Document:

exh4_2.htm

Exhibit 4.2

 

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT (the "Agreement") dated effective as of

January 29,2013 (the "Effective Date")

BETWEEN:

ALMADEN MINERALS LTD., a British Columbia company

hereinafterthe "Cor~oration"

AND:

MORGAN POLlQUlN

hereinafterthe "Executive"

WHEREAS the Corporation is a mineral exploration and development company;

AND WHEREAS the Executive is employed, and has agreed to continue to be employed

on the terms set forth in this Agreement, as the President and Chief Executive Officer of

the Corporation;

AND WHEREAS the Corporation recognizes the valuable services that the Executive has

provided and continues to provide to it and its subsidiaries and believes that it is

reasonable and fair to the Corporation that the Executive receive fair treatment in the

event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined) and the directors of the Corporation

have determined that it is in the best interests of the Corporation to induce the Executive

to remain in the employ of the Corporation and its subsidiaries by indicating that in the

event of a Change of Control the Executive would have certain guaranteed rights.

NOW THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1.           Term

The term of this Agreement (the "Term") shall be for 2 years commencing the

Effective Date. The Term of this Agreement shall expire at the end of the day

which is the last day of the Term unless earlier terminated in accordance with the

provisions of this Agreement.

2.           Renewal

The T e n of this Agreement shall be extended for two additional successive terms

of 24 months each (each 24 month period being referred to as an "Extended

Term"), unless written notice to terminate this Agreement is given by either party

90 days prior to the expiration of the Term or an Extended Term or unless earlier

terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

3.           Remuneration

(a)           Annual Salary

The Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation remuneration in an

amount of $265,000 per annum ("Base Salary") subject to all requisite withholdings

and deductions as may be required under applicable law, but exclusive of any

bonuses, benefits or other compensation. Payment shall be made in monthly or

such other increments as may be agreed upon between the parties. The Base

Salary shall be subject to annual review and increase but not reduction and shall

be increased as may be agreed upon between the Executive and the Corporation.

The annual reviews shall be conducted in the month preceding each anniversary of

the commencement of the Term or an Extended Term.

  

  

2

 

(b)           Other Benefits:

(i)           Indemnity including defraying of Expenses in any Proceedings

              which the Executive or any heirs or other personal representatives

              of the Executive may be joined by reason of being or having been

  an officer or director of the Corporation or of an affiliate of the

  Corporation. "Proceedings" shall include any legal proceeding or

  investigative action or proceeding whether current, threatened,

  pending or completed. "Indemnity" shall include indemnity for any

  judgement, penalty or fine awarded or imposed in, and amount paid

  in settlement of, a Proceeding. "Expenses" shall include costs,

  charges and expenses, including legal and other fees;

(ii)           participation in any health or other benefit plans that the Corporation

now or hereafter may acquire and maintain that is comparable to

those provided by the Corporation to other senior executives of the

Corporation and the right to participate in any share option plan,

compensation, share purchase plan, retirement or other similar plan

offered by the Corporation from time to time to its senior executives

and to the extent authorized by the board of directors of the

Corporation; and

(iii)           reimbursement for all expenses reasonably incurred by the

Executive, including entertainment, travel and other expenses

incidental to the performance by the Executive of duties pursuant to

the provisions of this Agreement subject always to the Executive

providing to the Corporation documentation authenticating such

expenses as may from time to time be reasonably required by the

Corporation.

4.           Responsibilities and Duties

The Executive shall serve the Corporation and any subsidiaries of the Corporation, on a

non-exclusive basis, in such capacity or capacities and shall perform such duties and

exercise such powers pertaining to the management and operations of the Corporation

and any of its subsidiaries as may from time to time be determined by the board of

directors of the Corporation (the "Board of Directors") consistent with the office of the

Executive. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Executive shall hold the

offices of President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Executive shall:

(a)   devote reasonable time, attention and best efforts during normal business

hours to the business and affairs of the Corporation; and

 

  

  

3

(b)    perform those duties that may reasonably be assigned to the Executive

diligently, faithfully and to the best of the Executive's abilities and in the best

interests of the Corporation; without limiting the generality of the foregoing,

the Executive shall assume the responsibilities and duties described in

Schedule "A".

5.           Vacation

The Executive shall be entitled to six (6) weeks vacation for each twelve month

period of employment during the Term or an Extended Term. Entitled vacation or

any portion thereof can, at the option of the Executive, be deferred in one year and

utilized in a later year.

6.           Confidentiality

As a condition of this Agreement, all information acquired by the Executive relating

to or connected with the business or corporate affairs of the Corporation shall be

kept in strict confidence and shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the Board

of Directors, other executive officers of the Corporation or the Corporation's

professional advisors (but only on a "need to know" basis), unless required

pursuant to the securities legislation governing the Corporation or otherwise by

law.

7.           Termination

This Agreement will terminate or may be terminated for any one of the following

reasons:

(a)           voluntary, upon at least three (3) months prior written notice of termination

by the Executive to the Corporation; or

(b)           without Cause, as hereinafter defined in Section 9, upon at least three (3)

months prior written notice of termination by the Corporation to the

Executive; or

(c)           by the Corporation for Cause; or

(d)           upon the death or disability of the Executive, as hereinafter defined in

Section 10; or

(e)            upon retirement by the Executive.

8.           Termination by the ExecutiveVoluntarily or by the Corporationfor Cause

If the Executive shall voluntarily terminate employment under this Agreement or if

the employment of the Executive is terminated by the Corporation for Cause, then

all compensation and benefits as theretofore provided shall terminate immediately

upon the effective date of termination and no special severance compensation will

be paid.

 

  

  

4

 

Cause to terminate the Executive's employment shall mean:

(a)   the repeated and demonstrated failure by the Executive to perform the 

Executive's material duties under this Agreement, after demand for

substantial performance is delivered by the Corporation to the Executive

that specifically identifies the manner in which the Corporation believes the

Executive has not substantially performed the Executive's duties under this

Agreement; or

 

(b)   the willful engagement by the Executive in misconduct which is materially 

injurious to the Corporation, monetarily or otherwise; or

 

(c)   any other willful violation by the Executive of the provisions of this

Agreement; or

 

(d)   the Executive is convicted of a criminal offence involving fraud or

dishonesty.

9.             Termination by the Corporation Without Cause

If the Corporation shall terminate the Executive's employment under this

Agreement for any reason except for Cause (as defined in paragraph 8) then, upon

the effective date of termination, the Corporation shall pay the Executive in one

lump sum an amount equal to two (2) times the Executive's then current Base

Salary, less all statutory withholdings and deductions. All the benefits theretofore

provided to the Executive shall be continued as if the Executive was still an

employee of the Corporation for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of

termination or until equal or better benefits are provided by a new employer.

whichever shall first occur.

10.          Termination by Death or Disability

If the Executive dies or becomes disabled before the Executive's employment is

otherwise terminated, the Corporation shall pay the Executive or the Executive's

estate, an amount of compensation equal to six (6) months of the Executive's then

current Base Salary and all the benefits theretofore provided to the Executive shall

be continued, for a period of six (6) months from the date of Death or Disability as if

the Executive were still an employee of the Corporation. If such termination is due

to the Executive's Death, payment shall be made in one lump sum to the

Executive's Designate. If no Executive's Designate survives the Executive, the

entire amount shall be paid to the Executive's estate within sixty (60) days of the

Executive's death. If such termination is due to the Executive's Disability, payment

shall be made in one lump sum to the Executive within sixty (60) days of the

Executive's Disability. The compensation provided under this paragraph shall be in

addition to that payable from any insurance coverage providing compensation upon

Death or Disability.

11.         Termination Following Change in Control

(a)       For purposes of this Agreement, a Change in Control shall be deemed to

have occurred if:

 

  

  

5

(i)    any person or any person and such person's associates or affiliates, 

as such terms are defined in the Securities Act (British Columbia)

(the "Act"), makes a tender, take-over or exchange offer, circulates

a proxy to shareholders or takes other steps to effect a takeover of

the control of the Corporation, whether by way of a reverse take-

over, formal bid, causing the election or appointment of a majority of

directors of the Corporation or otherwise in any manner whatsoever;

or

 

(ii)   during any period of eighteen (18) consecutive months (not 

including any period prior to the Effective Date), individuals who at

the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors and

any new directors, whose appointment by the Board of Directors or

nomination for election by the Corporation's shareholders was

approved by a vote of at least three quarters (3/4) of the Board of

Directors then still in office who either were directors at the

beginning of the period or whose appointment or nomination for

election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to

constitute a majority of the Board of Directors; or

(iii)   the acquisition by any person or by any person and such person's 

affiliates or associates, as such terms are defined in the Act, and

whether directly or indirectly, of common shares of the Corporation

at the time held by such person and such person's affiliates and

associates, totals for the first time, twenty percent (20%) or more of

the outstanding common shares of the Corporation.

 

(b)   Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement regarding 

termination, if any of the events described above constituting a Change in

Control shall have occurred during the Term or an Extended Term, upon the

termination of the Executive's employment (unless such termination is

because of the Executive's Death or Disability, by the Corporation for

Cause or by the Executive other than for "Good Reason", as defined below)

the Executive shall be entitled to and will receive no later than the ffteenth

(15th day following the date of termination a lump sum severance payment

equal to three (3) times the Executive's then current Base Salary. In

addition, all benefits then applicable to the Executive shall be continued for

a period of eighteen (18) months after the date of termination.

 

(c)   For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean, without the

Executive's express written consent, any of the following:

(i)         the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent with the

status or authority of the Executive's office, or the Executive's removal

from such position, or a substantial alteration in the nature or status of

the Executive's authorities or responsibilities from those in effect

immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

  

  

6

 

(ii)       a reduction by the Corporation in the Executive's Base Salary as in 

effect on the date hereof or as the same may have been increased

from time to time, or a failure by the Corporation to increase the

Executive's Base Salary as provided for herein or at a rate

commensurate with that of other key executives of the Corporation;

 

(iii)      the relocation of the office of the Corporation where the Executive is

employed at the time of the Change in Control (the "CIC Location") to

a location more than ffi (50) miles away from the CIC Location, or

the Corporation's requiring the Executive to be based more than fQ

(50) miles away from the CIC Location (except for requiring travel on

the Corporation's business to an extent substantially consistent with

the Executive's business travel obligations prior to the Change in

Control);

(iv)      the failure by the Corporation to continue to provide the Executive

with benefits at least as favourable as those enjoyed by the Executive

prior to the Change in Control, the taking of any action by the

Corporation which would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of

such benefits or deprive the Executive of any material fringe benefit

enjoyed by the Executive at the time of the Change in Control, or the

failure by the Corporation to provide the Executive with the number of

entitled vacation days to which the Executive has earned on the basis

of years of service with the Corporation; or

(v)       the failure of the Corporation to obtain a satisfactory agreement from

any successor to assume and agree to perform this Agreement or, if 

the business of the Corporation for which the Executive's services are

principally performed is sold within two (2) years after a Change in

Control, the purchaser of such business shall fail to agree to provide

the Executive with the same or a comparable position, duties, salary

and benefits as provided to the Executive by the Corporation

immediately prior to the Change in Control.

Following a Change in Control during the Term, or an Extended Term, the

Executive shall be entitled to terminate the Executive's employment for Good

Reason.

(d)   In the event the Executive is entitled to a severance payment under this

Agreement, then in addition to such severance payment, the Executive shall

be entitled to employment search assistance to secure other comparable

employment for a period not to exceed one (1) year or until such

comparable employment is found, whichever is the sooner, with fees for

such assistance to be paid by the Corporation.

The Executive's right to receive the aforementioned payment and benefits is

expressly contingent upon the signing of a waiver and release satisfactory to the

Corporation which releases the Corporation and its affiliates from all claims and

liabilities arising out of the Executive's employment and termination and including

confidentiality provisions, which waiver and release is satisfactory to the

Corporation with the respect to form, substance and timeliness.

 

  

  

7

 

12.      Library 

The Executive has, as a part of his professional development, assembled a

collection of academic publications, conference proceedings, books, journals and

other publications together with information and data in electronic or other format

(the "Library"). The parties acknowledge that, notwithstanding that the Corporation

has defrayed all or a portion of the cost of the Library and that it was assembled, in

part, by the Executive while employed by the Corporation, the Executive is entitled

to maintain and utilize the Library for his own personal and professional use

absolutely, and, in the event of termination or lapse of this Agreement, to retain the

Library for his own use absolutely and to remove it from the Corporation's

premises.

 

13.      Notice 

(a)       Any notice, direction or other instrument required or permitted to be given

hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered either by personal

delivery or registered mail and addressed;

 

in the case of the Executive,

 

6370 Alma Street

Vancouver BC V6NlY6

 

in the case of the Corporation,

 

Suite 750 - 1103 West Pender St.

Vancouver, B.C. V6C 2T8

 

 

(b)        Any such notice, direction or other instrument will be deemed to have been

given and received, if personally delivered, on the day it was delivered, and

if by registered mail, on the third business day following the date of mailing,

except in the event of disruption of the postal service in which event notice

will be deemed to have been received only when actually received.

 

13.      Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia

and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Corporation and the

Executive. Should there be a disagreement or a dispute between the parties hereto

with respect to this Agreement or the interpretation thereof, the matter or

disagreement or dispute shall be attempted to be resolved by mediationfailing which,

the same shall be referred to a single arbitrator pursuant to the Arbib-ation Act of

British Columbia, and the determination of such arbitrator shall be final and binding

upon the parties hereto

 

  

  

8

14.      Independent Legal Advice 

The Executive represents and warrants to the Corporation and acknowledges and

agrees that the Executive has had the opportunity to seek and was not prevented

or discouraged by the Corporation from seeking independent legal advice with

respect to the contents herein and the Executive fully understands the terms and

legal effect of this Agreement.

 

15.      Severability 

If any one or more of the provisions contained herein should be invalid, illegal or

unenforceable in any respect in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and

enforceabilityof such provision shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby

in any other jurisdiction and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining

provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

16.      Only Agreement 

This Agreement shall constitute the only agreement between the parties governing

the employment of the Executive and shall supersede any and all prior agreements.

that may have existed between the parties.

 

17.      Successors

This Agreement is binding upon and enures to the benefit of the Corporation and

its successors and the Executive and the heirs, executors, and personal legal

representatives of the Executive. The Executive may not assign, pledge or

encumber the Executive's interest in this Agreement or assign any of the rights or

duties of the Executive hereunder without the prior written consent of the

Corporation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement at Vancouver, British

Columbia as of the day and year first above written.

 

  

  

  

 

SCHEDULE 'A'

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

 

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ("CEO")

The CEO shall perform the duties of the position in co-ordination with the Executive Chairman of,

subject to the general supervision of and pursuant to the orders, advice and direction of, the Board

of Directors of Almaden Minerals Ltd. ("Almaden"). The CEO shall also render such other

reasonable and related services and duties as may be assigned to the position &om time to time by

the Board of Directors of Almaden. The CEO shall report directly to the Board of Directors of

Almaden.

Duties:

The CEO is the corporate officer responsible for managing the day to day activities and operations

management of Almaden and as such shall be responsible for the design, operation and

improvement of the systems that create Almaden's exploration and development opportunities. The

CEO accordingly shall have the primary responsibility:

1.     To direct and oversee all business and operational activities of Almaden including planning

and directing all exploration activities, development, mining and other such functions and 

supervising exploration staff (including the monitoring of geologists' project daily reports) 

and planning and implementation of all social and community relations programs and

environmentalpermitting and the hiring and dismissal of staff.

2.     To initiate solutions to the key business challenges of Almaden, including acting as

principal prospector and development and initiation of exploration concepts and new

projects.

3.     To participate in sourcing and negotiating acquisition and disposition conhacts, fmancial

arrangements for the further expansion and development of Almaden including joint

ventures, mergers, acquisitions and debt and equity financing.

4.     To co-ordinate with the Chief Financial Officer of Almaden on the making of corporate

filings.

5.     To provide a 'finger on the pulse' of relevant issues and trends that could affect corporate

reputation andlor industry position.

6.     To maintain professional status with training, knowledge, memberships and a network of

contacts appropriate to these duties.

Essential Functions:

 

1.           Represent and speak for Almaden with securities regulators, shareholders, potential

investors and other members of the industry, including the preparation and display of

corporate power-points.

 

  

  

2

 

2.             Develop sbategic business development and key corporate planning issues and make

recommendations to the Board of Directors on major business decisions, including

allocation of resources amongst the various projects being conducted by Almaden.

3.            Monitor performance against performance goals to ensure that progress is being made and

collective action - if necessary - is taken.

	
Ensure adherenceto annual budgets.

	
Build an organizationculture in which performance matters.Exhibit 4.7

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED TECHNICAL CONSULTING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

This Amended and Restated Technical Consulting and Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) as of February 28, 2013 by and between the following parties:

 

(1)                                 Party A: Ctrip Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
 Address: 3F Block 63, 421 Hong Cao Road, Shanghai; and

 

(2)                                 Party B: Shanghai Ctrip Commerce Co., Ltd.
 address: A zone 6F Block 1, 99 Fuquan Road, Changning District, Shanghai

 

WHEREAS

 

(1)                                 Party A is a wholly foreign owned enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under the PRC laws, having the relevant resources to provide Party B with the technical consulting and services.

 

(2)                                 Party B is a limited liability company duly incorporated and validly existing under the PRC laws.

 

(3)                                 Party B intends to entrust Party A, and Party A agrees to accept Party B’s entrustment, to provide exclusive technical consulting and related services to Party B by utilizing Party A’s strengths in human resources, technology and information during the term of this Agreement. Party B agrees to only accept such technical consulting and services provided by Party A.

 

(4)                                 Party A and Party B entered into a Technical Consulting and Services Agreement as of April 12, 2006 (together with all subsequent amendments and supplements thereto, the “Original Consulting and Services Agreement”), and the Parties wish to amend, restate and supersede the Original Consulting and Services Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, Upon mutual consultation, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                Exclusive Consulting and Service; Sole and Exclusive Rights and Interests

 

1.1                         During the term of this Agreement, Party A agrees to provide Party B with relevant technical consulting and services (see details in Exhibit 1 attached hereto) as Party B’s exclusive consulting and services provider subject to the terms and conditions hereof.

 

1.2                         During the term of this Agreement, Party B agrees to hereby irrevocably appoint and designate Party A as its exclusive technical consulting and services provider and agrees to accept the technical consulting and services provided by Party A. Party B further agrees that during the term hereof, it will not accept from any third party, directly or indirectly, any other technical consulting and services the same as or similar to those provided hereunder, nor will Party B enter into any similar service agreement with any third party, unless otherwise agreed by Party A in writing in advance.

 

 

1.3                               Party A shall enjoy sole and exclusive rights and interests in any and all rights, ownership, interests and intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this Agreement, including but not limited to copyrights, patent rights, technical know-how, trade secrets, etc., whether developed by Party A or Party B based on Party A’s intellectual property rights. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, Party B shall have no rights to each of the foregoing.

 

1.4                               Party A has the right to designate and appoint, at its sole discretion, any of its Affiliates to provide any service set forth herein without obtaining any form of consents or confirmations from Party B. The “Affiliates” referred to in this paragraph shall include, without limitation, Ctrip Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Ctrip Travel (HK) Co., Ltd. and Ctrip Travel Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

 

2.                                Calculation and Payment of the Consulting and Service Fee

 

2.1                               The Parties agree that the consulting and service fees (hereinafter referred to as the “Service Fees”) hereunder shall be determined based upon the services rendered by Party A as entrusted, and Party A may, at its sole reasonable discretion, decide the amount and payment method of the Service Fees payable by Party B. The calculation and payment method of the Service Fees are set out in Exhibit 2 attached hereto.

 

2.2                               If at any time throughout the existence of this Agreement, Party A decides, at its own reasonable judgment, to adjust the calculation and payment method of the Service Fees for any reason whatsoever, it has the right to notify Party B of such adjustment with a five (5) days’ prior written notice without any need to obtain Party B’s consent.

 

3.                                Representations and Warranties

 

3.1                               Party A hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(1)                                 it is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the PRC;

 

(2)                                 it executes and performs this Agreement within the scope of its corporate power and business;  it has obtained necessary corporate action and appropriate authorization and necessary consent and approvals from third parties and government agency, and its execution and performance of this Agreement will not constitute a breach of any restrictions by laws or contracts by which it is bound or affected; and

 

(3)                                 This Agreement, once executed, constitutes its lawful, effective and binding obligation, which may be enforced pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

3.2                               Party B  hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(1)                                 it is a limited liability company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the PRC;

 

(2)                                 it executes and performs this Agreement within the scope of its corporate power and business;  it has obtained necessary corporate action and appropriate authorization and necessary consent and approvals from third parties and  

 

 

government agency, and its execution and performance of this Agreement will not constitute a breach of any restrictions by laws or contracts by which it is bound or affected; and

 

(3)                                 This Agreement, once executed, constitutes its lawful, effective and binding obligation, which may be enforced pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

4.                                Confidentiality

 

4.1                               Both Parties acknowledge and confirm that any oral or written materials exchanged by and between the Parties in connection with this Agreement are confidential (the “Confidential Information”). Both  Parties shall keep secret of all Confidential Information and not disclose, offer or transfer any such documents to any third party without prior written consent from the other Party, except for such information: (a) as are known or will be known by the public (except by disclosure of the receiving party without authorization); (b) as are required to be disclosed in accordance with applicable laws or stock exchange rules or regulations; or (c) as are required to be disclosed by any Party to its legal counsel or financial consultant for the purpose of the transaction of this Agreement, provided that such legal counsel or financial consultant shall also be subject to the confidentiality obligation similar to that stated hereof. Any disclosure by employees or agencies employed by any Party shall be deemed the disclosure of such Party and such Party shall assume the liabilities for its breach of contract pursuant to this Agreement.

 

4.2                               Party B further agrees to try its best to take various reasonable measures to keep secret of Party A’s Confidential Information that it may be aware of or have access to due to its acceptance of Party A’s exclusive technical consulting and services. Upon termination of this Agreement, Party B shall, upon Party A’s request, either return to Party A or destroy by itself all the documents, materials or software containing the Confidential Information and shall delete any such Confidential Information from all the relevant memory devices and cease to use such Confidential Information.

 

4.3                               Both Parties agree that this Article 4 shall survive even if this Agreement is amended, cancelled, terminated or held impractical.

 

5.                                Party A’s Financial Support

 

To ensure that the cash flow requirements with regard to the business operations of Party B are met and/or to set off loss accrued during such operations, Party A agrees that it shall, to the extent permitted under PRC law, either by itself or through its designated party, provide financial support to Party B, including without limitation, in the form of entrusted bank loans.

 

6.                                Compensation Liability for Breach of Contract

 

6.1                               If either party (“Defaulting Party”) breaches any provision of this Agreement, which causes damage to the other Party (“Non-defaulting Party”), the Non-defaulting Party may notify the Defaulting Party in writing and request it to immediately rectify and correct such breach of contract; if the Defaulting Party fails to take any action satisfactory to the Non-defaulting Party to rectify and correct such breach within fifteen (15) working days upon the issuance of the written notice by the Non-

 

 

defaulting Party, the Non-defaulting Party may promptly take actions provided in this Agreement or take other remedies in accordance with laws.

 

6.2                               Party B further agrees to indemnify and hold Party A harmless from any losses, damage, obligations and expenses incurred or arising from the contents of the technical consulting and services that Party B requires Party A to provide, or resulting from any litigations, claims or other requests filed against Party A.

 

6.3                               Both Parties agree that this Article 6 shall survive even if this Agreement is amended, cancelled, terminated or held impractical.

 

7.                                Effectiveness and Term

 

7.1                               This Agreement shall be executed and take effect as of the date first written above. The term of this Agreement is ten (10) years unless early termination occurs in accordance with relevant provisions herein.

 

7.2                               This Agreement may be automatically extended for another ten (10) years upon its expiry, and may be extended for unlimited number of times thereafter, unless Party A notifies Party B in writing of its disagreement with the extension. Party B may not veto the extension of the term of this Agreement.

 

8.                                Termination

 

8.1                               Termination. This Agreement shall remain valid, unless Party A disapproves the extension of the term hereof pursuant to Article 7.2 above or this Agreement is early terminated pursuant to Article 8.2 below.

 

8.2                               Early Termination.

 

(1)                                 During the term hereof, in no event shall Party B terminate this Agreement earlier, unless Party A commits gross negligence, fraud or other illegal action, or goes bankrupt. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Party A shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time by issuing a thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Party B.

 

(2)                                 During the term hereof, if Party B breaches this Agreement, Party A may terminate this Agreement by serving a written notice to Party B if Party B fails to correct its breach within fifteen (15) days upon its receipt of the written notice from Party A specifying the breach.

 

(3)                                 If during the term provided in Article 7.1 and 7.2 above, the operating term of either Party (including any extension thereof) expires or is otherwise terminated, this Agreement shall terminate upon the termination of such Party, unless such Party has transferred its rights and obligations hereunder according to Article 11 hereof.

 

8.3                               Survival. After the termination of this Agreement, the respective rights and obligations of the Parties under Articles 4, 6 and 14 shall nonetheless remain valid.

 

 

9.                                Force Majeure

 

9.1                               An “Force Majeure Event” shall mean any event beyond the reasonable anticipation and control of a Party so affected, which are unavoidable even if the affected Party takes a reasonable care, including but not limited to governmental acts, Act of God, fires, explosion, storms, floods, earthquakes, tides, lightning or wars. However, any shortage of credits, funds or financing shall not be deemed as the events beyond reasonable control of the affected Party. The affected Party shall forthwith inform the other Party of the details concerning the exemption of liabilities and the steps that need to be taken to complete discharging such liabilities.

 

9.2                               In the event that the performance of this Agreement is delayed or interrupted due to the said Force Majeure Event, the affected Party shall be excused from any liability hereunder to the extent of the delayed or interrupted performance, provided, however, that the affected Party shall take appropriate measures to minimize or eliminate the adverse impacts therefrom and strive to resume the performance of this Agreement so delayed or interrupted. The Parties agree to use their best efforts to continue the performance of this Agreement once the said Force Majeure Event disappears.

 

10.                         Notices

 

Notices or other communications required to be given by any Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be written in Chinese or English and delivered personally or sent by registered mail, postage prepaid mail, express delivery or facsimile transmission to the addresses of the other Parties set forth below, or to other designated addresses  notified by such other Parties to such Party from time to time, or the addresses of other persons designated by such Party. A notice is deemed to be duly served: (a) if delivered personally, upon the delivery; (b) if sent by mail, on the tenth (10th) day after the date when the air registered mail with postage prepaid has been sent out (as is shown on the postmark), or the fourth (4th) day after delivered to the courier service agency; and (c) if sent by facsimile transmission, upon the receipt time as is shown on the transmission confirmation of relevant documents.

 

If to Party A:  Ctrip Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Attn: Min Fan
  Address: 3F Block 63, 421 Hong Cao Road, Shanghai
 Phone:         (021) 34064880

Fax:                      (021) 54261600

 

If to Party B: Shanghai Ctrip Commerce Co., Ltd.
 Address: A zone 6F Block 1, 99 Fuquan Road, Changning District, Shanghai
  Phone:         (021) 34064880

Fax:                      (021) 54261600

 

11.                         Assignment

 

11.1                        Party B shall not assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any third party without prior written consent from Party A.

 

11.2                       Party B hereby agrees that Party A may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement as Party A may decide at its sole discretion, and such assignment shall  

 

 

only be subject to a written notice sent to Party B, without subject to its consent. When and as requested by Party A, Party B shall execute with the assignee a supplementary agreement or an agreement substantially the same as this Agreement.

 

12.                         Entire Agreement and Severability

 

12.1                        The Parties confirm that this Agreement shall, upon its effectiveness, constitute the entire agreement and common understanding of the Parties with respect to the contents herein and fully supersede all prior verbal and/or written agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect to the contents herein.

 

12.2                        If any one or more provisions of this Agreement is identified or judged by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitration authority as void, invalid or unenforceable in any respect according to any laws or regulations, the validity, legality and enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected or impaired in any way. The Parties shall cease performing such void, invalid or unenforceable provisions and revise those void, invalid or unenforceable provisions only to the extent closest to the original intention thereof to recover its validity or enforceability for such specific facts and circumstances.

 

13.                         Amendment and Supplement to Agreement

 

Any amendment and supplement to this Agreement shall be made in writing by the Parties. Any  agreements on such amendment and supplement duly executed by both Parties shall be deemed as a part of this Agreement and shall have the same legal effect as this Agreement.

 

14.                         Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

 

14.1                        The formation, validity, interpretation, performance and termination of this Agreement and the amendment hereto as well as the resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be governed by the PRC laws.

 

14.2                        Any disputes arising from the interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall first be resolved through friendly consultation among the Parties. In case no settlement can be reached through consultation within thirty (30) days after the request for consultation is made by any Party with a written notice, any Party can submit such disputes to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission Shanghai Sub-commission for arbitration in accordance with its then effective rules. The arbitration shall take place in Shanghai. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in Chinese. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon both Parties.

 

14.3                        If any dispute arises from the interpretation and performance of this Agreement or any dispute is under arbitration, the Parties shall continue to perform their respective rights and obligations hereunder other than those in dispute.

 

 

15.                         Miscellaneous

 

15.1                        The headings contained in this Agreement are for the convenience of reference only and shall not be used to interpret, explain or otherwise affect the meaning of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

15.2                        The Parties agree to promptly execute such documents, or take such further actions, as are reasonably necessary or beneficial for performing the provisions or achieving the purposes hereof.

 

15.3                        Any Party’s failure to exercise the rights under this Agreement in time shall not be deemed as its waiver of such rights and would not affect its future exercise of such rights.

 

15.4                        Any obligations that are incurred or become due arising from this Agreement by the expiry or early termination of this Agreement shall survive the expiry or termination of this Agreement.

 

15.5                        The exhibits attached hereto shall constitute a component of this Agreement and shall be equally binding as this Agreement.

 

15.6                        This Agreement is written in Chinese and executed with two (2) originals with the same legal effect.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the Parties or their respective authorized representatives on the date first above written.

 

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank]

 

 

[This page is execution page]

 

Party A:  Ctrip Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

 

 

	
Signature:
    	
/s/ Min Fan
    	
 
    
	
Authorized representative: Min Fan
    	
 
    
	
(stamp)
    	
 
    

 

 

Party B:  Shanghai Ctrip Commerce Co., Ltd.

 

 

	
Signature:
    	
/s/ Min Fan
    	
 
    
	
Authorized representative: Min Fan
    	
 
    
	
(stamp)
    	
 
    

 

1

 

Exhibit 1: List of Technical Consulting and Services

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree and confirm that Party A will provide the following technical consulting and services to Party B:

 

(1)                                 webpage design and content creation for all of the existing and future websites of Party B (including without limitation www.ctrip.com);

 

(2)                                 research and development of the relevant technology required in connection with Party B’s business operations, including development, design and production of database software for information storage, customer interface software and other related technologies as well as granting license of such technology to Party B;

 

(3)                                 technology application and implementation for Party B’s business operations, including without limitation master design, installation, commissioning and trial operation of technical systems;

 

(4)                                 routine maintenance, monitor, commissioning and trouble shooting for Party B’s computer network equipment necessary for its business operations, including prompt input of user information to database, or prompt update of database and regular update of customer interface, as well as other related technical services;

 

(5)                                 consulting services for procurement of equipment, software and hardware systems necessary for business operations by Party B, including without limitation consulting and advising on selection, installation and commissioning of tool software, application software and technical platform, as well as the selection, type and function of complementary hardware facilities and equipment;

 

(6)                                 pre-work and on-work training and technical support and assistance for Party B’s employees, including without limitation providing appropriate raining for Party B and its employees on customer services or technologies, sharing knowledge and experience in installation and operation of systems and equipment, assisting to resolve any problem in connection with system and equipment installation and operation, consulting and advising on operation of any other web edition platform and software, and assisting to collect and compile information and contents;

 

(7)                                 technical consulting and response to enquiries raised by Party B relating to network equipment, technical products and software;

 

(8)                                 a certain level of staff support at Party B’s request, including without limitation temporarily sending and seconding relevant staff; and

 

(9)                                 any other services required by Party B for business operations.

 

2

 

Exhibit 2:             Calculation and Payment of Services Fee

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree and confirm that the amount of the Service Fees shall be calculated and paid in the following way:

 

1.              The Service Fees hereunder shall be calculated on the basis of Party B’s revenue and its relevant operating cost, selling cost, management cost and such other costs, and may be charged:

 

(1)         at a percentage of Party B’s revenue;

 

(2)         at a fixed amount for the service items completed for Party B;

 

(3)         at a fixed amount of loyalty fee for specific software and patents; and/or

 

(4)         in such other manner as decided by Party A from time to time based on the nature of the service.

 

2.              Party A shall send to Party B a written confirmation about the Service Fees, and the amount of the Service Fees shall be determined after taking into account:

 

(1)         difficulty of the technology and complexity of the services provided by Party A;

 

(2)         time required by Party A’s employees to provide the services; and

 

(3)         contents and commercial value of the services, software or consulting provided by Party A; and/or

 

(4)         the benchmark price of the similar services on the market.

 

3.              Party A shall calculate the Service Fees and issue the corresponding invoices to Party B on a fixed period of time basis (monthly, quarterly and such other period as determined by Party A). Party B shall pay the Service Fees to the bank account designated by Party A.

 

4.              The Service Fees payable by Party B to Party A shall be subject to the payment notice sent by Party A to Party B.

 

 

Schedule A

 

The following schedule sets forth all other similar agreements the registrant entered into with each of its affiliated Chinese entities. Other than the information set forth below, there is no material difference between such other agreements and this exhibit.

 

	
VIE
    	
 
    	
Executing Parties
    	
 
    	
Execution Date
    
	
Shanghai Ctrip Commerce   Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shanghai Ctrip Commerce Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shanghai Ctrip Commerce Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Shanghai Huacheng Southwest   Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shanghai Huacheng Southwest Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shanghai Huacheng Southwest Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Beijing Ctrip   International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Beijing Ctrip International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Beijing Ctrip International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Shanghai Ctrip International   Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shanghai Ctrip International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Shenzhen Ctrip   International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shenzhen Ctrip International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shenzhen Ctrip International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Guangzhou Ctrip   International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Guangzhou Ctrip International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Guangzhou Ctrip International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Nantong Tongcheng   Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Party B:   Nantong Tongcheng Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    

 

 

	
VIE
    	
 
    	
Executing Parties
    	
 
    	
Execution Date
    
	
Shanghai Zhizhan   Network Technology Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shanghai Zhizhan Network Technology Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Shanghai Quanlv   Network Technology Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shanghai Quanlv Network Technology Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Nanjing Huacheng   International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Nanjing Huacheng International Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Hangzhou Ctrip   Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Hangzhou Ctrip Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Hangzhou Ctrip Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Sanya Ctrip Travel   Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Sanya Ctrip Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Lijiang Ctrip   Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Lijiang Ctrip Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Lijiang Ctrip Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Wuhan Ctrip Travel   Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Wuhan Ctrip Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Wuhan Ctrip Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Chongqing Ctrip   Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Chongqing Ctrip Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip Travel   Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Party B: Chongqing Ctrip   Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28, 2013
    
	
Shanghai Sozhen   Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shanghai Sozhen Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    

 

 

	
VIE
    	
 
    	
Executing Parties
    	
 
    	
Execution Date
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Shanghai Sozhen Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Ctrip Insurance   Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Ctrip Insurance Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Ctrip Insurance Agency Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Chengdu Ctrip   Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Chengdu Ctrip Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Travel Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Chengdu Ctrip Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Chengdu Ctrip   International Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Ctrip   Computer Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Chengdu Ctrip International Travel Service Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Tujia Online   Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Tujia   Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Tujia Online Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Hainan Sweetome   Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Tujia   Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Hainan Sweetome Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Tujia Property   Consulting (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Tujia   Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Tujia Property Consulting (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Tujia Property   Consulting (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Tujia   Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Tujia Property Consulting (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Tujia Property   Consulting (Sichuan) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Tujia   Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Tujia Property Consulting (Sichuan) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Tujia Property   Consulting (Shandong) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Tujia   Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Tujia Property Consulting (Shandong) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Tujia Real Estate   Agency (Yunnan) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Tujia   Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Tujia Real Estate Agency (Yunnan) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    

 

 

	
VIE
    	
 
    	
Executing Parties
    	
 
    	
Execution Date
    
	
Tujia Property   Consulting (Guangxi) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Tujia   Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Tujia Property Consulting (Guangxi) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013
    
	
Tujia Property   Consulting (Fujian) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
Party A: Tujia Technology   (Beijing) Co., Ltd.  
    Party B:   Tujia Property Consulting (Fujian) Co., Ltd.
    	
 
    	
February 28,   2013

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00215-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00215-of-00352.parquet"}]]