled corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Cheng Tai Po |
|
Beneficial owner and interest of
a |
|
76,086,180 |
|
494,406,000 |
|
570,492,180 |
|
46.58% |
|
|
controlled corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 7:
These 494,406,000 shares of the Company were indirectly owned by Cafoong
Limited (“Cafoong”), a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.
Cafoong held its interest in the aforementioned shares of the Company, through
direct and indirect interest in Man Sang International (B.V.I.) Limited
(“MSBVI”), a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, which directly
holds such aforementioned shares of the Company. Cafoong holds 53.86% of the
ordinary shares and all the preferred shares of MSBVI as at 30 September 2009,
which represent in aggregate 69.24% of the voting rights of MSBVI. Mr. Cheng
Chung Hing and Mr. Cheng Tai Po own 60% and 40% of the issued share capital of
Cafoong respectively.
24
(b) |
|
Long positions in underlying shares of
the Company |
|
|
|
Details of the interests of the Directors and chief executive of
the Company in the share options of the Company are separately disclosed
under the section headed “Share Option”. |
|
(c) |
|
Long positions in ordinary shares of an
associated corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
ordinary |
|
Percentage of
the |
|
|
Name of
associated |
|
|
|
shares of
US$0.001 |
|
issued ordinary
share |
Name of
Director |
|
corporation |
|
Capacity |
|
each held |
|
of MSBVI |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note 8) |
|
|
Mr. Cheng Chung Hing |
|
MSBVI |
|
Interest of a controlled |
|
3,437,501 |
|
53.86% |
|
|
|
|
corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Cheng Tai Po |
|
MSBVI |
|
Interest of a controlled |
|
3,437,501 |
|
53.86% |
|
|
|
|
corporation |
|
|
|
|
Note 8:
These 3,437,501 ordinary shares of MSBVI were directly and indirectly
owned by Cafoong. Cafoong holds 53.86% of the ordinary shares and all the
preferred shares of MSBVI as at 30 September 2009, which represent in aggregate
69.24% of the voting rights of MSBVI. Mr. Cheng Chung Hing and Mr. Cheng Tai Po
own 60% and 40% of the issued share capital of Cafoong
respectively.
(d) |
|
Long positions in underlying shares of
an associated corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
There are no long positions in
underlying shares of an associated corporation need to be disclosed under
this heading. |
Save as disclosed
above, none of the Directors or the chief executives of the Company had, as at
30 September 2009, 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 SFO) which (a) were required to be
notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of
Part XV of the SFO (including interests and short positions which the Directors
have taken or deemed to have under such provisions of the SFO); or (b) were
required, pursuant to section 352 of the SFO, to be entered in the register
referred to therein; or (c) were required pursuant to the Model Code to be
notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange.
25
SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS’ INTERESTS IN
SECURITIES
As at 30 September
2009, substantial shareholders’ interests in securities, according to the
register of substantial shareholders maintained by the Company pursuant to
Section 336 of the SFO, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
Number of ordinary
shares of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HK$0.10 each
held |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of
the |
|
|
Name of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
issued share capital
of |
|
|
shareholder |
|
Capacity |
|
Direct
interest |
|
Deemed
interest |
|
the Company |
|
Notes |
MSBVI |
|
Beneficial Owner |
|
494,406,000 |
|
— |
|
40.36% |
|
— |
|
Cafoong |
|
Interest of a controlled
corporation |
|
— |
|
494,406,000 |
|
40.36% |
|
9 |
Note 9:
This represented the deemed interest in 494,406,000 shares in the Company
held by MSBVI whereby Cafoong together with its wholly owned subsidiaries
directly and indirectly holds 53.86% of the ordinary shares and all the
preferred shares of MSBVI as at 30 September 2009 which represent in aggregate
69.24% of the voting rights of MSBVI.
Save as disclosed
above, as at 30 September 2009, the Company has not been notified of any person
(other than Directors or chief executive of the Company) or entity had an
interest or a short position in the shares, underlying shares and debentures of
the Company as recorded in the register required to be kept by the Company under
Section 336 of the SFO.
PURCHASE, SALE OR REDEMPTION OF LISTED
SECURITIES
There was no
purchase, sale or redemption by the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, of the
Company’s listed securities during the six months ended 30 September
2009.
SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE OBLIGATIONS ON
CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDERS
There are no specific
performance obligations of the controlling shareholders that required to be
disclosed under paragraph 13.18 of Chapter 13 of the Listing Rules.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PRACTICES
The Board and the
management of the Company committed to the maintenance of good corporate
governance practices and procedure. During the six months ended 30 September
2009, the Company has complied with the code provisions set out in the Code on
Corporate Governance Practices (the “CG Code”) contained in Appendix 14 of the
Listing Rules except for code provisions A.2.1 and A.4.1.
According to code
provision A.2.1, the roles of chairman and chief executive officer should be
separate and should not be performed by the same individual. Mr. Cheng Chung
Hing assumes both roles during the reporting period up to 31 August 2009, the
reasons were set out in the Corporate Governance Report contained in the
Company’s Annual Report for the year of 2008/2009. For the purpose of good
corporate governance practice, the Company separated the roles of chairman and
chief executive officer with effect from 1 September 2009. After separating the
roles of chairman and chief executive officer, and becoming non-executive
chairman on 6 October 2009, Mr. Cheng Chung Hing now focuses on the business
strategy and direction of the Company, and continues to lead the Board in his
new position while the newly appointed chief executive officer has taken up the
responsibilities of day-to-day management of the Company’s businesses and
operations. The separation of roles and division of responsibilities between the
chairman and the chief executive officer are now clearly
established.
26
As required by code
provision A.4.1, non-executive Directors should be appointed for a specific
term, subject to re-election. Pursuant to relevant provisions of the bye-laws
(the “Bye-Laws”), any director appointed to fill a casual vacancy shall hold
office until the next annual general meeting of the Company and is therefore
subject to re-election by the shareholders at that annual general meeting after
his or her appointment. All Directors would retire at annual general meeting at
least once every three years either by rotation pursuant to the retirement
provisions of the Bye-Laws or on voluntary basis. At the annual general meeting
of the Company held on 23 July 2009, Ms. Yan Sau Man, Amy and Mr. Lee Kang Bor,
Thomas both retired from their office and were re-elected as Directors.
As such, the Company believes that
sufficient measures have been taken to ensure that the Company’s corporate
governance practices are no less exacting than those in the CG Code.
On 1 September 2009,
Mr. Lee Kang Bor, Thomas was redesignated as an executive Director and appointed
as chief executive officer and Mr. Fung Yat Sang was appointed as an independent
non-executive Director and the chairman of the audit committee of the Company.
As at 30 September 2009, the Board consists of a total of seven Directors,
comprising four executive Directors and three independent non-executive
Directors.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The audit committee
of the Company, which comprises three independent non-executive Directors,
namely Mr. Fung Yat Sang, Mr. Kiu Wai Ming and Mr. Lau Chi Wah, Alex, has
reviewed the unaudited interim results of the Group for the six months ended 30
September 2009 and has recommended their adoption by the Board.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE MODEL CODE
The Company has
adopted the Model Code as set out in Appendix 10 to the Listing Rules. The
Company confirms that, having made specific enquiry of all Directors, all of the
Directors confirmed that they had complied with the required standard as set out
in the Model Code throughout the six months ended 30 September 2009.
FUTURE ARRANGEMENT IN RELATION TO THE
SIMULTANEOUS DISSEMINATION OF FINANCIAL RESULTS OF THE COMPANY AND MAN SANG
INTERNATIONAL (B.V.I.) LIMITED IN HONG KONG
Previously, Man Sang
Holdings, Inc. (“MSHI”), the former holding company of the Company and a United
States domestic issuer on NYSE Amex (formerly known as the American Stock
Exchange), was required under the respective securities rules and regulations in
the United States to report its financial results quarterly. In order to allow
simultaneous dissemination of financial information of the Company in both NYSE
Amex and Hong Kong, the quarterly results of the Company were also announced and
published to the public at the same time. On 25 August 2009, shareholders of
MSHI at a general meeting resolved that MSHI will be re-domiciled from the
United States to the British Virgin Islands and as a result of which Man Sang
International (B.V.I.) Limited (“MSBVI”) has become the successor of MSHI and a
non United States domestic issuer on NYSE Amex. Under the relevant rules and
regulations in the United States, MSBVI will not be required to publish its
results quarterly. In view of such, going forward, the Company will only publish
the interim results and annual results of the Company in compliance with the
requirements of Listing Rules in Hong Kong.
27
CHANGE IN INFORMATION OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to Rule
13.51B(1) of the Listing Rules, the changes in information of the Directors
subsequent to the date of the 2008/09 Annual Report are set out below:
Name
of Director |
|
Details of
Changes/Updated Information |
Mr. Cheng Chung Hing |
|
Redesignated as non-executive
Director; |
|
|
|
Being the co-chairman and executive director of China South City
Holdings Limited, a company listed on the Stock Exchange (Stock Code:
1668). |
|
|
|
Mr. Lee Kang Bor, Thomas |
|
Redesignated as executive Director and
appointed as chief executive officer, resigned as the chairman of the
audit committee and a member of the remuneration committee of the
Company; |
|
|
|
|
|
Entitled to receive remuneration of HK$3,000,000 per annum (covered
by service contract), which was determined by the Board with reference to
the director’s professional background, management experience,
contribution and leadership in the past, duties and responsibilities in
future and the prevailing market conditions and eligible to receive
discretionary year-end bonus. |
Save for information
disclosed above, there is no other information required to be disclosed pursuant
to Rule 13.51B(1) of the Listing Rules.
|
On behalf of the Board |
|
Man Sang International
Limited |
|
CHENG CHUNG HING |
|
Chairman
|
Hong Kong, 16
December 2009
28