UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 |
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-1 |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT |
UNDER |
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |
ANPULO FOOD, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
British Virgin Islands | | | | |
(State or other jurisdiction of | | (Primary Standard Industrial | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification |
incorporation) | | Classification Code Number) | | Number) |
Hangkong Road, Xiangfeng Town,
Laifeng County, Hubei 445700, China
+86 (718) 628 8576
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Copies of communications to:
Gregg E. Jaclin, Esq.
Szaferman, Lakind, Blumstein & Blader, P.C.
101 Grovers Mill Road, Suite 200,
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Tel: (609) 275 0400
Fax: (609) 557 0969
Andrew Swapp, Esq.
Codan Trust Company (B.V.I.) Ltd.
Commerce House, Wickhams Cay 1,
P.O. Box 3140, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG 1110
+1 (284)852 1141
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. x
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ¨ | Accelerated filer | ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | ¨ | Smaller reporting company | x |
Calculation of Registration Fee
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered | | Amount to be Registered (1) | | | Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share | | | Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price | | | Amount of Registration Fee (2) | |
Ordinary Shares, par value $0.001 per share | | | 15,500,000 | | | $ | 0.20 | | | $ | 3,100,000 | | | $ | 399.28 | |
(1) In accordance with Rule 416(a), the registrant is also registering hereunder an indeterminate number of additional ordinary shares that may be issued and resold resulting from share splits, share dividends or similar transactions.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(a). The proposed maximum offering price per share is based on the last effective private sale price for the ordinary shares of the registrant as there is currently no public market price for the registrant’s ordinary shares. The last private sales price is further determined by the price at which the common stock of registrant’s sole operating entity and wholly-owned subsidiary (“Anpulo HK”) was sold in a shares-for-debt transaction occurred on October 21, 2013, prior to the share exchange transaction where the common stock of Anpulo HK were subsequently exchanged for the registrant’s ordinary shares. On October 21, 2013, Mr. Wenping Luo, the then shareholder of Anpulo HK transferred 280 shares of the common stock of Anpulo HK that he owned to six creditors in exchange for the cancellation of $5.6 million of debt that owed by Mr. Luo. These creditors subsequently exchanged each share of the common stock of Anpulo HK for 100,000 ordinary shares of the Company in the share exchange occurred on October 30, 2013. The last private sale price for the common stock of Anpulo HK in the shares-for-debt transaction was $20,000 per share and following the share exchange, the last effective private sale price for the registrant’s ordinary share was $0.2 per ordinary share.
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the securities act or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the commission, acting pursuant to such section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION | |
Anpulo Food, Inc.
15,500,000 Ordinary shares
This prospectus relates to the resale by the selling shareholders named in this prospectus of up to 15,500,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share.
Our ordinary shares are presently not traded on any market or securities exchange and there is currently no public trading market for our shares. We intend to apply for quotation of our ordinary shares on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (the “OTC Bulletin Board”). There can be no assurance that a market maker will agree to file the necessary documents with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), nor can there be any assurance that such an application for quotation will be approved. In the absence of a trading market or an active trading market, investors may be unable to liquidate their investment or make any profit from the investment. There can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop, or if an active market does develop, that it will continue.
The selling shareholders will offer and sell our ordinary shares at $0.20 per share until a public market emerges for our ordinary shares and, thereafter, at prevailing market prices.
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the ordinary shares by the selling shareholders. We have agreed to pay all of the registration expenses incurred in connection with the registration of the ordinary shares, but we will not pay any of the selling commissions, brokerage fees and related expenses.
We are an “emerging growth company” as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for future filings. However, we have elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b), and this election is irrevocable. Please refer to more discussions under “Prospectus Summary” beginning on page 4 and “Risk Factors” beginning on page 9 of how and when we may lose emerging growth company status and the various exemptions that are available to us.
Investing in our ordinary shares involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 9 to read about factors you should consider before investing in our ordinary shares.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this prospectus is: January 2, 2014
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| F-1 |
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus that we authorize to be distributed to you. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus that we authorize to be distributed to you. This prospectus is not an offer to sell, nor is it seeking an offer to buy, these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. The information in this prospectus speaks only as of the date of this prospectus unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our ordinary shares.
Third Party Data
This prospectus contains estimates and other information concerning our industry, which are based on industry publications, surveys and forecasts, including those generated by us. This information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to these estimates. Please contact us if you have any specific questions. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in “Risk Factors.”
This summary highlights select information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all the information that you should consider before investing in our ordinary shares. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, including “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the “Financial Statements,” before making an investment decision.
In this prospectus, the terms “Anpulo,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” refer to Anpulo Food, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary Anpulo International Limited, a holding company formed in Hong Kong (“Anpulo HK”), Anpulo HK’s wholly-owned subsidiary Guangxiang Investment Consulting Co., Ltd., a limited liability company located in Shanghai, China (“Anpulo WFOE”), and our variable interest entity Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd. (“Anpulo Laifeng”).
Overview
We process, distribute and market pork and cured pork products in the People’s Republic of China, (the “PRC” or “China”). We do not raise hogs, but instead purchase live hogs from pig farms or individual farmers in Laifeng county and its neighboring area in China for slaughtering, processing and curing. As of September 30, 2013, our product line included over 183 unique meat products, including chilled pork, frozen pork and prepared meats. We sell all of our products under our “Anpulo” and “Linghaotuzhu” brand names.
Our value-added pork and cured pork products are targeting China’s middle and high income class. Our products are marketed domestically to supermarkets, warehouse club stores, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, and non-commercial establishments, such as schools, hotel chains, healthcare facilities, army bases and other food processors. As of September 30, 2013, our wholesale customers included eight fast food companies, 16 processing factories and 51 school cafeterias, factory canteens, hotels, army bases, hospitals and government departments. As of such date, we also retail through 66 supermarket counter locations and 38 third-party owned and operated specialty boutique stores.
We currently have one processing plant in China, located in Laifeng County, Enshi Tujia and Miao Prefecture, Hubei province. Our total production capacity for chilled pork and frozen pork is approximately 85 metric tons per eight-hour day, or approximately 30,000 metric tons on an annual basis. In addition, we have production capacity for prepared meats of approximately 14 metric tons per eight-hour day, or approximately 5,000 metric tons on an annual basis.
We have a video monitored logistics system that integrates transportation and warehouse management. As of September 30, 2013, we had over 12 temperature-controlled trucks to handle our transportation needs and the capacity for our two temperature adjustable warehouses totaled approximately 5,230 cubic meters.
In 2012 and 2011, we had approximately $18.12 million and $15.08 million in sales, respectively, and $0.23 million and $0.11 million in net income, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we had approximately $13.56 million in sales and approximately $0.71 million in net loss.
Our History and Corporate Structure
Prior to October 30, 2013, we were organized as a vehicle to investigate and, if such investigation warrants, acquire a target company or business seeking the perceived advantages of being a publicly held corporation. From our inception on July 30, 2010 to October 30, 2013, we did not generate any revenue and we accumulated no significant assets as we explored a possible business combination. We entered into our current line of business on October 30, 2013 by acquiring Anpulo HK, its wholly-owned subsidiary Anpulo WFOE and the variable interest entity Anpulo Laifeng.
We do not directly own our business operation in China. We conduct our business operations through our variable interest entity, Anpulo Laifeng, which we control by a series of contractual arrangements. The following chart demonstrates our current corporate structure:
(1) | Contractual arrangements including an Entrusted Management Agreement, Exclusive Option Agreement, Shareholders’ Voting Proxy Agreement and Pledge of Equity Interest Agreement. For a description of these agreements, see “Corporate Structure— Contractual Arrangements with Anpulo and Anpulo’s Shareholders.” |
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(2) | The shareholders of Anpulo Laifeng are Wenping Luo (95%) and Jinfeng Hu (5%). |
Equity Pledge Registration
We are currently in the process of registering with SAIC local branch the equity pledge for all of the shares of Anpulo Laifeng provided by the equity pledge agreement. We expect to complete such registration no later than June 2014. Before the registration is completed, the equity pledge is not deemed to have been established, and therefore Anpulo WFOE is considered as an unsecured creditor and is not entitled to enjoy a first priority in equity interest. In this case, if the shareholders of Anpulo Laifeng default on the contractual agreements or if Anpulo Laifeng bankrupts, we will lose a substantial portion of our equity interest in Anpulo Laifeng to any then existing secured creditors. As a result, our financial interest in Anpulo Laifeng could be comprised and our financial position could be materially and adversely affected. For more discussions of the consequence for failing to register the equity pledge, please see the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 9.
Our Industry
The meat industry in China is characterized by fragmentation, sanitation and hygiene issues, as well as social demographic trends. According to the Earth Policy Institute, more than a quarter of all the meat produced worldwide is now eaten in China. Half the world’s pigs, about 476 million of them are said to reside in China. According to November 2013 report of the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), since 2010 the pork market in China has become the largest national market in the world, accounting over half of global production and consumption. Production in China has consistently expanded over the past several years and is forecast at another record 54.7 million tons in 2014, according to USDA. China became a net importer of pork in 2008. It has imported approximately 400,000 tons of pork per year in recent years. This compares with global pork trade of less than seven million, according to Rabobank and Earth Policy Institute. According to USDA November 2013 report, China pork imports are expected to grow to a record 775,000 tons, yet still only account for just over 1 percent of China consumption.
Competitions
The production and sale of meat and food products in China are highly competitive. Our pork products compete with several large and small regional pork processors. The principal competitive elements are price, product safety and quality, brand identification, breadth and depth of product offerings, availability of products, customer service and credit terms. Our competitive strategy is to increase and sustain consumer demand and loyalty by raising safe and healthy food awareness and educating customers of our premium pork products in our marketing activities, increase brand recognition, and build support for our pricing policies. Please see “Description of Business- Competition.”
Competitive Strengths
We believe that the following competitive strengths enable us to compete effectively in the meat products market in Hubei, China:
| o | Our “Anpulo” and “Linghaotuzhu” brand products are sold at premium prices to middle and high income market in China. Because hogs from our region are fed by local farmers with mountain grown herbs, fruits and crops, which are free from drug, hormone and heavy metals residues, we are able to price our pork products at a premium, approximately 20% to 50% higher than similar pork products. |
| o | Our geographic location offers lower cost labors and abundant hog supply. Our production and processing plant is located in Laifeng county, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, which we believe that provides lower cost labors than that is available for many of our competitors. Laifeng county, and its neighboring counties, are rich in pig farming, which provides us reliable sources to grow and expand. |
| o | The “Anpulo” brand name, to our belief, is well recognized throughout our target markets in Hubei Province, China. The brand identification differentiates us from many unorganized and low-end meat product suppliers, and therefore lends us support in developing customer base and implementing our pricing strategy. |
For more discussion regarding our competitive strengths, please see “Description of Business-Competitive Strengths.”
Our Growth Strategy
Our long-term business strategy is to establish our Company as a leading provider of premium pork and pork products in China. Our short-term objectives are to capitalize on current market opportunities and build on our competitive strengths to increase our market presence and enhance our position as a regional leader in the premium pork markets. The key elements of our growth strategy include the following:
| o | Continue the strategy of offering premium product at premium price. We apply different pricing strategy than our competitors, targeting health conscious consumers who are willing to pay premium price for safe, high quality pork products. We believe that food safety is a top concern of Chinese consumers who purchase meat products. Therefore, we expect that our products by giving consumers the comfort and security of safe and health food will remain marketable at extra cost. To distinguish our pork products from the rest, we plan to continue to sell our pork products at prices approximately 20% to 50% higher than the products of the same category. |
| o | Increase our market presence in Wuhan City, Chongqing city and Hunan province. As of September 30, 2013, we operated sales offices in Laifeng County and Wuhan City and had one warehouse in each of two cities. When our financial position permits, we plan to increase our market presence by continue adding more supermarket counters in Wuhan City. We are also strategizing to seek expansion opportunities in neighboring provinces. Laifeng county is located in the southwest part of Hubei province and it’s also in the junction of Hubei province, Hunan province and the municipality Chongqing city. As of September 30, 2013, we sell our products to 14 specialty retail stores in Chongqing city and Hunan province and had no supermarket counter in these two provinces. We believe our Laifeng location will enable us to continue service the three provinces and municipality and expand our presence there. |
| o | Expand our product lines. As of September 30, 2013, our product lines included over 183 types of pork and cured pork products, and we had over 30 new products under development. At such day, we were unable to ascertain the timeframe by which the development can be completed. In addition to in-house product development, we plan to seek collaboration with outside academic and research force to optimize and expand our product lines. |
| o | Enhance our brand awareness. We believe that we can best achieve sustainable growth through further raising awareness of our brand names “Anpulo” and “Linghaotuzhu”. We plan to build our brand by focusing on educating consumers of our pork products, participate in holidays and special occasion promotions, and showcase our variety of pork products through our retail channels including our supermarket counters and third-party owned and operated boutique type, specialty retail stores. We believe that our retail channels will create additional brand awareness that will benefit our wholesale customers. |
| o | Improve our warehouse capability. Our temperature adjustable warehouse capability, although totals approximately 5,230 cubic meters, falls short of the amount of products that our slaughterhouse could produce in its full capacity. As a result, we are currently utilizing less than one third of our production capacity at our slaughterhouse. We regard our logistics capabilities as a key to our growth strategy. We intend to construct new warehouse facilities with walk-in coolers and freezers if and when we are able to secure additional funding for the construction projects. |
Emerging Growth Company Status
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and, for as long as we continue to be an “emerging growth company,” we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
We could remain as an “emerging growth company” for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three year period. Please see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 9 for various risks associated with investing in an emerging growth company like us.
Enforceability of Civil Liabilities Against Our Assets and Management in China
Our operations are conducted and our assets are located within China. In addition, all of our directors and all of our senior management personnel reside in China, where substantially all of their assets are located. You may experience difficulties in effecting service of process upon us, our directors or our senior management as it may not be possible to effect such service of process outside China. In addition, China does not have treaties with the United States and many other countries providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of court judgments. Therefore, recognition and enforcement in China of judgments of a court in the United States or certain other jurisdictions may be difficult or impossible.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at Hangkong Road, Xiangfeng Town, Laifeng County, Hubei 445700, China and our telephone number is (86) 718 628 7598. Our website is www.anpulo.cn. No information available on or through our website is incorporated into this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part.
The Offering
Ordinary shares offered by selling security holders | | 15,500,000 ordinary shares |
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Ordinary shares outstanding before the offering | | 123,000,000 ordinary shares |
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Ordinary shares outstanding after the offering | | 123,000,000 ordinary shares |
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Use of proceeds | | We are not selling any ordinary shares covered by this prospectus, and, as a result, will not receive any proceeds from this offering. |
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Risk Factors | | See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 9 and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of the risks you should carefully consider before making a decision to invest in our ordinary shares. |
Risks Relating to Our Financial Conditions and Capital Requirements
We will require additional capital resource to meet our ongoing obligations and anticipated operations for the next twelve months.
Our cash reserves are not sufficient to meet our ongoing obligations and anticipated operations for the next twelve month period. As a result, we will need to seek additional funding in the near future. We currently do not have a specific plan of how we will obtain such funding; however, we anticipate that additional funding will be in the form of equity financing from the sale of shares of our common stock or renewing our current obligations with loaners. We may also seek to obtain short-term loans from our directors or unrelated parties. If we raise additional capital through the issuance of equity, the percentage ownership of our company held by existing shareholders will be reduced and those shareholders may experience significant dilution. In addition, new securities may contain certain rights, preferences or privileges that are senior to those of our common stock. If we seek to raise additional capital through the issuance of debt or its equivalents, which will be more difficult for us for our high debt-to-assets ratio described in more details below, the incurrence of indebtedness, will result in increased interest expense and, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions such as incurring additional debt, expending capital, or declaring dividends, or which impose financial covenants on us that impede our ability to manage our operations.
If we are unable to obtain additional financing, we may be required to reduce the scope of our business development activities, which could harm our business plans, financial condition and operating results. If we are unable to operate at a reduced scale, we may not be able to continue. If we ceased operations, it is likely that all of our investors would lose their investment.
Risks Relating To Our Business
We have over $14 million debt due in the next three years and a high debt-to-assets ratio.
We have over $14 million in debt obligations due in the next three years. We have historically carried large debt and have been able to meet our debt obligations. However, if we fail to secure additional financing for the next twelve month period, or if we fail to obtain further financing or start to generate sufficient cash from operations a year from now and beyond, we could default on our debts when they become due. As a result, we may face serious adverse consequences, including acceleration of debts and penalty for defaults, and eventually bankruptcy.
In addition, our debt to assets ratio is 76% as a result of carrying large debts. Our assets are highly leveraged among the comparable companies. We anticipate that it will be generally difficult for us to obtain additional loans. If we cannot alternatively secure equity financing at acceptable terms, as previously discussed we will have to scale down or even cease our operations.
We may be unable to anticipate changes in consumer preferences for processed meat products, which may result in decreased demand for our products.
Our continued success in the processed meat products market is in large part dependent on our ability to anticipate and develop products that appeal to the changing tastes, dietary habits and preferences of our customers. If we are not able to anticipate and identify new consumer trends and develop new products accordingly, demand for our products may decline and our operating results may be adversely affected. In addition, we may incur significant costs relating to developing and marketing new products or expanding our existing product lines in reaction to what we perceive to be a consumer preference or demand. Such development or marketing may not result in the level of market acceptance, volume of sales or profitability anticipated.
If the chilled and frozen pork market in China does not grow as we expect, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
We believe chilled and frozen pork products have strong growth potential in China and, accordingly, we have continuously increased our sales of chilled and frozen pork. If the chilled and frozen pork market in China does not grow as we expect, our business may be harmed, we may need to adjust our growth strategy and our results of operations may be adversely affected.
We require various licenses and permits to operate our business, and the loss of, failure to renew or failure to obtain any or all of these licenses and permits could require us to suspend some or all of our production or distribution operations.
In accordance with PRC laws and regulations, we are required to maintain various licenses and permits in order to operate our business, including, without limitation, a slaughtering permit for our chilled and frozen pork production facility, a permit for production of industrial products for our processed meat production facilities, and permits for distribution of our pork products. We are required to comply with applicable hygiene and food safety standards in relation to our production and distribution processes. Our premises and transportation vehicles are subject to regular inspections by the regulatory authorities for compliance with applicable regulations. Failure to pass these inspections, or the loss of or failure to renew our licenses and permits, could require us to temporarily or permanently suspend some or all of our production or distribution operations, which could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
The loss of senior management or key research and development personnel or our inability to recruit additional personnel may harm our business.
We are highly dependent on our senior management to manage our business and operations and our key research and development personnel for the development of new processing technologies and food products and the enhancement of our existing products. In particular, we rely substantially on our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wenping Luo to manage our operations. We also depend on our key research personnel for the development of new products and manufacturing methods, on our key information technology and logistics personnel for the production, storage and shipment of our products and on our key marketing and sales personnel, engineers and other personnel with technical and industry knowledge to transport, market and sell our products. We do not maintain key man life insurance on any of our senior management or key personnel. The loss of any one of them, in particular Mr. Luo, would have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. Competition for senior management and our other key personnel is intense and the pool of suitable candidates is limited. We may be unable to locate a suitable replacement for any senior management or key personnel that we lose. In addition, if any member of our senior management or key personnel joins a competitor or forms a competing company, they may compete with us for customers, business partners and other key professionals and staff members of our company. Although each of our senior management and key personnel has signed a confidentiality and non-competition agreement in connection with his employment with us, we may not be able to successfully enforce these provisions in the event of a dispute between us and any member of our senior management or key personnel.
We compete for qualified personnel with other food processing companies, food retailers, logistics companies and research institutions. Intense competition for these personnel could cause our compensation costs to increase significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Our future success and ability to grow our business will depend in part on the continued service of these individuals and our ability to identify, hire and retain additional qualified personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified employees, we may be unable to meet our business and financial goals.
Our growth strategy may prove to be disruptive and divert management resources, which could adversely affect our existing businesses.
Over the last three years, we increased our retail locations from 68 to 156, including specialty retail stores and “Anpulo” supermarket counter locations. Our growth strategy includes the continued expansion of our retail locations. In addition, we intend to expand our network of sales offices and warehouses to additional cities in China. The implementation of such strategy may involve large transactions and present financial, managerial and operational challenges, including diversion of management attention from existing businesses, difficulty with integrating personnel and financial and other systems, increased expenses, including compensation expenses resulting from newly hired employees, assumption of unknown liabilities and potential disputes. We also could experience financial or other setbacks if any of our growth strategies incur problems of which we are not presently aware.
We may require financing in the future and our operations could be curtailed if we are unable to obtain required additional financing when needed.
We may need to obtain debt or equity financing to fund future capital expenditures. Additional equity may result in dilution to the holders of our outstanding shares. Additional debt financing may include conditions that would restrict our freedom to operate our business, such as conditions that:
| ● | limit our ability to pay dividends or require us to seek consent for the payment of dividends; |
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| ● | increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; |
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| ● | require us to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund capital expenditures, working capital and other general corporate purposes; and |
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| ● | limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry. |
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain any additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all.
If the global economy experiences another downturn or crisis, potential disruptions in the capital and credit markets may adversely affect our business, including the availability and cost of short-term funds for liquidity requirements, our ability to meet short-term and long-term commitments and our ability to grow our business; each could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
The global economy has recently experienced a significant contraction, with an almost unprecedented lack of availability of business and consumer credit. We rely on the credit markets, particularly for short-term borrowings from banks in China, as well as the capital markets, to meet our financial commitments and short-term liquidity needs if internal funds are not available from our operations. Disruptions in the credit and capital markets, as have been experienced since mid-2008, could adversely affect our ability to draw on our short-term bank facilities. Our access to funds under these credit facilities is dependent on the ability of the banks that are parties to those facilities to meet their funding commitments, which may be dependent on governmental economic policies in China. Those banks may not be able to meet their funding commitments to us if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests from us and other borrowers within a short period of time.
Long-term disruptions in the credit and capital markets, similar to those that have been experienced since mid-2008, could result from uncertainty, changing or increased regulation, reduced alternatives or failures of significant financial institutions and could adversely affect our access to liquidity needed for our business. Any disruption could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged. Such measures could include deferring capital expenditures, and reducing or eliminating discretionary uses of cash.
Continued market disruptions could cause broader economic downturns, which may lead to lower demand for our products and increased incidence of customers' inability to pay their accounts. Further, bankruptcies or similar events by customers may cause us to incur bad debt expense at levels higher than historically experienced. These events would adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Our operations are cash intensive and our business could be adversely affected if we fail to maintain sufficient levels of working capital.
We expend a significant amount of cash in our operations, principally to fund our raw material procurement. Our suppliers, in particular, suppliers of hogs, typically require payment in full upon delivery. In turn, we typically require our customers of chilled and frozen pork to make payment in full on delivery, although we offer some of our long-standing customers’ credit terms. We generally fund most of our working capital requirements out of cash flow generated from operations. If we fail to generate sufficient revenues from our sales, or if we experience difficulties collecting our accounts receivable, we may not have sufficient cash flow to fund our operating costs and our profitability could be adversely affected.
We may be unable to maintain our profitability in the face of a consolidating retail environment in China.
We sell substantial amounts of our products to supermarkets and large retailers. The supermarket and food retail industry in China has been, and is expected to continue, undergoing a trend of development and consolidation. As the retail food trade continues to consolidate and our retail customers grow larger and become more sophisticated, they may demand lower pricing and increased promotional programs. Furthermore, larger customers may be better able to operate on reduced inventories and potentially develop or increase their focus on private label products. If we fail to maintain a good relationship with our large retail customers, or maintain a wide offering of quality products, or if we lower our prices or increase promotional support of our products in response to pressure from our customers and are unable to increase the volume of our products sold, our profitability could decline.
Our operating results may fluctuate from period to period and if we fail to meet market expectations for a particular period.
Our operating results have fluctuated from period to period and are likely to continue to fluctuate as a result of a wide range of factors, including seasonal variations in live hog supply and processed meat products consumption. For example, demand for our products in general is relatively high before the Chinese New Year in January or February each year and lower thereafter. Our production and sales of chilled and frozen pork are generally lower in the summer due to a lower supply of live hogs, as well as a slight drop in meat consumption during the hot summer months. Interim reports may not be indicative of our performance for the year or our future performance, and period-to-period comparisons may not be meaningful due to a number of reasons beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our operating results will meet the expectations of market analysts or our investors.
We derive virtually all of our revenues from sales in China and a general economic downturn, a recession or a sudden disruption in business conditions in China could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Consumer spending is generally affected by a number of factors, including general economic conditions, the level of unemployment, inflation, interest rates, energy costs, gasoline prices and consumer confidence generally, all of which are beyond our control. Consumer purchases of discretionary items tend to decline during recessionary periods, when disposable income is lower, and may impact sales of our products. In addition, sudden disruption in business conditions as a result of a terrorist attack, retaliation and the threat of further attacks or retaliation, war, adverse weather conditions and climate changes or other natural disasters, pandemic situations or large scale power outages can have a short or, sometimes, long-term impact on consumer spending.
All of our revenues are generated from sales in China. We anticipate that revenues from sales of our products in China will continue to represent a substantial proportion of our total revenues in the near future. A downturn in the economy in China, any recession or a sudden disruption of business conditions in China's economy could, among other things, adversely affect consumer buying power and discourage consumption of our products, which in turn would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We utilize our exclusive network of independently operated specialty retail stores and supermarket brand counters to sell a significant portion of our products and maintain our brand image, and should they perform poorly, our revenues and brand image could be materially and adversely affected.
In addition to our sales to wholesale customers, we sell our products through specialty retail stores owned and operated by resellers of our products with whom we have arrangements to sell our product under the Anpulo brand name, and supermarket counters where we hire our own employees to operate and manage them. All of these retail outlets exclusively sell our pork products and display the “Anpulo” logo on the outside of the stores. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, these retail outlets accounted for approximately 67% and 69%, respectively, of our total revenue. Any significant deterioration in the sales performance of our retail outlets could adversely affect our financial results. In addition, any sanitation, hygiene or food quality problems that might arise from the retail outlets could adversely affect our brand image and lead to a loss of sales.
We rely on the performance of our large retailers and mass merchant customers for the success of our sales, and should they perform poorly or give priority to our competitors’ products, our sales performance and branding image could be materially and adversely affected.
In addition to our retail sales channel, we sell our products to supermarkets and large retailers, which in turn sell the products to end consumers. Any significant deterioration in the sales performance of our wholesale customers could adversely affect the performance of our products. Furthermore, our wholesale customers also carry products that directly compete with our products for retail space and consumer purchases. There is a risk that our wholesale customers may give higher priority to products of, or form alliances with, our competitors. If our wholesale customers do not continue to purchase our products, or provide our products with similar levels of promotional support, our sales performance and brand imaging could be adversely affected.
The loss of any of our significant customers could reduce our revenues and our profitability.
Our key customers are principally wholesalers and distributors, supermarkets and large retailers in China. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, Wuhan Zhongbai Chain Warehouse Supermarket Co., Ltd. accounted for 21% and 27% of our sales, respectively. If we lose Wuhan Zhongbai Chain Warehouse Supermarket Co., Ltd. as a customer or any customer who becomes to account for a major portion of our sales, the loss of a significant portion of our sales to them could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any extended discontinuance of sales to this customer could, if not replaced, have a material impact on our operations.
We may experience difficulties in maintaining long-term relationships with customers who do not currently have a contract with us, which will harm our ability to maintain a steady sales level.
Some of our customers purchase our products through spot orders without contracts. These customers would incur almost no immediate economic cost if they abandon their business relationship with our Company and place orders with other meat product suppliers. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will maintain or improve the relationships with these customers, or that we will be able to continue to supply these customers at current levels or at all. If we cannot maintain long-term relationships with these customers, a loss of order volumes from them, or a significant reduction in their purchase orders could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If our pork products become contaminated, we may be subject to product liability claims and product recalls.
Pork products may be subject to contamination by disease producing organisms. These organisms are generally found in the environment and as a result, regardless of the manufacturing practices employed, there is a risk that they could be present in our processed pork products as a result of food processing. Once contaminated products have been shipped for distribution, illness and death may result if the organisms are not eliminated at the further processing, foodservice or consumer level. Even an inadvertent shipment of contaminated products is a violation of law and may lead to increased risk of exposure to product liability claims, product recalls and increased scrutiny by regulatory agencies and may have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
Regulatory enforcement crackdowns on food processing companies in China could increase our compliance costs and reduce our profitability.
We believe we are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable regulatory requirements of China and all local jurisdictions in which we operate. However, the PRC government authorities have taken certain measures to maintain China's food market in good order and to improve the integrity of China's food industry, such as enforcing full compliance with industry standards and closing certain food processing companies in China that did not meet regulatory standards. While the closing of competing meat processing plants that do not meet regulatory standards could increase our revenues in the long term, we may also experience increased regulatory compliance costs that could reduce our profitability.
Our failure to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and related litigation could result in significant penalties, damages and adverse publicity for our business.
Our operations and properties are subject to extensive and increasingly stringent laws and regulations pertaining to, among other things, the discharge of materials into the environment and the handling and disposition of wastes (including solid and hazardous wastes) or otherwise relating to protection of the environment. In addition, under PRC environmental regulations, we are required to obtain an approval on environmental impact assessment before the construction of our production facilities, and we are further required to undergo environmental protection examinations and obtain acceptance approval from the relevant governmental authorities after we complete the installation of our manufacturing equipment and before we commence commercial production. Failure to comply with any laws and regulations and future changes to them may result in significant consequences to us, including civil and criminal penalties, liability for damages and negative publicity.
We have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant capital and operating expenditures to comply with these laws and regulations. We cannot assure you that additional environmental issues will not require currently unanticipated investigations, assessments or expenditures, or that requirements applicable to us will not be altered in ways that will require us to incur significant additional costs.
Our largest shareholder has significant influence over our management and affairs and could exercise this influence against your best interests.
As of October 30, 2013, Mr. Wenping Luo, our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our largest shareholder, along with his wife, beneficially owned approximately 74.8% of our outstanding common shares, and our other executive officers and directors collectively beneficially owned an additional 0.16% of our outstanding common shares. As a result, pursuant to our memorandum of association and articles of association and applicable laws and regulations, our controlling shareholder and our other executive officers and directors are able to exercise significant influence over our company, including, but not limited to, any shareholder approvals for the election of our directors and, indirectly, the selection of our senior management, the amount of dividend payments, if any, our annual budget, increases or decreases in our share capital, new securities issuance, mergers and acquisitions and any amendments to our memorandum of association and articles of association. Furthermore, this concentration of ownership may delay or prevent a change of control or discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, which could decrease the market price of our shares.
The lack of public company experience of our management team could adversely impact our ability to comply with the reporting requirements of U.S. securities laws.
Our management, including our President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and our directors, has never been responsible for managing a publicly traded company with active operational activities and has no trainings or experience in maintaining books and records and preparing financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our management’s lack of public company experience could impair our ability to comply with federal securities laws and make required disclosures on a timely basis including those imposed by Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Our management may not be able to implement programs and policies in an effective and timely manner that adequately respond to such increased legal, regulatory compliance and reporting requirements, including establishing and maintaining internal controls over financial reporting. Any such deficiencies, weaknesses or lack of compliance could have a materially adverse effect on our ability to comply with the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) which is necessary to maintain our public company status. If we were to fail to fulfill those obligations, our ability to continue as a U.S. public company would be in jeopardy in which event you could lose your entire investment in our company.
If we fail to develop and maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud; as a result, current and potential shareholders could lose confidence in our financial reports, which could harm our business and the trading price of our common shares.
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to evaluate and report on our internal controls over financial reporting and have our independent registered public accounting firm annually attest to our evaluation, as well as issue their own opinion on our internal controls over financial reporting. We cannot be certain that the measures we have undertaken to comply with Section 404 will ensure that we will maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future. Furthermore, if we are able to rapidly grow our business, the internal controls that we will need will become more complex, and significantly more resources will be required to ensure our internal controls remain effective. Failure to implement required controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. If we or our auditors discover a material weakness in our internal controls, the disclosure of that fact, even if the weakness is quickly remedied, could diminish investors' confidence in our financial statements and harm our share price. In addition, non-compliance with Section 404 could subject us to a variety of administrative sanctions, including the suspension of trading, ineligibility for listing on one of the national securities exchanges and the inability of registered broker-dealers to make a market in our common shares, which could reduce our share price.
Any disruptions to our processing facility may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The loss of our sole hog processing facility could adversely affect our business. Any of our processing facility, equipment or installed production lines could suspend or cease operations unexpectedly due to a number of events or circumstances, including problems with our electricity or water supply, equipment failures, regulatory noncompliance, labor disruptions, fires, floods, earthquakes, acts of war or other catastrophes. While we seek to operate our facility in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations and take measures to minimize the risks of disruption at our facility, a material disruption at our processing facility could prevent us from meeting customer demand, reduce our sales and/or negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our classified board structure may prevent a change in our control.
Our board of directors is divided into three classes of directors. The current terms of the directors expire in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Directors of each class are chosen for three-year terms upon the expiration of their current terms, and each year one class of directors is elected by the shareholders. The staggered terms of our directors may reduce the possibility of a tender offer or an attempt at a change in control, even though a tender offer or change in control might be in the best interest of our shareholders.
We may not pay dividends.
We have not previously paid any cash dividends, and we do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common shares. We cannot assure you that our operations will continue to result in sufficient revenues to enable us to operate at profitable levels or to generate positive cash flows. Furthermore, there is no assurance our Board of Directors will declare dividends even if we are profitable. Dividend policy is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our common shares in the future, we will be dependent, in large part, on receipt of funds from Anpulo Laifeng. See “Dividend Policy.”
Risks Relating To Our Industry
An outbreak of A/H1N1 influenza (commonly referred to as “swine flu”) or other diseases could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
A spread of A/H1N1 influenza such as that which occurred in 2009 and 2010, or any outbreak of other epidemics in China affecting animals or humans might result in material disruptions to our operations, material disruptions to the operations of our customers or suppliers, a decline in the supermarket or food retail industry or slowdown in economic growth in China and surrounding regions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and sales revenue. Negative association of the A/H1N1 flu with hogs and pork products, since it is commonly referred to by laypersons as “swine flu”, could have a negative impact on sales of pork products. Moreover, our facilities and products may be affected by A/H1N1 flu or similar diseases in the future, or that the market for pork products in China may decline as a result of fear of such an outbreak. If either case should occur, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be adversely and materially affected.
The hog slaughtering and processed meat industries in China are subject to extensive government regulation, which is still evolving and could adversely affect our ability to sell products in China or increase our production costs.
The hog slaughtering and processed meat industries in China are heavily regulated by a number of governmental agencies, including primarily the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Health, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the State Environmental Protection Administration. These regulatory bodies have broad discretion and authority to regulate many aspects of the hog slaughtering and processed meat industries in China, including, without limitation, setting hygiene standards for production and quality standards for processed meat products. In addition, the hog slaughtering and processed meat products regulatory framework in China is still in the process of being developed. If the relevant regulatory authorities set standards with which we are unable to comply or which increase our production costs and hence our prices so as to render our products non-competitive, our ability to sell products in China may be limited.
The hog slaughtering and processed meat industries in China may face increasing competition from both domestic and foreign companies, as well as increasing industry consolidation, which may affect our market share and profit margin.
The hog slaughtering and processed meat industries in China are highly competitive. Our processed meat products are targeted at mid- to high-end consumers, a market in which we face increasing competition, from both domestic and foreign suppliers. See “Description Business-Competition”. In addition, the evolving government regulations in relation to the hog slaughtering industry has driven a trend of consolidation through the industry, with smaller operators unable to meet the increasing costs of regulatory compliance and therefore at a competitive disadvantage. We believe that our ability to maintain our market share and grow our operations within this landscape of changing and increasing competition is largely dependent upon our ability to distinguish our products and services.
Our current or potential competitors may develop products of a comparable or superior quality to ours, or adapt more quickly than we do to evolving consumer preferences or market trends. In addition, our competitors in the raw meat market may merge or form alliances to achieve a scale of operations or sales network which would make it difficult for us to compete. Increased competition may also lead to price wars, counterfeit products or negative brand advertising, all of which may adversely affect our market share and profit margin. In an effort to expand market share or enter into new markets, some of our competitors have used, and we expect they will continue to use, aggressive pricing strategies, greater incentives and subsidies for distributors, retailers and customers. If their efforts are successful, our market share and profit margin may be adversely affected. Furthermore, consolidation among industry participants in China may potentially result in stronger domestic competitors better able to compete as end-to-end suppliers as well as competitors more specialized in particular areas and geographic markets. We may not be able to compete effectively with our current or potential competitors, and our inability to compete successfully against competitors could result in lost customers, loss of market share and reduced operating margins, which would adversely impact our results of operations.
The outbreak of animal diseases or other epidemics could adversely affect our operations.
An occurrence of serious animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, or any outbreak of other epidemics in China affecting animals or humans might result in material disruptions to our operations, material disruptions to the operations of our customers or suppliers, a decline in the supermarket or food retail industry or slowdown in economic growth in China and surrounding regions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and turnover. In 2006, there was an outbreak of streptococcus suis in hogs, principally in Sichuan province, PRC, with a large number of cases of human infection following contact with diseased hogs. There also were unrelated reports of diseased hogs in Guangdong province, PRC. Our procurement and production facilities are located in Henan province, PRC and were not affected by the streptococcus suis infection. In 2010, there were reports of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in several provinces in China, such as Guangdong, Gansu, Jiangxi, Xinjiang and Tibet, and tens of thousands of hogs were culled after such disease outbreak in 2010. In addition, in 2010 and 2011, there have been reports of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in countries and regions near China, such as in Japan and South Korea. Such outbreaks could spread to China. There can be no assurance that our facilities or products will not be affected by an outbreak of this disease or similar ones in the future, or that the market for pork products in China will not decline as a result of fear of disease. In either case, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be adversely and materially affected.
Consumer concerns regarding the safety and quality of food products or health concerns could adversely affect sales of our products.
Our sales performance could be adversely affected if consumers lose confidence in the safety and quality of our products. Consumers in China are increasingly conscious of food safety and nutrition. Consumer concerns about, for example, the safety of pork products, or the safety of food additives used in processed meat products, could discourage them from buying certain products and cause our results of operations to suffer. Specifically in 2011, there was some negative publicity regarding the quality and safety of some of our competitors’ meat products. While we believe that we maintain an advanced system for quality assurance and control, our operations may be impacted by the deteriorating reputation of the food industry in China due to recent food safety scandals.
We may be subject to substantial liability should the consumption of any of our products cause personal injury or illness and, unlike most food processing companies in the United States, we do not maintain product liability insurance to cover our potential liabilities.
The sale of food products for human consumption involves an inherent risk of injury to consumers. Such injuries may result from tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination or degeneration, including the presence of foreign contaminants, chemical substances or other agents or residues during the various stages of the procurement and production process. The PRC Food Safety Law which became effective on June 1, 2009 enhances the supervision and examination of governmental authorities over food production and provides that no exemption from such inspections and examinations shall be permitted. While we are subject to governmental inspections and regulations, we cannot assure you that consumption of our products will not cause a health-related illness in the future, or that we will not be subject to claims or lawsuits relating to such matters.
Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertions that our products caused personal injury or illness could adversely affect our reputation with customers and our corporate and brand image. Unlike most food processing companies in the United States, but in line with industry practice in China, we do not maintain product liability insurance. Furthermore, our products could potentially suffer from product tampering, contamination or degeneration or be mislabeled or otherwise damaged. Under certain circumstances, we may be required to recall products. Even if a situation does not necessitate a product recall, we cannot assure you that product liability claims will not be asserted against us as a result. A product liability judgment against us or a product recall could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, profitability and business reputation.
Our product and company name may be subject to counterfeiting and/or imitation, which could have an adverse effect upon our reputation and brand image, as well as lead to higher administrative costs.
We regard brand positioning as the core of our competitive strategy, and intend to position our “Anpulo” and “Linghaotuzhu” brand to create the perception and image of health, nutrition, freshness and quality in the minds of our customers. There have been frequent occurrences of counterfeiting and imitation of products in China in the past. We cannot guarantee that counterfeiting or imitation of our products will not occur in the future or that we will be able to detect it and deal with it effectively. Any occurrence of counterfeiting or imitation could negatively affect our corporate and brand image, particularly if the counterfeit or imitation products cause sickness, injury or death to consumers. In addition, counterfeit or imitation products could result in a reduction in our market share, a loss of revenues or an increase in our administrative expenses in respect of detection or prosecution.
Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property rights may undermine our competitive position, and litigation to protect our intellectual property rights may be costly.
We have registered our “Anpulo” and “Linhaotuzhu” as trademarks in China for the product categories for which they are currently used. However, there can be no assurance that additional applications, if any, we make to register such mark, or any other trade name or trademark we may seek to register, will be approved and/or that the right to the use of any such trademarks outside of their respective current areas of usage will not be claimed by others. We also own the rights to two domain names that we use in connection with the operation of our business. We believe that such trademarks and domain names provide us with the opportunity to enhance our marketing efforts for our products. Failure to protect our intellectual property rights may undermine our marketing efforts and result in harm to our reputation and the growth of our business.
PRC intellectual property-related laws and their implementation are still under development. Accordingly, intellectual property rights in China may not be as effective as in the United States or many other countries. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights and the outcome of any such litigation may not be in our favor. Given the relative unpredictability of China's legal system and potential difficulties enforcing a court judgment in China, there is no guarantee that we would be able to halt the unauthorized use of our intellectual property through litigation in a timely manner or at all. Furthermore, any such litigation may be costly and may divert management attention away from our business and cause us to expend significant resources. An adverse determination in any such litigation will impair our intellectual property rights and may harm our business, prospects and reputation. We have no insurance coverage against litigation costs so we would be forced to bear all litigation costs if we cannot recover them from other parties. All of the foregoing factors could harm our business and financial condition.
We are an “emerging growth company” under the jobs act and any decision on our part to comply with certain reduced disclosure requirements applicable to “emerging growth companies” could make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and, for as long as we continue to be an “emerging growth company,” we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an “emerging growth company” for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three year period.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, we have elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with the revised accounting standards.
Our status as an “emerging growth company” under the jobs act of 2012 may make it more difficult to raise capital as and when we need it.
Because of the exemptions from various reporting requirements provided to us as an “emerging growth company,” we may be less attractive to investors and it may be difficult for us to raise additional capital as and when we need it. Investors may be unable to compare our business with other companies in our industry if they believe that our reports are not as transparent as other companies in our industry. If we are unable to raise additional capital as and when we need it, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Relating To Conducting Business in China
Substantially all of our assets and operations are located in China, and substantially all of our revenue is sourced from China. Accordingly, our results of operations and financial position are subject to a significant degree to economic, political and legal developments in China, including the following risks:
Changes in the political and economic policies of the PRC government, including those that are intended to address the rising inflation rates in China, could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Our business operations may be adversely affected by the political and economic environment in China. China has operated as a socialist state since 1949 and is controlled by the Communist Party of China. As such, the economy of China differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including, but not limited to:
● | structure | ● | capital re-investment |
● | government involvement | ● | allocation of resources |
● | level of development | ● | control of foreign exchange |
● | growth rate | ● | rate of inflation |
In recent years, however, the government has introduced measures aimed at creating a "socialist market economy" and policies have been implemented to allow business enterprises greater autonomy in their operations. Nonetheless, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the PRC government. Changes in the political leadership of China may have a significant effect on laws and policies related to the current economic reforms program, other policies affecting business and the general political, economic and social environment in China, including the introduction of measures to control inflation, changes in the rate or method of taxation, the imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion and remittances abroad, and foreign investment. Moreover, economic reforms and growth in China have been more successful in certain provinces in China than in others, and the continuation or increases of such disparities could affect the political or social stability in China.
Although we believe the economic reform and the macroeconomic measures adopted by the Chinese government have had a positive effect on the economic development in China, the future direction of these economic reforms is uncertain and the uncertainty may decrease the attractiveness of our company as an investment, which may in turn materially adversely affect the price at which our shares trade.
Furthermore, in recent years the Chinese economy has experienced periods of rapid expansion and highly fluctuating rates of inflation. These factors have led to the adoption by the PRC government, from time to time, of various measures designed to restrict the availability of credit or regulate growth and contain inflation. High inflation may cause the PRC government to impose controls on credit and/or prices, or to take other actions, which could result in a slowdown in economic activity in China, adversely affect the market demand for our products or increase the financing costs of our Company. In addition, if prices for our products increase at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the rise in the cost of hogs and other supplies due to inflation, and we are unable to mitigate these inflation increases through customer pricing, our profitability may be reduced and our growth prospects may be negatively impacted.
If we do not complete remigration of equity pledge with SAIC local branch, we will not have priority in the equity interest of Anpulo Laifeng if Anpulo Laifeng shareholders default on other contractual agreements, Shareholders’ Voting Proxy Agreement, Exclusive Option Agreement and Entrusted Management Agreement.
According to the PRC Property Rights Law, which became effective on October 1, 2007, a pledge is not deemed to be validly created without registration with the relevant local SAIC.We are currently in the process of registering with SAIC local branch the equity pledge for all of the shares of Anpulo Laifeng provided by the equity pledge agreement. Before such registration is completed, the equity pledge is not deemed to have been established. Therefore, pursuant to the PRC Enterprise Bankruptcy Law, the PRC Security Law and the PRC Property Rights Law, Anpulo WFOE will be considered as an unsecured creditor to claim its rights, interests and benefits arising from the Entrusted Management Agreement, Shareholders’ Voting Proxy Agreement and Exclusive Option Agreement. Specifically, as an unsecured creditor, if the pledged shareholders breach their obligations under these agreements, Anpulo WFOE is not entitled to enjoy a first priority in the equity interest, registered capital, investments, all money, dividends, interest and benefits at any time arising in respect of all the equity interests and registered capital of Anpulo Laifeng, as well as all voting rights and all other rights and benefits attaching to or accruing to the equity interests in or the registered capital. Moreover, in the event of the bankruptcy of Anpulo Laifeng, Anpulo WFOE may only obtain a pari passu distribution out of the assets of Anpulo Laifeng based on the size of all unsecured creditors’ debt after the secured creditors have enforced their security and the preferential creditors have exhausted their claims. Before we complete the registration of the pledged equity interest, if the pledged shareholders of Anpulo Laifeng defaults on the contractual agreements or if Anpulo Laifeng bankrupts, we will lose a substantial portion of our equity interest in Anpulo Laifeng to any then existing secured creditors. As a result, our financial interest in Anpulo Laifeng could be comprised and our financial position could be materially and adversely affected.
Social conditions in China could have a material adverse effect on our operations as the PRC government continues to exert substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities.
The government of China has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in China may be adversely affected by changes in Chinese laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. We believe our operations in China are in compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. However, the central or local governments may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Were the PRC government, or local municipalities, to limit our ability to develop, produce, import or sell our products in China, or to finance and operate our business in China, our business could be adversely affected.
We rely on contractual arrangement with Anpulo Laifeng and its shareholders for the operation of our domestic business in China, which may not be as effective as direct ownership. If Anpulo Laifeng and its shareholders fail to perform their obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to resort to litigation or arbitration to enforce our right, which may be time-consuming, unpredictable, expensive and damaging to our operations and reputation.
We have relied and expect to continue to rely on contractual arrangements with Anpulo Laifeng to operate our domestic business. For a description of these contractual arrangements, see “Description of Business- Our Corporate Structure- Control Agreements”. These contractual arrangements provide us with effective control over domestic entity and allow us to obtain economic benefit from it. Although we have been advised by our PRC counsel, Kai Tong Law firm, that these contractual arrangements are in compliance with current PRC laws, these contractual arrangements may not be effective in providing control as direct ownership. For example, Anpulo Laifeng and its shareholders could breach their contractual arrangements with us by failing to operate our domestic business in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests. In addition, if the shareholders of Anpulo Laifeng refuse to transfer their equity interests in Anpulo Laifeng to us or our designee when we exercise our call option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, we may have to take legal actions to compel them to perform their contractual obligations.
If we were the controlling shareholder of Anpulo Laifeng with direct ownership, we would be able to exercise our rights as shareholders, rather than our rights under the powers of attorney, to effect changes to their boards of directors, which in turn could implement changes at the management and operational level. However, under the current contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if Anpulo Laifeng or their respective shareholders fail to perform their obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may incur substantial costs to enforce such arrangements and rely on legal remedies under PRC law, which may not be sufficient or effective.
All of these contractual arrangements are governed by PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in the PRC. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC law and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal system in the PRC is not as developed as in other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. Under PRC law, rulings by arbitrators are final, parties cannot appeal the arbitration results in court and the prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration awards in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which would incur additional expenses and delay. If we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control over Anpulo Laifeng and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected.
If we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant delay or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, our business and operations in China could be disrupted, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and damage our reputation. See "—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect our ability to enforce our legal rights."
Recent regulatory reforms in China may limit our ability as a foreign investor to acquire additional companies or businesses in China, which could hinder our ability to expand in China and adversely affect our long-term profitability.
Our long-term business plan may include an acquisition strategy to increase the number or types of products we offer, increase our manufacturing or production capabilities, strengthen our sources of supply or broaden our geographic reach. Recent PRC regulations relating to acquisitions of PRC companies by foreign entities may limit our ability to acquire PRC companies and adversely affect the implementation of our strategy as well as our business and prospects.
On August 8, 2006, the PRC Ministry of Commerce, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the State Administration of Taxation, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange jointly promulgated a new rule entitled “Provisions Regarding Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors” (the “M&A Rules”), which became effective on September 8, 2006 and were amended on June 22, 2009 by the Ministry of Commerce, relating to acquisitions by foreign investors of businesses and entities in China. The M&A Rules provide the basic framework in China for the approval and registration of acquisitions of domestic enterprises in China by foreign investors.
The M&A Rules establish additional procedures and requirements that could make some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex than in the past. After the promulgation of the M&A Rules, the PRC government can now exert more control over the acquisitions of Chinese companies, including requirements in some instances that the Ministry of Commerce be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a Chinese domestic enterprise.
The M&A Rules stress the necessity of protecting national economic security in China in the context of foreign acquisitions of domestic enterprises. Foreign investors must comply with comprehensive reporting requirements in connection with acquisitions of domestic companies in key industrial sectors that may affect the security of the “national economy” or in connection with acquisitions of domestic companies holding well-known trademarks or traditional brands in China. Failure to comply with such reporting requirements that cause, or may cause, significant affect on national economic security may be terminated by the relevant ministries or be subject to other measures as are deemed necessary to mitigate any adverse effect.
Our business operations or future strategy could be adversely affected by the M&A Rules. For example, if we decide to acquire a PRC company, complying with the requirements of the M&A Rules to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the Ministry of Commerce, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and adversely affect our business and prospects.
PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident shareholders to personal liability and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute profits to us, or otherwise materially and adversely affect us.
The PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, issued a public notice in October 2005 named Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents to Engage in Financing and Return Investments via Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles, or the Circular 75, requiring PRC residents, including both legal persons and natural persons, to register with an appropriate local SAFE branch before establishing or controlling any company outside of China, referred to as an "offshore special purpose company," for the purpose of acquiring any assets of or equity interest in PRC companies and raising fund from overseas. When a PRC resident contributes the assets or equity interests it holds in a PRC company into the offshore special purpose company, or engages in overseas financing after contributing such assets or equity interests into the offshore special purpose company, such PRC resident shall modify its SAFE registration in light of its interest in the offshore special purpose company and any change thereof. In addition, any PRC resident that is the shareholder of an offshore special purpose company is required to amend its SAFE registration with the local SAFE branch, with respect to that offshore special purpose company in connection with any increase or decrease of capital, transfer of shares, merger, division, long-term equity or debt investment or creation of any security interest over any assets located in China. PRC residents who have established or acquired direct or indirect control of offshore companies that have made onshore investments in China in the past were required to complete the registration procedures by March 31, 2006. Moreover, PRC subsidiaries of an offshore special purpose company are required to coordinate and supervise the filing in a timely manner of SAFE registrations by the offshore holding company's shareholders who are PRC residents. If these shareholders fail to comply, the PRC subsidiaries are required to report to the local SAFE authorities. If the PRC subsidiaries of the offshore parent company do not report to the local SAFE authorities, they may be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to their offshore parent company and the offshore parent company may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with the above SAFE registration requirements could result in fines and other liabilities under PRC laws for evasion of foreign exchange restrictions.
Our shareholders, who are PRC citizens or residents, have not completed the necessary applications and filings as required under SAFE Circular 75 and other related rules. We have requested our shareholders, who are PRC citizens or residents to complete the required applications and filings. However, we cannot guarantee that they will complete the applications and filings or do so in a timely manner. As such, failure by any such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE Circular 75, could subject themselves to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our ability to contribute additional capital into or provide loans to our PRC subsidiaries and limit our PRC subsidiaries' ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
In addition, the PRC National Development and Reform Commission, or the NDRC, promulgated a rule in October 2004 named the Interim Measures for the Administration of Examination and Approval of Overseas Investment Projects, or the NDRC Rule, which requires NDRC approvals for overseas investment projects made by PRC entities. The NDRC Rule also provides that approval procedures for overseas investment projects of PRC individuals must be implemented with reference to this NDRC Rule. However, there exist extensive uncertainties as to interpretation of the NDRC Rule with respect to its application to a PRC individual's overseas investment and, in practice, we are not aware of any precedents that a PRC individual's overseas investment has been approved by the NDRC or challenged by the NDRC based on the absence of NDRC approval. Our current beneficial owners who are PRC individuals did not apply for NDRC approval for investment in us. We cannot predict how and to what extent this will affect our business operations or future strategy. For example, the failure of our shareholders who are PRC individuals to comply with the NDRC Rule may subject these persons or our PRC subsidiary to certain liabilities under PRC laws, which could adversely affect our business.
Fluctuations in the value of the RMB or further movements in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
At present, all of our sales are denominated in RMB. The value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions and China's foreign exchange policies. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the RMB to the U.S. dollar. However, the People's Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to limit fluctuations in RMB exchange rates and achieve policy goals. Following the removal of the U.S. dollar peg in July 2005, the RMB appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar over the three years following such removal. While international reaction to the RMB revaluation has generally been positive, there remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result in further and more significant appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies. On June 19, 2010, the People's Bank of China announced that it will allow a more flexible exchange rate for the RMB without mentioning specific policy changes, although it ruled out any large-scale appreciation. It is difficult to predict how long the current situation may last and when and how the RMB exchange rates may change going forward. As we rely entirely on dividends paid to us by our PRC subsidiaries, any significant revaluation of the RMB may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition, and the value of any dividends payable on our shares in foreign currency terms. Furthermore, appreciation or depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar would affect our financial results reported in U.S. dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business or results of operations.
As very limited types of hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, we have not entered into any such hedging transactions. Accordingly, we cannot predict the impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations and may incur net foreign exchange losses in the future.
Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the ability of our company to obtain working capital from our subsidiaries located in China and the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our revenues in RMB, which currently is not a freely convertible currency. Under our current structure, our income is primarily derived from the operations of Anpulo Laifeng. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of Anpulo Laifeng to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy its foreign currency-denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments relating to "current account transactions", including dividend payments, interest payments and expenditures from trade-related transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from SAFE or its local branch is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China for capital-account transactions, such as the repatriation of equity investment in the PRC and the repayment of the principal loans denominated in foreign currencies. Our PRC subsidiaries are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without prior approval from SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. Our PRC subsidiaries may also retain foreign currency in their respective current account bank accounts for use in payment of international current account transactions. However, we cannot assure you that the PRC government will not take measures in the future to restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders.
Our PRC subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on making payments to us, which could adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to pay dividends on our common shares.
We are a holding company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and do not have any assets or conduct any business operations other than our investment in our operating subsidiaries in China. As a result of our holding company structure, we rely entirely on contractual payments or dividends from our PRC subsidiaries for our cash needs, including the funds necessary to pay any dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders, to service any debt we may incur and to pay our operating expenses. The payment of dividends by entities established in China is subject to limitations. Regulations in China currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. Each of our PRC subsidiaries, including Anpulo Laifeng, is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to its general reserves or statutory capital reserve fund until the aggregate amount of such reserves reaches 50% of its respective registered capital. As a result, our PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to us in the form of dividends, loans or advances. We anticipate that in the foreseeable future our PRC subsidiaries will need to continue to set aside 10% of their respective after-tax profits to their statutory reserves. Further, as Anpulo Laifeng in China have in the past, and may in the future, incur debt on their own, the instruments governing such debt may restrict such subsidiary's ability to make contractual or dividend payments to any parent corporation or other affiliated entity. If we are unable to receive all of the funds we require for our operations through contractual or dividend arrangements with our PRC subsidiaries, we may not have sufficient cash flow to fund our corporate overhead and regulatory obligations in the United States and may be unable to pay dividends on our shares.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect our ability to enforce our legal rights.
We conduct our business primarily through Anpulo Laifeng, our subsidiary in China. Our operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. We are generally subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China and, in particular, laws applicable to wholly foreign-owned enterprises. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value.
Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system and recently-enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in China. In particular, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited volume of published decisions and their nonbinding nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. In addition, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all) that may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until some time after the violation. The uncertainties regarding such regulations and policies present risks that may affect our ability to achieve our business objectives. If we are unable to enforce any legal rights we may have under our contracts or otherwise, our ability to compete with other companies in our industry could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and management attention.
It may be difficult to effect service of process upon us or our directors or senior management who live in China or to enforce any judgments obtained from non-PRC courts.
Our operations are conducted and our assets are located within China. In addition, our directors and all of our senior management personnel reside in China, where substantially all of their assets are located. You may experience difficulties in effecting service of process upon us, our directors or our senior management as it may not be possible to effect such service of process outside China. In addition, China does not have treaties with the United States and many other countries providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of court judgments. Therefore, recognition and enforcement in China of judgments of a court in the United States or certain other jurisdictions may be difficult or impossible.
Changes in China’s labor law restrict our ability to reduce our workforce in China in the event of an economic downturn and may increase our production costs.
In June 2007, the National People's Congress of China enacted new labor law legislation called the Labor Contract Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008. On September 18, 2008, the PRC State Council issued the implementing rules for the Labor Contract Law. The Labor Contract Law formalized workers' rights concerning overtime hours, pensions, layoffs, employment contracts and the role of trade unions. Considered one of the strictest labor laws in the world, among other things, the Labor Contract Law provides for specific standards and procedures for the termination of an employment contract and places the burden of proof on the employer. In addition, the law requires the payment of a statutory severance pay upon the termination of an employment contract in most cases, including the case of the expiration of a fixed-term employment contract. Further, the law requires an employer to conclude an "employment contract without a fixed-term" with any employee who either has worked for the same employer for 10 consecutive years or more or has had two consecutive fixed-term contracts with the same employer. An "employment contract without a fixed term" can no longer be terminated on the ground of the expiration of the contract, although it can still be terminated pursuant to the standards and procedures set forth under the Labor Contract Law. Finally, under the Labor Contract Law, downsizing of either more than 20 people or more than 10% of the workforce may occur only under specified circumstances, such as a restructuring undertaken pursuant to China's Enterprise Bankruptcy Law, or where a company suffers serious difficulties in production and/or business operations, or where there has been a material change in the objective economic circumstances relied upon by the parties at the time of the employment contract, thereby making the performance of such employment contract impossible. To date, there has been very little guidance as to how such circumstances for downsizing will be interpreted and enforced by the relevant PRC authorities. All of our employees working for us exclusively within China are covered by the Labor Contract Law and thus, our ability to adjust the size of our operations when necessary in periods of recession or less severe economic downturns may be curtailed as a result of this regulation. Accordingly, if we face future periods of decline in business activity generally or adverse economic periods specific to our business, we expect that the Labor Contract Law will exacerbate the adverse effects of the economic environment on our results of operations and financial condition.
PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds we received from our public offerings to make loans to our PRC subsidiaries or to make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
We are an offshore holding company conducting our operations in China through our PRC subsidiaries. In utilizing the proceeds we received from any offering, we plan to make loans to our PRC subsidiaries, whether currently in existence or to be formed in the future, or make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries.
Any loans we make to our PRC subsidiaries cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with SAFE or its local counterparts. Under applicable PRC law, the government authorities must approve a foreign-invested enterprise's registered capital amount, which represents the total amount of capital contributions made by the shareholders that have registered with the registration authorities. In addition, the authorities must also approve the foreign-invested enterprise's total investment, which is equal to the company's registered capital plus the amount of shareholder loans it is permitted to borrow under the law. The ratio of registered capital to total investment cannot be lower than the minimum statutory requirement. If we make loans to Anpulo Laifeng, our first-tier PRC subsidiary, that do not exceed its current maximum amount of borrowings, we will have to register each loan with SAFE or its local counterpart for the issuance of a registration certificate of foreign debts. In practice, it could be time-consuming to complete such SAFE registration process. Alternatively or concurrently with the loans, we might make capital contributions to Anpulo Laifeng, and such capital contributions involve uncertainties of their own. Further, SAFE promulgated a circular (known as Circular 142) on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises in August 2008 with respect to the administration of conversion of foreign exchange capital contributions of a foreign invested enterprise. The circular clarifies that RMB converted from foreign exchange capital contributions can only be used for the activities within the approved business scope of such foreign invested enterprise and cannot be used for domestic equity investments unless otherwise permitted.
We may not be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries or with respect to future capital contributions by us to our PRC subsidiaries. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds we receive from public offerings and to capitalize or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely and materially affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
We may be subject to fines and legal sanctions by SAFE or other PRC government authorities if we or our employees who are PRC citizens fail to comply with PRC regulations relating to employee share incentive plan adopted by offshore listed companies for PRC citizens.
In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notice on Issues concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plans of Offshore Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Rule, which terminated the Operating Procedures for Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Stock Option Plans of Offshore Listed Companies issued by SAFE on March 28, 2007. Under the Stock Option Rule, PRC citizens who participate in any stock incentive plan including employee stock holding plans, share option plans or similar plans in an offshore listed company are required, through a Chinese agent which could be a PRC subsidiary of the offshore listed company, to register with the relevant local SAFE branch and complete certain other procedures. We and our Chinese employees who have participated in our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan are subject to the Stock Option Rule. Failure to comply with these regulations may subject us or our Chinese employees to fines or other legal sanctions imposed by SAFE or other PRC government authorities. In addition, the State Administration of Taxation has issued several circulars concerning employee share options. Under these circulars, our employees working in China who exercise our share options will be subject to PRC individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiaries have obligations to make filings with relevant tax authorities related to employee share options and withhold individual income taxes resulting from the exercise of their share options. If our employees fail to pay and we fail to withhold their income taxes, we may face sanctions imposed by tax authorizes or other PRC government authorities.
We may be classified as a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.
The new PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, that became effective January 1, 2008 provides that enterprises established outside of China whose "de facto management bodies" are located in China are considered "resident enterprises" and are generally subject to the uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on their worldwide income. A recent circular issued by the PRC State Administration of Taxation regarding the standards used to classify certain Chinese-invested enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC group enterprises and established outside of China as "resident enterprises" clarified that dividends paid by such "resident enterprises" and other income paid by such "resident enterprises" will be considered to be PRC source income, subject to PRC withholding tax, currently at a rate of 10%, when received or recognized by non-PRC resident enterprise shareholders. This recent circular also subjects such "resident enterprises" to various reporting requirements with the PRC tax authorities. Under the implementation regulations to the EIT Law, a "de facto management body" is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and assets of an enterprise. In addition, the recent circular mentioned above specifies that certain Chinese-invested enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC group enterprises will be classified as "resident enterprises" if the following are located or resident in China: senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; financial and personnel decision-making bodies; key properties, accounting books, company seal, and minutes of board meetings and shareholders' meetings; and half or more of senior management or directors having voting rights. As this circular only applies to enterprises established outside of China that are controlled by PRC enterprises or groups of PRC enterprises, we do not believe that our legal entities organized outside of the PRC constitute PRC resident enterprises because our legal entities organized outside of the PRC are overseas incorporated enterprises controlled by individual PRC residents. In addition, we are not aware of any offshore holding companies with a corporate structure similar to ours that has been deemed a PRC "resident enterprise" by the PRC tax authorities.
However, as the tax residency status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body” as applicable to our offshore entities. If we are classified as a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, our Company and non-PRC resident shareholders will face unfavorable tax consequences.
If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a “resident enterprise”, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow. First, we will be subject to income tax at the rate of 25% on our worldwide income. The impact of the imposition of such enterprise income tax will be mitigated to the extent we can obtain a foreign tax credit for such taxes against our U.S. income tax liability on such income. Second, although under the EIT Law and its implementing rules, dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiaries would qualify as "tax-exempted income", we cannot assure you that such dividends will not be subject to a 10% withholding tax, as the PRC foreign exchange control authorities, which enforce the withholding tax, have not yet issued guidance with respect to the processing of outbound remittances to entities that are treated as resident enterprises for PRC enterprise income tax purposes. Finally, dividends payable by us to our investors and gain on the sale of our shares may become subject to PRC withholding tax. In the case of dividends paid to non-U.S. holders, any PRC withholding tax on dividends may be in addition to U.S. withholding tax that could otherwise apply. This could have the effect of increasing our effective income tax rate and could also have an adverse effect on our net income and results of operations, and may require us to withhold tax on our non-PRC shareholders.
The discontinuation of the preferential tax treatments and government subsidies available to us could decrease our net income and materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our PRC subsidiaries are incorporated in China and are governed by PRC income tax laws and regulations. Prior to January 1, 2008, entities established in China were generally subject to a 30% national and 3% local enterprise income tax rate. Various preferential tax treatments promulgated by national tax authorities were available to foreign-invested enterprises. Under the new PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, China has adopted a uniform enterprise income tax rate of 25% for all PRC enterprises (including foreign-invested enterprises). Under the EIT Law and its implementation regulations, income derived by an enterprise from the primary processing of agricultural products (including slaughtering live hogs) could be exempt from enterprise income tax. Consequently, a majority of our subsidiaries in China that slaughter live hogs are exempted from enterprise income tax. For non-primary processing of agricultural products, we’re subject to the uniform 25% tax rate. We cannot assure you that the tax authorities will not change their position. We cannot assure you that our PRC subsidiaries will continue to qualify for benefits under the EIT Law, or that the local tax authorities will not, in the future, change their position and revoke any of our past preferential tax treatments, any of which could cause our effective tax rate to increase, cause our net income to decrease, and materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, the central and local PRC government has provided us with various subsidies to encourage our research and development activities, building new facilities using information technology, building cold chain logistic and distribution networks, and for other contributions to the local community, such as increasing employment opportunities. Subsidies granted to us by PRC governmental authorities are subject to review and may be adjusted or revoked at any time in the future. The discontinuation or reduction of subsidies currently available to us may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our non-compliance with certain social insurance contribution laws and regulations in the PRC may lead to the imposition of fines and penalties on us.
In accordance with the relevant PRC national labor laws and regulations, we are required to contribute to a number of employee social welfare schemes for the benefit of our employees. Such schemes include social insurance (including the basic pension insurance, the basic medical insurance for urban workers, the work-related injury insurance, the unemployment insurance and the maternity insurance) and housing provident fund contributions. We have not fully complied with the social insurance and housing fund contribution requirements for our employees.
According to the confirmation letter issued to us by Laifeng County Office of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture Housing Provident Fund Management Center, it confirmed that it would not impose any financial penalties or other forms of administrative penalties on Anpulo Laifeng, nor would it require us to make good any overdue contributions in relation to housing provident fund.
In respect of social insurance contributions, as a majority of our employees are rural migrant workers or rural residents, they have participated in the rural cooperation medical insurance or the basic medical insurance for urban residents, according to the confirmation letter issued to us by Laifeng County Social Insurance Bureau, they are permitted not to participate in the basic medical insurance for urban workers. Under Social Insurance Law of the PRC and other relevant PRC Laws, the local social insurance authority is entitled to require us to pay the outstanding social insurance within a prescribed time limit and impose a late charge of 0.05% per day from the day when contribution becomes overdue. If we fail to do so within such prescribed time limit, a fine ranging from one to three times of the outstanding social insurance may be imposed on us.
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are contained principally in the sections entitled “Prospectus Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Business.” These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the section captioned “Risk Factors” above.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “will,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to:
| ● | our expectations regarding the market for our products and services; |
| ● | our expectations regarding the continued growth of our industry in the PRC; |
| ● | our beliefs regarding the competitiveness of our business model; |
| ● | our expectations regarding the expansion of our operations; |
| ● | our expectations with respect to revenue generation and growth and our ability to achieve profitability resulting from increases in our sale volumes; |
| ● | our future business development, results of operations and financial condition; and |
| ● | competition from companies with similar businesses. |
Also, forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus, or that we filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
Third Party Data
This prospectus also contains estimates and other information concerning our industry which is based on industry publications, surveys and forecasts, including those generated by us. This information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and please considers these estimates and information together with the assumptions and limitations that they are based on. Please contact us if you have any specific questions. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in “Risk Factors.”
The selling shareholders are selling the ordinary shares covered by this prospectus for their own account. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of these shares. We have agreed to bear the expenses relating to the registration of the shares for the selling security holders, but we will not pay any of the selling commissions, brokerage fees and related expenses.
Since our ordinary shares are not currently listed or quoted on any exchange or quotation system, the offering price of the ordinary shares covered by this prospectus was estimated by the Company, based on the effective price at which our ordinary shares were last sold in a private transaction. The last effective private sales price is further determined by the price at which the common stock of Anpulo HK was sold in a shares-for-debt transaction occurred on October 21, 2013, prior to the share exchange transaction where the common stock of Anpulo HK were subsequently exchanged for the registrant’s ordinary shares. On October 21, 2013, Mr. Wenping Luo, the then shareholder of Anpulo HK and the Company’s current officer and director, transferred 280 shares of the common stock of Anpulo HK that he owned to six creditors in exchange for the cancellation of $5.6 million of debt that owed by Mr. Luo. These creditors subsequently exchanged each of their shares of the common stock of Anpulo HK for 100,000 ordinary shares of the Company in the share exchange occurred on October 30, 2013. The last private sale price for the common stock of Anpulo HK in the shares-for-debt transaction was $20,000 per share and following the share exchange, the last effective private sale price for the registrant’s ordinary share was $0.2 per ordinary share.
The offering price of our ordinary shares does not necessarily bear any relationship to our book value, assets, or any other established criteria of value. The facts considered in determining the offering price were our financial condition and prospects, our limited operating history and the general condition of the securities market.
Our ordinary shares are not currently listed or quoted for trading on any national securities exchange or national quotation system. Our intention is to apply for quotation of our ordinary shares on the OTC Bulletin Board maintained by FINRA. However, there is no guarantee that the OTC Bulletin Board, or any other quotation system, will permit our shares to be quoted and traded. The OTC Bulletin Board is an inter-dealer, over-the-counter market that provides significantly less liquidity than the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ Stock Market. The quotation of our shares on the OTC Bulletin Board may result in a less liquid market available for existing and potential shareholders to trade our shares, could depress the trading price of our ordinary shares and could have a long-term adverse impact on our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, FINRA has enacted changes that limit quotations on the OTC Bulletin Board to securities of issuers that are not current in their reports filed with the SEC. The effect on the OTC Bulletin Board of these rule changes and other proposed changes cannot be determined at this time.
In addition, there is no assurance that our ordinary shares will trade at market prices in excess of the purchase price as prices for the ordinary shares in any public market which may develop will be determined in the marketplace and may be influenced by many factors, including the breadth and liquidity of the trading in our shares.
This prospectus relates to the resale by the selling shareholders named below from time to time of up to a total of 15,500,000 ordinary shares that were issued or are issuable to selling shareholders pursuant to transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All of the ordinary shares offered by this prospectus are being offered by the selling shareholders for their own accounts.
On October 30, 2013, the selling shareholders received the shares being offered by this prospectus in a share exchange transaction where each of the selling shareholders tendered for exchange the shares of Anpulo HK that they held.
Among the 36 selling shareholders, six shareholders received their shares of Anpulo HK transferred from the then shareholder of Anpulo HK and the Company’s current officer and director, Mr. Wenping Luo, in exchange for the cancellation of Mr. Luo’s debts owed to them and, 30 shareholders received their shares of Anpulo HK from the Company as compensation for their services provided to the Company.
On October 21, 2013, Mr. Wenping Luo transferred 280 shares of the common stock of Anpulo HK that he owned, to six creditors in exchange for the cancellation of $5.6 million of debt that owed by Mr. Luo. These creditors subsequently exchanged each of their shares of Anpulo HK for 100,000 common shares of the Company in the share exchange occurred on October 30, 2013.
On October 21, 2013, Anpulo HK issued a total of 30 shares of its common stock to 30 of its employees as compensation for services rendered. Same as above, these employees subsequently exchange each of their shares of Anpulo HK for 100,000 common shares of the Company in the share exchange occurred on October 30, 2013.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the selling shareholders and the shares offered by them in this prospectus. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC.
None of the selling shareholders has held a position as an officer or director of the Company, nor has any material relationship of any kind with us or any of our affiliates. All information with respect to share ownership has been furnished by the selling shareholders. The ordinary shares being offered is being registered to permit secondary trading of the shares and the selling shareholders may offer all or part of the ordinary shares owned for resale from time to time. In addition, none of the selling shareholders has any family relationships with our officers, directors or controlling shareholders. Furthermore, no selling shareholder is a registered broker-dealer or an affiliate of a registered broker-dealer.
The term “selling shareholders” also includes any transferees, pledges, donees, or other successors in interest to the selling shareholders named in the table below. To our knowledge, subject to applicable community property laws, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the ordinary shares set forth opposite such person’s name. We will file a supplement to this prospectus (or a post-effective amendment hereto, if necessary) to name successors to any named selling shareholder who is able to use this prospectus to resell the securities registered hereby.
Name and Address of Beneficial | | Shares Beneficially Owned Prior to the Offering (1) | | | Shares Being | | | Shares Beneficially Owned After the Offering (2) | |
Owner | | Number | | | Percentage (3) | | | Offered | | | Number | | | Percentage (3) | |
Fengjiao Huang (4) | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4.07 | % | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2.03 | % |
Jingrong Jiang (5) | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4.07 | % | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2.03 | % |
Benming Wang (6) | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4.07 | % | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2.03 | % |
Yuxiang Qi (7) | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 4.07 | % | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 2.03 | % |
Panpan Huang (8) | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3.25 | % | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1.63 | % |
Zhiwei Qiao (9) | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 3.25 | % | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1.63 | % |
Jianguo Sun (10)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Gao Chen (11)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Tao Yang (12)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Maochun Kang (13)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Xiaoli Xiang (14)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Rong Dai (15)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Anyou Xie (16)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Qijun Hu (17)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Guojun He (18)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Hongbing Shi (19)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Keqin Wang (20)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Sheng Tan (21)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Yaodong Zhang (22)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Feng Ma (23)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Zhongyuan Hu (24)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Dan Hu (25)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Qun Wang (26)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Li Ran (27)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Lili Hu (28)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Mingke Hu (29)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Wenkun Luo (30)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Ying Lu (31)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Tianjun Yang (32)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Kaiwan Liang (33)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Youbo Zhang (34)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Shunli Yang (35)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Taiping Duan (36)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Zhijia He (37)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Jinju Tian (38)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Qing Han (39)* | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.08 | % | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Total | | | 31,000,000 | | | | 25.2 | % | | | 15,500,000 | | | | 15,500,000 | | | | 12.6 | % |
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Generally, a person is considered to beneficially own securities: (i) over which such person, directly or indirectly, exercises sole or shared voting or investment power, and (ii) of which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days (such as through exercise of share options or warrants).
(2) Assumes that all securities offered are sold.
(3) Based upon a total of 123,000,000 shares of ordinary shares outstanding as of October 30, 2013. Pursuant to Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, for each beneficial owner above, any share of which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days (such as through exercise of share options or warrants) have been included in the denominator.
(4) Principal address at Room 6-1, unit 2, 4 Bajiaomiao, Zitong Subdistrict, Tongnan County, Chongqing, China.
(5) Principal address at Room 8, 4th Floor, Unit 2, Building 6, Erhuanlu Dong1duan27hao, Chenghua District, Chengdu, China.
(6) Principal address at Room 501, 29 Xinweifulu, Weihai, Shandong, China.
(7) Principal address at 9 Xingba Road, Xianfeng Village, Xingshugangzhen, Honggang District, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China.
(8) Principal address at 424 Huangjicun, Guguantunzhen, Dong'e County, Liaocheng, Shandong, China.
(9) Principal address at Room 13-1, 3rd Floor, Unit 4, 14 Jianshe Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu, China.
(10) Principal address at 24 Zhuyuan Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(11) Principal address at 8 Shadaogou St, Shadaogouzhen, Xuanen County, Hubei, China.
(12) Principal address at 4-601, 49 Hongsheng Road, Wuchang, Hubei, China.
(13) Principal address t 42 Longfeng Road, Min'an Subdistrict, Longshan County, Hunan, China.
(14) Principal address at No.5, 14 Hangxi 1st Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(15) Principal address at 64 Geleche 1st Road, Geleche Town, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(16) Principal address at Room 26, 34 Yu'e Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(17) Principal address at 4 Yujiagou Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(18) Principal address at Room 1, 3 Hangdong 1st Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(19) Principal address at 68 Jielongqiao Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(20) Principal address at Room 2-104, 17 Banbiancheng Road, Xiangfengzhen, Hubei, China.
(21) Principal address at 109 Jianshe Road, Zhushanzhen, Xuanen County, Hubei, China.
(22) Principal address at Room 2, 61 Jiefang Avenue, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(23) Principal address at Yujiagou Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(24) Principal address at Room 109, Building 2, 5 Yujiagou Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(25) Principal address at No.21, Unit 3, Xiangbi Village, Huatang Subdistrict, Longshan County, Hunan, China.
(26) Principal address at Room 106, Building 2, 30 Yu'e Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(27) Principal address at Room 101, Unit 2, Building 1, 2 Fengzhong Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(28) Principal address at Room 207, Building 1, 10 Yuhongqiao Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(29) Principal address at 9 Youmatou Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(30) Principal address at Chaoyang East Road, Min'an Subdistrict, Longshan County, Hunan, China.
(31) Principal address at 74 Fengnan Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(32) Principal address at No.3, Unit 6, Xiangbi Village, Huatang Subdistrict, Longshan County, Hunan, China.
(33) Principal address at No.95, Unit 15, Guihuashu Village, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(34) Principal address at No.12-1, Hongyan Village, Huatang Subdistrict, Longshan County, Hunan, China.
(35) Principal address at Unit 6, Xiangbi Village, Huatang Subdistrict, Longshan County, Hunan, China.
(36) Principal address at Room 109, Building 1, 2 Fengbei Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(37) Principal address at No.19, Unit 10, Guihuashu Village, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(38) Principal address at 1Xiang 1Qu 12Hao, Jinpenshan, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
(39) Principal address at 8 Wanjiatang Road, Xiangfengzhen, Laifeng County, Hubei, China.
The selling shareholders will offer and sell our ordinary shares at $0.20 per share until a public market emerges for our ordinary shares and, thereafter, at prevailing market prices. The selling shareholders may use any one or more of the following methods when disposing of shares or interests therein:
| ● | ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers; |
| ● | block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; |
| ● | purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; |
| ● | an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
| ● | privately negotiated transactions; |
| ● | short sales effected after the date the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part is declared effective by the SEC; |
| ● | through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise; |
| ● | broker-dealers may agree with the selling shareholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; and |
| ● | a combination of any such methods of sale. |
The selling shareholders may also resell all or a portion of the shares in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act after one year has elapsed from October 31, 2013 the date of filing of “Form 10 information” with the SEC, provided that we have filed all reports and other materials required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as applicable, during the preceding 12 months, other than Form 8-K reports and that the selling shareholders meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule.
The selling shareholders may, from time to time, pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the ordinary shares owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the ordinary shares, from time to time, under this prospectus, or under an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending the list of selling shareholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling shareholders under this prospectus. The selling shareholders also may transfer the securities in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.
In connection with the sale of our ordinary shares or interests therein, the selling shareholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the ordinary shares in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling shareholders may also sell our ordinary shares short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the ordinary shares to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling shareholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The aggregate proceeds to the selling shareholders from the sale of the ordinary shares offered by them will be the purchase price of the ordinary shares less discounts or commissions, if any. Each of the selling shareholders reserves the right to accept and, together with their agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of ordinary shares to be made directly or through agents. We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling shareholders may arrange for other broker-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling shareholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchase of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated. The selling shareholders do not expect these commissions and discounts to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved, and in no case will the maximum compensation received by any broker-dealer exceed eight percent (8%).
Any underwriters, agents, or broker-dealers, and any selling shareholders who are affiliates of broker dealers that participate in the sale of the ordinary shares or interests therein may be deemed as underwriters within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act. In such event, any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the shares may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Because selling shareholders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, they may be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act including Rule 172 thereunder. In addition, the ordinary shares covered by this prospectus which qualifies for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus. We know of no existing arrangements between any of the selling shareholders and any other shareholder, broker, dealer, underwriter, or agent relating to the sale or distribution of the shares, nor can we presently estimate the amount, if any, of such compensation. See “Selling Shareholders” for a description of any material relationship that a shareholder has with us and the description of such relationship.
To the extent required, the shares of our ordinary shares to be sold, the names of the selling shareholders, the purchase price and public offering prices if a public offering is formulated, the names of any agents, dealer or underwriter, any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.
In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the ordinary shares may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the ordinary shares may not be sold unless it has been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.
We have advised the selling shareholders that the anti-manipulation rules of Regulation M under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of shares in the market and to the activities of the selling shareholders and their affiliates. In addition, we will make copies of this prospectus (as it may be supplemented or amended from time to time) available to the selling shareholders for the purpose of satisfying the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. The selling shareholders may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving the sale of the shares against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
We have agreed to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by us incident to the registration of the shares. Such fees and expenses are estimated to be approximately $75,400. We have agreed to indemnify the selling shareholders against liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and state securities laws, relating to the registration of the shares offered by this prospectus.
General
We are authorised to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share, of which 123,000,000 shares of ordinary shares are issued and outstanding as of this filing. We are in the process of updating our share register to reflect the shares newly issued in the share exchange transaction completed on October 30, 2013 and we expect to complete updating our share register by the end of January 2014.
We are a British Virgin Islands corporation and our affairs are governed by our memorandum of association and articles of association. The following are summaries of material provisions of our memorandum of association and articles of association insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares. A complete copy of our memorandum of association and articles of association is filed as an exhibit to our public filings.
Ordinary shares
All outstanding ordinary shares are of the same class and have equal rights and attributes. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company. All shareholders are entitled to share equally in dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available. In the event of liquidation, the holders of ordinary shares are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities. The shareholders do not have cumulative or preemptive rights.
Dividend Rights
Holders of the ordinary shares may receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of the assets legally available for that purpose and subject to the preferential dividend rights of any other classes or series of shares of our Company.
Voting Rights
Holders of the ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share in all matters as to which holders of ordinary shares are entitled to vote. Holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of ordinary shares entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders constitute a quorum unless otherwise required by law.
Election of Directors
Directors hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and are eligible for reelection at such meeting. Directors are elected by a plurality of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. There is no cumulative voting for directors.
Liquidation
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of the ordinary shares have the right to receive ratably and equally all of the assets remaining after payment of liabilities and liquidation preferences of any preferred shares then outstanding.
Redemption
The ordinary shares are not redeemable or convertible.
Preemptive Rights
Holders of the ordinary shares do not have preemptive rights.
Differences in Corporate Law
The BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 as amended (the “BC Act”) and the laws of the British Virgin Islands affecting British Virgin Islands companies like us and our shareholders differ from laws applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the material differences between the provisions of the laws of the British Virgin Islands applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders.
Mergers and similar arrangements
Under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, two or more companies may merge or consolidate in accordance with Section 170 of the BC Act. A merger means the merging of two or more constituent companies into one of the constituent companies and a consolidation means the uniting of two or more constituent companies into a new company. In order to merge or consolidate, the directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation, which must be authorized by a resolution of shareholders.
While a director may vote on the plan of merger or consolidation even if he has a financial interest in the plan, the interested director must disclose the interest to all other directors of the company promptly upon becoming aware of the fact that he is interested in a transaction entered into or to be entered into by the company.
A transaction entered into by our company in respect of which a director is interested (including a merger or consolidation) is voidable by us unless the director’s interest was (a) disclosed to the board prior to the transaction or (b) the transaction is (i) between the director and the company and (ii) the transaction is in the ordinary course of the company’s business and on usual terms and conditions.
Notwithstanding the above, a transaction entered into by the company is not voidable if the material facts of the interest are known to the shareholders and they approve or ratify it or the company received fair value for the transaction.
Shareholders not otherwise entitled to vote on the merger or consolidation may still acquire the right to vote if the plan of merger or consolidation contains any provision which, if proposed as an amendment to the memorandum or articles of association, would entitle them to vote as a class or series on the proposed amendment. In any event, all shareholders must be given a copy of the plan of merger or consolidation irrespective of whether they are entitled to vote at the meeting to approve the plan of merger or consolidation.
The shareholders of the constituent companies are not required to receive shares of the surviving or consolidated company but may receive debt obligations or other securities of the surviving or consolidated company, other assets, or a combination thereof. Further, some or all of the shares of a class or series may be converted into a kind of asset while the other shares of the same class or series may receive a different kind of asset. As such, not all the shares of a class or series must receive the same kind of consideration.
After the plan of merger or consolidation has been approved by the directors and authorized by a resolution of the shareholders, articles of merger or consolidation are executed by each company and filed with the Registrar of Corporate Affairs in the British Virgin Islands.
A shareholder may dissent from a mandatory redemption of his shares, an arrangement (if permitted by the court), a merger (unless the shareholder was a shareholder of the surviving company prior to the merger and continues to hold the same or similar shares after the merger) or a consolidation. A shareholder properly exercising his dissent rights is entitled to a cash payment equal to the fair value of his shares.
A shareholder dissenting from a merger or consolidation must object in writing to the merger or consolidation before the vote by the shareholders on the merger or consolidation, unless notice of the meeting was not given to the shareholder. If the merger or consolidation is approved by the shareholders, the company must give notice of this fact to each shareholder within 20 days who gave written objection. These shareholders then have 20 days to give to the company their written election in the form specified by the BVI Act to dissent from the merger or consolidation, provided that in the case of a merger, the 20 days starts when the plan of merger is delivered to the shareholder.
Upon giving notice of his election to dissent, a shareholder ceases to have any shareholder rights except the right to be paid the fair value of his shares. As such, the merger or consolidation may proceed in the ordinary course notwithstanding his dissent.
Within seven days of the later of the delivery of the notice of election to dissent and the effective date of the merger or consolidation, the company must make a written offer to each dissenting shareholder to purchase his shares at a specified price per share that the company determines to be the fair value of the shares. The company and the shareholder then have 30 days to agree upon the price. If the company and a shareholder fail to agree on the price within the 30 days, then the company and the shareholder shall, within 20 days immediately following the expiration of the 30-day period, each designate an appraiser and these two appraisers shall designate a third appraiser. These three appraisers shall fix the fair value of the shares as of the close of business on the day prior to the shareholders’ approval of the transaction without taking into account any change in value as a result of the transaction.
Shareholders’ suits
There are both statutory and common law remedies available to our shareholders as a matter of British Virgin Islands law. These are summarized below:
Prejudiced members
A shareholder who considers that the affairs of the company have been, are being, or are likely to be, conducted in a manner that is, or any act or acts of the company have been, or are, likely to be oppressive, unfairly discriminatory or unfairly prejudicial to him in that capacity, can apply to the court under Section 184I of the BVI Act, inter alia, for an order that his shares be acquired, that he be provided compensation, that the Court regulate the future conduct of the company, or that any decision of the company which contravenes the BVI Act or our memorandum and articles of association be set aside.
Derivative actions
Section 184C of the BC Act provides that a shareholder of a company may, with the leave of the Court, bring an action in the name of the company to redress any wrong done to it.
Just and equitable winding up
In addition to the statutory remedies outlined above, shareholders can also petition for the winding up of a company on the grounds that it is just and equitable for the court to so order. Save in exceptional circumstances, this remedy is only available where the company has been operated as a quasi partnership and trust and confidence between the partners has broken down.
Indemnification of directors and executive officers and limitation of liability
British Virgin Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any provision providing indemnification may be held by the British Virgin Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime.
Under our memorandum and articles of association, we indemnify against all expenses, including legal fees, and against all judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in connection with legal, administrative or investigative proceedings for any person who:
| ● | is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that the person is or was our director; or |
| ● | is or was, at our request, serving as a director or officer of, or in any other capacity is or was acting for, another body corporate or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. |
These indemnities only apply if the person acted honestly and in good faith with a view to our best interests and, in the case of criminal proceedings, the person had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
This standard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law for a Delaware corporation.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us under the foregoing provisions, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Anti-takeover provisions in our memorandum and articles of association
Some provisions of our memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that provide for a staggered board of directors and prevent shareholders from taking an action by written consent in lieu of a meeting. However, under British Virgin Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time, as they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.
Directors’ fiduciary duties
Under Delaware corporate law, a director of a Delaware corporation has a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its shareholders. This duty has two components: the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that a director act in good faith, with the care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under this duty, a director must inform himself of, and disclose to shareholders, all material information reasonably available regarding a transaction that is material to the company. The duty of loyalty requires that a director act in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He must not use his corporate position for personal gain or advantage. This duty prohibits self-dealing by a director and mandates that the best interest of the corporation and its shareholders take precedence over any interest possessed by a director, officer or controlling shareholder and not shared by the shareholders generally. In general, actions of a director are presumed to have been made on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the corporation. However, this presumption may be rebutted by evidence of a breach of one of the fiduciary duties. Should such evidence be presented concerning a transaction by a director, a director must prove the procedural fairness of the transaction and that the transaction was of fair value to the corporation.
Under British Virgin Islands law, our directors owe the company certain statutory and fiduciary duties including, among others, a duty to act honestly, in good faith, for a proper purpose and with a view to what the directors believe to be in the best interests of the company. Our directors are also required, when exercising powers or performing duties as a director, to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonable director would exercise in comparable circumstances, taking into account without limitation, the nature of the company, the nature of the decision and the position of the director and the nature of the responsibilities undertaken. In the exercise of their powers, our directors must ensure neither they nor the company acts in a manner which contravenes the BVI Act or our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and re-stated from time to time. A shareholder has the right to seek damages for breaches of duties owed to us by our directors.
Shareholder action by written consent
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may eliminate the right of shareholders to act by written consent by amendment to its certificate of incorporation. British Virgin Islands law provides that shareholders may approve corporate matters by way of a written resolution without a meeting signed by or on behalf of shareholders sufficient to constitute the requisite majority of shareholders who would have been entitled to vote on such matter at a general meeting; provided that if the consent is less than unanimous, notice must be given to all non-consenting shareholders. However, our memorandum and articles of association do not permit shareholders to act by written consent.
Shareholder proposals
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a shareholder has the right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders, provided it complies with the notice provisions in the governing documents. A special meeting may be called by the board of directors or any other person authorized to do so in the governing documents, but shareholders may be precluded from calling special meetings. British Virgin Islands law and our memorandum and articles of association allow our shareholders holding not less than 50% of the votes of the outstanding voting shares to requisition a shareholders’ meeting. We are not obliged by law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings, but our memorandum and articles of association do permit the directors to call such a meeting. The location of any shareholders’ meeting can be determined by the board of directors and can be held anywhere in the world.
Cumulative voting
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation’s certificate of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board of directors since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director, which increases the shareholder’s voting power with respect to electing such director. As permitted under British Virgin Islands law, our memorandum and articles of association do not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, our shareholders are not afforded any less protections or rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.
Removal of directors
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a director of a corporation with a classified board may be removed only for cause with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under our memorandum and articles of association, directors can be removed from office, with cause, by a resolution of shareholders or by a resolution of directors passed at a meeting of directors called for the purpose of removing the director or for purposes including the removal of the director.
Transactions with interested shareholders
The Delaware General Corporation Law contains a business combination statute applicable to Delaware public corporations whereby, unless the corporation has specifically elected not to be governed by such statute by amendment to its certificate of incorporation, it is prohibited from engaging in certain business combinations with an “interested shareholder” for three years following the date that such person becomes an interested shareholder. An interested shareholder generally is a person or group who or which owns or owned 15% or more of the target’s outstanding voting shares within the past three years. This has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for the target in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which such shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an interested shareholder. This encourages any potential acquirer of a Delaware public corporation to negotiate the terms of any acquisition transaction with the target’s board of directors. British Virgin Islands law has no comparable statute. However, our memorandum and articles of association expressly provide for the same protection afforded by the Delaware business combination statute.
Dissolution; Winding Up
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by shareholders holding 100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved by a simple majority of the corporation’s outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board. Under the BVI Act and our memorandum and articles of association, we may appoint a voluntary liquidator by a resolution of the shareholders or by resolution of directors.
Variation of rights of shares
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of shares with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under our memorandum and articles of association, if at any time our shares are divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class may only be varied, whether or not our company is in liquidation, by a resolution passed at a meeting by a majority of the votes cast by those entitled to vote at a meeting of the holders of the issued shares in that class.
Amendment of governing documents
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation’s governing documents may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. As permitted by British Virgin Islands law, our memorandum and articles of association may be amended by a resolution of shareholders and, subject to certain exceptions, by a resolution of directors. Any amendment is effective from the date it is registered at the Registry of Corporate Affairs in the British Virgin Islands.
Overview
We process, distribute and market pork and cured pork products in the People’s Republic of China, (the “PRC” or “China”). We do not raise hogs, but instead purchase live hogs from pig farms or individual farmers in Laifeng county and its neighboring area in China for slaughtering, processing and curing. As of September 30, 2013, our product line included over 183 unique meat products, including chilled pork, frozen pork and prepared meats. We sell all of our products under our “Anpulo” and “Linghaotuzhu” brand names.
Our value-added pork and cured pork products are targeting China’s middle and high income class. Our products are marketed domestically to supermarkets, warehouse club stores, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, and non-commercial establishments, such as schools, hotel chains, healthcare facilities, army bases and other food processors. As of September 30, 2013, our wholesale customers included eight fast food companies, 16 processing factories and 51 school cafeterias, factory canteens, hotels, army bases, hospitals and government departments. As of such date, we also retail through 66 supermarket counter locations and 38 third-party owned and operated specialty boutique stores.
We currently have one processing plant in China, located in Laifeng County, Enshi Tujia and Miao Prefecture, Hubei province. Our total production capacity for chilled pork and frozen pork is approximately 85 metric tons per eight-hour day, or approximately 30,000 metric tons on an annual basis. In addition, we have production capacity for prepared meats of approximately 14 metric tons per eight-hour day, or approximately 5,000 metric tons on an annual basis.
We have a video monitored logistics system that integrates transportation and warehouse management. As of September 30, 2013, we had over 12 temperature-controlled trucks to handle our transportation needs and the capacity for our two temperature adjustable warehouses totaled approximately 5,230 cubic meters.
In 2012 and 2011, we had approximately $18.12 million and $15.08 million in sales, respectively, and $0.23 million and $0.11 million in net income, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we had approximately $13.56 million in sales and approximately $0.71 million in net loss.
Our Corporate Structure
Overview
We are a holding company and conduct substantially all of our production, marketing, finance, research and development, and administrative activities through our indirect subsidiaries located in China. We were incorporated in the State of Nevada under the name “Europa Acquisition VII, Inc.” on July 30, 2010. On February 9, 2012, the Company filed with the State of Nevada Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation changing its name from Europa Acquisition VII, Inc., to Anpulo Food, Inc. On June 25, 2012, the Company re-domiciled from the State of Nevada to British Virgin Islands. Prior to October 30, 2013, we were organized as a vehicle to investigate and, if such investigation warrants, acquire a target company or business seeking the perceived advantages of being a publicly held corporation. From July 30, 2010 to October 30, 2013, we did not generate any revenue and we accumulated no significant assets as we explored a possible business combination. We entered into our current line of business on October 30, 2013 by acquiring Anpulo HK, its wholly-owned subsidiary Anpulo WFOE and the variable interest entity Anpulo Laifeng.
On October 30, 2013, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Anpulo HK in exchange for the issuance by us of an aggregate of 122,900,000 restricted ordinary shares to the shareholders of Anpulo HK. As a result of our share exchange with Anpulo HK, which is commonly referred to as a “reverse acquisition,” Anpulo HK became our wholly owned subsidiary.
Anpulo HK formed Anpulo WFOE on September 6, 2013. Upon completion of the acquisition, we owned all of the outstanding capital stock of Anpulo HK, and Anpulo HK became our wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong. Anpulo HK, in turn, owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Anpulo WFOE, our operating subsidiary based in China. Anpulo WFOE has entered into control agreements with all of the owners of Anpulo Laifeng, which agreements allow Anpulo WFOE to control Anpulo Laifeng. Through our ownership of Anpulo HK, Anpulo HK’s ownership of Anpulo WFOE and Anpulo WFOE’s contractual agreements with the owners of Anpulo Laifeng as well as Anpulo Laifeng itself, we control Anpulo Laifeng.
Corporate History – Anpulo Laifeng
Anpulo Laifeng was incorporated on March 3, 2005 as a domestic Chinese corporation. As Anpulo Laifeng has continued to grow, it has increased its registered capital, which presently stands at RMB 40,500,000 (approximately $6,500,000).
Our director, Wenping Luo, is also the chairman and principal shareholder of Anpulo Laifeng and holds 95%, and along with his wife, Jinfeng Hu, together they hold 100% of the equity interest of Anpulo Laifeng. Indeed, the holders of the majority of the shares of Anpulo Laifeng also hold the majority of the shares of Anpulo HK. Because our controlling shareholders also own the vast majority of Anpulo Laifeng shares and also because Anpulo Laifeng has entered into control agreements pursuant to which our wholly-owned subsidiary Anpulo WFOE has effective managerial authority over the business of Anpulo Laifeng.
Control Agreements
We conduct our business in China through our subsidiary, Anpulo HK, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Anpulo WFOE. Anpulo WFOE, in turn, conducts its business through Anpulo Laifeng, which we consolidate as a variable interest entity. Anpulo WFOE and Anpulo Laifeng operate in connection with a series of control agreements, rather than through an equity ownership relationship.
Chinese laws and regulations currently do not prohibit or restrict foreign ownership in meat products businesses. Yet, Chinese laws and regulations do prevent direct foreign investment in certain industries. On September 22, 2013, to protect the Company’s shareholders from possible future foreign ownership restrictions, Anpulo Laifeng as well as all of the shareholders of Anpulo Laifeng entered into an Entrusted Management Agreement, Exclusive Option Agreement, Shareholders’ Voting Proxy Agreement and Pledge of Equity Interest Agreement (collectively, the “Control Agreements”) with Anpulo WFOE.
The Control Agreements operate as follows:
| ● | in the Entrusted Management Agreement, Anpulo Laifeng and all of its shareholders granted to Anpulo WFOE the exclusive responsibility for the operation of Anpulo Laifeng, including the rights to appoint and terminate members of its board of directors, to manage and control all cash flow and assets of Anpulo Laifeng, and to control and administer the financial affairs and daily operations of Anpulo Laifeng. |
| ● | in the Exclusive Option Agreement, Anpulo Laifeng and all of its shareholders irrevocably granted to Anpulo WFOE the exclusive option to purchase all of their shares of Anpulo Laifeng; and |
| ● | in the Shareholders’ Voting Proxy Agreement, all of the shareholders of Anpulo Laifeng irrevocably appointed Mr. Wenping Luo, an individual designated by Anpulo WFOE, with the exclusive right to exercise their voting rights associated with their shares in Anpulo Laifeng; |
| ● | in the Equity Pledge Agreement, all of the shareholders of Anpulo Laifeng pledged all of their rights and interests equity in Anpulo Laifeng, including rights in the shares of Anpulo Laifeng and associated voting rights, to Anpulo WFOE; |
As a result of these Control Agreements, which also cause Anpulo WFOE to absorb 100% of the expected losses and gains of Anpulo Laifeng, we are considered the primary beneficiary of Anpulo Laifeng. While Anpulo Laifeng maintains its separate corporate identity, management authority for its decisions and actions is formally vested in Anpulo WFOE, and indirectly with its ultimate parent entity, Anpulo, as a result of the Control Agreements. Accordingly, we consolidate Anpulo Laifeng’s operating results, assets and liabilities in our financial statements.
In exchange for tendering control of Anpulo Laifeng, the shareholders of Anpulo Laifeng received ownership of the majority of the shares of Anpulo. Anpulo Laifeng shareholders collectively received 122,900,000 of 123,000,000 presently issued and outstanding shares, representing 99.92% of Anpulo’s issued ordinary shares.
Equity Pledge Registration
We are currently in the process of registering with SAIC local branch the equity pledge for all of the shares of Anpulo Laifeng provided by the equity pledge agreement. We expect to complete such registration no later than June 2014. Before the registration is completed, the equity pledge is not deemed to have been established, and therefore Anpulo WFOE is considered as an unsecured creditor and is not entitled to enjoy a first priority in equity interest. In this case, if the shareholders of Anpulo Laifeng default on the contractual agreements or if Anpulo Laifeng bankrupts, we will lose a substantial portion of our equity interest in Anpulo Laifeng to any then existing secured creditors. As a result, our financial interest in Anpulo Laifeng could be comprised and our financial position could be materially and adversely affected. For more discussions of the consequence for failing to register the equity pledge, please see the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 9.
Our current corporate structure is as follows:
(1) | Contractual arrangements including an Entrusted Management Agreement, Exclusive Option Agreement, Shareholders’ Voting Proxy Agreement and Pledge of Equity Interest Agreement. For a description of these agreements, see “Corporate Structure— Contractual Arrangements with Anpulo and Anpulo’s Shareholders.” |
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(2) | The shareholders of Anpulo Laifeng are Wenping Luo (95%) and Jinfeng Hu (5%). |
Our Industry
The Meat Industry in China
According to the Earth Policy Institute, more than a quarter of all the meat produced worldwide is now eaten in China. Half the world’s pigs, about 476 million of them are said to reside in China. In 1978, China’s meat consumption of 8 million tons was one third the U.S. consumption of 24 million tons. But by 1992, China had overtaken the United States as the world’s leading meat consumer—and it has not looked back since. Now China’s annual meat consumption of 71 million tons is more than double that in the United States.
The data available at Chartsbin.com indicates that China’s per capita meat consumption was just over 58 kilograms (about 127.6 pounds) by 2009, which is significantly smaller than the consumption level of over 120 kg (about 264 pounds) per year by U.S. standards. Based on what is known about Chinese culinary culture and habits, however, our management believes that the Chinese population is expected to consume more meat as their disposable income increases. For example, in FAO’s 2009 report “The State of Food and Agriculture”, Hong Kong residents, who have a significantly higher per capita income, consumed on average 134.5 kg (about 295.9 pounds) of meat in 2005.
Our observations reveal that the meat industry in China is highly fragmented, characterized by sanitation and hygiene issues, as well as social demographic trends. Supply is extremely localized with limited distribution capability. China’s vast geography and ‘in-development’ transport infrastructure have made it difficult to create national or even regional level competition in the industry. Our management believes that the trend towards greater sales through formal supermarkets and chain stores, coupled with the expansion of our sales and distribution network, will continue to favorably impact our business.
Historically, the vast majority of meat sales in China have taken place in open-air markets or on streets, i.e., in free wet markets. These markets provide a venue through which customers can buy live poultry or freshly slaughtered meat produced directly from local farmers. China’s meat industry traditionally has been dominated by small and family-operated butcher shops that would slaughter the livestock in the open-air marketplaces and without the necessary safety and sterilized equipment. However, if sanitation standards are not maintained, wet markets can spread disease. Because of the openness, newly introduced animals may come in direct contact with sales clerks, butchers and customers. Insects such as flies have relatively easy access to the food products. Many times the carcasses are thrown on the floor to be butchered more easily. In the past, both the avian flu outbreak and SARS can be traced to the living conditions of keeping of live animals for sale in wet markets and the potential of cross infection this presents. There are a number of food safety concerns facing the Chinese pork industry, including swine streptococcus and Foot and Mouth Disease, the use of antibiotics and illegal feed additives, pork injected with water and illegal slaughterhouses. With the increase of living and hygiene standards, PRC governmental agencies have encouraged the replacement of open-air markets with supermarkets and convenience stores and, consequently, the market share of open-air markets has continued to decline. We believe that food safety is a top concern of Chinese consumers who purchase meat products, as health conscious consumers are demanding more sanitary quality meat products which can only be processed and delivered in a temperature controlled cold chain environment, this will eventually compel modernization of China’s meat processing industry. We believe this trend will favor our chilled and frozen pork wholesale business and will result in additional customers for the network of independently operated “Anpulo” specialty retail stores and supermarket counters that retail our products on an exclusive basis.
The Pork Industry in China
According to November 2013 report of the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), since 2010, the market for pork in China has become the largest in the world, accounting over half of global production and consumption. Production in China has consistently expanded over the past several years and is forecast at another record 54.7 million tons in 2014, according to USDA. China became a net importer of pork in 2008. It has imported approximately 400,000 tons of pork per year in recent years. This compares with global pork trade of less than seven million, according to Rabobank and Earth Policy Institute. According to USDA November 2013 report, China pork imports are expected to grow to a record 775,000 tons, yet still only account for just over 1 percent of China consumption. Pork is so central to the Chinese diet that in 2007 the government, hoping to cushion against price spikes, created a strategic pork reserve to accompany its more typical stockpiles of grain and petroleum.
Pork is China’s meat of choice, accounting for nearly three fourths of its meat consumption. According to Earth Policy Institute, on a per person basis, over the past five years, per capita pork consumption in China has grown by over 3 percent a year despite price increases.
In addition to a greater general preference for pork, urbanization and rapid income growth are working in parallel to create more demand for pork and processed pork products. An emerging middle class of relatively high-income consumers is forming in certain Chinese cities. As household incomes rise, these high-income residents consume more of all categories of foods on a per capita basis. These residents not only demand a greater quantity of food, but also higher quality (e.g. better cuts of meat, foods that are safer or healthier) and convenience (processed foods). Reports of food poisoning and dangerous chemical residues have given rise to strong demand for our pork products whose raw materials are coming from non-polluted mountain grown native hogs. We believe that affluent consumers would be willing to pay premium prices for foods which coming from a cleaner, safer environment, foods with purported health benefits or foods with other desirable attributes. We offer a wide range of pork products that appeal to high-income urban consumers who demand for safety, nutritional value, better taste, quality and convenience.
Competitive Strengths
We believe that the following competitive strengths enable us to compete effectively in China's meat products market:
| o | Our “Anpulo” and “Linghaotuzhu” brand products are sold at premium prices to middle and high income market in China. Hogs from our region are fed by local farmers with mountain grown herbs, grass, vines, fruits, and other crops such as corn, potato, and yam, which are free from drug residue, growth hormone and heavy metals residues. We only use hogs supplied from our region as the raw materials for our pork and cured pork products. The residents in this region have traditionally made livings on agriculture, livestock and poultry farming, and therefore the area has no industrial or chemical plants and the pollution is minimal. Hogs raised in our region are grown up in a mountain environment, with an average elevation of 680 meters (2,230 feet). These natively raised hogs typically have a longer growth cycle, normally a few months longer than typical hogs seen in China or western countries but are awarded with thinner skin, smaller bone structure, less fat, high protein, tender taste. Because the premium nature of our products, we price them at approximately 20% to 50% higher than similar pork products. |
| o | Our geographic location offers lower cost labors and abundant hog supply. Labor is a large portion of total operating costs for food processing companies. Our production and processing plant is located in Laifeng county, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, which we believe that provides lower cost labors than that is available for many of our competitors. Laifeng county, and its neighboring counties, are rich in pig farming, which provides us reliable sources to grow and expand. The region has hundreds of thousands local experienced hog-raising farmers. According to our survey, we estimate that Laifeng and its neighboring seven counties currently have an approximate annual production over four million native hogs. This compares to our current annual slaughter capacity of 300,000 hogs, which provides us reliable sources and ample room to grow and expand. |
| o | The “Anpulo” brand name, to our belief, is well recognized throughout our target markets in Hubei Province, China. Our “Anpulo” trade name was awarded certification as a “Hubei Province Well-Known Trade name” by the Hubei Province Administration of Industry and Commerce, and our “Anpulo” branded chilled pork and frozen pork products were certified as a “Hubei Province Famous Brand Product.” The brand identification differentiates us from many unorganized and low-end meat product suppliers, and therefore lends us support in developing customer base and implementing our pricing strategy. |
Our Growth Strategy
Our long-term business strategy is to establish our Company as a leading provider of premium pork and pork products in China. Our short-term objectives are to capitalize on current market opportunities and build on our competitive strengths to increase our market presence and enhance our position as a regional leader in the premium pork markets. The key elements of our growth strategy include the following:
| o | Continue the strategy of offering premium product at premium price. We apply different pricing strategy than our competitors, targeting health conscious consumers who are willing to pay premium price for safe, high quality pork products. We believe that food safety is a top concern of Chinese consumers who purchase meat products. Our consumer surveys showed that food safety, nutritional value and taste are the top three concerns of consumers, while price was ranked fourth. Therefore, we expect that our products by giving consumers the comfort and security of safe and health food will remain marketable at extra cost. To distinguish our pork products from the rest, we plan to continue to sell our pork products at prices approximately 20% to 50% higher than the products of the same category. |
| o | Increase our market presence in Wuhan City, Chongqing city and Hunan province. As of September 30, 2013, we operated sales offices in Laifeng County and Wuhan City and had one warehouse in each of two cities. We currently operate 66 supermarket counters. We believe that we are still in our early stage of reaching market saturation. When our financial position permits, we plan to increase our market presence by continue adding more supermarket counters in Wuhan City. We are also strategizing to seek expansion opportunities in neighboring provinces. Laifeng county is located in the southwest part of Hubei province and it’s also in the junction of Hubei province, Hunan province and the municipality Chongqing city. As of September 30, 2013, we sell our products to 14 specialty retail stores in Chongqing city and Hunan province and had no supermarket counter in these two provinces. We believe our Laifeng location will enable us to continue service the three provinces and municipality and expand our presence there. |
| o | Expand our product lines. As of September 30, 2013, our product lines included over 183 types of pork and cured pork products, and we had over 30 new products under development. At such day, we were unable to ascertain the timeframe by which the development can be completed. In addition to in-house product development, we plan to seek collaboration with outside academic and research force to optimize and expand our product lines. |
| o | Enhance our brand awareness. We believe we can best achieve sustainable growth through further raising awareness of our brand names “Anpulo” and “Linghaotuzhu”. We plan to build our brand by focusing on educating consumers of our pork products, participate in holidays and special occasion promotions, and showcase our variety of pork products through our retail channels including our supermarket counters and third-party owned and operated boutique type, specialty retail stores. We believe that our retail channels will create additional brand awareness that will benefit our wholesale customers. |
| o | Improve our warehouse capability. Our temperature adjustable warehouse capability, although totals approximately 5,230 cubic meters, falls short of the amount of products that our slaughterhouse could product in its full capacity. As a result, we are currently utilizing less than one third of our production capacity at our slaughterhouse. We regard our logistics capabilities as a key to our growth strategy. We intend to construct new warehouse facilities with walk-in coolers and freezers if and when we are able to secure additional funding for the construction projects. |
Our Products
We process live market hogs and fabricate pork carcasses into various cuts of meat, and sell them as chilled pork, frozen pork, and prepared meat products.
Chilled Pork. In our production of chilled pork, in order for the pork to remain fresh, at our sanitized facilities the pigs are slaughtered and then processed within 30 minutes. The meat is then chilled but not frozen at a temperature of between 32℉ (0℃) and 39.2℉ (4℃) for about 20 hours. Following this cooling process, fresh pork is cut into various parts in a sterilized room with the constant temperature of 12°C. This reduces the risk of exposure to germs and bacterial contamination. Before delivery, the fresh pork is kept in our storage room at a controlled temperature of 0 to 4°C. The meat is stored in airtight sterilizing rooms filled with ozone, which acts as a sterilizing agent, killing remaining germs and bacteria in the meat. It is thereafter maintained at that temperature during transportation. The entire process of cold production, cold storage and cold delivery is what we refer to as the “cold chain system.” This cold chain system ensures the freshness and quality of our product. Our fresh pork products have an average shelf life of 7 days from the date of production.
While chilled pork generally is more costly than frozen pork, our market research indicates a trend among customers toward chilled pork and away from frozen pork, as the public generally perceives that fresh meat retains a better flavor as compared with frozen meat. With our own temperature-controlled trucks, we deliver the chilled pork to our customers who comprise mainly supermarkets, specialty boutique stores, fresh food distributors and wholesalers located within a 500 km delivery radius of our processing plant.
Frozen Pork. In the production of our frozen pork, the meat is frozen at –31℉ (–35℃) to –40℉ (–40℃) for 48 hours, after which it is stored or transported at a constant temperature of between –0.4℉ (–18℃) to –13℉ (–25℃). Since frozen pork can be preserved for longer periods of time, our frozen meat products are ideal for distribution across longer distances to our future targeted first tier cities in China, such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. Generally, frozen pork products have an average shelf life of 180 days from the date of production. Frozen pork is cheaper relative to chilled pork at the retail level. Food and food processing companies usually require frozen pork in their production of processed meats such as luncheon meat and canned, stewed meat. In China, most of the pork sold in markets, supermarkets and restaurants is frozen. The customers for our frozen pork include food processing companies and food distributors.
Hog By-Products and Variety Meats. In China, virtually all parts of the pig are valued for consumption and are used in local cuisine. Pig “by-products” that are not typically used or sold in other parts of the world are prepared and sold in the Chinese market. This includes pig innards, pig skin, pig tails, lard and pig heads. Pig liver, stomach, intestine, head and hoofs are commonly used in Chinese cuisine and are sold to a ready market. These items are also sold to food processing companies to be used as raw materials for other meat and meat-based products.
Prepared Meats. We also produce a line of prepared meats, such as sausages, hams and Chinese cured hams that includes more than 30 items that are marketed under our “Anpulo” brand.
Supply of Hogs
Live native hogs and raw pork are the principal raw materials used in our production. We do not rear hogs, but instead purchase them from suppliers who aggregate supply from local pig farms and individual farmers who only raise one or two pigs in their backyards. Our suppliers ship their hogs to our slaughter house, and we pay them on cash-on-delivery basis. The apparent advantages of this decentralized hog supply structure are two folds: first, we obtain competitive market pricing for our supply of pigs; second, if there is any outbreak of livestock disease, it is likely to be confined to one or a few of these farms and would not affect our entire supply. Potential disadvantages include variations in quality of stock, and potential variation in quantity and timing of the supply of hogs to our plant for processing. We are not dependent on any one particular supplier for a 10% or more portion of live native hogs. We purchase native hogs on a daily basis, and most of the native hogs are processed within 48 hours of arrival. We currently slaughter less than 100,000 hogs per year. Meanwhile, our survey indicates that Laifeng county and its seven neighboring counties produce approximate four million native hogs every year. Therefore, we believe the sources of supply of live native hogs are more than adequate for our present needs.
Manufacturing and Production
For each of the years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011 substantially all of our assets, including all of our material assets, were located in China.
As of September 30, 2013, we owned and operated one slaughterhouse in Laifeng County, Hubei province to carry out the business of slaughtering hogs and the production of chilled and frozen pork products. Our current total production capacity for chilled pork and frozen pork is approximately 85 metric tons per eight-hour day, or approximately 30,000 metric tons on an annual basis. As of such date, we owned one facility in Laifeng county for prepared pork products. We have production capacity for prepared pork products of 14 metric tons per eight-hour day, or approximately 5,000 metric tons on an annual basis.
We procure hogs from local hog farms and breeders located in close proximity to our slaughterhouse. All the hogs we purchase for slaughtering in our slaughterhouse must have all the health certificates issued by the relevant authorities in China to ensure that the hogs have been under strict and consistent supervision during the rearing period and are in good health when they are purchased by us. In addition, the hogs slaughtered in our slaughterhouse are also subject to inspections by our own certified veterinarians.
Production of Chilled and Frozen Pork Products. Our veterinarians ensure that only healthy hogs are slaughtered at our slaughterhouse. We maintain all required licenses and certificates from central and local government authorities with regard to our pork production business. In October 2007, we were awarded certifications ISO 9001 and ISO14001. The ISO 9001 certification relates to our production, research and development and sales activities. The ISO 9001 certification indicates that our slaughterhouse and pork production operations comply with international standards of quality assurance established by the International Organization of Standardization. The ISO14001 was developed to provide a management system to help organizations reduce their environmental impact. The ISO14001 provides the framework for us to demonstrate our commitment to the environmental by reducing harmful effects on environment and providing evidence of continual improvement of environmental management.
When hogs arrive at the slaughterhouse, our certified veterinarians, together with the local Animal Husbandry Department inspectors, conduct a physical inspection of the hogs to ascertain whether they are fit for human consumption. Blood and urine samples are obtained from a random sample of hogs which are tested for disease. The hogs are then weighed and are quarantined for approximately six to twelve hours, during which time only water is provided to the hogs.
After the quarantine period has passed, we conduct another physical inspection of the hogs. This physical inspection is conducted jointly with the inspectors from the Animal Husbandry Department. Hogs that are found fit for human consumption will be slaughtered while those found to be deficient are immediately culled. We shower the hogs with water before and after slaughter to clean them. Instruments used for slaughtering and cutting up the carcasses are sterilized several times a day.
Quality control checks are conducted at all production stages to detect and remove meat that is spoiled or has been infected by bacteria. The appearance of the skin, internal organs and the meat itself is subject to physical observation and laboratory testing to see if the hog is diseased. Every hog that is slaughtered in our slaughterhouse is assigned a serial number so that a trace can be run on any processed hog. All of these quality control checks are conducted by our veterinarians and quality control staff.
A high level of hygiene is maintained at our slaughterhouse. All staff and visitors who enter the slaughterhouse must first put on protective clothing and be sterilized with disinfectant. All packaging materials used for meat also must be sterilized.
As of September 30, 2013, a total of 33 employees worked in our quality assurance program, of which 12 were quality control engineers and 21 were staff. All members of the quality control team are trained technicians with qualifications and experience in animal husbandry, quarantines and veterinary medicine.
Storage and Transportation of Pork Products
The pork products from freshly slaughtered hogs at our slaughterhouse are blast frozen after slaughtering to prevent deterioration of the meat caused by bacteria or chemical changes. Frozen meat is stored at a temperature of between –9.4℉ (–23℃) and –0.4℉ (–18℃) before being transported. Chilled meat is chilled to between 32℉ (0℃) and 39.2℉ (4℃) before being transported. The chilled and frozen pork is stored at our warehouse in Laifeng County or transported and stored at our warehouse in Wuhan City. We transport our chilled and frozen pork with a 12 temperature-controlled truck fleet between warehouse and to our customers. The chilled and frozen pork is maintained within the requisite temperature ranges during subsequent handling, transportation and distribution to retain freshness and to prevent deterioration of the meat.
Sales, Marketing and Distribution
Our key customers are principally supermarkets, meat distributors, warehouse club stores, food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, hotel chains, and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors in China. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, Wuhan Zhongbai Chain Warehouse Supermarket Co., Ltd accounted for 21% and 27% of our total sales, respectively. Any extended discontinuance of sales to this customer could, if not replaced, will have a material impact on our operations. No other single customer or customer group represented more than 10% of our 2012 sales. No material amount of our business is dependent on government contracts.
As of December 31, 2012, we had sales offices in Laifeng County, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture and Wuhan City in China.
We market our pork products through our sales team by developing potential dealers, agents and wholesalers, and to maintain the existing network by assisting our sellers. Our sales team is responsible for securing orders for our pork products, maintaining and building relationships with existing customers and for securing new customers. Our sales team is also involved in identifying new markets in line with the existing customer base and our geographical expansion plans.
In China, one of the main obstacles to expanding market share and developing national brands has been logistical management. Over the years, we have built a video-monitored logistical system that includes two temperature adjustable warehouses, each in Laifeng County and Wuhan City, where our sales offices are located, and 12 temperature-controlled trucks. Our logistical system that allow us to better preserve the meat and to expand our market scope by delivering food to farther retail points. Our temperature adjustable warehouse capability, although totals approximately 5,230 cubic meters, falls short of the amount of products that our slaughterhouse could product in its full capacity. As a result, we are currently utilizing less than one third of our production capacity at our slaughterhouse. We regard our logistics capabilities as a key to our growth strategy. We intend to construct new warehouse facilities with walk-in coolers and freezers if and when we are able to secure additional funding for these construction projects.
Retail Operations
We have successfully established a vertically integrated fresh meat and meat products supply chain from farming, slaughtering, cutting, processing and wholesaling to retailing via an exclusive network of specialty boutique stores and supermarket brand counters. We believe that by broadening awareness of our entire product line, our retail stores will help drive the revenues of all of our business lines, including the revenues from our wholesale channels.
Specialty Retail Stores. Our products are distributed through specialty boutique-type retail stores that are owned and operated by third parties. All these specialty retail stores have the same interior decorations and physical layout designed by us, targeting the middle and high income class that desire and can afford high quality goods and services. For these specialty retail stores, we provide operators with refrigerated showcases, signage, uniforms, labels and packaging, technical assistance, and permission to sell our products under our brand names. These independent operators agree to exclusively sell our products, and may sell other products only with our consent. These specialty retail stores are managed following our management guidelines and pricing policies. The independent operators are responsible for payment of their own taxes and government fees, leasing expenses, and other operating costs. We generally reward high-volume operators with discounts and incentives on a case-by-case basis. We sell our products to these specialty stores at prices for profit. We do not collect any commission from these resellers. As of September 30, 2013, there were 38 such specialty boutique retail stores owned and operated by independent operators. These stores provide high visibility and brand name recognition for our quality products by having our brand names in their storefronts.
“Anpulo” Supermarket Counters. We also have established “Anpulo” supermarket counters in supermarkets and local markets. As of September 30, 2013, there were 66 “Anpulo” supermarket counters. The counters are exclusive purveyors of our meats and meat products. We have sole discretion in determining the sales prices and product selection. The sales personnel working at these supermarket counters are hired by us and are employees of our Company. A majority of the “Anpulo” counters at supermarkets use our standardized physical design and layout in addition to following related rules and guidelines provided by the supermarket partners. We pay these supermarkets a charge of a fixed percentage of our sales. We directly sell our products to retail customers shopping at these supermarket counters.
Research and Development
Research and development continues to be a significant component of our strategy to extend our existing brands and product lines and expand into new branded items and product lines. From early 2009 to middle 2011, we collaborated with Huazhong Agricultural University and Hubei Normal University to analyze the formation of “Linhaotuzhu” meat and examine its value by its look, taste, nutrition and its processed-product potential. Our collaboration with the two universities ended in 2011 after the project was completed.
During 2012, we launched 15 new products that were developed in our technology center by our own in-house research personnel. As of November 30, 2013, we had over 30 new products under development. At such date, we have yet to ascertain the timeframe by which the development can be completed. The total cost of developing these products was estimated around $80,000. We require additional financing to continue these product development projects. Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resource – Requirement for Additional Fundings.”
We focus our research and development efforts on improving our development efficiency and the quality and the market acceptance of our products offering. In the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we spent $23,505 and $16,432, respectively, on research and development activities. The cost of such research and development activities includes wages related to research and development personnel and expenses related to consumption of research materials. As of November 30, 2013, our research and development team consisted of five experienced researchers and developers. In addition, some of our support employees regularly participate in our research and development programs.
Intellectual Property
We regard brand positioning as the core of our competitive strategy. Since the ultimate aim of our business strategy is to satisfy the customer, gaining a valued position in the minds of customers is of paramount importance. Our branding process seeks to create a unique identity and to properly position our brand platform. To protect our brand position, we have registered our “Anpulo” logo as a trademark in pork product category and “Linhaotuzhu” logo as a trademark in sausage category.
We cannot give any assurance that the protection afforded our intellectual property will be adequate. It may be possible for third parties to obtain and use, without our consent, intellectual property that we own or are licensed to use. Unauthorized use of our intellectual property by third parties, and the expenses incurred in protecting our intellectual property rights, may adversely affect our business. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Business - Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property rights may undermine our competitive position, and litigation to protect our intellectual property rights may be costly.”
Competition
The production and sale of meat and food products in China are highly competitive. Our pork products compete with several large and small regional pork processors. The principal competitive elements are price, product safety and quality, brand identification, breadth and depth of product offerings, availability of products, customer service and credit terms. In the retail supermarket industry, our products compete with the premium pork product line of COFCO Corporation. COFCO Corporation has greater resources, owns or controls more processing plants and equipment, or offer a larger product line than we do. In addition, a number of the world's largest food processing companies have recently established joint ventures with food manufacturers or producers in China, and we expect competition from these ventures to increase in the future.
Our competitive strategy is to increase and sustain consumer demand and loyalty by raising safe and healthy food awareness and educating customers of our premium pork products in our marketing activities, increase brand recognition, and build support for our pricing policies.
Government Regulation
The PRC government is actively promulgating a plan for “safe meat” and is taking various measures to raise the proportion of slaughtering automation to over 70% of all meat and actively enforce authorized slaughtering and quarantine. Special grants, subsidized financing, preferential tax policies, governmental funding and other subsidies are provided to well-performing enterprises in order to acquire technology and equipment in meat processing. Such government incentives provide competitive advantages and opportunities to well-performing companies because such policies work to raise the bar for entering the industry and to eliminate inefficient companies in the industry. We expect such government support for the processing of agricultural products to continue for a number of years in the foreseeable future. However, the determination as to whether we can continue to benefit from such government programs in the future will depend on how the government administers its incentive programs and how well we perform. If we maintain the current trend in our performance, it is possible we may obtain further government support through such incentive programs.
In February 2009, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China issued the Food Safety Law. Any enterprise engaged in the production, processing, sale, import and export, and inspection of food and food-related products must comply with the Food Safety Law, which prescribes the licenses and safety requirements in respect of food, food additives, food containers, food packaging materials, detergents and disinfectants, food utensils and equipment, as well as food safety standards, assessment of food safety risks and management of food safety accidents. According to the Food Safety Law, any enterprise engaged in production of food must obtain a food production license from the competent quality inspection administration authority at or above the county level.
In December 2009, the PRC Ministry of Commerce issued the Hog Slaughtering Industry Development Guidelines for 2010-2015. The guidelines state that the government will control the number of slaughterhouse in China and specifically that there should be less than four slaughterhouse in urban areas of municipalities and cities with a resident population of five million or more, and less than two slaughterhouse in urban areas of other cities at or above the prefecture level.
Government and consumers take the food safety as one of their top priorities. With the government support, the consolidation of the industry is accelerating.
We are also subject to stringent environmental regulations. See “Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Our Business - Our failure to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and related litigation could result in significant penalties, damages and adverse publicity for our business.”
Employees
As of September 30, 2013, we employed 330 employees, of whom four were certified veterinarians, 120 were operating personnel, 169 were sales personnel, five were research and development personnel and 32 were administrative personnel. We are not subject to any collective bargaining agreement and we believe our relationship with our employees is good.
The following table shows certain information relating to our corporate offices and other facilities.
Property | | Address | | Rental Term | | Space |
Headquarter (containing one slaughterhouse, one warehouse, and one sale office) | | Hangkong Road, Laifeng County, Hubei Province, China 445700 | | Company Owned | | Land area 6.26 acres(25313.87 square meters), construction area 116,100 sq. feet(6735.41 square meters) |
| | | |
Distribution Center in Wuhan (containing one warehouse and one sale office) | | 51 Lvjiawan, Qingshan District, Wuhan, Hubei, China 430080 | | 5 years (May 1, 2011 - May 1, 2016) | | 14,000 sq. feet |
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are currently not involved in any lawsuits or legal proceedings that might arise in the ordinary course of business. From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise, in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We are currently not aware of any potential legal proceedings or claims that will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
Market Information
We intend to apply for quotation of our ordinary shares on the OTC Bulletin Board. There can be no assurance that a market maker will agree to file the necessary documents with FINRA, nor can there be any assurance that such an application for quotation will be approved. In the absence of a trading market or an active trading market, investors may be unable to liquidate their investment or make any profit from the investment. No liquid public market currently exists for our ordinary shares and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop, or if an active market does develop, that it will continue.
Holders
As of December 30, 2013, there were 38 holders of record of our ordinary shares.
Dividends
To date, we have not declared or paid any dividends on our ordinary shares. We currently do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future on our ordinary shares. Although we intend to retain our earnings, if any, to finance the expansion and growth of our business, our board of directors has the discretion to declare and pay dividends in the future.
Payment of dividends in the future will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, and any other factors that our board of directors deems relevant.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Certain statements in this prospectus constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of our company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, among others, uncertainties relating to general economic and business conditions, intense competition for the acquisition of businesses, and domestic and foreign government regulations.
During the period from our formation on July 31, 2009 to October 30, 2013, we did not generate any significant revenue, and accumulated no significant assets, as we explored various business opportunities.
On September 22, 2013, Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd. (“Anpulo Laifeng”) entered into an entrusted management agreement with Anpulo International Ltd.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Guangxiang Investment Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Anpulo WFOE”), which provides that Anpulo WFOE will be entitled to the full guarantee for the performance of such entrusted management agreement entered into by the Company. Anpulo International Ltd. (“Anpulo HK”) was incorporated in Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) on May 30, 2012. Other than the equity interest in Anpulo WFOE, Anpulo HK does not own any assets or conduct any operations. Anpulo WFOE is also entitled to receive the residual return of the Company. As a result of the agreement, Anpulo WFOE will absorb 100% of the expected gains or losses of the Company, which results in Anpulo WFOE being the primary beneficiary of the Company.
Anpulo WFOE also entered into a pledge of equity agreement with the principal shareholders of the Company (the “Principal Shareholders”), who pledged all their equity interest in the entity to Anpulo WFOE. The pledge of equity agreement, which were entered into by each Principal Shareholder, pledged each of the Principal Shareholders’ equity interest in the Company as a guarantee for the entrustment payment under the Entrusted Management Agreements. In addition, Anpulo WFOE entered into an option agreement to acquire the Principal Shareholders’ equity interest in these entities if or when permitted by the PRC laws.
Based on these exclusive agreements, the Company will be treated as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) of Anpulo HK as required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”), because Anpulo HK is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The profits and losses of the Company are allocated based upon the Entrusted Management Agreement.
On October 30, 2013, we entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with Anpulo International. Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the shareholders of Anpulo HK transferred to Anpulo all of the Anpulo HK Shares in exchange for the issuance of 122,900,000 shares of our common stock (the “Share Exchange”). As a result of the Share Exchange, Anpulo HK became a wholly-owned subsidiary of us and the shareholders of Anpulo HK acquired approximately 99.92% of our issued.
The effect of the Share Exchange is such that effectively a reorganization of the entities has occurred for accounting purposes and is deemed to be a reverse acquisition. Subsequent to the Share Exchange the financial statements presented are those of a combined Anpulo HK and its subsidiaries, including its VIE, Anpulo Laifeng, as if the Share Exchange had been in effect retroactively for all periods presented. As previously noted the “Company” for financial statement purposes was the consolidation of Anpulo HK, Anpulo WFOE and Anpulo Laifeng. Subsequent to the Share Exchange the “Company” is referred to as the consolidation of Anpulo HK, Anpulo WFOE, Anpulo Laifeng and Anpulo, with Anpulo as the legal acquirer in Share Exchange, and subsequent to the Share Exchange the parent company of the consolidated entity. For financial reporting purposes, Anpulo HK was considered the acquirer in such transaction. As a result, our historical financial statements for all periods prior to October 30, 2013 included in this prospectus are those of Anpulo HK.
We are principally engaged in the meat and food processing and distribution business in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). Currently, we have one processing plant located in Laifeng County, Hubei Provinces in the PRC, with a processing plant for hog slaughtering, cutting, and preserving. Our current maximum production capacity for hog slaughtering is 82 metric tons per day, based on an eight-hour working day, or approximately 30,000 metric tons on an annual basis. For the cutting function, our current maximum production capacity is 27 metric tons per day, based on an eight-hour working day, or approximately 10,000 metric tons on an annual basis. Our plant has 16 smokehouses with a maximum annual production capacity of 150 metric tons in total. We also own 17 refrigerators for freezing and frozen pork storage. 16 of the refrigerators are located in our processing plant with 2,350 metric tons maximum storage capacity and 1 of the refrigerators located in Wuhan City with 260 metric tons storage capacity.
In 2005, we invested approximately $5,300,000 or RMB 32 million in constructing a new abattoir, a fresh-chilled meat processing facility, and 11 industrial refrigerators in Laifeng County, Hubei Province. The facility has a production capacity of 82 metric tons per eight-hour working day, or approximately 30,000 metric tons on an annual basis. The production capacity is designed for the producing chilled pork, frozen pork, and smoked pork products. The facility had been put into operation on November 20, 2006.
In June 2011, we invested approximately $430,000 or RMB 2.6 million in installing 5 new refrigerators for an additional 700 metric tons storage capacity. In February 2012, we installed a new refrigerator with 260 metric tons storage capacity in Wuhan City.
Our products are sold under the “Anpulo” ” and “Linghaotuzhu” brand names. Our customers are mainly located in Hubei and Hunan Province, including the seven major supermarket operators. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we are selling our chilled pork, frozen pork, and smoked pork through 38 specialty retail stores, 66 supermarkets, 16 food distributors and 45 schools and restaurants.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We evaluate, on an on-going basis, our estimates for reasonableness as changes occur in our business environment. We base our estimates on experience, the use of independent third-party specialists, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments, estimates and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe the following are our critical accounting policies:
Accounts Receivable. We state accounts receivable at cost, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. Based on our past experience and current practice in the PRC, management provides for an allowance for doubtful accounts equivalent to those accounts that are not collected within one year plus 20% of receivables less than six months old, 50% of receivables less than a year old. It is management’s belief that the current bad debt allowance adequately reflects an appropriate estimate based on management’s judgment.
Inventory Valuation. We value our pork inventories at the lower of cost, determined on a weighted average basis, and net realizable value (the estimated market price). When the carcasses are disassembled and transferred from primary processing to various manufacturing departments, we adjust the net realizable value for product specifications and further processing, which becomes the basis for calculating inventory values. In addition, substantially all inventory expenses, packaging and supplies are valued by the weighted average method.
Income Taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” We compute our provision for income taxes based on the statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the PRC. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and determining our annual tax position.
In fiscal 2013, we intend to continue to focus on the implementation of our strategic plan to continue the growth we have experienced in the last five years. We are planning to invest $7.5 million or RMB 45 million in completing a construction of a new processing facility for prepared pork with annual production capacity of 1,600 metric tons and increase our products from 183 products to 193 products.
In fiscal 2013, we expect the results of the pork and pork products to remain strong. While supply is expected to be ample, live hog prices are expected to remain at their current relatively-high levels. We anticipate that our gross profit margin will not change significantly during the remainder of fiscal 2013. We anticipate strong demand for pork throughout the remainder of fiscal 2013. We also expect to increase our market share in the meat and meat products segment in our target markets in fiscal 2013.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain statement of operations data:
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | (Unaudited) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 13,555,883 | | | $ | 11,583,450 | | | $ | 18,115,582 | | | $ | 15,084,726 | |
Cost of sales | | | 10,914,137 | | | | 9,726,656 | | | | 15,513,533 | | | | 13,346,653 | |
Gross profit | | | 2,641,746 | | | | 1,856,794 | | | | 2,602,049 | | | | 1,738,073 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 1,160,243 | | | | 824,971 | | | | 1,298,634 | | | | 858,395 | |
Selling expenses | | | 1,675,722 | | | | 1,054,538 | | | | 1,590,714 | | | | 1,140,362 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 2,835,965 | | | | 1,879,509 | | | | 2,889,348 | | | | 1,998,757 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from operations | | | (194,219 | ) | | | (22,715 | ) | | | (287,299 | ) | | | (260,684 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (627,334 | ) | | | (368,616 | ) | | | (495,850 | ) | | | (317,819 | ) |
Subsidy income | | | 118,007 | | | | 914,385 | | | | 942,095 | | | | 595,416 | |
Other income (expense) | | | (1,632 | ) | | | (10,532 | ) | | | 71,186 | | | | 96,609 | |
Total other income (expense) | | | (510,959 | ) | | | 535,237 | | | | 517,431 | | | | 374,206 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) before taxes | | | (705,178 | ) | | | 512,522 | | | | 230,132 | | | | 113,522 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) after taxes | | $ | (705,178 | ) | | $ | 512,522 | | | $ | 230,132 | | | $ | 113,522 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | (705,178 | ) | | $ | 512,522 | | | $ | 230,132 | | | $ | 113,522 | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | 129,845 | | | | 24,955 | | | | 39,872 | | | | 175,540 | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | | $ | (575,333 | ) | | $ | 537,477 | | | $ | 270,004 | | | $ | 289,062 | |
Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
Revenue. Total revenue increased from $11.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $13.6 million for the same period in 2013, which represented an increase of $2.0 million, or approximately 17%. The increase in revenues was primarily due to increased sales in our meat and meat products resulting from the effects of the continued increase in the amount of our sale points in supermarket stores and increased sales to supermarket stores during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we have 7 new opening supermarket counters, which accounted for 66 supermarket counters in total, as compared to 59 supermarket counters opened during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, we sell through 38 independently owned and operated specialty retail stores and 66 supermarket counters, compared to 38 specialty retail stores and 59 supermarket counters, respectively, as of September 30, 2012.
The following table sets forth our revenues by sales channel for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
| | Sales by Distribution Channel(US dollars in thousands) | |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| | Amount | | | Percent | | | Amount | | | Percent | |
Specialty retail stores and supermarket stores | | $ | 8,570 | | | | 63 | % | | $ | 7,685 | | | | 67 | % |
Food services distributors | | | 3,563 | | | | 26 | % | | | 3,448 | | | | 30 | % |
Restaurants and non-commercial | | | 1,423 | | | | 11 | % | | | 450 | | | | 3 | % |
| | $ | 13,556 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 11,583 | | | | 100 | % |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, revenues from sales to specialty retail stores account for $4.2 million and $4.3 million from supermarket stores, which represented an increase of $0.9 million from sales to specialty retail stores and supermarkets, or approximately 12%, as compared to the results of $3.6 million from specialty retail stores and $4.1 million from supermarkets during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, revenues from sales to food service distributors increased from $3.4 million to $3.6 million, which represented a slight increase of $0.2 million, or approximately 3%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, revenues from sales to restaurants, non-commercial customers, and others increased from $0.5 million to $1.4 million, which represented an increase of $0.9 million, or approximately 215%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
Cost of sales. Cost of sales increased from $9.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $10.9 million for the same period in 2013, which represented an increase of $1.2 million, or approximately 12%. The increase at our cost of goods sold was mainly caused by the increase of hog number we sold, coming along with our increased revenues, and partly offset by the decrease from the unit cost we needed to pay for buying hogs from farmers. The purchase prices of pork was $2.67 per kg during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, reducing from $2.85 per kg during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
Gross profit. The gross profit margin increased from 16% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to 19% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to a decrease in the cost of raw materials and an increase in the market prices for pork products, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The impact of increased retail selling points, including our supermarket counters and specialty stores, which gives us more leverage at selling our pork and processed pork products with higher selling price, comparing with the price we used to sell directly to wholesalers or educational institutions.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased from $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which represented an increase of $0.3 million, or approximately 41%. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses increased from 7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to 9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily the results of increased bad debt expenses of $64,000, increased expenses for obtaining loans from banks from $0.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $0.3 million in the same period of 2013, and expenses of $40,000 for opening a new sales office in Wuhan City to expand our retail operation, which includes the cost of hiring additional staffs and rental expenses for the new office.
Selling expenses. Selling expenses increased from $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which represented an increase of $0.6 million, or approximately 59%. As a percentage of revenue, selling expenses increased from 9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to 12% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in selling expenses was primarily related to our expanding sales activities in Wunhan City including the increased counters in supermarket stores and increased salesmen for marketing and promoting activities. The selling expense from Wuhan office increased from $330,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $1 million during the same period of 2013. Specifically, the increases were primarily a result of an increase in salesmen payroll of $0.4 million and $0.1 million added cost for maintaining the new supermarket counters and sales points.
Interest expense. Interest expense increased from $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which represented an increase of $0.3 million, or approximately 70%. The increase in interest expense was primarily a result of a decrease from the governmental subsidy over the interest expenses.
The details of the gross interest expense and subsidies received from the local government which was used to against our interest expenses are as follow:
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Interest expense | | $ | (666,860 | ) | | $ | (603,336 | ) |
Deduct: | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | 39,526 | | | | 3,102 | |
Subsidy received from the local government | | | - | | | | 231,618 | |
Net balance of interest expense | | $ | (627,334 | ) | | $ | (368,616 | ) |
We have benefitted from government grants and subsidies. In particular, we received (a) one-time subsidy for interest expense of $231,618 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and (b) subsidies of $118,007 and $914,385 for supporting agricultural development in minority areas in September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The one-time subsidies for interest expenses were used to offset the Company’s gross interest expenses. The subsidies were recorded as “subsidy income” in our financial statements. The subsidies are generally determined based on the local government’s financial status, policy, and various political factors. There is no guarantee that we will continue to receive such subsidies in future periods and no guarantee at the amount of subsidies we will receive in future periods.
Income Taxes. The effective tax rate in the PRC on income generated from the sale of prepared products is 25% and there is no income tax on income generated from the sale of raw products including raw meat products. Until September 30, 2013, we had a net operating loss carry forward for Chinese income tax purposes aggregating approximately $2 million expiring through the year 2015.
Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
Revenue.Total revenue increased from $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, which represented an increase of $3 million, or approximately 20%. The increase in revenues was primarily due to increased sales in our meat and meat products resulting from the effects of the continued increase in the amount of supermarket stores. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we had 14 new opening specialty retail stores and supermarket counters, 4 new food service distributors to resell our products, and started to provide our products to 38 local schools.
The following table sets forth our revenues by sales channel for the two years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
| | Sales by Distribution Channel (US dollars in thousands) | |
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | Amount | | | Percent | | | Amount | | | Percent | |
Specialty retail stores and supermarket stores | | $ | 11,467 | | | | 64 | % | | $ | 10,653 | | | | 71 | % |
Food services distributors | | | 4,997 | | | | 28 | % | | | 3,037 | | | | 20 | % |
Restaurants and non-commercial | | | 1,651 | | | | 8 | % | | | 1,394 | | | | 9 | % |
| | $ | 18,115 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 15,084 | | | | 100 | % |
During the year ended December 31, 2012, revenues from sales to specialty retail stores and supermarket stores increased to $11.5 million, which represented an increase of $0.8 million, or approximately 8%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2012, revenues from sales to food service distributors increased to $5.0 million, which represented an increase of $2 million, or approximately 65%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2012, revenues from sales to restaurants and non-commercial customers increased to $1.7 million, which represented an increase of $257,000, or approximately 18%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.
Cost of sales. Cost of sales increased from $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, which represented an increase of $2 million, or approximately 16%. The increase in cost of sales was primarily due to the corresponding increase in revenues.
Gross profit. The gross profit margin increased from 12% for the year ended December 31, 2011 to 14% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase of gross profit margin was primarily due to an increase in our product prices for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased from $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, which represented an increase of $0.4 million, or approximately 51%. During fiscal 2012, we accrued an additional bad debt allowance of $0.1 million at our outstanding accounts receivable and spent $0.3 million to the third parties for obtaining bank loans. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses increased from 6% for the year ended December 31, 2011 to 7% for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Selling expenses. Selling expenses increased from $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, which represented an increase of $0.5 million, or approximately 39%. As a percentage of revenue, operating expenses increased from 8% for the year ended December 31, 2011 to 9% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in selling expenses as a percentage of revenue was the result of our increased total sales and operating scale.
Interest expense. Interest expense increased from $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, which represented an increase of $0.2 million, or approximately 56%. The increase in interest expense was primarily a result of additional bank loans. During the year ended December 31, 2012, our weighted average outstanding bank debt increased by approximately $2 million, from $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Our weighted average borrowing rate, after considering the governmental subsidy in interest expenses, increased from 2.96% for the year ended December 31, 2011 to 3.88% for the year ended December 31, 2012. Our weighted average borrowing rate, before considering the governmental subsidy in interest expenses, decreased from 6.51% for the year ended December 31, 2011 to 6.41% for the year ended December 31, 2012
Income Taxes. The effective tax rate in the PRC on income generated from the sale of prepared products is 25% and there is no income tax on income generated from the sale of raw products, including raw meat products. Until December 31, 2012, we had a net operating loss carry forward for Chinese income tax purposes aggregating approximately $1.3 million expiring through the year 2015.
Our pork and pork products segment is involved primarily in the processing of live market hogs into fresh, frozen and processed pork products. We market our pork and pork products domestically to specialty retail stores, supermarket stores, food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators and schools.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have financed our operations over the two years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the period of the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily through cash from borrowings under our lines of credit with various lending banks in the PRC.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Cash provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 consisted primarily of net loss of $0.7 million due to increased operating expenses and reduced governmental subsidy, depreciation and amortization of $0.6 million, $3.8 million collection from related party, and $0.6 million advances received from customers for undelivered goods, which was, partly, offset by decreases from accounts receivable of $0.4 million, a prepayment to suppliers for undelivered goods of $0.9 million which had been delivered in the following month, and an increase of $1.0 million at other current assets which represents cash held by our CEO and employees on behalf of the Company. Net cash used in operating activities was $0.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Cash used in operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 consisted primarily of net income of $0.5 million, depreciation and amortization of $0.6 million, a collection of $0.9 million from related party receivables, and $0.5 million increase in other current assets which represents cash held by our CEO and employees on behalf of the Company, which was, partly, offset by increases of $0.5 million from accounts receivables, $0.7 million from inventories, and $1.7 million loans to individuals recorded as part of other receivables and had been collected in the last quarter of 2012.
Net cash used in investing activities was $1.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The investments included primarily our investment in a facility construction in progress of $0.7 million and purchased equipment of 0.4 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we have a net cash used in investing activities of $0.7 million which was the expenditure we spent at purchase of equipment to expand our low temperature storage ability.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, cash provided by financing activities included the net proceeds from short-term loans of $7.6 million, repayments of short-term loans of $5.5 million and long-term loans of $2.4 million, a repayment from our related party of $0.8 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, cash provided by financing activities included the net proceeds from short-term loans of $6.7 million and $1.3 million from long-term loans, and a repayment of short-term loans of $6.8 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $0.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. Cash provided by operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2012 consisted primarily of net income of $0.2 million, an increase of $0.9 million in accounts receivable and decrease of $1 million from other payables, which was, partly, offset by decreases of $1 million from other receivables and $0.5 million from other current assets and a decrease of $0.2 million from accounts payable and accrued payables. Net cash used in operating activities was $0.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2011. Cash used in operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2011 consisted primarily of net income of $0.1 million, a decrease of $0.4 million in accounts receivable and increases of 0.2 million from accounts payable and accrued payables and $0.3 million from other payables, which was, partly, offset by increases of $1 million from other receivables and $0.4 million from other current assets.
Net cash used in investing activities was $1.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2012, our investment in facility construction in progress increased by approximately $0.6 million as compared to the amount of such investment at December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2012, a total of $0.7 million was invested in the purchase of fixed assets. Net cash used in investing activities was $1.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2011, a total of $1.5 million was invested in the purchase of fixed assets.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2012, cash provided by financing activities included the net proceeds from short-term loans of $7.6 million, a repayment of indebtedness in the aggregate amount of $12.5 million, a repayment to related party of $1.2 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2011, cash provided by financing activities included the net proceeds from short-term loans of $9.5 million, a repayment of indebtedness in the aggregate amount of $6.6 million and a repayment to related party of $2.2 million.
Requirement for Additional Funding
Our cash reserves are not sufficient to meet our ongoing obligations and anticipated operations for the next twelve month period. As a result, we will need to seek additional funding in the near future. We currently do not have a specific plan of how we will obtain such funding; however, we anticipate that additional funding will be in the form of equity financing from the sale of shares of our common stock or renewing our current obligations with loaners. We may also seek to obtain short-term loans from our directors or unrelated parties. If we are unable to obtain additional financing, we may be required to reduce the scope of our business development activities, which could harm our business plans, financial condition and operating results.
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at September 30, 2013 and the effect those obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods.
| | Payments Due by Period | |
| | Total | | | Less than 1 Year | | | 1 – 3 Years | | | 3 – 5 Years | | | Over 5 Years | |
Contractual obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Debt obligation | | $ | 12,906,590 | | | $ | 8,343,654 | | | $ | 4,562,936 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Others | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | $ | 12,906,590 | | | $ | 8,343,654 | | | $ | 4,562,936 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
The material terms of the long and short-term loan agreements were summarized as follow:
| | | |
| | | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by December 20, 2013, guaranteed by Enshi Zhou Nongfa Credit Guarantee Co., Ltd. | | $ | 814,810 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by March 18, 2014 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | 195,554 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by April 22, 2014 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | 570,367 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by May 15, 2014 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | 570,367 | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by January 29, 2014 and guaranteed by Enshi Zhou Nongfa Credit Guarantee Co., Ltd. | | | 814,810 | |
Loan payable to Bank of Hubei, annual interest rate of 6%, due by March 27, 2014 and guaranteed by the major shareholders and Hubei Xiangyue Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd. | | | 1,303,696 | |
Loan payable to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by September 11, 2014 with buildings and land use rights provided by Laifeng Anpulo Yunxing Transportation Co., Ltd. as collateral. | | | 2,444,430 | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by September 23, 2014 with buildings as collateral. | | | 1,629,620 | |
Subtotal of short-term loans | | | 8,343,654 | |
| | | | |
Loan payable to Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by November 5, 2014, guaranteed by the major shareholders. | | | 4,562,936 | |
Subtotal of long-term loans | | | 4,562,936 | |
Total contractual obligations | | $ | 12,906,590 | |
The long-term loans have the same fixed annual interest rate of 6%. The scheduled interest payments on the long-term loans are expected to be approximately $0.2 million in 2013 and $0.2 million in 2014. In 2012, the Company received governmental subsidies for its bank loan interest. However, there is no guarantee that we will continue to receive subsidies from local government in future periods at the interest expense payments. Accordingly, we may be asked to pay the required interest payments from our long-term loans without the local government subsidies.
Inflation and Seasonality
While demand for our products in general is relatively high before the Chinese New Year in January or February each year and lower thereafter, we do not believe our operations have been materially affected by inflation or seasonality.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Disclosures About Market Risk. We may be exposed to changes in financial market conditions in the normal course of business. Market risk generally represents the risk that losses may occur as a result of movements in interest rates and equity prices. We currently do not use financial instruments in the normal course of business that are subject to changes in financial market conditions.
Currency Fluctuations and Foreign Currency Risk. All of our operations are conducted in the PRC. Our sales and purchases are conducted within the PRC in Renminbi, which is the official currency of the PRC. As a result, the effect of the fluctuations of exchange rates is considered minimal to our business operations.
All of our revenues and expenses are denominated in Renminbi. However, we use the United States dollar for financial reporting purposes. Conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies is regulated by the People’s Bank of China through a unified floating exchange rate system. Although the PRC government has stated its intention to support the value of the Renminbi, there can be no assurance that such exchange rate will not again become volatile or that the Renminbi will not devalue significantly against the U.S. dollar. Exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect the value, in U.S. dollar terms, of our net assets and income derived from our operations in the PRC.
Interest Rate Risk. We do not have significant interest rate risk, as our debt obligations are primarily short-term in nature, with fixed interest rates.
Credit Risk. We have not experienced significant credit risk, as most of our customers are long-term customers with superior payment records. Our receivables are monitored regularly by our credit managers.
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02 (“ASU 2013-02”) Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2013-02 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income, however it increases disclose requirements for amounts that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. ASU 2013-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012. This guidance was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2013, and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05 “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU 2013-05 addresses the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. For public entities, the ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods, within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits related to any disallowed portion of net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards, if they exist. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02 (“ASU 2013-02”) Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2013-02 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income, however it increases disclose requirements for amounts that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. ASU 2013-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012. This guidance was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2013, and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05 “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU 2013-05 addresses the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. For public entities, the ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods, within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits related to any disallowed portion of net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards, if they exist. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Off Balance Sheet Transactions
We do not currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
On October 30, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the engagement of HHC, as its independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013, effective October 30, 2013. On October 30, 2013, the Board also approved the change of the Company’s fiscal year end from July 31 to December 31, effective October 30, 2013. In connection with the selection of HHC, on October 29, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company decided that, effective immediately, it would dismiss Keith K. Zhen, CPA (“Zhen”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
During the year ended July 31, 2013 and through October 29, 2013, there were no disagreements (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K) between the Company and Zhen on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or audit scope or procedure, which disagreements if not resolved to the satisfaction of Zhen, would have caused Zhen to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its reports with respect to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for such periods.
Zhen’s reports on our financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. However, the reports of Zhen stated that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company provided Zhen with a copy of the above disclosure and requested that Zhen furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether or not it agrees with the statements made by the Company above. A copy of Zhen’s letter dated October 30, 2013 is attached as Exhibit 16.1 to this prospectus.
During the years ended July 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the period July 21, 2013 through October 30, 2013, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf has consulted with HHC with respect to either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that HHC concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, audit or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K) or a reportable event (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS
The following table sets forth the name and age of our current officer and director.
Name | | Age | | Position |
Wenping Luo | | 44 | | President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director |
Maochun Kang | | 39 | | Chief Financial Officer |
Tao Yang | | 33 | | Director |
Chunhai Lin | | 48 | | Director |
Xinlian Zhang | | 57 | | Director |
Shijia Li | | 50 | | Director |
Set forth below is a brief description of the background and business experience of our executive officer and director for the past ten years.
Wenping Luo, age 44, has over 20 years of experience in business development, marketing, and enterprise building. Mr. Luo has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board since February 2012. Mr. Luo founded Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd. in 2005. Between 1998 and 2005, Mr. Luo was the chairman of Yunxin Auto Service Co., Ltd., an auto repairing company located in Laifeng County. Mr. Luo has also served as a director and chief executive officer of Anpulo Food Development, Inc. since December 2012. Anpulo Food Development, Inc. is a development stage company with no any business activity. Mr. Luo is currently studying business management in Huazhong Technology University. Mr. Luo was nominated as a director for his experience in food servicing industry and leadership of our company.
Through his prior service as our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board and his experience of founding Anpulo Laifeng, Mr. Luo possesses knowledge and experience in the meat product industry that aids him in efficiently and effectively identifying and executing our strategic priorities.
Maochun Kang, age 39, has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since December 2013. Mr. Kang has been with Anpulo Laifeng since 2007, starting with the controller position, later promoted the chief financial officer position in July 2012. From 2005 through 2006, Mr. Kang was vice president of the accounting department of Golden Mountain Industries Co., Ltd., a company engaged in liquor production and agricultural products processing. From 2003 through 2005, Mr. Kang was the accounting manager of Changsha Shenao Real Estate Co., Ltd., a real estate development company. From 1996 through 2003, Mr. Kang was the accounting manager of Hunan Longshan Cigarette Co., Ltd., a cigarette manufacturing company. Mr. Kang is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in China. Mr. Kang received his degree in Science and Technology from Changsha University.
Tao Yang, age 33, has served as a director of the Company since December 2013. Mr. Yang has been with Anpulo Laifeng since 2006, through the positions of office manager, sales manager, until promoted to general manager in January 2013. From 2004 through 2006, Mr. Yang was a trainer working for Laifeng Children Body Skill Training Center. From 2002 through 2004, Mr. Yang was an advertising manager for Guiyuan Advertising Company, Ltd. Mr. Yang was nominated as a director because his first-hand knowledge of and experience in the Company’s sales activities will offer valuable insights in formulating the Company’s future marketing strategies.
Chunhai Lin, age 48, has served as a director since December 2013. Mr. Lin has been a partner of Hubei Xiongzhen Law Firm since 2000. Mr. Lin received his bachelor degree in politics and law from Central China Normal University. As a director, Mr. Lin’s legal knowledge and long-time experience in practice law in China will help the Company navigate the complex regulatory compliance matters that often occur to a fast-growing food product company.
Xinlian Zhang, age 57, has served as a director since December 2013. Ms. Zhang has been a retiree since 2013. From 2008 through 2012, Ms. Zhang was the director of Bureau of Environmental Health of Laifeng County Urban Administration. From 1988 through 2008, Ms. Zhang was the director of Bureau of Environmental Health of Laifeng County. Ms. Zhang has won numerous national awards and recognition, including China’s “Three Eight Red Banner Pacesetter”, “The National Model Labor Award”, and other recognition such as “10 Outstanding Personnel of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture”. Ms. Zhang was nominated as a director because her insights and authoritative opinions on the food industry in Laifeng county will provide the Company strategic guidance in its growth and development.
Shijia Li, age 50, has served as a director since December 2013. Mr. Li has been general manager of the farmer finance department of Agricultural Bank of China Enshi Branch since February 2012. From April 2009 through January 2012, Mr. Li was general manager of consumer finance department of Agricultural Bank of China Enshi Branch. From August 2006 through March 2009, Mr. Li was general manager of Agricultural Bank of China Hefeng County Sub-branch. From January 2005 through July 2006, Mr. Li was general manager of Agricultural Bank of China Laifeng County Sub-branch. From July 2001 through January 2005, Mr. Li was deputy general manager of Agricultural Bank of China Laifeng County Sub-branch. Mr. Li was nominated as a director because his knowledge and experience with the finance and banking matters in China is critical assets for the Company in exploring and evaluating capital raising opportunities.
Family Relationship
There are no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers.
Employment Agreements
Generally
Under Chinese law, we may only terminate employment agreements without cause and without penalty by providing notice of non-renewal one month prior to the date on which the employment agreement is scheduled to expire. If we fail to provide this notice or if we wish to terminate an employment agreement in the absence of cause, then we are obligated to pay the employee one month’s salary for each year we have employed the employee. We are, however, permitted to terminate an employee for cause without penalty to our company, where the employee has committed a crime or the employee’s actions or inactions have resulted in a material adverse effect to us.
Our employment agreements with our executive officers generally provide for a term of three years, extendable for an additional two years, and a salary to be paid monthly. The agreements also provide that executive officers are to work an average of forty hours per week and are entitled to all legal holidays as well as other paid leave in accordance with PRC laws and regulations and our internal work policies. Under such agreements, our executive officers can be terminated for cause without further compensation. The employment agreements also provide that we will pay for all mandatory social security programs for our executive officers in accordance with PRC regulations. During the agreement and for three (3) years afterward, our executive officers are subject to keep trade secrets confidential. In addition, our employment agreements with our executive officers prevent them from rendering services for our competitors for a period of two (2) years after termination of employment.
Wenping Luo
We do not have employment agreement with our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wenping Luo. However, our variable interest entity Anpulo Laifeng entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Luo effective December 1, 2013. Under the terms of that employment agreement, Mr. Luo serves as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Anpulo Laifeng and is entitled to the following:
| ● | Base compensation of RMB 240,000 (about $39,344), payable in 12 equal monthly installments of RMB 20,000 (about $3,279) each. |
| ● | Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by Mr. Luo. |
Ms. Luo’s employment agreement commenced on December 1, 2013 and is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2016. Mr. Luo’s employment agreement is subject to automatic renewal through November 30, 2018 unless terminated prior to such renewal.
Mr. Luo has agreed during the term of the agreement and for 36 months afterwards to:
| ● | keep confidential and not disclose the information; |
| ● | take and implement all appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality of the information; |
| ● | not disclose, transmit, exploit or otherwise use for its own account or for others, elements of information; |
Mr. Luo has also agreed not to compete with our company directly or indirectly during his employment and for a period of 24 months afterwards.
Mr. Luo’s agreement may be terminated at any time by either party upon presentation of 60 days’ prior notice.
Maochun Kang
We do not have employment agreement with our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Maochun Kang. However, our variable interest entity Anpulo Laifeng entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Kang effective December 1, 2013. Under the terms of that employment agreement, Mr. Kang serves as chief financial officer of Anpulo Laifeng and is entitled to the following:
| ● | Base compensation of RMB 120,000 (about $19,672), payable in 12 equal monthly installments of RMB 10,000 (about $1,639) each. |
| ● | Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by Mr. Kang. |
Mr. Kang’s employment agreement commenced on December 1, 2013 and is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2016. Mr. Kang’s employment agreement is subject to automatic renewal through November 30, 2018 unless terminated prior to such renewal.
Mr. Kang has agreed during the term of the agreement and for 36 months afterwards to:
| ● | keep confidential and not disclose the information; |
| ● | take and implement all appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality of the information; |
| ● | not disclose, transmit, exploit or otherwise use for its own account or for others, elements of information; |
Mr. Kang has also agreed not to compete with our company directly or indirectly during his employment and for a period of 24 months afterwards.
Mr. Kang’s agreement may be terminated at any time by either party upon presentation of 60 days’ prior notice.
Board of Directors
Our board of directors currently consists of five directors. We expect that all current directors will continue to serve after this offering. There are no family relationships between any of our executive officers and directors.
The directors will be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors permits. Class I directors shall face re-election at our annual general meeting of shareholders in 2014 and every three years thereafter. Class II directors shall face re-election at our annual general meeting of shareholders in 2015 and every three years thereafter. Class III directors shall face re-election at our annual general meeting of shareholders in 2016 and every three years thereafter.
If the number of directors changes, any increase or decrease will be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly as possible. Any additional directors of a class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class will hold office for a term that coincides with the remaining term of that class. Decreases in the number of directors will not shorten the term of any incumbent director. These board provisions could make it more difficult for third parties to gain control of our company by making it difficult to replace members of the Board of Directors.
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 such contract or transaction shall be 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.
There are no membership qualifications for directors. Further, there are no share ownership qualifications for directors unless so fixed by us in a general meeting.
Chunhai Lin, Xinlian Zhang and Shijia Li, who constitute a majority of our Board of Directors, are deemed to be independent under the definition of independence provided by NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(15).
There are no other arrangements or understandings pursuant to which our directors are selected or nominated.
Mr. Wenping Luo currently holds both the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. These two positions have not been consolidated into one position; Mr. Luo simply holds both positions at this time. We do not have a lead independent director because of the foregoing reason and also 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 in the process of listing on a public exchange; as such we deem it appropriate to be able to benefit from the guidance of Mr. Luo as both our principal executive officer and Chairman of the Board.
Our Board of Directors plays a key role in our risk oversight. The Board of Directors makes all relevant Company decisions. 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.
Board Committees
We have not formed an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee as of the filing of this prospectus. Our Board of Directors performs the principal functions of an Audit Committee. We currently do not have an audit committee financial expert on our Board of Directors. We believe that an audit committee financial expert is not required because the cost of hiring an audit committee financial expert to act as one of our directors and to be a member of an Audit Committee outweighs the benefits of having an audit committee financial expert at this time.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, our director or executive officer has not, during the past ten years:
| · | been convicted in a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); |
| · | had any bankruptcy petition filed by or against the business or property of the person, or of any partnership, corporation or business association of which he was a general partner or executive officer, either at the time of the bankruptcy filing or within two years prior to that time; |
| · | been subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction or federal or state authority, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting, his involvement in any type of business, securities, futures, commodities, investment, banking, savings and loan, or insurance activities, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; |
| · | been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated; |
| · | been the subject of, or a party to, any federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated (not including any settlement of a civil proceeding among private litigants), relating to an alleged violation of any federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or |
| · | been the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
Except as set forth in our discussion below in “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” our director or executive officer has not been involved in any transactions with us or any of our directors, executive officers, affiliates or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Code of Ethics
We currently do not have a code of ethics that applies to our officers, employees and director, including our Chief Executive Officer, however, we are in the process of formulating a code of ethics and intend to adopt one in the near future.
Corporate Governance and Limitations on Directors’ and Officers’ Liability
British Virgin Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company's articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the British Virgin Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provides for the indemnification of our directors against all losses or liabilities incurred or sustained by him or her as a director of our company in defending any proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative in which the director acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interest of the company and had no reasonable cause to believe that their conduct was unlawful.
The following table shows the annual compensation paid by us for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 to Wenping Luo, our principal executive officer and Maochun Kang, our principal financial and accounting officer. No officer had a salary during either of the previous two years of more than $100,000.
Name and Principal Position | | Year | | Salary ($) | | | Bonus ($) | | | All Other Compensation ($) | | | Totals ($)(1) | |
Wenping Luo | | 2012 | | $ | | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | | |
President, Chief Executive Officer | | 2011 | | $ | | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | | |
Maochun Kang | | 2012 | | $ | | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | | |
Chief Financial Officer | | 2011 | | $ | | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | | |
(1) | Represents the compensations of Mr. Luo and Mr. Kang for serving as executive officers of Anpulo Laifeng. The Company has not entered into any compensation arrangements with Mr. Luo or Mr. Kang. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
No equity award was outstanding at the December 31, 2012.
Compensation of Our Director
All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders at which their respective class of directors is re-elected and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. There are no family relationships among our directors or executive officers. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Employee directors do not receive any compensation for their services. Non-employee directors are entitled to receive $10,000 per year for serving as directors and may receive option grants from our company. In addition, non-employee directors are entitled to receive compensation for their actual travel expenses for each Board of Directors meeting attended.
Summary Compensation Table FY 2012 – Directors
| | Director Fees earned or paid in cash | | | Total(1) | |
| | | | | | |
Wenping Luo(2) | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
Tao Yang(2) | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
Chunhai Lin(3) | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
Xinlian Zhang(3) | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
Shijia Li(3) | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
(1) | None of the directors received any ordinary share awards, option awards, nonqualified deferred compensation earnings or non-equity incentive plan compensation in fiscal year 2012. |
(2) | Mr. Luo and Mr. Yang received payment in their capacities as officers of our company and/or subsidiaries/affiliates but did not receive any compensation for serving as directors of our company. |
(3) | Messers. Lin, Zhang, and Li did not become directors until 2013 and therefore did not receive any payment in 2012. |
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our voting securities by (i) each director and named executive officer, (ii) all executive officers and directors as a group; and (iii) each shareholder known to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the outstanding ordinary shares of the Company as of January 2, 2014.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Generally, a person is considered to beneficially own securities: (i) over which such person, directly or indirectly, exercises sole or shared voting or investment power, and (ii) of which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days (such as through exercise of share options or warrants). For purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding shares held by each person or group of persons, any shares that such person or persons has the right to acquire within 60 days of January 2, 2014 are deemed to be outstanding, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. The inclusion herein of any shares listed as beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership. Unless otherwise indicated below, the address of each person listed in the table below is c/o No 8., North of Fengxiang Avenue, Xiangfeng Town, Laifeng County, Hubei Province 445700, China.
Named Executive Officers and Directors | | Amount of Beneficial Ownership(1) | | Percentage Ownership(2) | |
| | | | | |
Wenping Luo, Principal Executive Officer and Director | | | 92,000,000 | (3) | 74.80 | % |
Maochun Kang, Chief Financial Officer | | | 100,000 | | 0.08 | % |
Tao Yang, Director | | | 100,000 | | 0.08 | % |
Chunhai Lin, Director | | | 0 | | * | |
Xinlian Zhang, Director | | | 0 | | * | |
Shijia Li, Director | | | 0 | | * | |
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (6 people) | | | 92,200,000 | | 74.96 | % |
| | | | | | |
5% Shareholders Not Mentioned Above | | | | | | |
Jinfeng Hu | | | 92,000,000 | (4) | 74.80 | % |
(1) | Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the common shares. |
(2) | Based on 123,000,000 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2013. |
(3 ) | Includes 6,000,000 shares owned by Mr. Luo’s spouse, Jinfeng Hu. |
(4) | Includes 86,000,000 shares owned by Ms. Jinfeng Hu’s spouse, Wenping Luo. |
Transactions with Related Persons
Share Exchange by Officer, Director and Principal Stockholder
On October 30, 2013, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Anpulo HK in exchange for the issuance by us of an aggregate of 122,900,000 restricted shares of our common shares to the shareholders of Anpulo HK, among which, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board exchanged his 859 shares of Anpulo HK with 85,900,000 common shares of our Company. The last private sale price for the common stock of Anpulo HK in the shares-for-debt transaction was $20,000 per share and following the share exchange, the last effective private sale price for the registrant’s ordinary share was $0.20 per ordinary share.
Personal Loans to Officer, Director and Principal Stockholder
Between January 2013 and July 2013, we loaned an aggregate of approximately $5,791,010 to Wenping Luo, the principal stockholder and President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, for his personal use. These loans have been collected by July 2013 and the amount due from Mr. Luo to the Company at September 30, 2013 was $0. These loans were due upon demand and no interest was charged.
During 2012, we loaned an aggregate of $3,791,804 to Wenping Luo, the principal stockholder and President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, for his personal use. The amount due from Mr. Luo to the Company at December 31, 2012 was $3,791,804. These loans were due upon demand and no interest was charged. The full amount due from Mr. Luo of $3,791,804 had been collected during the first six months of 2013.
The above loans would be in violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, including Section 402’s prohibition against personal loans to directors and executive officers, either directly or indirectly, had they occurred after Anpulo Laifeng became a variable interest entity of our Company. Management is aware of the ramifications, and has committed to avoiding it by implementing controls that will prevent this type of violation from happening in the future. Please see “Policies and Procedures for Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons.”
Advances from Officer, Director and Principal Stockholder
During 2013, Wenping Luo, the principal stockholder and President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company advanced $822,435 to the Company. The amount due from the Company to Mr. Luo at September 30, 2013 was $822,435. Such loans are non-interest bearing and due upon demand.
Policies and Procedures for Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
We had substantial related party transactions as described above and have had no corporate governance policies in place to review, authorize and approve such transactions. Specifically, the Company’s variable interest entity made loans to related party companies which would be in violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, including Section 402’s prohibition against personal loans to directors and executive officers, either directly or indirectly, had they occurred after Anpulo Laifeng became a variable interest entity of our Company. These loans, if occur in the future, may subject us and our officers and directors to possible criminal, civil or administrative sanctions, penalties, or investigations, in addition to potential shareholder lawsuits. Management is aware of the ramifications, and has committed to avoiding it by implementing controls that will prevent this type of violation from happening in the future.
We expect to prepare and adopt a written related-person transactions policy that sets forth our policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration and approval or ratification of “related-persons transactions.” For purposes of our policy only, a “related-person transaction” will be a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which we and any “related person” are participants involving an amount that exceeds $120,000 or one percent of the average of the Company’s total assets at the year-end for 2013. Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us as an employee, director, consultant or similar capacity by a related person will not be covered by this policy. A related person will be any executive officer, director or a holder of more than five percent of our ordinary shares, including any of their immediate family members and any entity owned or controlled by such persons.
We anticipate that, where a transaction has been identified as a related-person transaction, the policy will require management to present information regarding the proposed related-person transaction to our audit committee (or, where approval by our audit committee would be inappropriate, to another independent body of our board of directors) for consideration and approval or ratification. Management’s presentation will be expected to include a description of, among other things, the material facts, the direct and indirect interests of the related persons, the benefits of the transaction to us and whether any alternative transactions are available.
To identify related-person transactions in advance, we are expected to rely on information supplied by our executive officers, directors and certain significant shareholders. In considering related-person transactions, our board of directors will take into account the relevant available facts and circumstances including, but not limited to:
| ● | the risks, costs and benefits to us; |
| ● | the effect on a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, immediate family member of a director or an entity with which a director is affiliated; |
| ● | the terms of the transaction; |
| ● | the availability of other sources for comparable services or products; and |
| ● | the terms available to or from, as the case may be, unrelated third parties or to or from our employees generally. |
We also expect that the policy will require any interested director to excuse himself or herself from deliberations and approval of the transaction in which the interested director is involved.
Promoters and Certain Control Persons
A “promoter” within the definition of 12b-2 includes (i) any person who, acting alone or in conjunction with one or more other persons, directly or indirectly takes initiative in founding and organizing the business or enterprise of an issuer; or (ii) any person who, in connection with the founding and organizing of the business or enterprise of an issuer, directly or indirectly receives in consideration of services or property, or both services and property, 10 percent or more of any class of securities of the issuer or 10 percent or more of the proceeds from the sale of any class of such securities.
We have no knowledge of any person who would be deemed a “promoter” of our company during the past five years within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, except as follows:
Mr. Peter Reichard, who was an officer and director at the inception of the Company, may come into the definition of promoter as person taking initiative in founding and organizing the business of the company. At inception, the Company issued 60,000 shares of its common shares (when we were a Nevada company) or 60% of the number of the outstanding shares of its common shares at the time of the issuance to Mr. Reichard.
Mr. Peter Coke, may come into the definition of promoter for receiving 40,000 shares of the Company’s common shares (when we were a Nevada company) or 40% of the number of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common shares at the time of the issuance as consideration of services in connection with the founding and organizing of the Company.
Director Independence
Because our ordinary shares are not currently listed on a national securities exchange, we have used the definition of “independence” of The NASDAQ Stock Market to make this determination. NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) provides that an “independent director” is a person other than an officer or employee of the company or any other individual having a relationship which, in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. The NASDAQ listing rules provide that a director cannot be considered independent if:
| · | the director is, or at any time during the past three years was, an employee of the company; |
| · | the director or a family member of the director accepted any compensation from the company in excess of $120,000 during any period of 12 consecutive months within the three years preceding the independence determination (subject to certain exclusions, including, among other things, compensation for board or board committee service); |
| · | a family member of the director is, or at any time during the past three years was, an executive officer of the company; |
| · | the director or a family member of the director is a partner in, controlling shareholder of, or an executive officer of an entity to which the company made, or from which the company received, payments in the current or any of the past three fiscal years that exceed 5% of the recipient’s gross revenue for that year or $200,000, whichever is greater (subject to certain exclusions); |
| · | the director or a family member of the director is employed as an executive officer of an entity where, at any time during the past three years, any of the executive officers of the company served on the compensation committee of such other entity; or |
| · | the director or a family member of the director is a current partner of the company’s outside auditor, or at any time during the past three years was a partner or employee of the company’s outside auditor, and who worked on the company’s audit. |
We do not currently have any independent director in light of the NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) and the standards established by the SEC.
We do not currently have a separately designated audit, nominating or compensation committee.
The validity of the ordinary shares offered by this prospectus and certain other legal matters as to British Virgin Islands will be passed upon for us by Conyers Dill & Pearman, with the address of Commerce House, Wickhams Cay 1 P.O. Box 3140, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110. Legal matters as to PRC law will be passed upon for us by KaiTong Law Firm, with the address of 3515-3518, CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe North Road, Guangzhou.
Our audited financial statements appearing in this prospectus and registration statement have been audited by HHC, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein and in the registration statement, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act for the ordinary shares in this offering. This prospectus does not contain all of the information in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedule that were filed with the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and our ordinary shares, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits that were filed with the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus about the contents of any contract or any other document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement include material provisions but are not necessarily complete, and we refer you to the full text of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.
We file annual, quarterly, and current reports and other information with the SEC. Our filings with the SEC are available to the public on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy, at the SEC’s prescribed rates, any document we file with the SEC, including the registration statement (and its exhibits) of which this prospectus is a part, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| PAGE |
Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2012 | F-2 |
| |
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) | F-3 |
| |
Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) | F-4 |
| |
Notes to Financial Statements | F-6 |
| |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | F-18 |
| |
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 | |
| |
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 | |
| |
Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 | |
| |
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 | |
| |
Notes to Financial Statements | F-23 |
Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd.
Balance Sheets
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | | |
Current Assets: | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 1,553,909 | | | $ | 407,323 | |
Investment held for sale | | | 32,775 | | | | - | |
Accounts receivable | | | 2,063,260 | | | | 1,667,323 | |
Inventories | | | 1,075,133 | | | | 1,057,584 | |
Advances to suppliers | | | 889,652 | | | | 35,657 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 10,821 | | | | 10,316 | |
Due from related party | | | - | | | | 3,791,804 | |
Other receivables | | | 263,831 | | | | 93,971 | |
Other current assets | | | 1,199,461 | | | | 215,430 | |
Total Current Assets | | | 7,088,842 | | | | 7,279,408 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | | | 7,488,188 | | | | 7,409,102 | |
Construction in progress | | | 1,405,229 | | | | 648,458 | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 3,537,634 | | | | 3,504,679 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 19,519,893 | | | $ | 18,841,647 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Short-term loans | | $ | 8,343,654 | | | $ | 6,062,434 | |
Accounts payable and accrued payables | | | 315,316 | | | | 497,437 | |
Advances from customers | | | 645,175 | | | | 74,512 | |
Other payables | | | 239,117 | | | | 216,466 | |
Due to related party | | | 822,435 | | | | - | |
Total Current Liabilities | | | 10,365,697 | | | | 6,850,849 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term loans | | | 4,562,936 | | | | 6,824,205 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 14,928,633 | | | | 13,675,054 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Stockholders' Equity: | | | | | | | | |
Paid in capital | | | 5,637,499 | | | | 5,637,499 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (1,897,993 | ) | | | (1,192,815 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 851,754 | | | | 721,909 | |
Total Stockholders' Equity | | | 4,591,260 | | | | 5,166,593 | |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | | $ | 19,519,893 | | | $ | 18,841,647 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd.
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, | | | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales | | $ | 4,783,869 | | | $ | 4,480,059 | | | $ | 13,555,883 | | | $ | 11,583,450 | |
Cost of goods sold | | | 3,851,884 | | | | 3,633,802 | | | | 10,914,137 | | | | 9,726,656 | |
Gross profit | | | 931,985 | | | | 846,257 | | | | 2,641,746 | | | | 1,856,794 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 157,426 | | | | 237,577 | | | | 1,160,243 | | | | 824,971 | |
Selling expenses | | | 625,970 | | | | 555,257 | | | | 1,675,722 | | | | 1,054,538 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 783,396 | | | | 792,834 | | | | 2,835,965 | | | | 1,879,509 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 148,589 | | | | 53,423 | | | | (194,219 | ) | | | (22,715 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (209,369 | ) | | | (116,702 | ) | | | (627,334 | ) | | | (368,616 | ) |
Subsidy income | | | 498 | | | | - | | | | 118,007 | | | | 914,385 | |
Other income (expense) | | | (23,345 | ) | | | (7,206 | ) | | | (1,632 | ) | | | (10,532 | ) |
Total other income (expense) | | | (232,216 | ) | | | (123,908 | ) | | | (510,959 | ) | | | 535,237 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income taxes | | | (83,627 | ) | | | (70,485 | ) | | | (705,178 | ) | | | 512,522 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income taxes | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Net income (loss) | | | (83,627 | ) | | | (70,485 | ) | | | (705,178 | ) | | | 512,522 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment | | | 29,475 | | | | (6,441 | ) | | | 129,845 | | | | 24,955 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | | $ | (54,152 | ) | | $ | (76,926 | ) | | $ | (575,333 | ) | | $ | 537,477 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd.
Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | (705,178 | ) | | $ | 512,522 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 604,422 | | | | 605,127 | |
Amortization of prepaid rental expense | | | 27,136 | | | | - | |
Bad debt expense | | | 83,203 | | | | 19,400 | |
Written of advances to suppliers | | | 19,871 | | | | - | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (420,484 | ) | | | (456,115 | ) |
Inventories | | | 10,703 | | | | (653,695 | ) |
Advances to suppliers | | | (862,364 | ) | | | (22,803 | ) |
Other receivables | | | (174,833 | ) | | | (1,693,795 | ) |
Prepaid expenses | | | (26,074 | ) | | | - | |
Due from related party | | | 3,845,447 | | | | 870,269 | |
Other current assets | | | (966,157 | ) | | | 480,791 | |
Accounts payable and accrued payables | | | (193,057 | ) | | | (51,097 | ) |
Advances from customers | | | 561,634 | | | | 153,688 | |
Other payables | | | 16,633 | | | | (194,801 | ) |
Total adjustments | | | 2,526,080 | | | | (943,031 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 1,820,902 | | | | (430,509 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | |
Investment in short-term investment | | | (32,370 | ) | | | - | |
Investment in construction in progress | | | (730,227 | ) | | | (10,876 | ) |
Purchase of plant and equipment | | | (425,775 | ) | | | (721,382 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (1,188,372 | ) | | | (732,258 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | |
Due to related party | | | 812,269 | | | | - | |
Repayment of long-term loans | | | (2,414,215 | ) | | | - | |
Proceeds from long-term loans | | | - | | | | 1,331,537 | |
Repayment of short-term loans | | | (5,536,599 | ) | | | (6,820,163 | ) |
Proceeds from short-term loans | | | 7,628,919 | | | | 6,657,684 | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 490,374 | | | | 1,169,058 | |
| | | | | | | | |
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH | | | 23,682 | | | | 1,947 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCREASE IN CASH | | | 1,146,586 | | | | 8,238 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR | | | 407,323 | | | | 371,300 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH, END OF PERIOD | | $ | 1,553,909 | | | $ | 379,538 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES: | | | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the period for: | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid | | $ | 666,860 | | | $ | 371,718 | |
Income tax paid | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd.
Statements of The Stockholders' Equity
(Unaudited)
| | Common Stock | | | Paid-in | | | Accumulated | | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive | | | | |
| | Shares | | | Amount | | | Capital | | | Deficit | | | Income | | | Total | |
Balance, December 31, 2011 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 5,637,499 | | | $ | (1,422,947 | ) | | $ | 682,037 | | | $ | 4,896,589 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Appropriation to statutory surplus reserves | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 230,132 | | | | - | | | | 230,132 | |
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 39,872 | | | | 39,872 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2012 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 5,637,499 | | | $ | (1,192,815 | ) | | $ | 721,909 | | | $ | 5,166,593 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Appropriation to statutory surplus reserves | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (705,178 | ) | | | - | | | | (705,178 | ) |
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 129,845 | | | | 129,845 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, September 30, 2013 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 5,637,499 | | | $ | (1,897,993 | ) | | $ | 851,754 | | | $ | 4,591,260 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd. (the “Company” or “Anpulo Laifeng”) was registered as a privately owned company on March 3, 2005 in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”). The Company’s business operations consist of processing and distributing pork products. The Company also engages in the research and development, manufacturing and distribution of chilled pork, frozen pork and prepared meats. The Company distributes its products to the clients mainly in Hubei and Hunan Province.
The Company follows FASB ASC 280-Segment Reporting, which requires that companies disclose segment data based on how management makes decision about allocating resources to segments and evaluating their performance. The Company’s management has determined that as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 their operations are in one segment, that of retail pork product sales.
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
Management acknowledges its responsibility for the preparation of the accompanying interim financial statements which reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary in its opinion for a fair statement of its financial position and the results of its operations for the interim period presented.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements for Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd. have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (the “U.S.”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Article 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the fiscal year as a whole. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the unaudited financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. Significant estimates in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 include the allowance for doubtful accounts, the allowance for obsolete inventory, the useful life of property and equipment and intangible assets, assumptions used in assessing impairment of long-term assets and valuation of deferred tax assets, and accruals for taxes due.
Restrictions of Transfer of Assets Out of the PRC
Dividend payments by Anpulo Laifeng are limited by certain statutory regulations in the PRC. No dividends may be paid by Anpulo Laifeng without first receiving prior approval from the Foreign Currency Exchange Management Bureau. Dividend payments may be restricted to certain percentage of profits, after tax.
Control by Principal Stockholders
Our directors and executive officers and their affiliates or related parties own, beneficially and in the aggregate, the majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Accordingly, if our directors and executive officers and their affiliates or related parties vote their shares uniformly, they would have the ability to control the approval of most corporate actions, including increasing our authorized capital stock and the dissolution or merger of our company or the sale of our assets.
Collaborative Arrangements
On August 1, 2011, the Company entered into a collaborative agreement with Tianli Agritech Inc. (“Tianli”). In accordance with the Company’s collaborative agreement with Tianli, the Company was providing assistances to Tianli to establish retail operations within existing retail facilities with whom the Company had ongoing business arrangements. In these retail facilities, Tianli is permitted to retail pork products.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company evaluates whether an arrangement is a collaborative arrangement under FASB ASC Topic 808, Collaborative Arrangements, at its inception based on the facts and circumstances specific to the arrangement. The Company also reevaluates whether an arrangement qualifies or continues to qualify as a collaborative arrangement whenever there is a change in either the roles of the participants or the participants’ exposure to significant risks and rewards dependent on the ultimate commercial success of the endeavor. For those collaborative arrangements where it is determined that the Company is not the principal participant, costs incurred and revenue generated from third parties do not record on a gross basis in the financial statements. On June 15, 2012, the Company terminated the collaborative agreement with Tianli.
The Company’s collaboration agreements with third parties are performed on a ‘‘best efforts’’ basis with no guarantee of either technological or commercial success. Payments to and from the Company’s collaboration partners are presented in the statements of income based on the nature of the arrangement (including its contractual terms), the nature of the payments and applicable accounting guidance.
As of June 15, 2012, all assets and liabilities generated and incurred under the collaborative arrangement, has been assumed by the Company after Tianli terminated the collaborative arrangement as the Company has the capacity to operate a retail operation. Net assets and liabilities that arose under this terminated collaborative arrangement were immaterial.
According to the agreement, the Company and Tianli share the net income of the collaborative retail business on a ratio of 40% to the Company and 60% to Tianli. Profit sharing from the collaborative arrangement during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $0 and $15,672.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less and money market accounts to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions mainly in the PRC and the U.S. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, balances in banks in the PRC of $1,553,909 and $407,323, respectively, are uninsured.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company adopted the guidance of ASC Topic 820 for fair value measurements which clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1-Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities available at the measurement date.
Level 2-Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3-Inputs are unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions on what assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best available information.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following tables present information about investment held for trading measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
| | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | | | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | Balance at September 30, 2013 | | | Gain (Loss) | |
Investment in gold held for trading | | $ | 32,775 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 32,775 | | | $ | - | |
| | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | | | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | Balance at December 31, 2012 | | | Gain (Loss) | |
Investment in gold held for trading | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
The Company conducted an impairment assessment on the investment held for trading based on the guidelines established in FASB ASC Topic 360 to determine the estimated fair market value of the investment as of September 30, 2013. Upon completion of its 2013 impairment analysis, the Company determined that the carrying value did not exceed the fair market value on equipment which is held for sale. The Company did not record impairment charge at September 30, 2013.
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories, advances to suppliers, prepaid expenses and other, short-term loans, accounts payable, accrued expenses, advances from customers, VAT and service taxes payable and income taxes payable approximate their fair market value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments.
ASC Topic 825-10 “Financial Instruments” allows entities to voluntarily choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value (fair value option). The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable, unless a new election date occurs. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, unrealized gains and losses for that instrument should be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The Company did not elect to apply the fair value option to any outstanding instruments.
Concentrations of Credit Risks
The Company’s operations are carried out in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environment in the PRC, and by the general state of the PRC’s economy. The Company’s operations in the PRC are subject to specific considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and trade accounts receivable. The Company’s cash is maintained with state-owned and private banks within the PRC, and none of these deposits are covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any risks on its cash in bank accounts. A significant portion of the Company’s sales are credit sales which are primarily to customers whose ability to pay is dependent upon the industry economics prevailing in these areas; however, concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivables is limited due to generally short payment terms. The Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers to help further reduce credit risk.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s cash balances by geographic area were as follows:
| | September 30, 2013 | | | December 31, 2012 | |
Country: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
United States | | $ | - | | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | |
China | | | 1,553,909 | | | | 100 | % | | | 407,323 | | | | 100 | % |
Total cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 1,553,909 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 407,323 | | | | 100 | % |
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses. The Company reviews the accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Company considers many factors, including the age of the balance, a customer’s historical payment history, its current credit-worthiness and current economic trends. Accounts are written off after exhaustive efforts at collection. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company has established, based on a review of its outstanding balances, an allowance for doubtful accounts in the amounts of $120,837 and $45,067, respectively.
Investment in Gold – Held for Trading
Marketable investment instruments are generally designated as investment held for trading. Investments held for trading are measured at fair value, whereby gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are recognized to profit or loss. The Company holds investments in gold for trading purposes. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company holds investment for trading of $32,775 and $0, respectively. No gain or loss resulting from changes in fair value is recognized to profit or loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Inventories
Inventories, consisting of raw materials, work in process and finished goods related to the Company’s products are stated at the lower of cost or market utilizing the weighted average method. An allowance is established when management determines that certain inventories may not be saleable. If inventory costs exceed expected market value due to obsolescence or quantities in excess of expected demand, the Company will record reserves for the difference between the cost and the market value. These reserves are recorded based on estimates. The Company did not record inventory reserve at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Advances to Suppliers
Advances to suppliers represent the cash paid in advance for the purchase of raw materials from suppliers and a prepayment for the purchase of a land use right. The advance payments are intended to ensure preferential pricing and delivery. The amounts advanced under such arrangements totaled $889,652 and $35,657 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
Other Current Assets
Other current assets represent the cash held in personal bank accounts. Most of the Company’s business activities are with peasant farmers and of necessity such transactions are carried out in cash. Corporate bank accounts in the PRC generally have cumbersome procedures for cash deposits and withdrawals. However, such cumbersome procedures are not applicable to personal bank accounts. For this reason, many companies that deal with a significant volume of cash activities often arrange to have a personal bank account established in the name of a trusted employee to facilitate such transactions. The Company’s rights to its funds held in such account are documented through a formal agreement with the individual nominally listed as the account owner. Since 2005, the Company kept a certain amount of cash in personal bank accounts established in the names of its cashiers, accountants, and Chief Executive Officer for the purpose of cash maintenance and management. The Company’s cashier, accountants, and Chief Executive Officer were maintaining and managing cash of $1,199,461 and $215,430 on behalf of the Company as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Plant and Equipment
Plant and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred; major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income in the year of disposition. The Company examines the possibility of decreases in the value of fixed assets when events or changes in circumstances reflect the fact that their recorded value may not be recoverable.
Included in property and equipment is construction-in-progress which consisted of factory improvements and machinery pending installation and includes the costs of construction, machinery and equipment, and any interest charges arising from borrowings used to finance these assets during the period of construction or installation of the assets. No provision for depreciation is made on construction-in-progress until such time as the relevant assets are completed and ready for their intended use.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
In accordance with ASC Topic 360, the Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, or at least annually. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its book value. The Company did not record any impairment charge for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Advances from Customers
Advances from customers at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 amounted to $645,175 and $74,512, respectively, and consist of prepayments from customers for merchandise that had not yet been shipped. The Company will recognize the deposits as revenue as customers take delivery of the goods and title to the assets is transferred to customers in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy.
Revenue Recognition
Pursuant to the guidance of ASC Topic 605 and ASC Topic 360, the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the purchase price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of its pork products upon shipment and transfer of title.
Subsidy Income
We have benefitted from government grants and subsidies. In particular, we received (a) one-time subsidies for interest expense of $0 and $231,618 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and (b) $118,007 and $914,385 on subsidies for supporting agricultural companies to develop in minority areas from the government in September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The one-time subsidies for interest expenses were used to offset the Company’s gross interest expenses. The other subsidies were recorded as “subsidy income” in our financial statements and the amount of subsidies is granted based on the local government’s financial status, policy, and various political factors. There is no guarantee that we will continue to receive such subsidies in future periods and no guarantee at the amount of subsidies we will receive in future periods.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The details of the gross interest expense and subsidies received from the local government which was used to offset the Company’s interest expenses were as follow:
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Interest expense | | $ | (666,860 | ) | | $ | (603,336 | ) |
Deduct: | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | 39,526 | | | | 3,102 | |
Subsidy received from the local government | | | - | | | | 231,618 | |
Net balance of interest expense | | $ | (627,334 | ) | | $ | (368,616 | ) |
Income Taxes
The Company is governed by the Income Tax Law of the PRC and the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method prescribed by ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes.” Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the period in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance to offset deferred tax assets if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company applied the provisions of ASC 740-10-50, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” which provides clarification related to the process associated with accounting for uncertain tax positions recognized in our financial statements. Audit periods remain open for review until the statute of limitations has passed. The completion of review or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the Company’s liability for income taxes. Any such adjustment could be material to the Company’s results of operations for any given quarterly or annual period based, in part, upon the results of operations for the given period. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had no uncertain tax positions, and will continue to evaluate for uncertain positions in the future.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping costs are included in selling expenses and totaled $187,331 and $105,845 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the shipping costs are $66,205 and $39,815, respectively.
Employee Benefits
The Company’s operations and employees are all located in the PRC. The Company makes mandatory contributions to the PRC government’s health, retirement benefit and unemployment funds in accordance with the relevant Chinese social security laws. The costs of these payments are charged to the same accounts as the related salary costs in the same period as the related salary costs. Employee benefit costs totaled $75,589 and $61,279 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Advertising Costs
Advertising is expensed as incurred and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income and totaled $119,365 and $95,797 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation
The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of the Company is the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). Results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate at the end of the period, and equity is translated at historical exchange rates. As a result, amounts relating to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows may not necessarily agree with the changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets. Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income. The cumulative translation adjustment and effect of exchange rate changes on cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $23,682 and $1,947, respectively. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date with any transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
All of the Company’s revenue transactions are transacted in the functional currency. The Company does not enter into any material transaction in foreign currencies. Transaction gains or losses have not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect on the results of operations of the Company.
Asset and liability accounts at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were translated at 6.1364 RMB to $1.00 and at 6.30110 RMB to $1.00, respectively, which were the exchange rates on the balance sheet dates. Equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to the statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were 6.2132 RMB and 6.3027 RMB to $1.00, respectively. Cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies using the average translation rate. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets.
Related Parties
Parties are considered to be related to the Company if the parties, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Company and its management and other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. The Company discloses all related party transactions. All transactions are recorded at fair value of the goods or services exchanged.
The amount of due from (to) related party was ($822,435) and $3,791,804 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The amount represented the advances to (from) the Company’s major shareholder and Chief Executive Officer, Wenping Luo, for personal loan purpose. Such loans are non-interest bearing and due upon demand. The amount of due from related party of $3,791,804 had been collected during the first six months of 2013.
These personal loans by us to Mr. Wenping Luo during 2012 violated the prohibitions of Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 from making loans to executive officers or directors. The Company could be subject to investigation and/or litigation that could involve significant time and costs and may not be resolved favorably. The Company is unable to predict the extent of its ultimate liability with respect to these transactions. The costs and other effects of any future litigation, government investigations, legal and administrative cases and proceedings, settlements, judgments and investigations, claims and changes in this matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and operating results.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and all changes to the statements of stockholders’ equity, except those due to investments by stockholders, changes in paid-in capital and distributions to stockholders. For the Company, comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 included net income and unrealized gains from foreign currency translation adjustments.
Recent Accounting Pronouncement
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02 (“ASU 2013-02”) Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2013-02 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income, however it increases disclose requirements for amounts that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. ASU 2013-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012. This guidance was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2013, and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In March 2013, the FASB issued
ASU
2013-05
“Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU 2013-05 addresses the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. For public entities, the ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods, within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
These personal loans by us to Mr. Wenping Luo during 2012 violated the prohibitions of Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 from making loans to executive officers or directors. The Company could be subject to investigation and/or litigation that could involve significant time and costs and may not be resolved favorably. The Company is unable to predict the extent of its ultimate liability with respect to these transactions. The costs and other effects of any future litigation, government investigations, legal and administrative cases and proceedings, settlements, judgments and investigations, claims and changes in this matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and operating results.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits related to any disallowed portion of net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards, if they exist. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements upon adoption. The Company does not discuss recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an impact on or are unrelated to its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The Company accrues an allowance for bad debts related to our receivables. The receivable and allowance balances at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Accounts receivable | | $ | 2,184,097 | | | $ | 1,712,390 | |
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts | | | (120,837 | ) | | | (45,067 | ) |
| | $ | 2,063,260 | | | $ | 1,667,323 | |
The Company reviews the accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. After evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Company increased the allowance for doubtful accounts in the amount of $73,639 and $19,400 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
NOTE 4 – INVENTORIES
At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, inventories consisted of the following:
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Raw materials | | $ | 86,157 | | | $ | 41,914 | |
Work in process | | | 131,878 | | | | 233,242 | |
Finished goods | | | 857,098 | | | | 782,428 | |
| | | 1,075,133 | | | | 1,057,584 | |
Less: reserve for obsolete inventory | | | - | | | | - | |
| | $ | 1,075,133 | | | $ | 1,057,584 | |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not make any reserve for obsolete inventory.
NOTE 5 – OTHER RECEIVABLES
At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company reported other receivables of $263,831 and $93,971, respectively, including an allowance for doubtful receivables of $21,448 and $11,457.
The balances of other receivables as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 included the following:
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Deposits to supermarkets | | $ | 223,514 | | | $ | 79,419 | |
Loan receivables | | | 326 | | | | - | |
Travel advances to employees | | | 48,505 | | | | 22,648 | |
Others | | | 12,934 | | | | 3,361 | |
| | | 285,279 | | | | 105,428 | |
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts | | | (21,448 | ) | | | (11,457 | ) |
| | $ | 263,831 | | | $ | 93,971 | |
The Company reviews the other receivables on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. After evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Company increased the allowance for doubtful accounts in the amount of $9,564 and $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 6 – PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Plant and equipment at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of:
| | | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| Useful Life | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Buildings | 20 years | | $ | 7,108,740 | | | $ | 6,591,416 | |
Operating equipment | 4 to 10 years | | | 3,387,178 | | | | 3,273,355 | |
Office equipment | 5 years | | | 86,523 | | | | 73,774 | |
Vehicles | 5 to 8 years | | | 403,616 | | | | 340,520 | |
| | | | 10,986,057 | | | | 10,279,065 | |
Less: accumulated depreciation | | | | (3,497,869 | ) | | | (2,869,963 | ) |
| | | $ | 7,488,188 | | | $ | 7,409,102 | |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, depreciation expense amounted to $544,067 and $545,683, respectively. Depreciation is not taken during the period of construction or equipment installation. Upon completion of the installation of manufacturing equipment or any construction in progress, construction in progress balances will be classified to their respective property and equipment category.
NOTE 7 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS
There is no private ownership of land in China. Land is owned by the government and the government grants land use rights for specified terms. The Company’s land use right has a term of 50 years and expires on March 15, 2057. The Company amortizes the land use rights over the term of the respective land use right. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, amortization of land use rights amounted to $60,355 and $59,444, respectively. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, land use rights consisted of the following:
| | | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| Useful Life | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Land use rights | 50 years | | $ | 4,074,050 | | | $ | 3,967,561 | |
Others | | | | 6,222 | | | | 6,059 | |
| | | | 4,080,272 | | | | 3,973,620 | |
Less: accumulated depreciation | | | | (542,638 | ) | | | (468,941 | ) |
| | | $ | 3,537,634 | | | $ | 3,504,679 | |
The estimated amortization expense of intangible assets over each of the next five years and thereafter will be $80,474.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 – LOANS PAYABLE
Short-term Loans
Short-term bank loan represents an amount due to a bank that is due within one year. This loan can be renewed with the bank upon maturity. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, short-term bank loans consisted of the following:
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by January 14, 2013 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | $ | - | | | $ | 190,443 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by March 19, 2013 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | - | | | | 555,459 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by March 26, 2013 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | - | | | | 555,459 | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by December 20, 2013, guaranteed by Enshi Zhou Nongfa Credit Guarantee Co., Ltd. | | | 814,810 | | | | 793,512 | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6.56%, due by January 10, 2013, guaranteed by the major shareholders. | | | - | | | | 793,512 | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by September 19, 2013 with buildings as collateral. | | | - | | | | 3,174,049 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by March 18, 2014 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | 195,554 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by April 22, 2014 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | 570,367 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by May 15, 2014 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | 570,367 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by January 29, 2014 and guaranteed by Enshi Zhou Nongfa Credit Guarantee Co., Ltd. | | | 814,810 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Bank of Hubei, annual interest rate of 6%, due by March 27, 2014 and guaranteed by the major shareholders and Hubei Xiangyue Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd. | | | 1,303,696 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by September 11, 2014 with buildings and land use rights provided by Laifeng Anpulo Yunxing Transportation Co., Ltd. as collateral. | | | 2,444,430 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by September 23, 2014 with buildings as collateral. | | | 1,629,620 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 8,343,654 | | | $ | 6,062,434 | |
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Long-term Loans
Long-term bank loan represents an amount due to a bank that is due more than one year. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, long-term bank loans consisted of the following:
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Loan payable to Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by November 5, 2014, guaranteed by the major shareholders. | | $ | 4,562,936 | | | $ | 4,443,669 | |
Loan payable to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by August 24, 2014 with buildings and land use rights provided by Laifeng Anpulo Yunxing Transportation Co., Ltd. as collateral. | | | - | | | | 1,333,100 | |
Loan payable to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by October 1, 2014 with buildings and land use rights provided by Laifeng Anpulo Yunxing Transportation Co., Ltd. as collateral. | | | - | | | | 1,047,436 | |
| | $ | 4,562,936 | | | $ | 6,824,205 | |
On August 16 and September 11, 2013, the Company repaid its long-term loans of $2,429,858 to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. The long-term loans have a fixed annual interest rate of 6%. The scheduled interest payments on the long-term loans are expected to be approximately $0.2 million in 2013 and $0.2 million in 2014.
NOTE 9 – CONCENTRATIONS
Customers
The following table sets forth information as to each customer that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
Customers | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
A | | | 34 | % | | | 21 | % |
Suppliers
No supplier accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s purchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
NOTE 10 – SUBSIDY INCOME
The Company received subsidies of $118,007 and $914,385 from the local government during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for subsidies to slaughtering companies and companies operating in poverty and minority area. The subsidies were recorded as “subsidy income” in our financial statements and the amount of subsidies is granted based on the local government’s financial status, policy, and various political factors. There is no guarantee that we will continue to receive such subsidies in future periods and no guarantee at the amount of subsidies we will receive in future periods.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd.’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ HHC
Forest Hills, New York
October 30, 2013
Balance Sheets
| | December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
ASSETS | | | | | | |
Current Assets: | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 407,323 | | | $ | 371,300 | |
Accounts receivable | | | 1,667,323 | | | | 780,310 | |
Inventories, net | | | 1,057,584 | | | | 1,012,223 | |
Advances to suppliers | | | 35,657 | | | | 444 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 10,316 | | | | - | |
Due from related party | | | 3,791,804 | | | | 2,619,935 | |
Other receivables, net | | | 93,971 | | | | 1,053,614 | |
Other current assets | | | 215,430 | | | | 706,521 | |
Total Current Assets | | | 7,279,408 | | | | 6,544,347 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | | | 7,409,102 | | | | 7,321,700 | |
Construction in progress | | | 648,458 | | | | 7,871 | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 3,504,679 | | | | 3,555,143 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 18,841,647 | | | $ | 17,429,061 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | | �� |
| | | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Short-term loans | | $ | 6,062,434 | | | $ | 10,897,628 | |
Accounts payable and accrued payables | | | 497,437 | | | | 289,440 | |
Advances from customers | | | 74,512 | | | | 134,731 | |
Other payables | | | 216,466 | | | | 1,210,673 | |
Total Current Liabilities | | | 6,850,849 | | | | 12,532,472 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term loans | | | 6,824,205 | | | | - | |
Total Liabilities | | | 13,675,054 | | | | 12,532,472 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' Equity: | | | | | | | | |
Paid in capital | | | 5,637,499 | | | | 5,637,499 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (1,192,815 | ) | | | (1,422,947 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 721,909 | | | | 682,037 | |
Total Shareholders' Equity | | | 5,166,593 | | | | 4,896,589 | |
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | | $ | 18,841,647 | | | $ | 17,429,061 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | | | | | |
Sales | | $ | 18,115,582 | | | $ | 15,084,726 | |
Cost of goods sold | | | 15,513,533 | | | | 13,346,653 | |
Gross profit | | | 2,602,049 | | | | 1,738,073 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 1,298,634 | | | | 858,395 | |
Selling expenses | | | 1,590,714 | | | | 1,140,362 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 2,889,348 | | | | 1,998,757 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Loss from operations | | | (287,299 | ) | | | (260,684 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (495,850 | ) | | | (317,819 | ) |
Subsidy income | | | 942,095 | | | | 595,416 | |
Other income (expense) | | | 71,186 | | | | 96,609 | |
Total other income | | | 517,431 | | | | 374,206 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | | 230,132 | | | | 113,522 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income taxes | | | - | | | | - | |
Net income | | | 230,132 | | | | 113,522 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment | | | 39,872 | | | | 175,540 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income | | $ | 270,004 | | | $ | 289,062 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Statements of Shareholders' Equity
| | | | | Accumulated | | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive | | | | |
| | Paid-in Capital | | | Deficits | | | Income | | | Total | |
Balance, December 31, 2010 | | $ | 5,637,499 | | | $ | (1,536,469 | ) | | $ | 506,497 | | | $ | 4,607,527 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | - | | | | 113,522 | | | | - | | | | 113,522 | |
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | 175,540 | | | | 175,540 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2011 | | $ | 5,637,499 | | | $ | (1,422,947 | ) | | $ | 682,037 | | | $ | 4,896,589 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | - | | | | 230,132 | | | | - | | | | 230,132 | |
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | 39,872 | | | | 39,872 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2012 | | $ | 5,637,499 | | | $ | (1,192,815 | ) | | $ | 721,909 | | | $ | 5,166,593 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
Statements of Cash Flows
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 230,132 | | | $ | 113,522 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 795,073 | | | | 665,663 | |
Bad debt expense | | | 39,041 | | | | 17,053 | |
Gain from disposal of property and equipment | | | - | | | | (15,227 | ) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (917,957 | ) | | | 355,420 | |
Inventories | | | (37,123 | ) | | | 73,889 | |
Advances to suppliers | | | (35,196 | ) | | | 11,400 | |
Other receivables | | | 966,416 | | | | (963,879 | ) |
Other current assets | | | 496,650 | | | | (401,537 | ) |
Prepaid expenses | | | (10,312 | ) | | | - | |
Accounts payable and accrued payables | | | 205,570 | | | | 222,165 | |
Advances from customers | | | (61,292 | ) | | | 54,419 | |
Other payables | | | (1,003,678 | ) | | | 267,965 | |
Total adjustments | | | 437,192 | | | | 287,331 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 667,324 | | | | 400,853 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | |
Investment in construction in progress | | | (640,289 | ) | | | (7,747 | ) |
Proceeds from disposal of construction in progress | | | - | | | | 49,269 | |
Purchase of plant and equipment | | | (743,650 | ) | | | (1,465,324 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (1,383,939 | ) | | | (1,423,802 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | |
Due from related party | | | (1,150,160 | ) | | | (2,200,409 | ) |
Proceeds from long-term loans | | | 6,821,715 | | | | - | |
Repayment of short-term loans | | | (12,536,885 | ) | | | (6,625,713 | ) |
Proceeds from short-term loans | | | 7,614,938 | | | | 9,543,877 | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 749,608 | | | | 717,755 | |
| | | | | | | | |
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH | | | 3,030 | | | | 19,851 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH | | | 36,023 | | | | (285,343 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR | | | 371,300 | | | | 656,643 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH, END OF YEAR | | $ | 407,323 | | | $ | 371,300 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES: | | | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the period for: | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid | | $ | 499,535 | | | $ | 322,059 | |
Income tax paid | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd. (the “Company” or “Anpulo Laifeng”) was registered as a privately owned company on March 3, 2005 in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”). The Company’s business operations consist of processing and distributing pork products. The Company also engages in the research and development, manufacturing and distribution of chilled pork, frozen pork and prepared meats. The Company distributes its products to the clients mainly in Hubei and Hunan Province.
The Company follows FASB ASC 280-Segment Reporting, which requires that companies disclose segment data based on how management makes decision about allocating resources to segments and evaluating their performance. The Company’s management has determined that as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 their operations are in one segment, that of retail pork product sales.
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with US GAAP and are presented in US dollars.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the unaudited financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. Significant estimates for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 include the allowance for doubtful accounts, the allowance for obsolete inventory, the useful life of property and equipment and intangible assets, assumptions used in assessing impairment of long-term assets and valuation of deferred tax assets, and accruals for taxes due.
Restrictions of Transfer of Assets Out of the PRC
Dividend payments by Anpulo Laifeng are limited by certain statutory regulations in the PRC. No dividends may be paid by Anpulo Laifeng without first receiving prior approval from the Foreign Currency Exchange Management Bureau. Dividend payments are restricted to 90% of profits, after tax.
Control by Principal Stockholders
Our directors and executive officers and their affiliates or related parties own, beneficially and in the aggregate, the majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Accordingly, if our directors and executive officers and their affiliates or related parties vote their shares uniformly, they would have the ability to control the approval of most corporate actions, including increasing our authorized capital stock and the dissolution or merger of our company or the sale of our assets.
Collaborative Arrangements
On August 1, 2011, the Company entered into a collaborative agreement with Tianli Agritech Inc. (“Tianli”). In accordance with the Company’s collaborative agreement with Tianli, the Company was providing assistances to Tianli to establish retail operations within existing retail facilities with whom the Company had ongoing business arrangements. In these retail facilities, Tianli is permitted to retail pork products.
The Company evaluates whether an arrangement is a collaborative arrangement under FASB ASC Topic 808, Collaborative Arrangements, at its inception based on the facts and circumstances specific to the arrangement. The Company also reevaluates whether an arrangement qualifies or continues to qualify as a collaborative arrangement whenever there is a change in either the roles of the participants or the participants’ exposure to significant risks and rewards dependent on the ultimate commercial success of the endeavor. For those collaborative arrangements where it is determined that the Company is not the principal participant, costs incurred and revenue generated from third parties do not record on a gross basis in the financial statements. On June 15, 2012, the Company terminated the collaborative agreement with Tianli.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company’s collaboration agreements with third parties are performed on a ‘‘best efforts’’ basis with no guarantee of either technological or commercial success. Payments to and from the Company’s collaboration partners are presented in the statements of income based on the nature of the arrangement (including its contractual terms), the nature of the payments and applicable accounting guidance.
As of June 15, 2012, all assets and liabilities generated and incurred under the collaborative arrangement, has been assumed by the Company after Tianli terminated the collaborative arrangement as the Company has the capacity to operate a retail operation. Net assets and liabilities that arose under this terminated collaborative arrangement were immaterial.
According to the agreement, the Company and Tianli share the net income of the collaborative retail business on a ratio of 40% to the Company and 60% to Tianli. Profit sharing from the collaborative arrangement during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $15,672 and $80,442.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less and money market accounts to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions mainly in the PRC and the U.S. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, balances in banks in the PRC of $407,323 and $371,300, respectively, are uninsured.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company adopted the guidance of ASC Topic 820 for fair value measurements which clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1-Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities available at the measurement date.
Level 2-Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3-Inputs are unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions on what assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best available information.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories, advances to suppliers, prepaid expenses and other, short-term loans, accounts payable, accrued expenses, advances from customers, VAT and service taxes payable and income taxes payable approximate their fair market value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments.
ASC Topic 825-10 “Financial Instruments” allows entities to voluntarily choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value (fair value option). The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable, unless a new election date occurs. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, unrealized gains and losses for that instrument should be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The Company did not elect to apply the fair value option to any outstanding instruments.
Concentrations of Credit Risks
The Company’s operations are carried out in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environment in the PRC, and by the general state of the PRC’s economy. The Company’s operations in the PRC are subject to specific considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and trade accounts receivable. Substantially all of the Company’s cash is maintained with state-owned banks within the PRC, and none of these deposits are covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any risks on its cash in bank accounts. A significant portion of the Company’s sales are credit sales which are primarily to customers whose ability to pay is dependent upon the industry economics prevailing in these areas; however, concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivables is limited due to generally short payment terms. The Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers to help further reduce credit risk.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s cash balances by geographic area were as follows:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Country: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
United States | | $ | - | | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | |
China | | | 407,323 | | | | 100 | % | | | 371,300 | | | | 100 | % |
Total cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 407,323 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 371,300 | | | | 100 | % |
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses. The Company reviews the accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Company considers many factors, including the age of the balance, a customer’s historical payment history, its current credit-worthiness and current economic trends. Accounts are written off after exhaustive efforts at collection. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company has established, based on a review of its outstanding balances, an allowance for doubtful accounts in the amounts of $45,067 and $7,388, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories, consisting of raw materials, work in process and finished goods related to the Company’s products are stated at the lower of cost or market utilizing the weighted average method. An allowance is established when management determines that certain inventories may not be saleable. If inventory costs exceed expected market value due to obsolescence or quantities in excess of expected demand, the Company will record reserves for the difference between the cost and the market value. These reserves are recorded based on estimates. The Company did not record inventory reserve at December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Advances to Suppliers
Advances to suppliers represent the cash paid in advance for the purchase of raw material from suppliers. The advance payments are intended to ensure preferential pricing and delivery. The amounts advanced under such arrangements totaled $35,657 and $444 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Other Current Assets
Other current assets represent the cash held in personal bank accounts. Most of the Company’s business activities are with peasant farmers and of necessity such transactions are carried out in cash. Corporate bank accounts in the PRC generally have cumbersome procedures for cash deposits and withdrawals. However, such cumbersome procedures are not applicable to personal bank accounts. For this reason, many companies that deal with a significant volume of cash activities often arrange to have a personal bank account established in the name of a trusted employee to facilitate such transactions. The Company’s rights to its funds held in such account are documented through a formal agreement with the individual nominally listed as the account owner. Since 2005, the Company kept a certain amount of cash in personal bank accounts established in the names of its cashiers, accountants, and Chief Executive Officer for the purpose of cash maintenance and management. The Company’s cashier, accountants, and Chief Executive Officer were maintaining and managing cash of $215,430 and $706,521 on behalf of the Company as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Plant and Equipment
Plant and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred; major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income in the year of disposition. The Company examines the possibility of decreases in the value of fixed assets when events or changes in circumstances reflect the fact that their recorded value may not be recoverable.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Included in property and equipment is construction-in-progress which consisted of factory improvements and machinery pending installation and includes the costs of construction, machinery and equipment, and any interest charges arising from borrowings used to finance these assets during the period of construction or installation of the assets. No provision for depreciation is made on construction-in-progress until such time as the relevant assets are completed and ready for their intended use.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
In accordance with ASC Topic 360, the Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, or at least annually. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its book value. The Company did not record any impairment charge for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Advances from Customers
Advances from customers at December 31, 2012 and 2011 amounted to $74,512 and $134,731, respectively, and consist of prepayments from customers for merchandise that had not yet been shipped. The Company will recognize the deposits as revenue as customers take delivery of the goods and title to the assets is transferred to customers in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy.
Revenue Recognition
Pursuant to the guidance of ASC Topic 605 and ASC Topic 360, the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the purchase price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of its pork products upon shipment and transfer of title.
Subsidy Income
We have benefitted from government grants and subsidies. In particular, we received (a) one-time subsidies for interest expense of $292,635 and $364,159 during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and (b) $942,095 and $595,416 on subsidies for supporting agricultural companies to develop in minority areas from the government in the years of 2012 and 2011, respectively. The one-time subsidies for interest expenses were used to offset the Company’s gross interest expenses. The other subsidies were recorded as “subsidy income” in our financial statements and the amount of subsidies is granted based on the local government’s financial status, policy, and various political factors. There is no guarantee that we will continue to receive such subsidies in future periods and no guarantee at the amount of subsidies we will receive in future periods.
The details of the gross interest expense and subsidies received from the local government which was used to offset the Company’s interest expenses were as follow:
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Interest expense | | $ | (792,171 | ) | | $ | (686,218 | ) |
Deduct: | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | 3,686 | | | | 4,240 | |
Subsidy received from the local government | | | 292,635 | | | | 364,159 | |
Net balance of interest expense | | $ | (495,850 | ) | | $ | (317,819 | ) |
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Income Taxes
The Company is governed by the Income Tax Law of the PRC and the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method prescribed by ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes.” Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the period in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance to offset deferred tax assets if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company applied the provisions of ASC 740-10-50, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” which provides clarification related to the process associated with accounting for uncertain tax positions recognized in our financial statements. Audit periods remain open for review until the statute of limitations has passed. The completion of review or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the Company’s liability for income taxes. Any such adjustment could be material to the Company’s results of operations for any given quarterly or annual period based, in part, upon the results of operations for the given period. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had no uncertain tax positions, and will continue to evaluate for uncertain positions in the future.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping costs are included in selling expenses and totaled $205,004 and $135,711 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Employee Benefits
The Company’s operations and employees are all located in the PRC. The Company makes mandatory contributions to the PRC government’s health, retirement benefit and unemployment funds in accordance with the relevant Chinese social security laws. The costs of these payments are charged to the same accounts as the related salary costs in the same period as the related salary costs. Employee benefit costs totaled $84,709 and $85,843 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Advertising Costs
Advertising is expensed as incurred and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income and totaled $125,272 and $88,184 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation
The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of the Company is the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). Results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate at the end of the period, and equity is translated at historical exchange rates. As a result, amounts relating to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows may not necessarily agree with the changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets. Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income. The cumulative translation adjustment and effect of exchange rate changes on cash for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $3,030 and $19,851, respectively. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date with any transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.
All of the Company’s revenue transactions are transacted in the functional currency. The Company does not enter into any material transaction in foreign currencies. Transaction gains or losses have not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect on the results of operations of the Company.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Asset and liability accounts at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were translated at 6.3011 RMB to $1.00 and at 6.3523 RMB to $1.00, respectively, which were the exchange rates on the balance sheet dates. Equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to the statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 6.3034 RMB and 6.4544 RMB to $1.00, respectively. Cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies using the average translation rate. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets.
Related Parties
Parties are considered to be related to the Company if the parties, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Company and its management and other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. The Company discloses all related party transactions. All transactions are recorded at fair value of the goods or services exchanged.
The amount due from related party was $3,791,804 and $2,619,935 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The amount represented the advances to the Company’s shareholder and Chief Executive Officer, Wenping Luo, for personal loan purposes. Such loans are non-interest bearing and due upon demand. The loans to related party had been collected before June 30, 2013.
These personal loans by us to Mr. Wenping Luo during 2012 and 2011 violated the prohibitions of Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 from making loans to executive officers or directors. The Company could be subject to investigation and/or litigation that could involve significant time and costs and may not be resolved favorably. The Company is unable to predict the extent of its ultimate liability with respect to these transactions. The costs and other effects of any future litigation, government investigations, legal and administrative cases and proceedings, settlements, judgments and investigations, claims and changes in this matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and operating results.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and all changes to the statements of stockholders’ equity, except those due to investments by stockholders, changes in paid-in capital and distributions to stockholders. For the Company, comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 included net income and unrealized gains from foreign currency translation adjustments.
Recent Accounting Pronouncement
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02 (“ASU 2013-02”) Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2013-02 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income, however it increases disclose requirements for amounts that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. ASU 2013-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012. This guidance was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2013, and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05 “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU 2013-05 addresses the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. For public entities, the ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods, within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits related to any disallowed portion of net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards, if they exist. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements upon adoption. The Company does not discuss recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an impact on or are unrelated to its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The Company accrues an allowance for bad debts related to our receivables. The receivable and allowance balances at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Accounts receivable | | $ | 1,712,390 | | | $ | 787,698 | |
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts | | | (45,067 | ) | | | (7,388 | ) |
| | $ | 1,667,323 | | | $ | 780,310 | |
The Company reviews the accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. After evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Company increased the allowance for doubtful accounts in the amount of $37,605 and $7,271 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
NOTE 4 – INVENTORIES
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, inventories consisted of the following:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Raw materials | | $ | 41,914 | | | $ | 38,963 | |
Work in process | | | 233,242 | | | | 107,273 | |
Finished goods | | | 782,428 | | | | 865,987 | |
| | | 1,057,584 | | | | 1,012,223 | |
Less: reserve for obsolete inventory | | | - | | | | - | |
| | $ | 1,057,584 | | | $ | 1,012,223 | |
For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not make any reserve for obsolete inventory.
NOTE 5 – OTHER RECEIVABLES
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company reported other receivables of $93,971 and $1,053,614, respectively, including an allowance for doubtful receivables of $11,457 and $9,940.
The balances of other receivables as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 included the following:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Deposits to supermarkets | | $ | 79,419 | | | $ | 950,188 | |
Loan receivables | | | - | | | | 70,809 | |
Travel advances to employees | | | 22,648 | | | | 6,515 | |
Others | | | 3,361 | | | | 36,042 | |
| | | 105,428 | | | | 1,063,554 | |
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts | | | (11,457 | ) | | | (9,940 | ) |
| | $ | 93,971 | | | $ | 1,053,614 | |
The Company reviews the other receivables on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. After evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Company increased the allowance for doubtful accounts in the amount of $1,436 and $9,782 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 6 – PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Plant and equipment at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of:
| | | December 31, | |
| Useful Life | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Buildings | 20 years | | $ | 6,591,416 | | | $ | 6,039,475 | |
Operating equipment | 4 to 10 years | | | 3,273,355 | | | | 3,030,119 | |
Office equipment | 5 years | | | 73,774 | | | | 65,490 | |
Vehicles | 5 to 8 years | | | 340,520 | | | | 323,206 | |
| | | | 10,279,065 | | | | 9,458,290 | |
Less: accumulated depreciation | | | | (2,869,963 | ) | | | (2,136,590 | ) |
| | | $ | 7,409,102 | | | $ | 7,321,700 | |
For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, depreciation expense amounted to $715,751 and $585,477, respectively. Depreciation is not taken during the period of construction or equipment installation. Upon completion of the installation of manufacturing equipment or any construction in progress, construction in progress balances will be classified to their respective property and equipment category.
NOTE 7 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS
There is no private ownership of land in China. Land is owned by the government and the government grants land use rights for specified terms. The Company’s land use right has a term of 50 years and expires on March 15, 2057. The Company amortizes the land use rights over the term of the respective land use right. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, amortization of land use rights amounted to $79,322 and $80,186, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, intangible assets consisted of the following:
| | | December 31, | |
| Useful Life | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Land use rights | 50 years | | $ | 3,967,561 | | | $ | 3,935,583 | |
Others | 1 year | | | 6,059 | | | | 6,010 | |
| | | | 3,973,620 | | | | 3,941,593 | |
Less: accumulated depreciation | | | | (468,941 | ) | | | (386,450 | ) |
| | | $ | 3,504,679 | | | $ | 3,555,143 | |
The estimated amortization expense of intangible assets over each of the next five years and thereafter will be $77,467.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 – LOANS PAYABLE
Short-term Loans
Short-term bank loan represents an amount due to a bank that is due within one year. This loan can be renewed with the bank upon maturity. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, short-term bank loans consisted of the following:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by January 14, 2013 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | $ | 190,443 | | | $ | - | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by March 19, 2013 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | 555,459 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by March 26, 2013 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | 555,459 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by December 20, 2013, guaranteed by Enshi Zhou Nongfa Credit Guarantee Co., Ltd. | | | 793,512 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6.56%, due by January 10, 2013, guaranteed by the major shareholders. | | | 793,512 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by September 19, 2013 with buildings as collateral. | | | 3,174,049 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6.56%, due by October 25, 2012 with buildings and land use rights provided by the shareholders as collateral. | | | - | | | | 4,722,699 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by February 15, 2012 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | - | | | | 1,180,675 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by March 20, 2012 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | - | | | | 550,982 | |
Loan payable to Laifeng Credit Guarantee Corp., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due by May 22, 2012 with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | - | | | | 188,908 | |
Loan payable to Agricultural Development Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6.56%, due by September 13, 2012 with buildings and land use rights provided by Laifeng Anpulo Yunxing Transportation Co., Ltd. as collateral. | | | - | | | | 3,116,981 | |
Loan payable to Enshi Guarantee Co., Ltd., annual interest rate of 9.72%, due on demand with no collateral or guarantee provided. | | | - | | | | 98,390 | |
Loan payable to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6.56%, due by October 7, 2012 with buildings and land use rights provided by Laifeng Anpulo Yunxing Transportation Co., Ltd. as collateral. | | | - | | | | 1,038,993 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 6,062,434 | | | $ | 10,897,628 | |
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Long-term Loans
Long-term bank loan represents an amount due to a bank that is due more than one year. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, long-term bank loans consisted of the following:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Loan payable to Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by November 5, 2014, guaranteed by the shareholders. | | $ | 4,443,669 | | | $ | - | |
Loan payable to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by August 24, 2014 with buildings and land use rights provided by Laifeng Anpulo Yunxing Transportation Co., Ltd. as collateral. | | | 1,333,100 | | | | - | |
Loan payable to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, annual interest rate of 6%, due by October 1, 2014 with buildings and land use rights provided by Laifeng Anpulo Yunxing Transportation Co., Ltd. as collateral. | | | 1,047,436 | | | | - | |
| | $ | 6,824,205 | | | $ | - | |
On August 16 and September 11, 2013, the Company repaid its long-term loans of $2,429,858 to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. The long-term loans have a fixed annual interest rate of 6%. The scheduled interest payments on the long-term loans are expected to be approximately $0.2 million in 2013 and $0.2 million in 2014.
NOTE 9 – CONCENTRATIONS
Customers
The following table sets forth information as to each customer that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
| | Years Ended December 31, | |
Customers | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
A | | | 21 | % | | | 27 | % |
Suppliers
No supplier accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s purchases during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
NOTE 10 – SUBSIDY INCOME
The Company received subsidies of $942,095 and $595,416 from the local government during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for subsidies to slaughtering companies and companies operating in poverty and minority area. The subsidies were recorded as “subsidy income” in our financial statements and the amount of subsidies is granted based on the local government’s financial status, policy, and various political factors. There is no guarantee that we will continue to receive such subsidies in future periods and no guarantee at the amount of subsidies we will receive in future periods.
LAIFENG ANPULO (GROUP) FOOD DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On September 22, 2013, the Company entered into an entrusted management agreement with Anpulo International Ltd.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Guangxiang Investment Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Anpulo WFOE”), which provides that Anpulo WFOE will be entitled to the full guarantee for the performance of such entrusted management agreement entered into by the Company. Anpulo International Ltd. (“Anpulo HK”) was incorporated in Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) on May 30, 2012. Other than the equity interest in Anpulo WFOE, Anpulo HK does not own any assets or conduct any operations. Anpulo WFOE is also entitled to receive the residual return of the Company. As a result of the agreement, Anpulo WFOE will absorb 100% of the expected gains or losses of the Company, which results in Anpulo WFOE being the primary beneficiary of the Company.
Anpulo WFOE also entered into a pledge of equity agreement with the principal shareholders of the Company (the “Principal Shareholders”), who pledged all their equity interest in the entity to Anpulo WFOE. The pledge of equity agreement, which were entered into by each Principal Shareholder, pledged each of the Principal Shareholders’ equity interest in the Company as a guarantee for the entrustment payment under the Entrusted Management Agreements.
In addition, Anpulo WFOE entered into an option agreement to acquire the Principal Shareholders’ equity interest in these entities if or when permitted by the PRC laws.
Based on these exclusive agreements, the Company will be treated as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) of Anpulo HK as required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”), because Anpulo HK is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The profits and losses of the Company are allocated based upon the Entrusted Management Agreement.
On October 30, 2013, Anpulo Food Inc. (“Anpulo”) a company incorporated in British Virgin Islands entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with Anpulo HK. Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the shareholders of Anpulo HK transferred to Anpulo all of the Anpulo HK Shares in exchange for the issuance of 122,900,000 shares of Anpulo’s common stock (the “Share Exchange”). As a result of the Share Exchange, Anpulo HK became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anpulo and the shareholders of Anpulo HK acquired approximately 99.92% of Anpulo’s issued and outstanding common stock.
The effect of the Share Exchange is such that effectively a reorganization of the entities has occurred for accounting purposes and is deemed to be a reverse acquisition. Subsequent to the Share Exchange the financial statements presented are those of a combined Anpulo HK and its subsidiaries, including its VIE, Anpulo Laifeng, as if the Share Exchange had been in effect retroactively for all periods presented. As previously noted the “Company” for financial statement purposes was the consolidation of Anpulo HK, Anpulo WFOE and Anpulo Laifeng. Subsequent to the Share Exchange the “Company” is referred to as the consolidation of Anpulo HK, Anpulo WFOE, Anpulo Laifeng and Anpulo, with Anpulo as the legal acquirer in Share Exchange, and subsequent to the Share Exchange the parent company of the consolidated entity.
15,500,000 SHARES OF ORDINARY SHARES
ANPULO FOOD, INC.
PROSPECTUS
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT OR THAT WE HAVE REFERRED YOU TO. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL ORDINARY SHARES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY ORDINARY SHARES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
Until _____________, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities whether or not participating in this offering may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
The Date of This Prospectus is January 2, 2014
PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee | | $ | 400 | |
Transfer Agent Fees | | $ | 0 | |
Accounting fees and expenses | | $ | 30,000 | |
Legal fees and expense | | $ | 45,000 | |
Blue Sky fees and expenses | | $ | 0 | |
Miscellaneous | | $ | 0 | |
Total | | $ | 75,400 | |
All amounts are estimates other than the Commission’s registration fee. We are paying all expenses of the offering listed above. No portion of these expenses will be borne by the initial shareholders. The initial shareholders, however, will pay any other expenses incurred in initial selling of their ordinary shares, including any brokerage commissions or costs of sale.
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
British Virgin Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company's articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the British Virgin Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provides for the indemnification of our directors against all losses or liabilities incurred or sustained by him or her as a director of our company in defending any proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative in which the director acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interest of the company and had no reasonable cause to believe that their conduct was unlawful.
We have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities is asserted by one of our directors, officers, or controlling persons in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our legal counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit the question of whether such indemnification is against public policy to a court of appropriate jurisdiction. We will then be governed by the court’s decision.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The following sets forth the issuance of unregistered securities by the registrant for the past three years.
Reverse Acquisition
On October 30, 2013, we issued an aggregate of 122,900,000 restricted ordinary shares to the shareholders of Anpulo HK, in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Anpulo HK.
Issuances of shares to the shareholders of Anpulo HK were not registered under the Securities Act. Such issuance of securities was exempt from registration pursuant to Regulation S promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act (“Regulation S”). The Company made the determination based upon the factors that such shareholders were not “U.S. Person” as that term is defined in Rule 902(k) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, that such shareholders were acquiring our securities, for investment purposes for their own respective accounts and not as nominees or agents, and not with a view to the resale or distribution thereof, and that the shareholders understood that the shares of our securities may not be sold or otherwise disposed of without registration under the Securities Act or an applicable exemption therefrom.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
EXHIBIT NUMBER | | DESCRIPTION |
2.1 | | Share Exchange Agreement dated October 30, 2013+ |
3.1 | | Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2010, as amended.) |
3.2 | | Certificate of Continuation+ |
3.3 | | Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association+ |
5.1 | | Opinion of Conyers Dill & Pearman* |
8.1 | | Opinion of KaiTong Law Firm regarding certain tax matters* |
10.1 | | Equity Pledge Agreement dated September 22, 2013+ |
10.2 | | Shareholders’ Voting Proxy Agreement dated September 22, 2013+ |
10.3 | | Exclusive Option Agreement dated September 22, 2013+ |
10.4 | | Entrusted Management Agreement dated September 22, 2013+ |
10.5 | | Employment Agreement between Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd. and Wenping Luo dated December 1, 2013 |
10.6 | | Employment Agreement between Laifeng Anpulo (Group) Food Development Co., Ltd. and Maochun Kang dated December 1, 2013 |
16.1 | | Letter from Keith K. Zhen, CPA+ |
23.1 | | Consent of HHC |
23.2 | | Consent of Counsel (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto)* |
+ Previously filed.
* To be filed by amendment.
Item 17. Undertakings
(A) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
i. To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
ii. To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.
iii. To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
i. Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
ii. Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
iii. The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
iv. Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(6) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Anpulo Food, Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-1 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the County of Laifeng, Hubei Province, China, on January 2, 2014.
| Anpulo Food, Inc. |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Wenping Luo |
| | Wenping Luo |
| | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| By: | /s/ Maochun Kang |
| | Maochun Kang |
| | Chief Financial Officer |
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name | | Title | | Date |
| | | | |
/s/ Wenping Luo | | President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director | | |
| | (Principal executive officer) | | January 2, 2014 |
/s/ Maochun Kang | | Chief Financial Officer | | |
Maochun Kang | | (Principal financial and accounting officer) | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Tao Yang | | Director | | |
Tao Yang | | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Chunhai Lin | | Director | | |
Chunhai Lin | | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Xinlian Zhang | | Director | | |
Xinlian Zhang | | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Shijia Li | | Director | | |