Washington, D.C. 20549
AOXIN TIANLI GROUP, INC.
Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion
228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiangan District, Wuhan City
Hubei Province, China 430010
June 30, 2016
Dear Shareholder:
The directors and officers of Aoxin Tianli Group, Inc. join me in inviting you to attend the annual meeting of our shareholders on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. local time, at our headquarters, Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion, 228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiang’an District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China 430010. The formal notice of this annual meeting and the proxy statement appear on the following pages and are accompanied by a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. After reading the proxy statement and other materials, please submit your proxy promptly by telephone or via the Internet in accordance with the instructions on the enclosed proxy card, or by marking, signing and returning a physical proxy card by mail, to ensure that your votes on the business matters of the meeting will be recorded.
We hope that you will attend this meeting. Whether or not you attend, we urge you to submit your proxy promptly. Even after submitting the proxy, you may, of course, vote in person on all matters brought before the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday, July 29, 2016.
| | Sincerely, | |
| | | |
| | /s/ Wocheng Liu | |
| | Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board | |
| | | |
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AOXIN TIANLI GROUP, INC.
Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion
228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiangan District, Wuhan City
Hubei Province, China 430010
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The annual meeting of the shareholders of Aoxin Tianli Group, Inc. (the “Annual Meeting”) will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at our headquarters, Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion, 228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiangan District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China 430010.
Holders of common shares will be asked to consider and vote on the following matters:
(1) the election of six directors, each to serve until the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or his or her earlier death, resignation or removal; and
(2) the transaction of any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting
We describe each of these proposals in more detail in the accompanying proxy statement, which you should read in its entirety before voting.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on June 17, 2016 are entitled to notice of and to vote at this meeting and any adjournments or postponements of this meeting.
| By order of the Board of Directors, /s/ Wocheng Liu Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board | |
Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China 430010
June 30, 2016
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the
Shareholder Meeting to be Held on Friday, July 29, 2016:
The proxy statement and annual report are available at www.proxyvote.com.
Also available on the website is the Aoxin Tianli proxy card, as well as additional voting information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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| Page |
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Questions and Answers About This Annual Meeting | 1 |
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Proposal 1: Election of Directors | 4 |
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Report of the Audit Committee | 16 |
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Matters Relating to Independent Registered Public Accountants | 17 |
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Security Ownership of Beneficial Owners and Management | 18 |
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Shareholder Proposals | 19 |
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Annual Report | 19 |
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Other Matters | 19 |
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Incorporation of Certain Matters | 19 |
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Delivery of Documents to Shareholders Sharing an Address | 19 |
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Expenses of Solicitation | 20 |
AOXIN TIANLI GROUP, INC.
Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion
228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiangan District, Wuhan City
Hubei Province, China 430010
PROXY STATEMENT
In this proxy statement, Aoxin Tianli Group, Inc. is referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” “our company,” “the company” or “Aoxin Tianli.”
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS ANNUAL MEETING
Q: | | Why did I receive this proxy statement? |
As an Aoxin Tianli shareholder, you received this proxy statement because our board of directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the annual meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”). The Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at our headquarters, Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion, 228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiangan District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China 430010.
This proxy statement summarizes the information you need to know to vote on an informed basis at the annual meeting; however, you do not need to attend the annual meeting to vote your shares. See “How do I vote my shares before the Annual Meeting?” We expect to begin sending this proxy statement, the attached notice of annual meeting and the proxy card(s) on June 30, 2016, to all shareholders entitled to vote.
If you hold common shares, you are being asked to consider and vote on the election to six directors, each to serve until the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
Q: | | Who is entitled to vote? |
Holders of our outstanding common shares as of the close of business on June 17, 2016, the record date, are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of June 17, 2016, 31,952,000 common shares were outstanding.
Q: | | What does it mean if I get more than one proxy card? |
If you receive more than one proxy card, it means you hold shares registered in more than one account. Sign and return ALL proxy cards to ensure that all your shares are voted.
Q: | | What are the voting rights of the common shares? |
At the Annual Meeting, each common share is entitled to one vote for each director to be elected and any other matter submitted to our shareholders for their approval.
Q: | | How do I vote my shares before the Annual Meeting? |
If you hold your shares in your own name, you may submit a proxy by telephone, via the Internet or by mail.
| • | | Submitting a Proxy by Telephone: You can submit a proxy for your shares by telephone until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 27, 2016 by calling the toll-free telephone number on the enclosed proxy card, (800) 690-6903. Telephone proxy submission is available 24 hours a day. Easy-to-follow voice prompts allow you to submit a proxy for your shares and confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded. Our telephone proxy submission procedures are designed to authenticate shareholders by using individual control numbers. |
| • | | Submitting a Proxy via the Internet: You can submit a proxy via the Internet until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 27, 2016 by accessing the website listed on your proxy card, www.proxyvote.com, and following the instructions you will find on the website. Internet proxy submission is available 24 hours a day. As with telephone proxy submission, you will be given the opportunity to confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded. |
| • | | Submitting a Proxy by Mail: If you choose to submit a proxy by mail, simply mark the appropriate proxy card, date and sign it, and return it in the postage paid envelope provided or to the address shown on the proxy card. |
By casting your vote in any of the three ways listed above, you are authorizing the individuals listed on the proxy to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions. You may also attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person.
If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you will receive instructions from the holder of record that you must follow for your shares to be voted. The availability of telephonic or Internet voting will depend on the bank’s or broker’s voting process. Please check with your bank or broker and follow the voting procedures your bank or broker provides to vote your shares. Also, please note that if the holder of record of your shares is a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you must request a legal proxy from your bank, broker or other nominee that holds your shares and present that proxy and proof of identification at the Annual Meeting.
Q: | | If I am the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” by my broker, will my broker automatically vote my shares for me? |
Stock exchange rules applicable to brokers grant your broker discretionary authority to vote your shares without receiving your instructions on certain matters. Your broker does not have discretionary authority to vote on the election of directors, unless you provide voting instructions to your broker. Therefore, it is particularly important that beneficial owners instruct their brokers how they wish to vote their shares.
Q: | | How will my shares be voted if I give my proxy but do not specify how my shares should be voted? |
If you provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your instructions. If you return your signed proxy card but do not indicate your voting preferences, we will vote on your behalf FOR each of the nominees for whom you are entitled to vote.
Q: | | What is an “abstention” or a broker “non-vote” and how do they affect the vote? |
An “abstention” occurs when a shareholder sends in a proxy with explicit instructions to decline to vote regarding a particular matter. Abstentions are counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum. An abstention with respect to the election of directors is neither a vote cast “for” a nominee nor a vote cast “against” the nominee and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote. An abstention with respect to any other matter shall be deemed to be votes not cast.
A broker “non-vote” occurs when a broker or other nominee who holds shares for the beneficial owner is unable to vote those shares for the beneficial owner because the broker or other nominee does not have discretionary voting power for the proposal and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares. Brokers will not have such discretionary voting power to vote shares with respect to the election of directors. Shares that are the subject of a broker non-vote are included for quorum purposes, but a broker non-vote with respect to a proposal will not be counted as a vote represented at the meeting and entitled to vote and, consequently, as a general matter, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
Q: | | How can I change my vote? |
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised by:
| • | | Delivering to the Secretary a written notice of revocation, dated later than the proxy, before the vote is taken at the Annual Meeting in the manner set forth below; |
| • | | Delivering to the Secretary an executed proxy bearing a later date, before the vote is taken at the Annual Meeting; |
| • | | Submitting a proxy on a later date by telephone or via the Internet (only your last telephone or Internet proxy will be counted), before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 27, 2016; or |
| • | | Attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person (your attendance at the Annual Meeting, in and of itself, will not revoke the proxy). |
Any written notice of revocation, or later dated proxy, should be delivered to:
Aoxin Tianli Group, Inc.
Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion
228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiangan District, Wuhan City
Hubei Province, China 430010
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Alternatively, you may hand deliver a written revocation notice, or a later dated proxy, to the Secretary at the Annual Meeting before we begin voting.
If your shares are held by a bank, broker or other nominee, you must follow the instructions provided by the bank, broker or other nominee if you wish to change your vote.
Q: | | Who will count the votes? |
Representatives of Computershare will count the votes.
Q: | | What constitutes a quorum? |
A majority of the outstanding common shares entitled to vote at the meeting constitutes a quorum for the items to be voted on by the common shares at the Annual Meeting.
Q: | | How many votes are needed for approval of each proposal? |
The election to our board of directors of six directors for a term of one year.
Directors to be elected by the holders of common shares will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of outstanding common shares entitled to vote in the election who are present, in person or by proxy, at the meeting. Consequently, the six director nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast by the holders of common shares will be elected as directors.
Q: | | Does Aoxin Tianli offer an opportunity to receive future proxy materials electronically? |
Yes. If you are a shareholder of record, you may, if you wish, receive future proxy statements and annual reports online. If you elect this feature, you will receive either a proxy card or an e-mail message notifying you when the materials are available, along with a web address for viewing the materials. You may sign up for electronic delivery by marking and signing the appropriate spaces on your proxy card or by contacting our Investor Relations Department by e-mail at ir@aoxintianli-china.com or toll-free by phone at (866) 366-4703. If you received these materials electronically, you do not need to do anything to continue receiving materials electronically in the future.
If you hold your shares in a brokerage account, you may also have the opportunity to receive proxy materials electronically. Please follow the instructions of your broker.
Electronic delivery saves Aoxin Tianli money by reducing printing and mailing costs. It will also make it convenient for you to receive your proxy materials online. Aoxin Tianli charges nothing for electronic delivery. You may, of course, incur the usual expenses associated with Internet access, such as telephone charges or charges from your Internet service provider.
You may discontinue electronic delivery at any time. For more information, contact our Investor Relations Department by e-mail at ir@aoxintianli-china.com or toll-free by phone at (866) 366-4703.
Q: | | Who can attend the Annual Meeting? |
All shareholders of record as of June 17, 2016 may attend.
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Prior to our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders our Board of Directors adopted resolutions amending our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to declassify our Board of Directors and provide for the election of directors on an annual basis, after their existing terms.
At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will vote upon the election of six directors, named below, to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and the qualification of their successors, or their earlier death, resignation or removal. Gang Yin will continue to serve as a Director until the expiration of his term at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the qualification of his successor, or his earlier death, resignation or removal.
Nominees for Election at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Wocheng Liu, Age 53
Wocheng Liu has served as Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer and a director of our company since June 1, 2016. He has served as Executive President of Hubei Aoxin Science & Technology Group Co., Ltd., which owns approximately 12.8% of our outstanding shares, since October 2015. Prior to joining Hubei Aoxin Science & Technology Group Co., Ltd. and commencing May 2010 Mr Liu was President of Yingi International Carbon Market Investment Group. From March 2008 to March 2010, Mr. Liu was Vice President of Pan-China Group, which was directly subordinate to the Ministry of Construction of China. In May 2006 Mr. Liu founded Hainan Shiji Xiangguang Investment Co., Ltd., where he served as Chairman. From May 2004 to April 2006, Mr. Liu was General Manager of Zhengzhou Xinlong Dapeng Power Co., Ltd. From December 2002 to May 2004, he served as a consultant to Luoyang Industry & Commerce Co., Ltd. From August 1996 to November 2002, Mr. Liu was Vice Secretary of Yiyang County Committee of the Communist Party of China. From June 1993 to July 1996, he served as Deputy County Mayor of Yiyang County, Henan Province. From March 1991 to May 1993, Mr. Liu served as Deputy Director of Mining Administration Office of Xin’an County, Henan Province, and Director General of Mining Administration Bureau of Xin’an County, Henan Province. Mr. Liu holds a Master’s degree in engineering from Luoyang Refractory Materials Research Institute and a bachelor degree in chemistry from Yancheng Normal College. Mr. Liu was nominated as a director for his experience in business and management.
Hanying Li, Age 65
Hanying Li has been a director of our company since January 2010 and served as our Chair and Chief Executive Officer of our company from that date until March 27, 2014 and from September 9, 2015 to May 31, 2016. She continues to serve as Co-Chief Executive Officer of our company. Ms. Li founded Wuhan Fengze Agricultural Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd., our operating company in China (“Fengze”), in 2005. From 1979 through 2004, Ms. Li was deputy director of the Wuhan City Prosecutor’s Office. Ms. Li received her Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Hubei Finance & Economic University. Ms. Li was nominated as a director for her experience operating hog farms and leadership of our company.
Zihui Mo, Age 57
Zihui Mo has been a director of the Company since October 2012. Since January 1, 2009, Mr. Mo has been CFO and COO of Watches of Switzerland, a private manufacturer of watches in Hong Kong and the United States owned by members of his family. He held the same positions from February 2004 through 2006. From January 1, 2007 through 2009, he was a marketing manager with A Field Consulting Ltd., a company that provides consulting services for small and middle sized companies seeking to go public. From November 1994 through January 2004, he was Vice General Manager of China Shipping and Vice General Manager of Rich Shipping Co., Ltd. From September 1993 through November 1994, he was Marketing Manager of Barako Shipping Co., Ltd. From February 1991 through August 1993, he was Marketing Supervisor of UDS Distribution Services Co., Ltd., Jardine Group. From October 1989 through February 1991, he was Marketing Manager of Toyota of Durata, California. Mr. Mo received a Degree in Education from Ricks College (Idaho) in 1985 and a Degree in Market Management and Academician in Accounting from Brigham Young University in 1988. Mr. Mo was nominated as a director for his experience in marketing and accounting.
Guolan Li, Age 57
Guolan Li has been General Manager of Hubei Aoxin Science & Technology Group Co., Ltd. and Chairman of Hubei Hang-ao Servo technology Co., Ltd. since July 2010. From September 2000 to June 2010, he was the Manager of the Wuhan Duoluokou Grand Market Management Center. From May 1998 to August 2000, he was a director and the Deputy General Manager of Hanzheng Group, Ltd. From August 1980 to April 1998, he was employed by the Native Produce Company of Wuhan City, Qiaokou District, initially as Chief Accountant, then as Deputy Section Chief, then Section Chief, and finally as General Manager. Mr. Li is a graduate of the Hubei University of Economic Management. Mr. Li was nominated as a director because of his management experience.
Eliza Siu Yuk Lee, Age 55
Eliza Siu Yuk Lee founded Equal Glory Limited, a company which since October 2014 has provided advisory and consulting services to corporations in connection with public offerings, re-organizations, mergers and acquisitions. From September 2004 to September 2014, Mrs. Lee was Executive Director of China Infrastructure Investment Limited, a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (0600.hk). From April 1986 to September 2004, Mrs. Lee served in various capacities at Pearl Oriental Corporation Limited, a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (0988.hk), initially as director of sales & marketing and then Executive Director. Mrs. Lee received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of East Asia, Macau in August 1992 and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Murdoch University in 1998. Mrs. Lee was nominated as a director because of her experience with publicly traded corporations.
Jamie Tseng, Age 62
Jamie Tseng has served as Chairman of Brightening Lives Foundation since 2015. From November 2011 to February 2015, Mr. Tseng was the Executive Vice President of Pacific Energy Development Inc. (NYSE: PED). From January 2009 to August 2010, Mr. Tseng was the Executive Vice President of Camac Energy International (AMEX: CAK). From August 2005 to January 2009, Mr. Tseng was the Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Pacific Asia Petroleum Inc. (AMEX:PAP). From August 2003 to August 2005, Mr. Tseng was the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Histostem Inc. From February 2000 to August 2003, Mr. Tseng was the Executive Vice President of General Energy Technologies Inc. From January 1998 to August 2000, Mr. Tseng was the Vice President of Multacom Telecommunication Inc. From January 1995 to January 1998, Mr. Tseng was the President of Interjet International. From January 1992 to January 2002, Mr. Tseng has served for Fullerton Chinese Culture Association. Mr. Tseng received a Bachelor’s degree of Arts and graduated from Soochow University in 1976 with the specialty of Accounting. Mr. Tseng was nominated as a director because of his experience in finance and accounting.
Class I Director Whose Term Expires in 2017
Gang Yin, Age 53
Gang Yin has served as a director since June 11, 2015. He has been Deputy General Manager of AUNEW Group Holdings Pty Ltd. and General Manager of Health Sharing Group Pty Ltd since March 2010. From January 2009 to February 2009, he was General Manager (Business Development) of DC Global Mining Pty Ltd. From July 2008 to December 2008, he was Vice President (China) of Once Australia Pty Ltd. From February 2006 to June 2008, he was Deputy General Manager of Shanghai Puji Investment and Management Co., Ltd. From October 2003 to January 1, 2006, he was Executive President of Ananda Travel Service (Australia) Pty. From July b1998 to April 2003 he was employed by Bank of China Australia as Manager of Risk Management and as Head of Corporate and Individual Finance. Mr. Yin received a Master of Law degree in 1988 and Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983 from Wuhan University. Mr. Yin was nominated as a director because of his experience in finance.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
“FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH NOMINEE UNDER PROPOSAL ONE
Board of Directors
Following the Annual Meeting, our Board of Directors will consist of seven directors. There are no family relationships between any of our directors (including the nominees named above) and our executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which our directors are selected or nominated.
Each of our non-employee directors receives a cash retainer of $3,000 per month.
A director may vote in respect of any contract or transaction in which he is interested; provided, however that the nature of the interest of any director in any contract or transaction is disclosed by him at or prior to its consideration and any vote on that matter. A general notice or disclosure to the directors or otherwise contained in the minutes of a meeting or a written resolution of the directors or any committee thereof of the nature of a director’s interest shall be sufficient disclosure and after such general notice it shall not be necessary to give special notice relating to any particular transaction. A director may be counted for a quorum upon a motion in respect of any contract or arrangement which he shall make with our company, or in which he is so interested, and may vote on such motion.
Mr. Wocheng Liu currently holds both the positions of Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board; Ms. Hanying Li is Co-Chief Executive Officer. We do not have a lead independent director because we believe our independent directors are encouraged to freely voice their opinions on a relatively small company board. We believe this leadership structure is appropriate because we are a smaller reporting company and deem it appropriate to be able to benefit from the guidance of Mr. Liu as both our principal executive officer and Chairman of the Board.
Our Board of Directors plays a key role in our risk oversight. Our Board of Directors makes all relevant Company decisions. As such, it is important for us to have our Co-Chief Executive Officers serve on the Board as each of them plays a key role in the risk oversight or the Company. As a smaller reporting company with a small board of directors, we believe it is appropriate to have the involvement and input of all of our directors in risk oversight matters.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors maintains a majority of directors who are deemed to be independent under the definition of independence provided by NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(15). Zihui Mo, Gang Yin, Yan Gong and Peter E. Gadkowski are our independent directors. If elected at the Annual Meeting, Eliza Siu Yuk Lee and Jamie Tseng will replace Yan Gong and Peter E. Gadkowski (who have not been nominated for re-election as directors) as independent directors.
Board Committees
The Board has established three committees: the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating committee.
Audit Committee
The audit committee is responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of our company and audits of the financial statements of our company, including the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent auditors. The members of the audit committee are Zihui Mo (Chairman), Gang Yin and Peter E. Gadkowski. Mr. Mo is the Audit Committee Financial Expert. All of the members of the audit committee are financially literate. The Audit Committee held six meetings during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Compensation Committee
The compensation committee of the Board of Directors reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding our compensation policies for our officers, and also administers our incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans (but our board retains the authority to interpret those plans). The members of the compensation committee are Gang Yin, Yan Gong and Peter Gadkowski. The Compensation Committee held one meeting during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Nominating Committee
The nominating committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the assessment of the performance of the board, considering and making recommendations to the board with respect to the nominations for election of directors and other governance issues. The nominating committee considers diversity of opinion and experience when nominating directors.
The nominating committee identifies and evaluates nominees for our Board of Directors, including nominees recommended by stockholders, based on numerous factors it considers appropriate. The nominating committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board of Directors of nominees to stand for election as directors. The members of the nominating committee are Gang Yin (Chairman), Zihui Mo and Yan Gong. The Nominating Committee held two meetings during the year ended December 31, 2015.
The Board of Directors periodically reviews the diversity of specific skills and characteristics necessary as a member of our Board. The nominating committee will assess the skill areas currently represented on the Board against the target skill areas, as well as recommendations of directors regarding skills that could improve the overall quality and ability of the Board to carry out its function.
The nominating committee will consider persons recommended by stockholders for inclusion as nominees for election to our Board of Directors if the names, biographical data, and qualifications of such persons are submitted and delivered in writing in a timely manner. The criteria that the committee and the full board will use to assess the qualifications of candidates for election to the board will include matters such as experience in the hog or agricultural industry, financial or technical expertise, strength of character, quality of judgment, concern for the interests of the Company’s shareholders, and how these skills might be best utilized by the Company. The committee will also consider the extent to which the nominee would fill a present need on our Board of Directors.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Our code of business conduct and ethics provides that our directors and officers are expected to avoid any action, position or interest that conflicts with the interests of our company or gives the appearance of a conflict. Directors and officers have an obligation under our code of business conduct and ethics to advance our company’s interests when the opportunity to do so arises. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available in the “Corporate Governance” section of our website (www.aoxintianli-china.com).
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file various reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning their holdings of, and transactions in, our securities. Copies of these filings must be furnished to us.
Based on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to us and representations from our executive officers and directors, all our officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders filed all reports required to be filed during 2015 in accordance with the filing requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
Compensation of Directors
The directors may receive such remuneration as our Board of Directors may determine from time to time. Each director is entitled to be repaid or prepaid all traveling, hotel and incidental expenses reasonably incurred or expected to be incurred in attending meetings of our Board of Directors or committees of our Board of Directors or shareholder meetings or otherwise in connection with the discharge of his or her duties as a director. The compensation committee will assist the directors in reviewing and approving the compensation structure for our directors.
All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders at which he/she is re-elected or until his/her successors have been duly elected and qualified. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Employee directors do not receive any compensation for their services as directors. Non-employee directors are entitled to receive compensation per year for serving as directors and may receive option grants from our company. In addition, non-employee directors are entitled to be reimbursed for their actual travel expenses for each Board of Directors meeting attended.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation paid to our directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION |
Name (a) | Annual Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) (b) | Stock Awards ($) (c) | Option Awards ($) (d) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) (e) | Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) (f) | All Other Compensation ($) (g) | Total ($) (h) |
Peter E. Gadkowski | $36,000 | - | $16,061 | - | - | - | $52,061 |
Zihui Mo | $36,000 | - | $8,031 | - | - | - | $44,031 |
Anthony S. Chan(1) | $18,000 | - | $2,610 | - | - | - | $20,610 |
Gang Yin (2) | $21,000 | - | - | - | - | - | $21,000 |
Guolan Li (3) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Yan Gong (3) | $6,410 | - | - | - | - | - | $6,410 |
___________
(1) | Anthony S. Chan was appointed as a director on September 19, 2014 and resigned on July 2, 2015. |
(2) | Gang Yin was appointed as a director on June 10, 2015. |
(3) | Guolan Li and Yan Gong were appointed as a director on August 5, 2015. |
Meeting Attendance
During the year ended December 31, 2015, our Board of Directors held 12 meetings, either in person or by telephone. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of meetings of our board of directors held while he or she was a director and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees on which he or she served during the periods that he or she served on the committee.
Information Concerning Executive Officers
Our executive officers are set forth in the table below along with their ages and positions. Each executive officer holds the offices set forth opposite his name until his successor is chosen and qualified at a meeting of the Board of Directors.
Name | | Age | | | Position |
Wocheng Liu | | 53 | | | Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer |
Hanying Li | | 65 | | | Co-Chief Executive Officer |
Chun Choi Law | | 55 | | | Chief Financial Officer |
Wocheng Liu. For information concerning the employment history of Wocheng Liu, see Proposal 1.
Hanying Li. For information concerning the employment history of Hanying Li, see Proposal 1.
Chun Choi Law. Mr. Law has been our CFO since June 13, 2016. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Law was the principal of Tommy C.C. Law Certified Public Accountant, a public accounting firm he formed in January 2013. From April 2005 to November 2012, Mr. Law was employed by China Infrastructure Investment Limited, initially as financial controller, then as corporate secretary, and finally as Chief Financial Officer. China Infrastructure Investment Limited is primarily an investment holding company whose investment portfolio includes property investment and natural gas businesses, and whose shares are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
From April 2010 to September 2012, Mr. Law served as an independent non-executive director at Karce International Holdings Company Limited, a manufacturer and distributor of calculators and other electronic products, where he served as a member of the Audit Committee and Nomination Committee and as chairman of the Remuneration Committee.
Mr. Law was employed as Financial Controller at Pearl Investments (Hong Kong) Limited from September 1996 to May 2003 and at Lee Gardens International Holdings Limited from January 1997 to March 2003. From June 1993 to January 1995 he was employed as Senior Accounting Manager at Albion International Holdings Limited. From October 1991 to September 1992 he was employed as Manager (Finance Division) at Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited. From August 1984 to July 1991 Mr. Law was employed as a Supervisor at Price Waterhouse.
Mr. Law graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a degree in Accountancy in 1984 and received a post-graduate degree from in Corporate Administration from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2000.
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth information with respect to the amounts awarded to, earned by, or paid to, the individuals who served as chief executive officer of our company during the year ended December 31, 2015 for services provided in all capacities to us and our subsidiaries.
Summary Compensation Table
Name & Position | Year | Salary | Bonus | Stock Awards | Option Awards | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation | Total |
Ping Wang Former Chairman and CEO (1) | 2015 | $36,897 | - | $141,600 | - | - | - | - | $178,497 |
2014 | $55,346 | - | - | - | - | - | - | $55,346 |
Hanying Li Chair and CEO (2) | 2015 | $42,516 | - | $106,200 | - | - | - | - | $148,716 |
2014 | $36,100 | - | - | - | - | - | - | $36,100 |
___________
| (1) | Mr. Ping Wang was appointed as the Chairman and CEO effective March 28, 2014 and resigned on September 3, 2015. |
| (2) | Mr. Li resigned as the Chairman and CEO effective March 27, 2014 and was re-appointed as the Chairman and CEO on September 9, 2015. |
Employment Agreements
Wocheng Liu
Wuhan Aoxin Tianli Enterprise Investment Management Co., Ltd., the Company’s wholly foreign-owned entity, has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Liu effective June 1, 2016, initially scheduled to expire on May 31, 2018, subject to automatic renewal through May 31, 2020, unless terminated prior to renewal. Under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Liu is entitled to:
· | | Base compensation of RMB 600,000 ($92,308 US dollars), payable in 12 equal monthly installments of RMB 50,000 ($7,692 US dollars). |
· | | Year-end award in accordance with the Company’s incentive plan. |
· | | Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by Mr. Liu. |
Mr. Liu agreed during the term of his employment agreement and for 36 months thereafter to:
· | | keep confidential and not disclose confidential information; |
· | | take and implement all appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality of confidential information; and |
· | | not disclose, transmit, exploit or otherwise use for his own account or for others, elements of confidential information. |
Mr. Liu has agreed not to compete with the Company, directly or indirectly, while employed by the Company and for a period of 24 months thereafter.
Hanying Li
We entered into an employment agreement with our president and chief executive officer, Ms. Hanying Li effective December 1, 2009, initially scheduled to expire on November 30, 2013, subject to automatic renewal through November 30, 2014, unless terminated prior to renewal. Ms. Li resigned on March 27, 2014. On September 9, 2015, Ms. Li was re-elected as our president and chief executive officer by the Board of Directors. Under the terms of her employment agreement effective September 10, 2015, Ms. Li was entitled to:
· | Base compensation of RMB 600,000 ($92,308 US dollars), payable in 12 equal monthly installments of RMB 50,000 ($7,692 US dollars). |
· | Year-end Award paid and determined under the Incentive Plan approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board. |
· | Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by Ms. Li. |
Ms. Li agreed during that the term of her employment agreement and for 36 months afterwards to:
· | keep confidential and not disclose our confidential information; |
· | take and implement all appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality of our confidential information; and |
· | not disclose, transmit, exploit or otherwise use for her own account or for others, elements of our confidential information. |
Ms. Li has agreed not to compete with our company directly or indirectly while employed by us and for a period of 24 months afterwards.
The employment agreement of Ms. Li may be terminated at any time by either party upon 30 days’ prior notice.
Chun Choi Law
Wuhan Aoxin Tianli Enterprise Investment Management Co., Ltd., the Company’s wholly foreign-owned entity, has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Law effective June 13, 2016, initially scheduled to expire on June 13, 2018, subject to automatic renewal through June 13, 2020, unless terminated prior to renewal. Under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Law is entitled to:
| Base compensation of HK$600,000 (US$77,300) payable in 12 equal monthly installments of HK$50,000(US$6,442). |
| Year-end award in accordance with the Company’s incentive plan. |
| Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by Mr. Law. |
Mr. Law agreed during the term of his employment agreement and for 36 months thereafter to:
· | keep confidential and not disclose our confidential information; |
· | take and implement all appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality of our confidential information; and |
· | not disclose, transmit, exploit or otherwise use for her own account or for others, elements of our confidential information. |
Mr. Law has agreed not to compete with the Company, directly or indirectly, while employed by the Company and for a period of 24 months thereafter.
Ping Wang
We entered into an employment agreement with our former president and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ping Wang effective April 1, 2014, initially scheduled to expire on March 31, 2017, subject to automatic renewal through March 31, 2019, unless terminated prior to renewal. On September 3, 2015, Mr. Ping Wang resigned from the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Wang was entitled to:
· | Base compensation of RMB 340,000 payable in 12 equal monthly installments of RMB 28,333. |
· | Year-end bonus of RMB 660,000, payable in the event our annual audited profits increase by at least 150% of the previous year’s audited profits. |
· | Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by Mr. Wang. |
Mr. Ping Wang agreed during the term of his employment agreement and for 36 months afterwards to:
· | keep confidential and not disclose our confidential information; |
· | take and implement all appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality of our confidential information; and |
· | not disclose, transmit, exploit or otherwise use for her or his own account or for others, elements of our |
confidential information.
Mr. Ping Wang has agreed not to compete with our company directly or indirectly while employed by us and for a period of 24 months afterwards.
The employment agreement of Mr. Ping Wang was terminated at September 3, 2015.
Houliang Yu
We entered into an employment agreement with our chief financial officer, Mr. Houliang Yu effective June 1, 2015, initially scheduled to expire on December 31, 2016, subject to automatic renewal through December 31, 2017, unless terminated prior to renewal. Under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Yu was entitled to:
· | Base compensation of RMB 240,000 payable in 12 equal monthly installments of RMB 20,000. |
· | Year-end bonus of RMB 240,000, payable in the event our annual audited profits increase by at least 50% of the previous year’s audited profits. |
· | Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by Mr. Yu. |
Mr. Yu agreed during that the term of his employment agreement and for 36 months afterwards to:
· | keep confidential and not disclose our confidential information; |
· | take and implement all appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality of our confidential information; and |
· | not disclose, transmit, exploit or otherwise use for her or his own account or for others, elements of our confidential information. |
Mr. Yu agreed not to compete with our company directly or indirectly while employed by us and for a period of 24 months afterwards.
The employment agreement with Mr. Houliang Yu was terminated on June 13, 2016 upon his resignation.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Our Policy Concerning Transactions with Related Persons
Under Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K, a related person transaction is any actual or proposed transaction, arrangement or relationship or series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, including those involving indebtedness not in the ordinary course of business, to which we or our subsidiaries were or are a party, or in which we or our subsidiaries were or are a participant, in which the amount involved exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year end for the last two completed fiscal years and in which any of our directors, nominees for director, executive officers, beneficial owners of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities (a “significant shareholder”), or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
We recognize that transactions between us and any of our directors or executives or with a third party in which one of our officers, directors or significant shareholders has an interest can present potential or actual conflicts of interest and create the appearance that our decisions are based on considerations other than the best interests of our Company and shareholders.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is charged with responsibility for reviewing, approving and overseeing any transaction between the Company and any related person (as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K), including the propriety and ethical implications of any such transactions, as reported or disclosed to the Committee by the independent auditors, employees, officers, members of the Board of Directors or otherwise, and to determine whether the terms of the transaction are not less favorable to us than could be obtained from an unaffiliated party.
Transactions with Related Persons
The following includes a summary of transactions since January 1, 2013, or any currently proposed transaction, in which we were or are to be a participant and the amount involved exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
Receivables from Related Parties
At December 31, 2014, Fengze made a security deposit of $78,195 to Wuhan Aoxin Investment and Guarantee Service Co., Ltd. who provided a guarantee for a bank loan of $781,950 from Wuhan Rural Commercial Bank.
On December 19 and December 24, 2013, OV Orange, engaged an agent bank, China Everbright Bank, to make entrusted loans of $812,559 and $1,950,141 to Wuhan Blueeye Photo-electricity Industry Co., Ltd. (“Blueeye”) whose CEO and major shareholder has indirect investment relationship with the Company. Those loans were due on December 18 and December 23, 2014 with 5% interest rate charge, but no collateral or guarantee offered. As of December 31, 2014, $1,629,062 of the $2,762,700 loan receivables was extended to January 23, 2015 and was fully collected on January 6, 2015.
The related party receivables were reclassified as assets from discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements.
Advances from Customers – Related Party
As of December 31, 2014, OV Orange reported an advance from customer of $58,451 from a related party, Beijing Central Aoxin Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Central Aoxin.”) Central Aoxin’s registered agent was Mr. Ping Wang, the Company’s former chairman and CEO. This advance from customers was reflected as part of assets from discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Payables to Related Parties
At December 31, 2014, Fengze had aggregate payables to Ms. Hanying Li, our current CEO and Chairman, of approximately $48,926. Such amount was due to Ms. Li for advances to Fengze for business expenses related to the operations of our hog farms. These amounts were due upon demand and without interest. Additionally, Hang-ao had a payable to Hubei Hang-ao Servo Technology Co., Ltd. of $406,306 at December 31, 2014. This payable represents advances to Hang-ao for its operations with terms of due on demand, bore no interest and was reflected as part of assets from discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
On October 10, 2013, Hang-ao entered into a real estate purchase agreement with Hubei Hang-ao Servo Technology Co., Ltd. to buy a two story office and a residential apartment for employee use. The total purchase price was RMB 30,112,439 or $4.9 million. Hang-ao had paid $4.7 million in 2013 and those apartments were transferred to the Company in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Company reported an outstanding payable of $180,457. The major shareholder of Hubei Hang-ao Servo Technology Co., Ltd. is also one of the Company’s shareholders. This other payable was reflected as part of assets from discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
From August 26, 2014 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2014, OV Orange borrowed $89,530 from Hubei Aoxin Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd. This loan bore no interest and was not collaterallized. The loan was repaid fully in 2014. Hubei Aoxin Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd.’s Chairman and a principal shareholder was Mr. Ping Wang, the Company’s former Chairman and CEO.
From July 15, 2014 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2014, Hang-ao collected $1,090,637 from Hubei Xiangfan Hangxiang Electro-Hydraulic Servo Technology Co., Ltd. (“Hangxiang”) for a prior year loan receivable. This loan bore no interest and was not collateralized. One of Hangxiang’s major shareholders has an indirect investment relationship with the Company.
Revenues Recognized from Related Parties
During the year ended December 31, 2015, OV Orange sold products to Beijing Central Aoxin Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Central Aoxin”) and Wuhan Aoxin Pike Wealth Investment Management Co., Ltd. (“Aoxin Pike”) and recognized revenues of $25,306 in total. Central Aoxin’s registered agent was Mr. Ping Wang, our former chairman and CEO. One of Aoxin Pike’s major shareholders has an indirect investment in the Company.
From July 15, 2014 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2014, Hang-ao sold its servo valve products to Hubei Aocheng Casting Materials Co., Ltd. (“Aocheng Casting”) and recognized revenues of $867,176. Our former CEO, Mr. Ping Wang, was indirectly an equity holder of Aocheng Casting.
From July 15, 2014 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2014, Hang-ao sold its servo valve products to Central Aoxin and recognized revenues of $594,716. Central Aoxin’s registered agent was Mr. Ping Wang, our former Chairman and CEO.
From July 15, 2014 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2014, Hang-ao sold its servo valve products to Hubei Xiangfan Hangxiang Electro-Hydraulic Servo Technology Co., Ltd. (“Hangxiang”) and Hubei Yuren Electromechanical Hydraulic Technology Co., Ltd. (“Yuren”) and recognized revenues of $9,306 and $15,303, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the Company reported accounts receivable of $0 and $19,875 from Hangxiang and Yuren, respectively. One of Hangxiang’s and Yuren’s major shareholders has an indirect investment relationship with the Company.
The related party revenues mentioned above were included in the results of discontinued operations of the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
Bank loan guaranteed by related party
Wuhan Aoxin Investment and Guarantee Services, Co., Ltd. provided a loan guarantee for the Company’s short-term bank loan of $781,950 from Wuhan Rural Commercial Bank which had been repaid on August 4, 2015.
Bank Loan Collateral Provided by Related Party
Wuhan Eastlake Hi-Tech Innovation Center whose controller is Mr. Wei Gong, a shareholder of the Company, provided its owned real assets as collateral for the Company’s short-term bank loan of $1,472,899 with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and this loan had been fully repaid in 2014. As a result, the related party mentioned above was no longer proving any collateral for the Company’s bank loans.
Transactions Involving Mr. Ping Wang, Our former CEO and Chairman
On February 6, 2015, the Company issued 810,000 of its common shares to 7 employees, including the Company’s former CEO, former CFO, and a director, as stock awards pursuant to its 2014 Share Incentive Plan. Those shares have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. However, 3 of the employees, including Mr. Ping Wang, have resigned and the relevant stock awards of 204,000 common shares were cancelled by the Company.
On April 10, 2014, we sold to Mr. Ping Wang, our former Chairman and CEO, 2,600,000 common shares (the “Shares”), representing approximately 15.33% of our then outstanding common shares, for a total purchase price of $5,720,000, or $2.20 per share. After giving effect to the sale, Mr. Wang owned 5,600,000 common shares, representing approximately 28.6% of our outstanding common shares. As a condition of the sale, Mr. Wang agreed not to sell the Shares for 18 months and thereafter at not less than $2.20 per share.
On August 18, 2014, we sold 3,000,000 common shares, representing approximately 13.51% of our then outstanding common shares, for a total purchase price of $7,200,000, or $2.40 per share, to Hubei Aoxin Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd., a company organized under the laws of the PRC (“Hubei Aoxin”), an approximately 24% premium over the closing price of $1.93 on August 15, 2014. Hubei Aoxin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aoxin Holdings Co. Ltd. (“Aoxin”), a diversified holding company whose main business is in industrial park development and operations. Mr. Ping Wang, our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is a principal shareholder and Chairman of Aoxin and Hubei Aoxin. As a condition of the sale, Hubei Aoxin agreed not to sell the shares for 12 months and thereafter at not less than $2.40 per share. For additional information concerning this transaction, see our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 21, 2014.
On August 26, 2014, we issued a total of 2,552,000 common shares to the former shareholders of Wuhan Optical Valley Orange Technology Co., Ltd., a corporation organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China focused on delivering next-generation optical fiber hardware and software solutions for the security and protection industry (“OV Orange”), in exchange for 95% of the outstanding shares of OV Orange, pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement, of which 1,075,000 common shares were issued to Hubei Aoxin the owner of 40% of the outstanding shares of OV Orange. The acquisition of OV Orange was part of our strategic development plan to transform Aoxin Tianli into a higher growth, more profitable business through targeted investments and acquisitions. As a condition of the transaction, Hubei Aoxin agreed not to sell its shares prior to September 1, 2015. For additional information concerning this transaction, see our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 28, 2014.
We believe that the terms of each transaction were not less favorable to us than those terms that could be obtained from an unaffiliated third party.
Policy Concerning Related Party Transactions
We recognize that transactions between us and any of our directors or executives with a related party can present potential or actual conflicts of interest and create the appearance that our decisions are based on considerations other than the best interests of our Company and shareholders. Therefore in accordance with our Code of Ethics, it is our preference to avoid such transactions. All potential related party transactions involving the Company and/or its employees are to be presented in advance to the Company's Audit Committee to be reviewed for a potential conflict of interest. Such transactions must be approved by the Audit Committee before they can commence.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The following Report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
The Audit Committee is a separately-designated, standing committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is composed of three directors whom the board of directors has determined are “independent directors” as defined by NASDAQ listing standards. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities are set forth in its written charter approved by the board of directors. The charter is reviewed annually by the Audit Committee. A copy of the Audit Committee charter may be found on our website (www.aoxintianli-china. com) under the caption “Corporate Governance.” As required by NASDAQ listing standards, the Audit Committee has determined that its charter is adequate. The Audit Committee also has determined that its members meet the financial literacy requirements of NASDAQ listing standards.
Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent registered public accountants are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and to issue a report on them. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to engage the independent auditor and otherwise to monitor and oversee these processes. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Audit Committee engaged HHC to serve as the Company’s independent auditor.
The Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and HHC. Management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed these consolidated financial statements with management. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accountants matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 114, as amended (“Communication with Audit Committees”), and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board AU section 380 (“Communication with Audit Committees”).
The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has adopted an Auditor Independence Policy that, among other things, prohibits the company’s independent auditor from performing certain non-audit services for the Company, requires prior approval of the Audit Committee for any services provided by the Company’s independent auditor, limits the hiring by the Company of former employees of the Company’s independent auditor who have worked on the Company’s account and requires enhanced disclosure both to the Audit Committee and to shareholders of matters related to auditor independence.
The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding HHC's communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accountants that firm’s independence. In addition, the Audit Committee approves in advance all engagements of the Company’s independent auditor. The Audit Committee determined that HHC’s provision of non-audit services to the Company as described in “Matters Relating to Independent Registered Public Accountants” is compatible with maintaining that firm’s independence.
Based on these discussions and reviews, the Audit Committee determined that the audited financial statements for the Company’s last fiscal year should be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and made a formal recommendation to the Board of Directors to that effect.
Zihui Mo (Chairman)
MATTERS RELATING TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The following is a summary of the fees billed to us by HHC for professional services rendered for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
| | Fiscal Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Audit Fees | | $ | 140,000 | | | $ | 140,000 | |
Audit Related Fees | | | 60,000 | | | | 30,000 | |
Tax Fees | | | - | | | | - | |
All Other Fees | | | - | | | | - | |
| | $ | 200,000 | | | $ | 170,000 | |
Audit Fees. Consists of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our consolidated financial statements and review of interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit Related Fees. Consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and are not reported under "Audit Fees".
Tax Fees. Consists of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services include preparation of federal and state income tax returns.
All Other Fees. Consists of fees for product and services other than the services reported above.
Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies
Our Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit related services, tax services, and other services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year, and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The independent auditors and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent auditors in accordance with this pre-approval and the fees for the services performed to date. The Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis.
Our Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with HHC, our audited financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2015 fiscal year. The Audit Committee also has discussed with HHC, the matters required to be discussed pursuant to SAS No. 61 (Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, AU Section 380), which includes, among other items, matters related to the conduct of the audit of our financial statements.
Our Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from HHC required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and has discussed with HHC its independence from our company.
Our Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of services other than audit services is compatible with maintaining auditor independence. Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Board of Directors determined that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our 2015 fiscal year for filing with the SEC.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of June 17, 2016, the number of our common shares beneficially owned by (i) each person or entity known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common shares, (ii) each of our directors, nominees for election as a director and each of our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above (the “Named Executive Officers”), and (iii) all of our officers and directors as a group. Information relating to the beneficial ownership of our common shares by principal stockholders and management is based upon information furnished by each person using "beneficial ownership" concepts under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under these rules, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to sell or direct the sale of the security, or investment power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of the security. The person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which he or she may not have any pecuniary beneficial interest. Each beneficial owner's percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options or warrants that are held by such person (but not those held by any other person) and which are exercisable within 60 days after June 17, 2016 have been exercised. Except as noted below, or as required by applicable community property laws, each person has sole voting and investment power for all common shares shown as beneficially owned by them. As of June 17, 2016, we had outstanding 31,952,000 common shares. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, the address for each officer and director listed below is in the care of Aoxin Tianli Group, Inc., Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion, 228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiangan District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China 430010.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | Percent of Common Shares |
Wocheng Liu | 4,075,000 (1) | 12.75% |
Hanying Li, Co-CEO | 3,200,000 (2) | 10.02% |
Peter E. Gadkowski , Director | 27,000 (3) | * |
Zihui Mo , Director | 13,000 (3) | * |
Gang Yin, Director | 0 | - |
Guolan Li , Director | 0 | - |
Yan Gong, Director | 0 | - |
Eliza Siu Yuk Lee, Nominee for Director | 0 | - |
Jamie Tseng, Nominee for Director | 0 | - |
All directors and officers as a group | 7,315,000 | 22.87% |
Holders of More than 5% of Outstanding Common Shares Not Named Above: | | |
Ping Wang | 9,675,000(5) | 30.53% |
Hua Zhang | 3,200,000 (4) | 10.02% |
Wei Gong | 2,760,000 | 8.64% |
Houliang Yu | 1,600,000 | 5.01% |
*Less than 1%
| (1) | Represents shares owned by Hubei Aoxin, of which Mr. Liu is Executive President. |
| (2) | Includes 450,000 shares owned by Ms. Li’s spouse, Hua Zhang, and 45,000 shares the vesting of which is subject to Ms. Li’s achievement of certain performance criteria to be determined as to February 3, 2017. |
| (3) | Represents shares which he may acquire within sixty days upon exercise of stock options. |
| (4) | Includes 2,750,000 shares owned by Mr. Zhang’s spouse, Hanying Li. |
| (5) | Includes 4,075,000 shares owned by Hubei Aoxin. |
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
In accordance with the rules promulgated by the SEC, any shareholder who wishes to submit a proposal for inclusion in the proxy material to be distributed by the Company in connection with our 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must set forth such proposal in writing and file it with our corporate secretary on or before the close of business on April 1, 2017 (unless we hold our annual meeting more than 30 days earlier next year, in which case the deadline will be 10 days after our first public announcement of the annual meeting date). In addition, our Amended and Restated Articles of Association has an advance notice procedure for shareholders to bring business before an Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The advance notice procedure requires that a shareholder interested in presenting a proposal for action at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must deliver a written notice of the proposal, together with certain specified information relating to such shareholder's stock ownership and identity, to our Secretary not earlier than April 1, 2017, nor later than May 1, 2017. However, in the event that the 2017 Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days before or after the anniversary date of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, notice by the shareholder, in order to be timely, must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders was made, whichever first occurs. If the Company does not receive timely notice, the proxy holders will vote on the matter, if presented at the meeting, in their discretion. Our board of directors will review any shareholder proposals that are filed as required and, with the assistance of the company’s secretary, will determine whether such proposals meet applicable criteria for inclusion in our 2017 proxy solicitation materials or consideration at the 2017 annual meeting. In addition, we retain discretion to vote proxies on matters of which we are not properly notified at our principal executive offices on or before the close of business on the applicable 2017 shareholder proposal filing deadline, and also retain that authority under certain other circumstances.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 was sent to all of our shareholders of record as of June 17, 2016, and is available on our website (www.aoxintianli-china.com ) under the caption “SEC Filings.” The Annual Report is not to be considered as proxy solicitation material.
OTHER MATTERS
Our Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before this annual meeting. However, if other matters should come before the meeting, it is the intention of each person named in the proxy to vote such proxy in accordance with his or her judgment on such matters.
NON-INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN MATTERS
The Report of the Audit Committee and the information on the Aoxin Tianli website do not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Aoxin Tianli filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent Aoxin Tianli specifically incorporates the Report of the Audit Committee or website information therein by reference.
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SHAREHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS
To the extent we deliver a paper copy of the proxy materials to shareholders, the SEC rules allow us to deliver a single copy of proxy materials to any household at which two or more shareholders reside, if we believe the shareholders are members of the same family.
We will promptly deliver, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the proxy materials to any shareholder residing at the same address as another shareholder and currently receiving only one copy of the proxy materials who wishes to receive his or her own copy. Requests should be directed to our Corporate Secretary by phone at (+86) 27 8274 0726 or by mail to Aoxin Tianli Group, Inc. Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion, 228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiangan District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China 430010.
EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
The entire expense of soliciting proxies, including preparing, assembling, printing and mailing the proxy form and the material used in the solicitation of proxies, will be paid by us. Solicitations may be made in person or by mail, telephone, facsimile or other means of electronic communication by our directors, officers and other employees, and none of those persons will receive any additional compensation in connection with the solicitation. We also will request record holders of shares beneficially owned by others to forward this proxy statement and related materials to the beneficial owners of such shares, and will reimburse those record holders for their reasonable expenses incurred in doing so.
| By Order of the Board of Directors, /s/ Wocheng Liu Wocheng Liu Chairman and Co-CEO |
IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION |
| Electronic Voting Instructions Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy. VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, on July 27, 2016. |
| |
| | Vote by Internet • Go to www.investorvote.com/ ABAC • Or scan the QR code with your smartphone • Follow the steps outlined on the secure website |
| Vote by telephone • Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone • Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message |
Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. | x |
Annual Meeting Proxy Card |
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
A Proposals —
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the nominees listed below.
For All | | Withhold All | | For All Except | | To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. |
| | | | | |
¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ______________________ |
01 –Wocheng Liu | For | Withhold | | | | | | | | |
02 --Hanying Li | o | o | | | | | | | | |
03 – Zihui Mo | o | o | | | | | | | | |
04 – Guolan Li | o | o | | | | | | | | |
05 – Eliza Siu Yuk Lee | o | o | | | | | | | | |
06 – Jamie Tseng | o | o | | | | | | | | |
NOTE: In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote on such other business that may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. |
B Non-Voting Items
Change of Address — Please print your new address below. | | Comments — Please print your comments below. | | | |
| | | | Meeting Attendance Mark the box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. | o |
C Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer.
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. | | Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. | | Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. |
/ / | | | | |
Important notice regarding the Internet availability of
proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The annual meeting materials are available at:
www.edocumentview.com/ABAC
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Proxy — AOXIN TIANLI GROUP, INC. |
Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion
228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiang’an District, Wuhan City
Hubei Province, China 430010
This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors of Aoxin Tianli Group, Inc.
The undersigned hereby appoints Wocheng Liu and Joyce Shen, and each of them, with the power to act without the other, and with full power of substitution, as attorneys-in-fact and proxies (the "Proxy"), to vote as designated on the reverse side all common shares of Aoxin Tianli Group, Inc. which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at Suite K, 12th Floor, Building A, Jiangjing Mansion, 228 Yanjiang Ave., Jiang’an District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China 430010 and at any adjournment thereof.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side