Summary of Risk Factors
An investment in our securities involves risk. Before you invest in securities issued by us, you should carefully consider the risks. Accordingly, you should carefully consider, among other things, the risks described in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F file with SEC, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Our business is subject to a number of risks, including risks that may prevent us from achieving our business objectives or may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects. These risks are discussed more fully below and include, but are not limited to:
Risks relating to our business and our industry
•
any future occurrence of force majeure events, natural disasters or outbreaks of contagious diseases in the PRC;
•
our ability to obtain sufficient funding for our expansion plans;
•
any decrease in supply or fluctuation in the cost of supplies;
•
our ability to maintain proper inventory levels for our operations;
•
the strength of our brand and reputation;
•
increasing ongoing compliance costs in a heavily regulated industry;
•
our compliance with PRC laws and regulations on medical advertisement;
•
possible non-compliance incidents;
•
customer complaints, claims and legal proceedings in the regular course of our operations from time to time;
•
our ability to recruit and retain an adequate number of managers, doctors, nurses, image consultants and other support staff in our treatment centers;
•
our ability to maintain the quality of the pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, medical supplies, injection materials, skincare products, implants and consumables we use; and
•
unfavorable market perception of the overall aesthetic medical industry.
Risks relating to our corporate structure
•
the Contractual Arrangements being compliant with PRC laws and regulations;
•
the Contractual Arrangements being ineffective in providing control;
•
potential conflicts of interest with Dr. Zhou Pengwu;
•
the Contractual Arrangements being subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities; and
•
our PRC medical centers being deemed as “Sino-Foreign Equity Medical Institutions.”
Risks relating to doing business in the PRC
•
increased labor costs and potential non-compliance caused by the enforcement of the PRC Labor Contract Law;
•
changes in the PRC’s economic, political and social conditions, as well as governmental policies;
•
uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system and changes in laws, regulations and policies in China;
•
changes in international trade policies and barriers to trade or the emergence of a trade war;
•
potential liabilities under the FCPA, Chinese anti-unfair competition laws and relevant tax laws;
•
restrictions on currency exchange;