e10vk
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
|
|
|
þ |
|
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2009
OR
|
|
|
o |
|
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 0001-33800
SEARCHMEDIA HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
|
|
|
Cayman Islands
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
|
|
77-0688094
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
|
|
15A Zhao Feng, Universe Building,
1800
Zhong Shan Xi Lu, Shanghai, China
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
|
|
200235
(Zip Code) |
Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code 86-2164403190
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
|
|
|
Title of Each Class |
|
Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered |
ORDINARY SHARES
$0.0001 PAR VALUE
|
|
NYSE Amex |
|
|
|
WARRANTS
|
|
NYSE Amex |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section
13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation
S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of
registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in
Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
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. Check one:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Large accelerated filer o
|
|
Accelerated filer o
|
|
Non-accelerated filer o
|
|
Smaller reporting company þ |
|
|
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant
on June 30, 2009 was approximately $63,589,119.
Number of shares outstanding of each of the registrants classes of Ordinary Shares at October
5, 2010: 20,858,661 shares of Ordinary Shares, $0.0001 par value per share.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2009, SearchMedia Holdings
Limited is restating the consolidated financial statements of SearchMedia International Limited,
its wholly-owned subsidiary, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008, which financial
statements were previously included in our Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on November 11, 2009. This Annual Report on Form
10-K also includes SearchMedia Holdings consolidated financial statements as of and for the year
ended December 31, 2009.
We have not amended the Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 11, 2009 and you should not rely
on the financial statements and related financial information of SearchMedia International and its
subsidiaries incorporated by reference into that report from the Registration Statement on Form S-4
of ID Arizona Corp., Registration No. 333-158336, which was declared effective by the SEC on
September 30, 2009.
Unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, all references in this Annual Report on Form
10-K to we, us, our, SearchMedia Holdings, or the Company refer to SearchMedia Holdings
Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries, and all references to SearchMedia International refer
to SearchMedia International Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries before completion of the
Business Combination on October 30, 2009 (as defined below).
Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements
On August 20, 2010, we announced that as a result of the continued internal analysis of our
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009, the audit committee of our board of
directors (the Audit Committee), based on managements recommendation, determined that the
historical financial statements of SearchMedia International for the years ended December 31, 2007
and December 31, 2008 should be restated. In reaching its decision to restate the 2007 and 2008
financial statements, the audit committee, among other matters, reviewed managements analysis of
SearchMedia Internationals practices relating to the following:
|
|
|
Revenue recognition and accounts receivable issues; |
|
|
|
Disclosure, approval, and documentation of transactions among entities related to prior
owners of acquired subsidiaries (which we refer to as related entity transactions); |
|
|
|
Proper documentation of transactions; |
|
|
|
Recording of various erroneous transactions by certain employees; |
|
|
|
Recording of certain assets and other accounting irregularities related to
acquisitions; |
|
|
|
Procedures related to diligence and approval of transactions; and |
|
|
|
Confirmation of payments related to acquisitions. |
As a result of this analysis, we identified an overstatement of approximately $45.7 million in
SearchMedia Internationals previously reported revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008. On a
restated basis, our net loss was $39.8 million in 2008. Restated total assets were $49.7 million
in 2008. .
Unless otherwise indicated, all financial information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K gives
effect to the restatement. Information regarding the effect of the restatement on our financial
position and results of operations is provided in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements. Our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto are included in
Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Background of the Restatement
On October 30, 2009, we completed a business combination (the Business Combination), which is
more fully described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, pursuant to which we: (1) redomiciled from
Delaware to the Cayman Islands, as a Cayman Islands exempt company, and (2) completed the
acquisition of SearchMedia International, resulting in SearchMedia International becoming a
wholly-owned subsidiary of SearchMedia Holdings.
Following completion of the Business Combination, SearchMedia Holdings new Board hired new senior
management, including its current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Shortly
thereafter, senior management began its review of our 2009 financial records in connection with the
2009 audit and preparation of the Companys 2009 financial statements. As a result of this review,
SearchMedia Holdings new management identified accounting irregularities and financial and
operational improprieties, primarily relating to the Shanghai Jingli Advertising Company Limited
(Jingli) in-elevator advertising division of the company and other subsidiaries. These issues
were promptly communicated to the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee directed the Companys
Chief Financial Officer, with its oversight and the oversight of counsel and advisors, to continue
the review and investigation of the issues. These issues made the timely filing of the Companys
Annual Report on Form 10-K impracticable and on April 16, 2010, SearchMedia Holdings issued a press
release announcing 2009 preliminary unaudited financial results and providing an operational
update, including information regarding the identified operational issues.
On May 7, 2010, SearchMedia Holdings received a letter of resignation from KPMG, the Companys
independent registered public accountant and on May 12, 2010, the Audit Committee engaged Bernstein
& Pinchuk LLP (B&P) as the Companys independent registered public accountant to complete the
2009 audit and, if necessary, a reaudit of the 2008 financial statements of SearchMedia
International. KPMGs resignation was not due to any dispute between KPMG and the Company. In
addition, KPMGs report on the consolidated financial statements of SearchMedia International for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 did not contain an adverse opinion nor a disclaimer of
opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
Managements identification and attention to the issues underlying the 2009 financial statements
and audit also made the timely filing of the Companys first quarter 2010 Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q impracticable, and on May 24, 2010, SearchMedia Holdings issued a press release announcing
first quarter 2010 preliminary unaudited financial results.
The Companys continued internal analysis in preparation of the 2009 financial statements resulted
in management identifying additional financial and operational issues and accounting irregularities
of other subsidiaries impacting the financial statements of SearchMedia International for the years
ended December 31, 2007 and 2008. These issues included revenue recognition, related entity
transactions, deficient documentation of transactions, diligence and approval of questionable
transactions, and allocation and confirmation of payments related to acquisitions.
On August 6, 2010, the Companys management concluded that these matters would require the
restatement of SearchMedia Internationals financial statements for the years ended December 31,
2007 and 2008 and promptly advised the Audit Committee of their recommendation. The Audit
Committee reviewed managements recommendation to restate the 2007 and 2008 financial statements in
light of the identified accounting irregularities and financial and operational issues and asked
management to provide further information regarding these matters, including the timing and impact
of these matters on SearchMedia Internationals financial statements for those periods.
ii
On August 20, 2010, the Audit Committee, upon completion of its review and analysis of the
information, documentation and recommendations provided by management, determined that a
restatement of SearchMedia Internationals 2007 and 2008 financial statements was appropriate and
that the previously filed financial statements of SearchMedia International for these periods
should not be relied upon. The Company issued a press release on August 20, 2010 announcing, among
other matters, its intention to restate SearchMedia Internationals financial statements for the
years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008 and also announcing second quarter 2010 preliminary
unaudited financial results.
Management and Audit Committee Findings
Management and the Audit Committee identified several key areas of a material weakness in our
internal control over financial reporting that are primarily responsible for the restatement of our
2007 and 2008 financial statements. These areas are:
|
|
|
Revenue recognition and accounts receivable issues; |
|
|
|
Disclosure, approval, and documentation of related entity transactions; |
|
|
|
Proper documentation of transactions; |
|
|
|
Recording of various erroneous transactions by certain employees; |
|
|
|
Recording of certain assets and other accounting irregularities related to
acquisitions; |
|
|
|
Diligence and approval of questionable transactions; and |
|
|
|
Confirmation of payments related to acquisitions. |
The material weakness in control over revenue recognition primarily relates to a number of
fictitious or questionable sales contracts in our in-elevator business, primarily originated from
Jingli and related accounts receivable collections and various payments.
The material weakness in control of related entity transactions resulted from a failure to properly
disclose, approve and document such transactions. These transactions include: (1) multiple
undisclosed payments to and from these companies; (2) certain sales and costs of these companies
which were included in the operations of our subsidiaries (3) recognition of accounts receivable
collected, allegedly on behalf of SearchMedia International by related entities, which cash was
never ultimately collected or received by SearchMedia International.
The material weakness in control over proper documentation related to deficient documentation
regarding the delivery of services, and the lack of business substance with regard to certain
transactions.
The material weakness in control over transaction approval by our subsidiaries related to apparent
fictitious business transactions and the payment of erroneous or falsified expenses.
The material weakness in control over allocation of acquisition payments related to the
misallocation of acquisition payments and indications of inflated and artificial revenue or
understatement of operating expenses for purposes of increasing profit and subsequent earn-out
payments.
Remediation of Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management and audit committee have developed a list of identified goals and directives to
enhance our internal control over financial reporting, with the goal of remediating the material
weaknesses identified above. These recommendations are described in greater detail in the
discussion under Part II, Item 9A, section (b) relating to changes in internal controls. Our full
board of directors has adopted these recommendations, and we are in the process of implementing
them. The Audit Committee has also recommended that the Board and senior management consider
possible remedial actions against those
iii
who may have been aware of or involved in the subject transactions.
Pursuant to this recommendation, the Company is preparing
indemnification claims against the former shareholders and directors
of SearchMedia International and Linden Ventures II (BVI), LTD
(Linden) for losses and damages it has incurred or will incur as a result
of these financial and operational improprieties and for breaches of
various covenants, representations, and warranties contained in the
share exchange agreement governing the Business Combination. On
October 28, 2010, we entered into a tolling agreement with the
representatives of SearchMedia International shareholders and
Linden extending the deadline by which claims for indemnification by
the Company must be made to November 12, 2010.
Summary of the Restatement Adjustments
The impact of the restatement on our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 is
presented and discussed in Note 3 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II,
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
iv
SEARCHMEDIA HOLDINGS LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
v
GENERAL
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all references in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K to we, us, our, SearchMedia Holdings or the Company refer to
SearchMedia Holdings Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries, and all references to SearchMedia
International refer to SearchMedia International Limited before completion of the Business
Combination (as defined below). All references to a Fiscal year refer to our fiscal year which
ends on December 31.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
The following business description should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Business Overview
We are a multi-platform media company operating primarily in the out-of-home advertising industry.
Out-of-home advertising typically refers to advertising media in public places, such as billboards,
in-elevator displays, street furniture and transit area displays. Our core outdoor billboard and
in-elevator platforms are complemented by our transit advertising platform, which together enables
us to provide multi-platform, one-stop shop services for our local, national and international
clients.
Targeting the rapidly growing number of urban and increasingly affluent consumers in China, we
deploy our advertising network across the following select media platforms:
|
|
|
Outdoor billboard platform. As of March 31, 2010, we operate a network of over 1,500
high-impact billboards with over 500,000 square feet of surface display area in 15 cities,
including Beijing, Hong Kong, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chongqing
and Chengdu. Our billboards are mostly large format billboards deployed in commercial
centers and other desirable areas with heavy vehicle or foot traffic. |
|
|
|
In-elevator platform. As of March 31, 2010, our network of over 125,000 printed and
digital poster frames delivered targeted advertising messages inside elevators to captive
audiences in high-rise residential and office buildings in 50 major cities in China. The
in-elevator platform is characterized by its low cost structure and minimal capital
requirements and targets the affluent urban population that is highly desired by
advertisers. |
|
|
|
Transit advertising platform. As of March 31, 2010, we operate a network of light
boxes in concourses of 11 major subway lines in Shanghai. According to the Metro
Authority of Shanghai, in March 2010, these subway lines carried an aggregate average
daily traffic of approximately 5.65 million commuters. In addition, we also operate a bus
advertising network of 5,000 buses in Beijing. |
Our multi-platform offerings are cross-marketed by a sales force located in 23 offices across
China. Our advertising clients are from industries ranging from telecommunications, insurance and
banking, to automobile, real estate, electronics and fast moving consumer goods.
Since 2005, we have achieved significant growth through acquisitions and organic expansion. We
expect to continue expanding our billboard holdings through acquisitions and organic expansion
while utilizing organic growth to grow our elevator and transit holdings, and capitalize on the
growth opportunities in Chinas out-of-home
1
advertising and other emerging media markets. For the
years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had revenue
of $37.7 million and $41.7 million and operating loss of $22.6 million and $35.1 million,
respectively. At the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had total assets of $99.8 million
and $49.7 million, respectively. For more financial information, see the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company. In October 2009, we acquired SearchMedia International
pursuant to a share exchange agreement by and among our predecessor, Ideation Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation (Ideation), ID Arizona Corp., an Arizona corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of Ideation (ID Arizona), SearchMedia International, the subsidiaries of SearchMedia
International, and Shanghai Jingli Advertising Co. Ltd., and certain shareholders and
warrantholders of SearchMedia International. The share exchange agreement provided for two primary
transactions: (1) the redomestication of our predecessor, Ideation, a Delaware corporation, to a
Cayman Islands exempted company and (2) the acquisition of SearchMedia International.
On October 30, 2009, we completed the redomestication, which resulted in holders of securities of
Ideation holding securities in SearchMedia Holdings. Immediately after the redomestication, we
completed the acquisition of SearchMedia International. We refer to the redomestication and
acquisition of SearchMedia International together as the Business Combination. As a result of the
Business Combination, SearchMedia International became a wholly owned subsidiary of SearchMedia
Holdings, and SearchMedia International security holders became security holders of SearchMedia
Holdings. We are headquartered in Shanghai, with 23 offices in 19 cities across China (including
Hong Kong, as of December 31, 2009).
Industry Background
Chinas advertising market has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and is one of the
worlds largest and fastest growing advertising markets. The growth of Chinas advertising market
is supported by the fast growing Chinese economy and its growing and increasingly affluent urban
population.
Chinas Economy
|
|
|
Large, Fast Growing Chinese Economy. China is the worlds most populous country,
with a population of 1.3 billion as of the end of 2009 according to the National Bureau
of Statistics of China. Chinas gross domestic product, or GDP, grew from $2.6
trillion in 2005 to $4.7 trillion in 2009, representing a compound annual growth rate,
or CAGR, of 15.5% and is expected to reach $6.4 trillion in 2012, representing a CAGR
of 10.9% from 2009 to 2012, according to ZenithOptimedia. |
|
|
|
Urbanization Trend. China has witnessed a growing trend toward urbanization in the
past decade. According to the China Statistical Yearbook, the urban population
represented approximately 47% of the overall population in China as of December 31,
2009 compared to approximately 29% as of December 31, 1995. Furthermore, according to
an article by Xinhua News, the official press agency of China, the urban population
will represent approximately 50% of Chinas total population by the end of 2010 and
reach 70% of Chinas total population by the end of 2030. |
|
|
|
Increasingly Affluent Urban Population. The National Bureau of Statistics of China
reported that the annual disposable income per capita in urban households increased
from RMB8,472 in 2003 to RMB17,175 in 2009, representing a CAGR of 12.5%. |
2
Chinas Advertising Market
|
|
|
Large Size and High Growth. China has the largest advertising market in Asia,
excluding Japan, and the fifth largest advertising market in the world, as measured by
total advertising expenditure.
According to ZenithOptimedia, advertising spending in China in 2007 was approximately
$16.6 billion, accounting for 28.6% of the total advertising spending in Asia,
excluding Japan. While the total advertising expenditure in Asia, excluding Japan,
grew only 7% from $58.2 billion in 2007 to $62.3 billion in 2009, China advertising
expenditure grew 22% from $16.6 billion in 2007 to $20.3 billion in 2009.
ZenithOptimedia also projected that the advertising market in China will be one of
the fastest growing advertising markets in the world in the next three years, growing
at a CAGR of 12.9% from 2008 to 2012. By 2011, China is projected to account for
34.5%, and 36.6% in 2012, of the total advertising spending in Asia, excluding Japan. |
Advertising expenditures (in billions of U.S. dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAGR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
2011 |
|
2012 |
|
2008- |
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
(E) |
|
(E) |
|
(E) |
|
2012 (E) |
China |
|
$ |
12.1 |
|
|
$ |
14.6 |
|
|
$ |
16.6 |
|
|
$ |
18.9 |
|
|
$ |
20.3 |
|
|
$ |
22.7 |
|
|
$ |
26.1 |
|
|
$ |
30.7 |
|
|
|
12.9 |
% |
India |
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
|
|
|
7.7 |
% |
Singapore |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
(1.7 |
)% |
Indonesia |
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
|
|
|
16.2 |
% |
Japan |
|
|
45.0 |
|
|
|
46.4 |
|
|
|
46.8 |
|
|
|
44.9 |
|
|
|
39.3 |
|
|
|
39.0 |
|
|
|
39.2 |
|
|
|
39.8 |
|
|
|
(4.5 |
)% |
South Korea |
|
|
7.3 |
|
|
|
7.8 |
|
|
|
8.4 |
|
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
7.9 |
|
|
|
8.5 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
% |
United Kingdom |
|
|
21.8 |
|
|
|
22.1 |
|
|
|
23.5 |
|
|
|
22.8 |
|
|
|
19.8 |
|
|
|
20.1 |
|
|
|
20.3 |
|
|
|
20.7 |
|
|
|
(2.2 |
)% |
Germany |
|
|
24.8 |
|
|
|
26.4 |
|
|
|
27.6 |
|
|
|
27.5 |
|
|
|
25.6 |
|
|
|
25.2 |
|
|
|
25.7 |
|
|
|
26.5 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
)% |
United States |
|
|
166.2 |
|
|
|
173.4 |
|
|
|
177.6 |
|
|
|
170.2 |
|
|
|
148.1 |
|
|
|
145.3 |
|
|
|
147.6 |
|
|
|
151.9 |
|
|
|
(2.6 |
)% |
Worldwide |
|
|
426.9 |
|
|
|
456.6 |
|
|
|
485.3 |
|
|
|
490.1 |
|
|
|
441.4 |
|
|
|
450.9 |
|
|
|
469.0 |
|
|
|
493.3 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
% |
|
|
|
E estimated. |
|
Source : ZenithOptimedia (March 2010) |
3
|
|
|
Room for sustained growth. We believe the advertising market in China has the
potential for considerable and sustained growth due to the relatively low levels of
advertising expenditure per capita and advertising expenditure as a percentage of GDP
in China compared to other countries. The following table sets forth the advertising
expenditure per capita and as a percentage of GDP in the countries listed below for
2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising Expenditure in |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Per capita ($) |
|
% of GDP |
China |
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
India |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
Singapore |
|
|
298.9 |
|
|
|
0.82 |
|
Indonesia |
|
|
12.6 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
Japan |
|
|
324.0 |
|
|
|
0.92 |
|
South Korea |
|
|
166.2 |
|
|
|
0.86 |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
372.3 |
|
|
|
0.85 |
|
Germany |
|
|
334.8 |
|
|
|
0.76 |
|
United States |
|
|
546.1 |
|
|
|
1.18 |
|
Worldwide |
|
|
92.5 |
|
|
|
0.84 |
|
|
|
|
Source : ZenithOptimedia (March 2010) |
|
|
|
Urban Concentration. Historically, advertising expenditure in China has been highly
concentrated in more economically developed urban areas where income per capita is much
higher than in rural areas. This trend is supported by the fact that the annual per
capita disposable income in urban households in 2009 was RMB17,175 triple of the
average net income per capita for rural households of RMB5,153, according to Chinas
National Bureau of Statistics. Additionally, as of 2008, China had 31 of the 100
largest cities in the world, based on city proper data from the United Nations
Statistics Division. |
Out-of-home Advertising in China
Out-of-home advertising, which typically refers to advertising media in public places, such as
billboards, in-elevator displays, street furniture and transit area displays, has emerged as an
important form of advertising in China, and serves as a key marketing tool for both domestic and
international advertisers. In particular, we believe out-of-home advertising presents a number of
advantages over other forms of advertising, including:
|
|
|
Effective and broad reach. We believe out-of-home advertising media is typically
difficult for target audiences to interrupt or selectively avoid. When appropriately
positioned, out-of-home advertising offers sustained and repetitive reach to a broad
audience. |
|
|
|
Selective targeting. Out-of-home advertising can effectively target specific
demographics and locations. For example, advertisers can choose to target young middle
income individuals near bars and restaurants, high income individuals at golf clubs,
and pedestrians in close proximity to their work places. |
|
|
|
Captures an increasingly mobile audience. In China, factors such as increasing
urbanization, increasing disposable income, longer travel time and greater travel
frequency are leading to the general populations spending a larger amount of time away
from home. As a result, out-of-home advertising enjoys advantages over other popular
traditional advertising, such as television or radio, which are predominantly delivered
to homes. |
4
|
|
|
Cost effective advertising. Out-of-home advertising is a lower cost advertising
platform compared to many other forms, in particular television, radio and print media.
In addition, local businesses that cannot afford more costly traditional media favor
out-of-home advertising since it offers greater customization on a local and segment
basis. |
Market size and growth
We believe the advantages of out-of-home advertising outlined above have made it one of the fastest
growing advertising markets in China. The following table sets forth the estimated advertising
expenditure by media for the years indicated. The outdoor advertising market is expected to grow
by a CAGR of 9.5% from $2.5 billion in 2008 to $3.6 billion in 2012.
Advertising expenditures in China (in millions of U.S. dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAGR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
2011 |
|
2012 |
|
2008- |
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
(E) |
|
(E) |
|
(E) |
|
2012 (E) |
Television |
|
$ |
5,113 |
|
|
$ |
5,814 |
|
|
$ |
6,115 |
|
|
$ |
7,217 |
|
|
$ |
7,939 |
|
|
$ |
9,209 |
|
|
$ |
10,314 |
|
|
$ |
11,448 |
|
|
|
12.2 |
% |
Radio |
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
823 |
|
|
|
904 |
|
|
|
983 |
|
|
|
1,062 |
|
|
|
1,136 |
|
|
|
1,205 |
|
|
|
1,289 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
% |
Newspapers |
|
|
3,685 |
|
|
|
4,498 |
|
|
|
4,637 |
|
|
|
4,931 |
|
|
|
4,833 |
|
|
|
4,688 |
|
|
|
4,453 |
|
|
|
4,186 |
|
|
|
(3.9 |
)% |
Magazines |
|
|
358 |
|
|
|
347 |
|
|
|
381 |
|
|
|
446 |
|
|
|
437 |
|
|
|
446 |
|
|
|
464 |
|
|
|
487 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
% |
Outdoor |
|
|
1,812 |
|
|
|
2,069 |
|
|
|
2,818 |
|
|
|
2,557 |
|
|
|
2,711 |
|
|
|
2,982 |
|
|
|
3,310 |
|
|
|
3,674 |
|
|
|
9.5 |
% |
Internet |
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
1,015 |
|
|
|
1,759 |
|
|
|
2,726 |
|
|
|
3,271 |
|
|
|
4,252 |
|
|
|
6,328 |
|
|
|
9,544 |
|
|
|
37.4 |
% |
Cinema |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
12.2 |
% |
Total |
|
|
12,134 |
|
|
|
14,590 |
|
|
|
16,642 |
|
|
|
18,895 |
|
|
|
20,291 |
|
|
|
22,755 |
|
|
|
26,120 |
|
|
|
30,682 |
|
|
|
12.9 |
% |
|
|
|
E estimated. |
|
Source : ZenithOptimedia (March 2010) |
Moreover, outdoor advertising represents a significantly larger portion of overall advertising
expenditures in China than in other major markets. In 2009, outdoor advertising represented 13.4%
of overall advertising expenditures in China, compared to 4.5% in the United States, 6.2% in the
United Kingdom and 5.8% in India, according to ZenithOptimedia.
Market fragmentation
The out-of-home advertising market is highly fragmented and, based on our management estimates,
there are more than 50,000 out-of-home advertising service providers operating in the PRC as of
December 31, 2009. Most of these companies are small and there are few regional or national
players. Due to limited scale and coverage, services from most out-of-home advertising providers
are not differentiated. Moreover, large advertisers tend to have sophisticated advertising
requirements, such as nationwide coverage, targeted timing, and location and demographics, which
most local and small out-of-home advertising service providers find hard to fulfill.
Outdoor Billboard Advertising in China
Outdoor billboards can reach a large number of motorists and pedestrians. Unlike other advertising
media, such as television, audiences cannot easily interrupt or selectively avoid advertisements
displayed on outdoor structures. We believe the sustained, repetitive viewing of large-format,
high-impact outdoor advertising facilitates the delivery of advertising messages and results in
higher recall rates. Additionally, outdoor billboard advertising
5
enables advertisers, such as
restaurants, entertainment facilities, hotels and other roadside operations, to target motorists or
pedestrians in close proximity to their work places.
Outdoor billboard advertising is a relatively low-cost medium, as compared to other forms of
advertising media. As a result, outdoor billboard advertising is often used as a complementary
marketing platform for companies implementing a multifaceted advertising plan across various media.
Also, outdoor billboard advertising is often used by local businesses that cannot afford more
expensive alternatives.
The outdoor billboard advertising market in China is highly fragmented. We believe the fragmented
market presents opportunities for consolidation by companies with adequate resources and market
standing.
In-Elevator Advertising in China
In-elevator advertising is another fast-growing out-of-home advertising medium. In-elevator
advertising involves advertising primarily inside elevators of modern high-rise office and
residential buildings. In-elevator advertising is generally in the form of TV broadcasts from LCD
screens or commercial images displayed from printed or digital poster frames. In-elevator
advertising has gained market acceptance and popularity in recent years.
The growth of in-elevator advertising has been driven by urban development and construction in
China. As high-rise buildings replace older low-rise buildings, the number of elevators has
increased. The growing trend of urbanization and the increasingly affluent urban population have
provided the in-elevator advertising market with a growing base of diverse audiences that is highly
desired by advertisers.
The appeal of in-elevator advertising stems in part from the site-specific nature of elevators,
which provides advertisers opportunities to engage in targeted advertising to select audiences of
desired demographics. The 24 hour, seven day-a-week, high-frequency contact characterizing the
in-elevator medium increases effectiveness of advertising through repeated deliveries of
advertising messages to captive audiences of targeted demographics without competing distractions.
Transit Advertising in China
Subway Advertising
Subway systems, including underground systems and above-ground light rails, are being built at a
rapid pace in major cities in China, and many new residential and commercial developments are being
built on the outskirts of these cities. These factors, combined with low private vehicle ownership
in China and high traffic congestion on Chinese streets and expressways, contribute to the large
number of urban Chinese that rely on the dependable and affordable mass subway transportation
systems for daily commutes and travels. According to the Metro Authority of Shanghai, in March
2010, these subway lines carried an aggregate average daily traffic of approximately 5.6 million
commuters.
As a result, we believe advertising at subway stations or on subway transportation systems will
continue to gain acceptance and popularity. Advertising placed in subway stations, where a large
number of people congregate, can reach a large group of consumers in a more cost-effective manner
than most mass media advertising. We believe advertising in subway stations also allows
advertisers to reach their targeted demographics, including younger and upwardly mobile audiences.
Bus Advertising
Similar to subway advertising, the rapid growth in major cities has increased the use of bus travel
within and between cities in China. These factors, combined with low private vehicle ownership in
China and high traffic
6
congestion on streets and expressways, contribute to the large number of
urban residents that rely on the dependable and affordable mass transit for daily commutes and
other traveling needs. As a result, advertising placed in buses reaches a large group of consumers
in a more cost-effective manner than most mass media advertising and will, we believe, continue to
gain acceptance and popularity.
Corporate Organization and Operating History
In order to facilitate fundraising outside of China, SearchMedia International was incorporated in
the Cayman Islands on February 9, 2007 and became the holding company of SearchMedia
Internationals business. On June 1, 2007, SearchMedia International established Jieli Investment
Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., (Jieli Consulting), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
SearchMedia International in China. Because the operation of an
advertising network in China was restricted to PRC domestic entities at the time, SearchMedia
International through Jieli Consulting, entered into contractual arrangements with Jingli Shanghai
on September 10, 2007. On October 30, 2009, we completed the Business Combination, pursuant to
which SearchMedia International became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SearchMedia Holdings.
Corporate Ownership Structure
The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure and the place of formation and
affiliation of each of our subsidiaries as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
7
(1) |
|
Jieli Investment Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., or Jieli Consulting, a Chinese
limited liability company, 100% owned by SearchMedia International. |
|
(2) |
|
Jieli Network Technology Development (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, or Jieli Network, a Chinese limited
liability company, 100% owned by SearchMedia International. |
|
(3) |
|
Shanghai Jingli Advertising Co., Ltd, or Jingli Shanghai, a Chinese limited liability
company, 60% owned by Ms. Qinying Liu, a Chinese citizen, and 40% owned by Ms. Le Yang, a
Chinese citizen. |
|
(4) |
|
Shanghai Botang Advertising Co., Ltd, or Shanghai Botang, a Chinese limited liability
company, 100% owned by Ad-Icon Shanghai. |
|
(5) |
|
Shanghai Haiya Advertising Co., Ltd, or Shanghai Haiya, a Chinese limited liability company,
100% owned by Ad-Icon Shanghai. |
|
(6) |
|
Beijing Wanshuizhiyuan Advertising Co., Ltd, or Beijing Wanshuizhiyuan , a Chinese limited
liability company, 100% owned by Ad-Icon Shanghai. |
|
(7) |
|
Wuxi Ruizhong Advertising Co., Ltd., or Wuxi Ruizhong, a Chinese limited liability company,
100% owned by Ad-Icon Shanghai. |
|
(8) |
|
Shenyang Jingli Advertising Co., Ltd., or Shenyang Jingli, a Chinese limited liability
company, 100% owned by Ad-Icon Shanghai. |
|
(9) |
|
Zhejiang Continental Advertising Co, Ltd., or Zhejiang Continental, a Chinese limited
liability company, 100% owned by Ad-Icon Shanghai. |
|
(10) |
|
Qingdao Kaixiang Advertising Co., Ltd., or Qingdao Kaixiang, a Chinese limited liability
company, 100% owned by Jingli Shanghai. |
|
(11) |
|
Wenzhou Rigao Advertising Co., Ltd., or Wenzhou Rigao, a Chinese limited liability company,
100% owned by Jingli Shanghai. |
|
(12) |
|
Tianjin Shengshitongda Advertising Creativity Co., Ltd, or Tianjin Shengshitongda, a Chinese
limited liability company, 100% owned by Jingli Shanghai. |
|
(13) |
|
Shanghai Jincheng Advertising Co., Ltd, or Shanghai Jincheng, a Chinese limited liability
company, 100% owned by Jingli Shanghai. |
|
(14) |
|
Shaanxi Xinshichuang Advertising Planning Co., Ltd., or Shaan Xi Xinshichuang, a Chinese
limited liability company, 100% owned by Jingli Shanghai. |
|
(15) |
|
Changsha Jingli Advertising Co., Ltd., or Changsha Jingli, a Chinese limited liability
company, 100% owned by Jingli Shanghai. |
|
(16) |
|
Great Talent Holdings Limited, or Great Talent, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong
Kong, 100% owned by SearchMedia International. |
|
(17) |
|
Ad-Icon Company Limited, or Ad-Icon, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong, 100%
owned by SearchMedia International. |
|
(18) |
|
Ad-Icon Shanghai Advertising Co., Ltd., or Ad-Icon Shanghai, a Chinese limited liability
company, 100% owned by Ad-Icon. |
Contractual Arrangements with Jingli Shanghai and its Shareholders
Jieli Consultings relationships with Jingli Shanghai and its shareholders are governed by a series
of contractual arrangements. Under PRC laws, each of Jingli Shanghai and Jieli Consulting is an
independent legal person and neither of them is exposed to liabilities incurred by the other party.
Other than pursuant to the contractual arrangements between Jingli Shanghai and Jieli Consulting,
Jingli Shanghai is not required to transfer any other funds generated from its operations to Jieli
Consulting. On September 10, 2007, Jieli Consulting entered into contractual arrangements, and in
April 2009, the contracts were restated by relevant parties as follows:
Agreements That Provide Effective Control over Our Affiliated Entities
Loan Agreement. Pursuant to the loan agreement between Jieli Consulting and the shareholders of
Jingli Shanghai, namely Ms. Qinying Liu and Ms. Le Yang, Jieli Consulting granted an interest-free
loan to each shareholder. The
8
principal amounts of the loans to Ms. Qinying Liu and Ms. Le Yang
were $6.7 million and $4.5 million, respectively, in proportion with their respective original
capital contributions to Jingli Shanghai. The term of the loan agreement is 10 years and may be
extended for another ten years automatically unless Jieli Consulting terminates the agreement in a
written form three months before the expiration date of the agreement. The loan can be repaid only
with the proceeds from the transfer of the shareholders equity interest in Jingli Shanghai to
Jieli Consulting or another person designated by Jieli Consulting at the minimum price permitted by
then applicable PRC law. Jieli Consulting may accelerate the loan repayment upon certain events,
including if a shareholder dies, loses action capacity, no longer works for Jingli Shanghai or any
affiliate of Jingli Shanghai, or commits a crime, or if Jieli Consulting so informs a shareholder
as permitted by then applicable PRC law.
Equity Pledge Agreement. Pursuant to the equity pledge agreement among Jieli Consulting, Jingli
Shanghai and the shareholders of Jingli Shanghai, namely Ms. Qinying Liu and Ms. Le Yang, each
shareholder has pledged all of her equity interest in Jingli Shanghai to Jieli Consulting to
guarantee the performance of the shareholders and Jingli Shanghais obligations under the loan
agreement, the exclusive call option agreement and the exclusive technical consulting and service
agreement. If Jingli Shanghai or any of its shareholders breaches its respective contractual
obligations under these agreements, Jieli Consulting, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain
rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. The shareholders agreed not to
transfer, sell, pledge, dispose of or otherwise create any new encumbrance on their equity interest
in Jingli Shanghai without the prior written consent of Jieli Consulting. The equity pledge
agreement will expire after Jingli Shanghai and its shareholders fully perform their respective
obligations under the loan agreement, the exclusive call option agreement and the exclusive
technical consulting and service agreement.
Exclusive Call Option Agreement. Under the exclusive call option agreement among Jingli Shanghai,
the shareholders of Jingli Shanghai and Jieli Consulting, Jingli Shanghai and its shareholders
irrevocably granted Jieli Consulting or its designated person an exclusive option to purchase, when
and to the extent permitted under then applicable PRC law, all or part of the equity interests in
Jingli Shanghai. The exercise price for all of the equity interests of Jingli Shanghai is the
minimum price permitted by then applicable PRC law or a higher price determined by Jieli
Consulting. Unless this exclusive call option agreement is terminated on an earlier date as agreed
upon by the parties to the agreement, the term of the agreement is ten years and may be extended
for another ten years automatically unless Jieli Consulting terminates the agreement in writing
three months before the expiration date of the agreement. Pursuant to this call option agreement,
|
|
|
The shareholders of Jingli Shanghai may not change the articles of association,
bylaws, registered capital or shareholding structure of Jingli Shanghai, without the
prior written consent of Jieli Consulting; |
|
|
|
Jingli Shanghai may not acquire or merge with any third parties, or invest in any
third parties, without the prior written consent of Jieli Consulting; |
|
|
|
Jingli Shanghai may not generate, delegate, guarantee for, or allow existing any
indebtedness without the prior consent or confirmation of Jieli Consulting, except in
the ordinary courses of business; |
|
|
|
Jingli Shanghai may not enter into any material contracts with the contractual price
exceeding RMB1.0 million without the prior written consent of Jieli Consulting, except
in the ordinary courses of business; |
|
|
|
|
Jingli Shanghai may not grant loans or guaranties to any third parties, without the
prior written consent of Jieli Consulting; |
9
|
|
|
Jingli Shanghai may not transfer, pledge, have caused any encumbrances, or otherwise
dispose of any shares of Jingli Shanghai, without the prior written consent of Jieli
Consulting; |
|
|
|
Jingli Shanghai may not declare or pay any dividends without the prior written
consent of Jieli Consulting; upon the request of Jieli Consulting, Jingli Shanghai
shall declare and pay all distributable dividends to its shareholders; and |
|
|
|
The shareholders of Jingli Shanghai may only appoint the persons nominated by Jieli
Consulting as directors of Jingli Shanghai, upon request of Jieli Consulting. |
|
|
|
Power of Attorney. The shareholders of Jingli Shanghai have executed a power of
attorney to Mr. Guojun Liang, which irrevocably authorizes Mr. Liang (who is the
husband of Ms. Qinying Liu) to vote as such shareholders attorney-in-fact on all of
the matters of Jingli Shanghai requiring shareholder approval. |
Agreements That Transfer Economic Benefits to Jieli Consulting
Exclusive Technical Consulting and Service Agreement. Pursuant to the exclusive technical
consulting and service agreement between Jingli Shanghai and Jieli Consulting, Jieli Consulting has
the exclusive and irrevocable right to provide to Jingli Shanghai technical consulting services
related to the business operations of Jingli Shanghai. Jingli Shanghai agrees to pay annual
technical service fees to Jieli Consulting based on the actual services provided by Jieli
Consulting. If Jingli Shanghai does not generate net profits in a fiscal year, Jieli Shanghai
agrees not to charge services for that year. The term of this agreement is 10 years commencing on
September 10, 2007 and may be extended automatically for another 10 years unless Jieli Consulting
terminates the agreement by a written notice three months before the expiration date.
We believe that there are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and
future PRC laws and regulations. If the PRC government determines that the agreements that
establish the structure for operating our PRC advertising network businesses do not comply with
applicable restrictions on foreign investment in the advertising industry, we could be subject to
severe penalties including being prohibited from continuing our operation. See Risk Factors
Risks Relating to Doing Business in the Peoples Republic of China If the PRC government
determines that the contractual arrangements that establish the structure for operating our China
business do not comply with applicable PRC laws and regulations, we could be subject to severe
penalties.
Since 2008, SearchMedia International has rapidly expanded its advertising network through the
acquisition of the following advertising companies in China and Hong Kong:
|
|
|
In January 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the equity interest in Shaanxi
Xinshichuang Advertising Planning Co., Ltd., a Chinese company primarily engaged in
elevator advertising business; |
|
|
|
In January 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the equity interest in Qingdao
Kaixiang Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese company primarily engaged in outdoor
billboard advertising business; |
|
|
|
In January 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the equity interest in Shanghai
Jincheng Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese company operating advertisings in cafeterias
of office buildings; |
|
|
|
|
In January 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the equity interest in Beijing
Wanshuizhiyuan Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese company primarily engaged in outdoor
billboard advertising business; |
10
|
|
|
In January 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the advertising business of
Shenyang Xicheng Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese company primarily engaged in outdoor
billboard advertising business. Jingli Shanghai subsequently transferred such business
and related assets into Shenyang Jingli Advertising Co., Ltd., a newly incorporated
Chinese company; |
|
|
|
In February 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the equity interest in Shanghai
Haiya Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese company operating rapid transit advertising
business; |
|
|
|
In April 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the advertising business of Beijing
Youluo Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese company primarily engaged in outdoor billboard
advertising business. Jingli Shanghai subsequently transferred such business and
related assets into Shanghai Botang Advertising Co., Ltd., a newly incorporated Chinese
company; |
|
|
|
In April 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the equity interest in Tianjin
Shengshitongda Advertising Creativity Co., Ltd., a Chinese company operating elevator
advertising business; |
|
|
|
In April 2008, SearchMedia International acquired 100% of the equity interest in
Ad-Icon Company Limited, a Hong Kong company operating outdoor billboard advertising
business; |
|
|
|
In July 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the equity interest in Changsha
Jingli Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese company operating elevator advertising
business; |
|
|
|
In July 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the equity interest in Wenzhou Rigao
Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese company operating elevator advertising business; and |
|
|
|
In July 2008, Jingli Shanghai acquired 100% of the equity interest in Wuxi Ruizhong
Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese company operating elevator advertising business. |
|
|
|
In April 2010, Ad-Icon Shanghai acquired 100% of the equity interest in Zhejiang
Continental Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese company primarily engaged in the outdoor
billboard advertising business. |
On December 11, 2009, Ad-Icon Company Limited, or Ad-Icon, established Ad-Icon Advertising
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary in China, which is permitted to operate advertising
businesses in China. In 2010, Ad-Icon Advertising (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., or Ad-Icon Shanghai,
acquired 100% of the equity interests in Zhejiang Continental Advertising Co, Ltd. Furthermore,
100% of the equity interests in Shanghai Botang Advertising Co., Ltd., Shanghai Haiya Advertising
Co., Ltd., Beijing Wanshuizhiyuan Advertising Co., Ltd., Wuxi Ruizhong Advertising Co., Ltd. and
Shenyang Jingli Advertising Co., Ltd acquired by Jingli Shanghai have been transferred to Ad-Icon
Shanghai. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Jingli Shanghai still holds 100% of
the equity interests of the other Chinese affiliates mentioned above.
Our Business
Advertising Network
We are one of the largest operators of integrated outdoor billboard and in-elevator advertising
networks in China. We have coverage of 50 cities, including larger cities such as Hong Kong,
Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and
Shenzhen. As of March 31, 2010, our advertising network included over 1,500 high-impact billboards,
neon signs and light boxes with over 500,000 square feet of surface display area in our outdoor
billboard platform, over 125,000 poster frames located in commercial and residential buildings, and
a network of light boxes in Shanghai subway stations.
11
Media Products
Our core outdoor billboard and in-elevator portfolios are complemented by our transit advertising
platform, which together create an attractive multi-platform, one-stop shop service for our
local, national and international advertising clients.
Outdoor Billboard Platform
As of March 31, 2010, we operate a network of over 1,500 high-impact billboards with over 500,000
square feet of surface display area in 15 cities, including Beijing, Hong Kong, Qingdao, Shanghai,
Shenyang, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Chengdu. Our billboards are mostly large format
billboards, banners, light boxes and other outdoor postings deployed in commercial centers and
other desirable areas with heavy vehicle and/or foot traffic.
Our target audiences for these advertisements are mid- to high-income shoppers, pedestrians and
car-driving consumers. We believe our billboard advertisements effectively increase our advertising
clients brand awareness. We intend to continue to bid for high-profile projects that will bring
positive media exposure, leading to greater market acceptance and brand recognition for our
company. Management plans to continue to build our nationwide portfolio of traditional outdoor
billboard properties through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.
In-Elevator Platform
We install poster frames primarily on the inside of elevators of modern high-rise buildings in 50
cities across 27 provinces in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. We
typically install two to three poster frames in each elevator. The in-elevator platform is
characterized by its low cost structure and minimal capital requirements and targets the affluent
urban population that is highly desired by advertisers. As of March 31, 2010, our elevator
advertising network consisted of over 125,000 poster frames covering approximately 56,000
elevators. The in-elevator advertising platform allows us to target captive audiences comprised of
middle- and high-end businesses and consumer groups.
Poster frames may take the following forms:
|
|
|
Printed Poster Frames. We specialize in high impact-printed poster frames which are
made of several materials in various sizes suitable for a wide range of display
messages. Our printed poster frames mainly include paper, and illuminated poster
frames; |
|
|
|
Paper poster frames are conventional poster frames made of paper with a
visual size of 540mm by 390mm; and |
|
|
|
Illuminated poster frames are posters encased in thin metal boxes and
illuminated by LED optical fiber. The visual size of such posters is typically
540mm by 390mm. |
|
|
|
Digital poster frames. These poster frames are LCD screens with memory card slots
that allow the screens to change images at regular intervals. Our digital poster frames
change images in loops, with typically six images within each 60-second loop. The
visual size of the screens is typically 405mm by 305mm. |
|
|
|
|
We sell advertising space on our poster frame network on a per display basis. For
each frame that is upgraded from printed poster frame to digital frame, up to six
multiple digital images can now be displayed inside each physical frame and we
increases our available advertising inventory and opportunities for revenue. |
12
Subway Advertising Platform
We manage a network of 840 light boxes in the Shanghai subway system with a size ranging from 1.5m
by 1.75m to 1.5m by 3.5m. Our lightboxes currently cover 11 lines within the Shanghai subway
system.
Bus Advertising Platform
Commencing in the second quarter of 2010, we began managing a network of approximately 5,000 buses
for bus-body advertising in Beijing. This advertising consists of large format sticker
advertising.
Advertising Clients
With coverage in 50 cities and a broad range of media offerings, we have attracted a large and
diverse base of local, national and international advertisers. We have a highly diversified
advertising base of national and international clients, in addition to a broad client list of local
advertisers. These advertising clients are from diverse industries ranging from telecommunications,
insurance and banking, to automobiles, real estate, electronics and fast-moving consumer goods. In
2009, approximately, 61.6% of our contracts were entered into with advertising agencies
representing these clients.
We enter into most of our advertising contracts with advertising agencies. We also enter into a
portion of advertising contracts with direct clients. Our top five advertising clients in aggregate
accounted for approximately 19.3% of our advertising service revenues for the year ended December
31, 2009.
A typical advertising contract specifies the duration, site location, types and number of
advertising placements, price and payment terms with our advertising clients. Before placing an
advertisement, we typically review the advertisement content to be displayed, the relevant
approvals for displaying the content, the registered trademark of the client and other materials
required by applicable laws.
Generally, our minimum advertising period is 7 days. The contract terms generally range from one to
six months for elevator advertisements, six months to 24 months for billboards, one to three months
for subway advertisements and one to six months for bus advertisements. In general, we base our
listed price on a number of factors, including locations, quantity of displays, scale, types of
audience, nature of communities and duration of clients advertising campaigns. We increase our
listed prices from time to time to reflect changes in market prices.
Relationships with Site Managers and Owners
We lease spaces in office and residential buildings, subway stations and other high traffic
commercial areas to install poster frames, billboards, neon signs and light boxes. Establishing and
maintaining long-term relationships with site managers and owners are critical aspects of our
business.
We lease billboard locations from managers of commercial centers and other desirable areas of heavy
vehicle or foot traffic, such as outside walls of commercial buildings, bus stops and main roads.
The term of a location leasing contract is generally one to five years. We are responsible for
periodic monitoring, maintenance and repair of frames. Under most of the leasing contracts, we are
granted a right of first refusal with respect to renewals. The rental terms and fees under our
location leasing contracts vary considerably depending on the city, location, and number of
billboards that may be installed.
We lease elevators in high traffic high-rise buildings from property developers, property
management companies or homeowner associations. We target both high-rise residential buildings and
office buildings. The term of an elevator leasing contract is generally one to three years. The
rental terms and fees under our elevator leasing contracts vary considerably depending on the city,
location and size of the building and number of flat-panel poster
13
frames that may be installed.
Upon entering into a leasing contract, we can install the pre-agreed poster frames in the elevator
area usually in three days. We are responsible for periodic maintenance and repair of elevator
poster frames. Under a typical lease agreement, a lessor is not allowed to move, remove, damage or
hide from view our poster frames, and is required to inform us immediately in the event of any
damage to our poster frames. The rental terms and fees under our elevator leasing contracts vary
considerably depending on the city, location and size of the building and number of flat-panel
poster frames that may be installed.
We have entered into lease contracts for advertising at the stations of eleven major subway lines
in Shanghai. Under these lease contracts, we are responsible for obtaining approvals from relevant
authorities for all the advertisements we place, and for liabilities arising from the
advertisements we place. Since we do not display any advertising unless the relevant approvals for
the advertisement are obtained, we believe the risk of incurring such liabilities is low.
Strategy
Our goal is to own and operate the leading integrated out-of-home media network in China with a
focus on existing and emerging media platforms having a low cost structure and low capital
requirements. We intend to achieve these goals by pursuing the following strategies:
Increased penetration of existing markets and expansion into new markets. We intend to
increase penetration of existing outdoor billboard and in-elevator markets and expand into new
markets. In cities where we have an existing network and sales presence, we intend to further
strengthen our network with additional concessions.
Diversify and increase media offerings and optimize our portfolio. Our media offerings
consist primarily of outdoor billboards, poster frames, in-elevator locations, bus advertising and
light boxes in subway advertising platforms. In order to enhance our service offerings and
capitalize on the increasing prominence of new media forms, we plan to further expand our
advertising coverage through the widening adoption of existing media products. Market conditions
permitting, we also plan to introduce new and differentiated advertising products that offer our
clients more customization opportunities. We believe our strategy of diversifying our products
will allow us to serve as a one-stop shop media service provider, simultaneously optimize our
network and client base, and diversify our revenue and income streams. We also aim to periodically
adjust the portfolio of media holdings in our network in order to optimize the portfolio.
Continue to implement an integrated sales approach and engage in cross-selling efforts. We
intend to continue to engage in cross-selling efforts to enable existing and potential advertising
clients to take advantage of our multi-platform advertising network, and to help increase the value
of our network and the occupancy rate of our offerings. To further implement cross-selling
initiatives, we plan to employ an integrated sales approach under which we will coordinate the
sales and maintenance teams across platforms and geographic regions and provide them with the
proper incentive structure to encourage more cohesive and consistent services to our clients and a
heightened awareness of opportunities to cross-sell our media offerings while optimizing
advertising solutions for our clients.
Pursue strategic alliances and acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses. We plan to
supplement our organic growth and enhance the scale of our operations by identifying and
selectively pursuing strategic alliances and acquisitions. We will continue to identify and
evaluate strategic acquisition opportunities with attractive media products, platforms or client
bases that will complement our growth strategy of pursuing operations with low
capital requirements and high returns. We believe this strategy will further enhance our
market leadership position while also providing an attractive return on investment.
14
Sales
As of December 31, 2009, our sales efforts were spearheaded by a team of approximately 119
advertising sales personnel in 19 cities. Our sales personnel generally have prior sales experience
in Chinas advertising industry and, once hired, receive training to gain a deeper understanding of
the out-of-home advertising market, our advertising network, our competitive strengths and the
value propositions we offer our advertising clients. We also provide our sales personnel with
current data that measures the effectiveness of our advertising network and case studies of
successful campaigns conducted on our network. Our sales personnel typically earn commissions on
sales, in addition to base salaries.
We supplement our sales efforts by providing value-added advisory services to some of our clients,
especially small-size local clients. Each sale starts with a thorough understanding of a clients
advertising needs that leads to tailored solutions that optimize advertising spending on our
network. In these services, we assess the clients media needs and budgets, assist in allocating
media resources across the various media platforms and assist with the creative process in the
design and placement of the poster frames.
Competitive Advantages
We believe we enjoy the following advantages over our competitors:
Nationwide coverage and leading market share. With a nationwide coverage of 50 cities
throughout China and Hong Kong, we are one of the largest operators of out-of-home advertising
media networks in China. We believe our market share and experience have enabled us to build a
strong brand and reputation in the industry and have allowed us to attract a highly diversified
advertising base of national and international clients, in addition to a broad client list of local
advertisers. We believe our growing nationwide coverage, our market share and diversified,
effective advertising media platforms will continue to help us expand our client base and media
portfolio, create significant barriers to entry in existing markets and provide added leverage in
our quest to expand to new geographic and advertising markets.
Extensive advertising network across multiple media platforms. We believe our extensive
advertising network across multiple media platforms allows us to act as a one-stop shop for
advertising clients that seek nationwide distribution of advertising content across multiple
advertising channels, including outdoor billboards, elevators, subway stations and buses. The
site-specific billboards and frames in our large portfolio further combine nationwide marketing
with the benefit of precision targeting of audiences. These attributes allow us to accommodate
clients that desire to scale and optimize their advertising solutions based on their advertising
budgets, targeted audiences and nature of marketing. Additionally, we believe that many of our
clients are often using in-elevator advertising for promotional purposes, as opposed to only brand
awareness, which is a core strategy for these advertisers regardless of the economic climate. We
believe the appeal of our scalable, targeted and effective advertising solutions will continue to
attract new and recurring clients.
Scalable revenue model. Each of our media platforms can be characterized by a low cost
structure and low level of capital expenditures required for expansion, which we expect will allow
us to cost-efficiently expand and scale our operations in response to market conditions and new
opportunities. We believe our expansion opportunities, both geographic and in new advertising
markets, can be further characterized by low incremental cost and high marginal profit, as we
continue to leverage our existing resources.
Strong management team. We have strengthened our management team at the corporate level with
the addition of several key executives since the completion of the merger, including our Chief
Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, who bring operational, financial and management experiences from both
multinational and leading domestic companies. Under the leadership of our management at a
corporate and subsidiary level, we have been able to pursue acquisitions and build our sales force,
increase brand awareness and build a diverse client base.
15
Competition
As a multi-platform media company with presence in 50 cities in China and Hong Kong, we compete
with different players across our platforms and cities of operation. We compete for advertising
clients generally on the basis of network coverage, service quality, technology, media offerings,
services and brand name. We have built our competitive position primarily on our nationwide
coverage, leading market share, and our ability to offer broad geographic coverage, diverse media
platforms and quality services.
|
|
|
Outdoor billboard platform. As the outdoor billboard market in China is largely
fragmented with no clear nationwide leader, we compete primarily with other local or
regional outdoor billboard owners and operators. We also compete with operators of
other forms of outdoor media, including digital outdoor displays and street furniture
advertising. |
|
|
|
In-elevator platform. We compete primarily with other nationwide operators of
in-elevator poster frame advertising. We may face competition in individual cities
from local and regional players and new entrants into the local and regional market
from time to time. |
|
|
|
Subway and bus advertising platform. We compete with other operators of subway
light box and bus-body advertising. |
We also compete for the advertising budget of advertisers with other operators of out-of-home
advertising and operators of other advertising media including television, radio, newspapers,
magazines and the Internet.
Employees
As of December 31, 2009, we had 356 employees, including 49 development personnel, 119 sales and
marketing personnel, 86 maintenance personnel, 41 finance and 61 administrative personnel. All of
our employees are full-time. None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreement.
We manage our own staff recruitment. We consider our relations with our employees to be generally
good.
We are required by applicable PRC regulations to contribute for our employees certain amounts,
based on our employees aggregate salaries, to a defined contribution pension plan, a medical
insurance plan, a housing fund, an unemployment insurance plan, a personal injury insurance plan
and a maternity insurance plan. We believe that we have made the required payments in compliance
with the applicable laws and regulations since our inception.
Intellectual Property
The SearchMedia brand and our other intellectual property rights contribute to our competitive
advantage in the outdoor advertising market in China. To protect our brands and our other
intellectual property, we rely on a combination of trademark, trade secret and copyright laws in
China as well as imposing procedural and contractual confidentiality and invention assignment
obligations on our employees, consultants and others.
Since our merger, we have registered a new domain name : www.searchmediaholdings.com. The Internet
address provided in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not intended to function as a hyperlink and
information obtained at the address is not and should not be considered part of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K and is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
While we cannot assure you that our efforts will deter others from misappropriating our
intellectual properties, we will continue to create and protect our intellectual property rights in
order to maintain our competitive position.
16
Regulatory Matters
We operate our business in China under a legal regime consisting of the State Council, which is the
highest authority of the executive branch of the National Peoples Congress, and several ministries
and agencies under our authority including the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or
SAIC, which regulates the advertising industry.
PRC Advertising Law was promulgated in 1994. In addition, the State Council, SAIC and other
ministries and agencies have issued regulations that regulate our business as discussed below.
Restrictions on Foreign Ownership in the Advertising Industry
The principal regulations governing foreign ownership in the advertising industry in China include:
|
|
|
The Catalogue for Guiding Foreign Investment in Industry (2007); |
|
|
|
The Administrative Regulations on Foreign-invested Advertising Enterprises (2004),
as amended in 2008; and |
|
|
|
The Notice Regarding Investment in the Advertising Industry by Foreign Investors
Through Equity Acquisitions (2006). |
These regulations require foreign entities that directly invest in the advertising industry in
China to have at least two years of direct operations in the advertising industry outside of China.
Since December 10, 2005, foreign investors that have operated in the advertising industry outside
of China as their main business for at least three years have been permitted to directly own a 100%
interest in advertising companies in China. Notwithstanding the aforementioned provisions, Hong
Kong and Macao investors that have operated in the advertising industry have been permitted to
directly own a 100% interest in advertising companies in China starting from January 1, 2004,
without restriction on main business and operation years compared to other foreign investors.
PRC laws and regulations prohibit the transfer of any approvals, licenses or permits, including
business licenses containing a scope of business that permits engaging in the advertising industry.
Therefore, we, through Jieli Consulting, entered into contractual arrangements with Jingli
Shanghai.
In April 2008, we acquired 100% of the equity interest in Ad-Icon, a Hong Kong company operating an
outdoor billboard advertising business. Since Ad-Icon, as a Hong Kong investor, is eligible to
invest in the advertising industry in China without restriction on main business and operation
years, it established a wholly-owned company Ad-Icon Shanghai in China. In 2010, Ad-Icon Shanghai
acquired 100% of the equity interests in Zhejiang Continental, Shanghai Botang , Shanghai Haiya,
Beijing Wanshuizhiyuan, Wuxi Ruizhong and Shenyang Jingli. As of the date of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K, Jingli Shanghai still holds 100% of the equity interests of our other Chinese
affiliates, namely, Shanghai Jincheng, Tianjin Shengshitongda, Shaan Xi Xinshichuang, Changsha
Jingli, Qingdao Kaixiang and Wenzhou Rigao.
Most of our advertising business in China is currently provided through Ad-Icon Shanghai and its
subsidiaries, with a portion of our operations provided through our contractual arrangements with
our consolidated PRC variable interest entities, namely, Jingli Shanghai, and its subsidiaries. Our
consolidated PRC variable interest entities hold the requisite licenses to provide advertising
services in China. Our subsidiary, Jieli Consulting, has entered into a series of contractual
arrangements with Jingli Shanghai and its subsidiaries and shareholders under which:
|
|
|
we are able to exert effective control over our consolidated PRC variable interest
entities; |
17
|
|
|
a substantial portion of the economic benefits of our consolidated PRC variable
interest entities are transferred to us; and |
|
|
|
we have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in our
consolidated PRC variable interest entities in each case when, and to the extent,
permitted by PRC law. |
See Business Corporate Ownership Structure Contractual Arrangements with Jingli Shanghai and
its Shareholders
We believe that there are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and
future PRC laws and regulations. If the PRC government determines that the agreements establishing
the structure for operating our PRC advertising business do not comply with PRC government
restrictions on foreign investment in the advertising industry, we could be subject to severe
penalties. See Risk Factors Risks Related to Doing Business in the Peoples Republic of China
If the PRC government determines that the contractual arrangements that establish the structure for
operating SearchMedias China business do not comply with applicable PRC laws and regulations,
SearchMedia could be subject to severe penalties.
Regulation of Advertising Services
The principal regulations governing advertising businesses in China include:
|
|
|
PRC Advertising Law (1994); |
|
|
|
The Advertising Administrative Regulations (1987); and |
|
|
|
The Implementing Rules for the Advertising Administrative Regulations (2004). |
Business License for Advertising Companies
PRC advertising laws and regulations stipulate that companies engaging in advertising activities
must obtain from the SAIC or its local branch a business license that specifically includes
operation of an advertising business in its scope of business. Furthermore, if a company sets up a
new site outside of the location where it is registered to conduct advertising business, the
company shall register with the local SAIC where the site is located to obtain a branch business
license for the site. Companies and branches conducting advertising activities without such
licenses may be subject to penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders
to cease advertising operations, and revocation of their business license or other licenses. The
business license of an advertising company is valid for the duration of its existence, unless the
license is suspended or revoked due to a violation of any relevant law or regulation. Ad-Icon
Shanghai, Jingli Shanghai and their subsidiaries and branches have obtained such business licenses
from the local branch of the SAIC as required by the existing PRC regulations.
Advertising Content
PRC advertising laws and regulations set forth certain content requirements for advertisements in
China, which include prohibitions on misleading content, superlative wording, socially
destabilizing content or content involving obscenities, superstition, violence, discrimination or
infringement of the public interest, among others. Advertisements for anesthetic, psychotropic,
toxic or radioactive drugs are also prohibited. The dissemination of tobacco advertisements via
media is prohibited, as is the display of tobacco advertisements in any waiting lounge, theater,
cinema, conference hall, stadium or other public area. There are also specific restrictions and
requirements regarding advertisements that relate to matters such as patented products or
processes, pharmaceuticals, medical
instruments, agrochemicals, foodstuff, alcohol and cosmetics. In addition, all advertisements
relating to pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, agrochemicals and veterinary pharmaceuticals
advertised through out-of-
18
home, radio, film, television, print and other forms of media, together
with any other advertisements which are subject to censorship by administrative authorities
according to relevant laws and administrative regulations, must be submitted to the relevant
administrative authorities for content approval prior to dissemination. We do not believe that
advertisements containing content subject to such restriction or censorship comprise a material
portion of the advertisements displayed on our media format.
PRC advertising laws and regulations require advertisers, advertising operators and advertising
distributors to ensure that the content of the advertisements they prepare or distribute are true
and in full compliance with applicable law. In providing advertising services, advertising
operators and advertising distributors must review the prescribed supporting documents provided by
advertisers for advertisements and verify that the content of the advertisements comply with
applicable PRC laws and regulations. In addition, prior to distributing advertisements for certain
products that are subject to government censorship and approval, advertising distributors are
obligated to ensure that such censorship has been performed and approval has been obtained.
Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of
advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertisements and orders to publish an
advertisement correcting the misleading information. In circumstances involving serious violations,
the SAIC or its local branch may revoke the violators licenses or permits for advertising business
operations. Furthermore, advertisers, advertising operators or advertising distributors may be
subject to civil liability if they infringe on the legal rights and interests of third parties in
the course of their advertising business.
Print Advertising
We operate a network of advertising poster frames placed primarily in elevators of high-rise
residential and office buildings. The advertisements shown on our poster frame network are defined
as normal print advertisements under the Print Advertisements Administrative Regulations
promulgated by the SAIC on January 13, 2000, amended on November 30, 2004, or the Print
Advertisements Regulations. Under these regulations, placement of print advertisement must not
impede public policies, social production or peoples lives, nor be placed in areas prohibited by
law or regulation. Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines and
orders to cease the placement. In addition, these regulations stipulate that print advertisements
on poster frames shall have a mark on them indicating that they are an advertisement and shall
identify the name and address of the producers, distributors of products (services), printers
and/or advertisement operators.
Outdoor Advertising
The Advertising Law stipulates that the exhibition and display of outdoor advertisements must not:
|
|
|
utilize traffic safety facilities or traffic signs; |
|
|
|
impede the use of public facilities, traffic safety facilities or traffic signs; |
|
|
|
obstruct commercial or public activities or create an eyesore in urban areas; |
|
|
|
be placed in restrictive areas near government offices, cultural landmarks or
historical or scenic sites; or |
|
|
|
be placed in areas prohibited by the local governments from having outdoor
advertisements. |
In addition to PRC Advertising Law, the SAIC promulgated the Outdoor Advertising Registration
Administrative Regulations on December 8, 1995, as amended on December 3, 1998 and May 22, 2006,
respectively, which govern the outdoor advertising industry in China.
19
Outdoor advertisements in China must be registered with the local SAIC before dissemination. The
advertising distributors are required to submit a registration application form and other
supporting documents for registration. If the application complies with the requirements, the local
SAIC will issue an Outdoor Advertising Registration Certificate for such advertisement. The
content, format, specifications, periods and locations of dissemination of the outdoor
advertisement must be submitted for filing with the local SAIC and shall not be changed without
approval. After the outdoor advertisement is registered, if it is not displayed within three
months, an application shall be filed with the original registration authorities for cancellation.
Outdoor advertising facilities must be safely installed and should be maintained on a regular basis
to ensure safety and neatness. Advertising content must be true and lawful and not contain any
misleading statements.
Local authorities have also issued detailed regulations on operation of outdoor advertising that
may prohibit outdoor advertisements in certain areas or through certain facilities or may require
that concession rights be obtained through a bidding process for public spaces. In cities where we
base our operations, including Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao, Hangzhou, and Shenyang, the placement
and installation of outdoor advertising facilities are subject to municipal zoning requirements and
governmental approvals. Each outdoor advertising facility requires a license for placement and
installation with specific terms of use for a certain number of years.
Regulations on the Broadcast of Programming Content
In December 2007, the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television, or SARFT, issued a
notice to provincial level SARFT branches regarding the strengthening of the administration of
public media platforms. According to this notice, broadcasting of certain programming content on
public platforms via radio and television, the Internet or other information networks, is subject
to prior approval by SARFT. The SARFT notice also explicitly requires that broadcasting on
advertising platforms through compact flash cards or DVDs may only consist of advertisements and
may not contain any programming content. Entities that begun broadcasting programming content on
advertising platforms prior to the issuance of this notice must cease such broadcasts.
Regulations on Dividend Distribution
The principal regulations governing dividend distributions of wholly foreign-owned companies
include:
|
|
|
The Company Law of the PRC (1993), as amended in 2005; |
|
|
|
Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law (1986), as amended in 2000; and |
|
|
|
Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law Implementing Rules (1990), as amended in 2001. |
Under these regulations, wholly foreign-owned companies in the PRC may pay dividends only out of
their accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards. In addition, a
wholly foreign-owned company is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profit based on
PRC accounting standards each year to its reserve fund until the accumulated amount of such fund
reaches 50% of its registered capital. At the discretion of a wholly foreign-owned company, it may
allocate a portion of its after-tax profits, based on PRC accounting standards, to its staff
welfare and bonus fund. The reserve fund and staff welfare and bonus fund are not distributable as
cash dividends. Under the relevant PRC law, no net assets other than the accumulated after-tax
profits can be distributed as dividends.
Regulations on Trademarks
The PRC Trademark Law and the PRC Trademark Implementing Regulations provide the basic legal
framework for the regulation of trademarks in China, and the SAIC is responsible for the
registration and administration of trademarks throughout the country. The PRC has adopted a
first-to-file principle with respect to trademarks.
20
PRC law provides that each of the following acts constitutes infringement of the exclusive right to
use a registered trademark:
|
|
|
use of a trademark that is identical with or similar to a registered trademark in
respect of the same or similar commodities without the authorization of the trademark
registrant; |
|
|
|
sale of commodities infringing upon the exclusive right to use the trademark; |
|
|
|
counterfeiting or making, without authorization, representations of a registered
trademark of another person, or sale of such representations of a registered trademark; |
|
|
|
changing a registered trademark and selling products on which the altered registered
trademark is used without the consent of the trademark registrant; and |
|
|
|
otherwise infringing upon the exclusive right of another person to use a registered
trademark. |
In the PRC, a trademark owner who believes the trademark is being infringed has three options:
Option 1: The trademark owner can provide his trademark registration certificate and other
relevant evidence to the SAIC or its local branches, which can, in its discretion, launch an
investigation. The SAIC may take actions such as ordering the infringer to immediately cease the
infringing behavior, seizing and destroying any infringing products and representations of the
trademark in question, closing the facilities used to manufacture the infringing products or
imposing a fine. If the trademark owner is dissatisfied with the SAICs decision, he may, within 15
days of receiving such decision, institute civil proceedings in court.
Option 2: The trademark owner may institute civil proceedings directly in court. Civil remedies
for trademark infringement include:
|
|
|
requiring the infringer to take steps to mitigate the damage (i.e., publish notices
in newspapers); and |
|
|
|
damages which are measured by either the gains acquired by the infringer from the
infringement, or the losses suffered by the trademark owner, including expenses
incurred by the trademark owner to claim and litigate such infringement. If it is
difficult to determine the gains acquired by the infringer from the infringement, or
the losses suffered by the trademark owner, the court may elect to award compensation
of not more than RMB500,000. |
Option 3: If the trademark infringement is so serious as to constitute a crime, the trademark
owner may file a complaint with the police, and the infringer is subject to investigation for
criminal liability in accordance with PRC laws.
SAFE Regulations on Offshore Investment by PRC Residents and Employee Stock Options
On October 21, 2005, the SAFE issued a titled entitled Circular on several issues concerning
foreign exchange regulation of corporate finance and roundtrip investments by PRC residents through
special purpose companies incorporated overseas, or Circular No. 75, which became effective as of
November 1, 2005.
21
According to Circular No. 75:
|
|
|
prior to establishing or assuming control of an offshore company for the purpose of
financing that offshore company with assets or equity interests in an onshore
enterprise in the PRC, each PRC resident, whether a natural or legal person, must
complete the overseas investment foreign exchange registration procedures with the
relevant local SAFE branch; |
|
|
|
an amendment to the registration with the local SAFE branch is required to be filed
by any PRC resident that directly or indirectly holds interests in that offshore
company upon either (1) the injection of equity interests or assets of an onshore
enterprise to the offshore company, or (2) the completion of any overseas fund raising
by such offshore company; and |
|
|
|
an amendment to the registration with the local SAFE branch is also required to be
filed by such PRC resident when there is any material change involving a change in the
capital of the offshore company, such as (1) an increase or decrease in its capital,
(2) a transfer or swap of shares, (3) a merger or division, (4) a long term equity or
debt investment, or (5) the creation of any security interests over the relevant assets
located in China. |
Moreover, Circular No. 75 applies retroactively. As a result, PRC residents who have established or
acquired control of offshore companies that have made onshore investments in the PRC before
issuance of Circular No. 75 are required to complete the relevant overseas investment foreign
exchange registration procedures by March 31, 2006. Failure to comply with the foreign exchange
registration procedures may result in restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities
of the relevant onshore company, including the payment of dividends and other distributions to its
offshore parent or affiliate and the capital inflow from the offshore entity, and may also subject
relevant PRC residents and onshore company to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration
regulations.
On January 5, 2007, the SAFE issued the Implementing Rules of the Administrative Measures for
Individual Foreign Exchange, or the Individual Foreign Exchange Rule, which, among other things,
specifies approval requirements for a PRC citizens participation in the employee stock holding
plans or stock option plans of an overseas publicly-listed company. On March 28, 2007, the SAFE
issued the Processing Guidance on Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Individuals
Participating in Employee Stock Holding Plan or Stock Option Plan of Overseas Listed Company, or
the Stock Option Rule.
According to the Stock Option Rule, if a PRC domestic individual participates in any employee stock
holding plan or stock option plan of an overseas listed company, a PRC domestic agent or the PRC
subsidiary of such overseas listed company must, among others things, file, on behalf of such
individual, an application with the SAFE to obtain approval for an annual allowance with respect to
the purchase of foreign exchange in connection with stock purchase or stock option exercise as PRC
domestic individuals may not directly use overseas funds to purchase stocks or exercise stock
options. Such PRC individuals foreign exchange income received from the sale of stocks and
dividends distributed by the overseas listed company and any other income shall be fully remitted
into a collective foreign currency account in PRC opened and managed by the PRC subsidiary of the
overseas listed company or the PRC agent before distributing them to such individuals.
Our PRC citizen employees who may be granted stock options, restricted share awards of the Company,
or PRC optionees, will be subject to the Stock Option Rule. If we or our PRC optionees fail to
comply with the Individual
Foreign Exchange Rule and the Stock Option Rule, we and/or our PRC optionees may be subject to
fines and other legal sanctions and we may be prevented from granting additional options or other
awards of the Company to our PRC employees.
In addition, the General Administration of Taxation has issued certain circulars concerning
employee stock options. Pursuant to these circulars, our employees working in China who exercise
stock options will be subject to PRC
22
individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiaries have obligations
to file documents related to employee stock options with relevant tax authorities and withhold
individual income taxes of those employees who exercise their stock options. If our employees fail
to pay and we fail to withhold their income taxes, we may face sanctions imposed by tax authorities
or any other PRC government authorities.
Regulation on Overseas Listing
In August 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies promulgated the Rules on Acquisition of Domestic
Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, regulating the mergers and acquisitions of
domestic enterprises by foreign investors. The M&A Rules became effective in September 2006, and
was amended on June 22, 2009, and the rules, among other things, purport to require that an
offshore special purpose vehicle, or SPV, formed for listing purposes and controlled directly or
indirectly by PRC companies or individuals shall obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the
listing and trading of such SPVs securities on an overseas stock exchange, especially in the event
that the SPV acquires shares of or equity interests in the PRC companies in exchange for the shares
of offshore companies. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC issued a clarification that sets forth the
criteria and process for obtaining any required approval from the CSRC.
There is still uncertainty as to how the new regulations will be interpreted or implemented or
whether prior approval from CSRC is required under the new regulations for the listing and trading
of our shares on NYSE Amex. See Risk Factors Risk Related to Doing Business in the Peoples
Republic of China The approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, may be
required under a recently adopted PRC regulation. The regulation also establishes more complex
procedures for acquisitions conducted by foreign investors that could make it more difficult for
SearchMedia to grow through acquisitions.
23
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Risk Related to Our Business and Operations
We have a history of significant operating losses and our future revenue and operating
profitability are uncertain.
We recorded an operating loss of $22.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 and we ended
the year with an accumulated deficit of $75.6 million. In addition, we recorded operating losses
of approximately $35.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. We may continue to incur
operating losses for the foreseeable future, and such losses may be substantial. We will need to
increase revenue in order to generate sustainable operating profit. Given our history of operating
losses, we cannot be certain that we will be able to achieve operating profitability on an annual
basis. Our failure to achieve profitability could adversely affect the trading price of our common
stock and our ability to raise additional capital.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and we have
had to restate our historical financial statements.
In August 2010, we announced that we would restate the financial statements of SearchMedia
International as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008, to, among other things, correct an
overstatement of revenue $47.0 million in 2008. After the Business Combination and in connection
with our preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we identified accounting irregularities
and potential financial and operational improprieties, relating to transactions and financial
reporting matters that occurred under the management of SearchMedia International before the
Business Combination, which were not previously identified as a result of material weaknesses in
our internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses relate to, among other
things: (i) recording of various erroneous transactions by certain employees; (ii) recording of
certain assets and other accounting irregularities related to acquisitions; (iii) diligence and
approval of questionable transactions; and (iv) confirmation of payments related to acquisitions.
We have implemented and we plan to further implement steps to address these material weaknesses and
improve our internal control over financial reporting. However, the implementation of these
measures may not fully address these control weaknesses, and to date these control weaknesses have
not been remediated in full. If we fail to implement and maintain the adequate internal control
procedures in a timely manner, we may not be able to conclude that we have effective internal
control over financial reporting. Furthermore, we cannot be certain we will effectively remediate
our control weaknesses or that restatements will not occur in the future. The preparation and
filing of restatements could create a significant strain on our internal resources and cause delays
in our filing of quarterly or annual financial results, increase our financial accounting and
related costs, and divert managements attention from the operation of our business.
We are subject to ongoing securities litigation and a government inquiry in the United States.
We and certain of our current and former directors and executive officers are defendants in a
federal securities class action in the United States. The complaint alleges that defendants
violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder
by allegedly reporting false or misleading revenue and other financial information regarding
SearchMedia International during the period April 1, 2009 through August 19, 2010. This action is
in the preliminary stages. We cannot predict the claims, allegations, class period, or defendants
that ultimately may be included in this litigation. Moreover, we cannot predict whether other
similar litigation or regulatory actions or inquiries may be filed or initiated against us or other
parties related to these same or other allegations.
24
In addition, we have been notified that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Los Angeles
Regional Office, is conducting an informal inquiry regarding the issues that are the subject of our
restatement of financial results announced on August 20, 2010. We intend to cooperate fully with
the SEC during this informal inquiry process. We cannot predict the cost or potential liabilities
associated with responding to the SEC inquiry or any related investigations or litigation that may
arise from the matters under inquiry.
We have notified our insurance carriers of these matters, but there can be no assurance that our
insurance carriers will cover all or part of the defense costs, or any liabilities that may arise
from these matters. Litigation and regulatory actions or proceedings can be time consuming and
expensive, and could divert management time and attention from our business, which could have a
material adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations. We also may be subject to
claims for indemnification related to these matters, and we cannot predict the impact that
indemnification claims may have on our business or financial results. Finally, we cannot provide
any assurance that the final outcome of this litigation will not have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
We have been unable, to date, to integrate our acquisitions, and such inability could materially
and adversely impact our operations and our ability to detect and prevent financial irregularities.
Before we completed the Business Combination, SearchMedia International had rapidly acquired a
large number of advertising companies. These companies have various degrees of, and frequently
lack, systems and controls, including those involving management information, purchasing,
accounting and finance, sales, billings, employee benefits, payroll and regulatory compliance.
While we have attempted to implement a series of measures to integrate the acquired businesses,
such as conducting training programs and integrating media resources and finance staff, such
efforts have not, to date, been successful. Failure to successfully integrate the acquired
businesses will present a substantial risk that we may not be able to fully realize the anticipated
benefits of these acquisitions.
Moreover, without the integration and successful implementation of those measures and controls at
the acquired businesses, we have limited ability to detect and prevent material inaccuracies,
misstatements or even fraud at the acquired businesses. The importance of implementing and
integrating such controls and procedures, including disclosure controls and internal control over
financial reporting, is heightened given our rapid and significant growth and our engagement of
business practices which are more frequently utilized in the PRC than would be the case with
similarly situated companies in the United States.
There may be additional risks inherent in the past acquisitions made by SearchMedia International
before the Business Combination, which could materially and adversely affect our business and
growth prospects and cause us to not realize the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions.
Although SearchMedia International conducted due diligence with respect to the acquisitions it made
before the Business Combination, SearchMedia International may not have implemented sufficient due
diligence procedures and we may not be aware of all of the risks and liabilities associated with
such acquisitions. Our current management has identified instances of
a lack of business substance, proper documentation and accounting
irregularities and other improprieties relating to acquisitions made
by SearchMedia International. Any additional discovery of adverse information concerning the companies acquired
by SearchMedia International could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We
have provided for a two-year earn-out payment provision in most of the contracts for these
acquisitions, which is generally contingent upon the level of achievement of the acquired companys
financial performance. In some cases, we have renegotiated these earn out agreements to allow for
extended payout periods. In addition, some of the sellers, who agreed to become our employees and
manage these acquired companies for us during the earn-out period, may leave the Company or be less
motivated in performing their service after the two-year earn-out period has expired, which may
lead to failure in revenue growth and even loss of clients and/or site contracts.
25
Deterioration of economic conditions and a resulting decrease in demand for advertising services
would materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and limit
our growth prospects.
Demand for our advertising services, and the resulting advertising spending by our clients on our
network, is affected significantly by prevailing economic conditions. The current financial crisis
and economic downturns in global markets have impacted, and are expected to further impact,
materially and adversely, the advertising spending of our existing and potential multinational
clients and, as the crisis spreads to China, the advertising spending of our existing and potential
domestic clients. With a severe decline in economic conditions, clients who would normally spend
on a broad range of traditional and new media may curtail their overall spending or concentrate
their advertising spending on one medium. As we derive most of our revenues from our billboard and
in-elevator advertising networks, a decrease in demand for advertising media in general and for our
advertising media or advertising networks in particular would materially and adversely affect our
financial condition and results of operations and limit our growth prospects. In addition, our
clients who are adversely affected by the worsened economic conditions may delay paying the
advertising fees to us, which would adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations.
A business strategy of making acquisitions subjects us to all of the risks inherent in identifying,
acquiring and operating newly acquired businesses.
Our growth strategy includes acquiring new business to complement and expand our existing
operations. In the future, we may continue to make acquisitions of, or investments in, businesses
that we believe could complement or expand our current business or offer growth opportunities. To
that end, we may spend significant management time and resources in analyzing and negotiating
acquisitions or investments that are not consummated. The ongoing process of integrating these
businesses is distracting, time consuming, expensive, and requires continuous optimization and
allocation of resources. Additionally, if we use stock as consideration, this would have a
dilutive effect on existing stockholders. If we use cash, this would reduce our liquidity and
impact our financial flexibility. We may seek debt financing for particular acquisitions, which may
not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. We face all the risks associated with
a business acquisition strategy, including, but not limited to:
|
|
|
the potential disruption of our existing businesses, including the diversion of
management attention and the redeployment of resources; |
|
|
|
entering new markets or industries in which we have limited prior experience; |
|
|
|
failure to identify in due diligence key issues specific to the businesses we seek
to acquire or the industries or other environments in which they operate, or, failure
to protect against contingent liabilities arising from those issues; |
|
|
|
unforeseen or hidden liabilities; |
|
|
|
difficulties in integrating, aligning and coordinating organizations which will
likely be geographically separated and may involve diverse business operations and
corporate cultures; |
|
|
|
difficulties in integrating and retaining key management, sales, research and
development, production and other personnel; |
|
|
|
potential loss of key employees, clients or distribution partners of the acquired
businesses; |
|
|
|
difficulties in incorporating the acquired business into our organization; |
26
|
|
|
the potential loss of customers, distributors or suppliers; |
|
|
|
adverse effects on our existing business relationships with our advertisers; |
|
|
|
difficulties in integrating or expanding information technology systems and other
business processes to accommodate the acquired businesses; |
|
|
|
risks associated with integrating financial reporting and internal control systems; |
|
|
|
the potential for future impairments of goodwill if the acquired business does not
perform as expected; |
|
|
|
the inability to obtain necessary government approvals for the acquisition, if any;
and |
|
|
|
successfully operating the acquired business. |
If we cannot overcome these challenges, we may not realize actual benefits from past and future
acquisitions, which will impair our overall business results. If we complete an investment or
acquisition, we may not realize the anticipated benefits from the transaction.
Failure to manage our growth could strain our management, operational and other resources, which
could materially and adversely affect our business and growth potential.
We experienced rapid expansion in recent years, which resulted, and will continue to result, in
substantial demand on our management resources. To manage our growth, we must develop and improve
our existing administrative and operational systems and our financial and management controls, and
further expand, train and manage our work force. We also need to incur substantial costs and spend
substantial resources in connection with these efforts. We may not have the resources to revamp
our systems and controls, recruit or train our personnel, or afford to incur the costs and expenses
in order to successfully manage our growth. Failure to manage our growth may materially and
adversely affect our business and growth potential.
Future charges due to possible impairments of acquired assets may have a material adverse effect on
our financial condition and results of operations.
A portion of our assets is comprised of goodwill and other intangible assets, which may be subject
to future impairment that would result in financial statement write-offs. Goodwill and other
intangible assets represent approximately 47.3% of our total assets at December 31, 2009. If there
is a material change in our business operations or prospects, the value of the intangible assets we
have acquired or may acquire in the future could decrease significantly. On an ongoing basis and at
least annually, we will evaluate, partially based on discounted expected future cash flows, whether
the carrying value of such intangible assets may no longer be recoverable, in which case a charge
to earnings may be necessary. Any future determination requiring the write-off of a significant
portion of unamortized intangible assets, although not requiring any additional cash outlay, could
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and stock price.
We face significant competition for advertising spending from operators of new and traditional
advertising networks. If we cannot successfully compete, our results of operations would be
materially and adversely affected.
We face competition for general advertising spending from operators of many other forms of
advertising networks, such as television, print media, Internet and other types of out-of-home
advertising.
27
Our success depends on the continuing and increased interest of advertising clients and agencies in
in-elevator, outdoor billboard, subway and bus advertising as components of their advertising
strategies. Advertisers may elect not to use our services if they believe that the viewing public
is not receptive to advertising platforms we offer or that these platforms do not provide
sufficient value as effective advertising mediums. If we cannot successfully compete for
advertising spending against traditional, Internet and other types of out-of-home advertising, we
will be unable to generate sufficient revenues and cash flows to operate our business, and our
results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
For in-elevator and billboard advertising spending, we face competition from different players
across different platforms and in different cities where we operate. For our in-elevator
advertising platform, we compete primarily against large regional operators and other nationwide
operators some of which have substantially more financial resources than we have. For our
billboard advertising platform, we compete against mostly local or regional outdoor billboard
owners and operators, as the outdoor billboard market in China is largely fragmented. For our
transit advertising platform, we compete against other seasoned operators. We compete for
advertising spending on these platforms generally on the basis of network coverage, service quality
and brand name. If we cannot compete successfully for advertising spending on these platforms, our
market share and our results of operations would suffer.
We have a limited operating history which may make it difficult for you to evaluate our business
and prospects.
SearchMedia International entered the out-of-home advertising market in 2005. Accordingly, we have
a limited operating history for our current operations upon which you can evaluate the viability
and sustainability of our business and our acceptance by advertisers.
If we fail to develop and maintain relationships with site owners, managers and sublessors that
provide us access to desirable locations and network platforms, our growth potential and our
business could be harmed.
Our ability to generate revenues from advertising sales depends largely on our ability to provide a
large network of our media products across media platforms at desirable locations. The
effectiveness of our network also depends on the cooperation of site owners and managers to allow
us to install the desired types of frames at the desired spots on their properties and, for
in-elevator advertising, to keep the elevators in operation and accessible to the viewing public.
To address these needs, we must develop and maintain business relationships with site managers and
owners and, for a portion of our network, sublessors that consist primarily of advertising
companies. Since the ownership of residential and office buildings is fragmented, maintaining
these relationships requires considerable operational resources in terms of contract management and
site development and maintenance personnel. If we fail to devote the necessary resources to
maintaining these relationships or if we fail to perform our obligations under the existing leases,
these lessors and sublessors may terminate their leases with us or not renew them upon expiration.
In some cases, we have not maintained good relations and some of our leases have been terminated or
may be terminated in the future. In 2009, we did not pay when due lease payment obligations for
many of the elevator leases in our Jingli Shanghai elevator operations, which resulted in
termination of many of these elevator leases. If a significant number of our elevator leases are
terminated and we fail to develop relationships with potential lessors and sublessors of new sites,
our business could suffer as a result. As there is a limited supply of billboards at desirable
locations and a limited number of subway stations, the termination of a significant number of the
leases for billboards and light boxes at subway stations could harm our multi-platform growth and
operation strategies and our business and prospects could suffer as a result.
Failures to obtain site owners consents or objections from site owners to the installations of our
media products could lead to termination of our contracts or installations, which would harm our
results of operations.
28
PRC real estate laws and regulations require that we obtain prior consent of site owners and
managers for any commercial use of public areas or facilities of residential properties. We
generally enter into display placement agreements with site managers. To comply with PRC real
estate laws and regulations, we also need to obtain or urge site managers to obtain prior consent
of site owners committees or site owners. In some circumstances, it is difficult to locate site
owners. If we enter into an agreement for display placement with a site manager without the
consent from the relevant site owners, we could be subject to fines of up to RMB0.2 million
(approximately $29,000) for each site and be required to remove our advertising posters from the
affected building. In addition, site owners who object to the installation of poster frames in
their buildings may cause site managers to terminate or fail to renew site contracts with us, which
would harm our results of operations.
If we are unable to obtain or retain desirable placement locations for our advertising poster
frames and outdoor billboards on commercially advantageous terms, our operating margins and
earnings could decrease and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Our cost of revenues consists primarily of operating lease cost of advertising space for displaying
advertisements, depreciation of advertisement display equipment, amortization of intangible assets
relating to lease agreements and direct staff and material costs associated with production and
installation of advertisement content. Our operating lease cost represents a significant portion
of our cost of revenues. In 2008 and 2009, our operating lease cost accounted for 84.4% and 82.2%,
respectively, of our cost of revenues and 62.0% and 61.0%, respectively, of our total revenues. In
the future, we may need to pay higher amounts in order to renew existing leases, obtain new and
desirable locations, or secure exclusivity and other favorable terms. If we are unable to secure
commercially advantageous terms or pass increased location costs onto our advertising clients
through rate increases, our operating margins and earnings could decrease and our results of
operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We may not have sufficient liquidity to pay earn-out payments when they come due, which could
materially and adversely affect our operations.
We are obligated to pay earn-out payments over the next two to three years in connection with our
acquisitions of a number of advertising businesses. We estimate that $5.9 million is payable
within the next twelve months from the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and $17.9 million is
payable after the next twelve months and within the next two to three years. We also estimate that
more than 50% of the earn-out payable is payable in stock.
Based on the performance of the acquisitions to date and forecast for the rest of the payment
period we believe that we currently have sufficient capital to pay the required earn-out payments
over the next twelve months. However, due to a variety of factors which cannot presently be
ascertained, including without limitation, the amount of working capital that we have available,
and the financial performance of both the company and the acquired companies entitled to receive an
earn-out payment, we may not have sufficient liquidity to meet our earn-out obligations. If such
failure cannot be remedied through renegotiation of the terms of such earn-outs with the acquiring
companies or the raising of the required proceeds on reasonable terms, our operations are likely to
be adversely and materially impacted.
The shareholders of Jingli Shanghai may have potential conflicts of interest with us.
The shareholders of Jingli Shanghai are also the founders and shareholders of the Company.
Conflicts of interests between their dual roles as shareholders of both Jingli Shanghai and the
Company may arise. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these
individuals will act in the best interests of the Company or that any conflict of interest will be
resolved in our favor. In addition, these individuals may breach or cause Jingli Shanghai to
breach or refuse to renew the existing contractual arrangements that allow us to effectively
control Jingli Shanghai and receive economic benefits from it. If we cannot resolve any conflicts
of interest or disputes between us and the shareholders of Jingli Shanghai, we would have to rely
on legal proceedings, the outcome of which is uncertain and could be disruptive to our business.
29
Our business depends substantially on the continuing efforts of our senior executives, and our
business may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.
Our future success depends heavily on the continued services of our senior executives and other key
employees, their industry expertise, their experience in business operations and sales and
marketing, and their working relationships with our advertising clients as well as the site owners,
property developers, property management companies, homeowner associations and relevant government
authorities that affect the site contracts with us.
We do not have a long history of working with some of these senior executives and key employees.
If one or more of our senior executives were unable or unwilling to continue in their present
positions, we might not be able to replace them easily or at all. If any of our senior executives
join a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose clients, site contracts, key
professionals and staff members. We have entered into an employment agreement with each of our
executive officers, which agreement contains non-competition provisions. However, if a dispute
arises between us and our executive officers, there is no assurance that any of these agreements
could be enforced, or to what extent they could be enforced, in China, in light of the
uncertainties with Chinas legal system.
If we are unable to adapt to changing advertising trends of advertisers and consumers, we will not
be able to compete effectively and we will be unable to increase or maintain our revenues, which
may materially and adversely affect our business prospects and revenues.
The competitive market for out-of-home advertising requires us to continuously identify new
advertising trends of advertisers and consumers. In response to these new advertising trends, we
may need to quickly develop and adopt new formats, features and enhancements for our advertising
network and/or cost-effectively expand into additional advertising media and platforms beyond
in-elevator, billboards, and transit platform advertising. We may be required to incur, but may
not have the financial resources necessary to fund, development and acquisition costs in order to
keep pace with new advertising trends. If we fail to identify or respond adequately to these
changing advertising trends, demand for our advertising network and services may decrease and we
may not be able to compete effectively or attract advertising clients, which would have a material
and adverse effect on our business prospects and revenues.
Our growth could suffer if we fail to expand our media networks to include new media offerings,
media platforms or enter into new markets.
Currently, our network primarily consists of in-elevator, outdoor billboard and transit
advertising. Our growth strategy includes broadening our service offerings and possibly entering
into new advertising markets. It is difficult to predict whether consumers and advertising clients
will accept our entry into new media markets or accept the new media products or platforms we may
offer. It is also difficult to predict whether we will be able to generate sufficient revenues to
offset the costs of entering into these new markets or introducing these new products or new media
platforms. We may also have limited or no prior experience working with these new products,
platforms or markets. If we fail to expand our media network to include new media products,
platforms or markets, our growth could suffer as a result.
If site managers or owners shut down our displays for site maintenance or other reasons, our
business could be adversely affected.
Under certain site leasing contracts we entered into with site managers or owners, site managers or
owners have the right to shut down our displays with prior written notice if they need to inspect
or maintain the sites where we have installed advertising displays, or for other reasons such as
facility reconstruction. However, under our contracts with our advertising clients, if these
displays are shut down for an extended period of time, we are required to substitute these
suspended displays with alternative displays. If we cannot reach an agreement with our clients on
the alternative displays, we could be required to refund the advertising fees paid by these
clients. If a substantial
30
number of our displays are shut down by site managers within a short time period, we may not be
able to locate alternative display locations and may incur substantial remedial costs. Our
relationships with our advertising clients could also suffer and our financial results could be
adversely affected.
Unauthorized use of our intellectual property by third parties, and the expenses incurred in
protecting our intellectual property rights, may adversely affect our business.
We regard our copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property as critical to
our success. Unauthorized use of the intellectual property used in our business may adversely
affect our business and reputation. We have historically relied on a combination of trademark and
copyright law, trade secret protection and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual
property rights. We have entered into confidentiality agreements with all our employees. We
cannot assure you that these confidentiality agreements will not be breached, or that we will have
adequate remedies for any breach.
We are in the process of registering in China the SearchMedia trademark and logo used in our
business. We cannot assure you that our trademark application will ultimately proceed to
registration or will result in registration with scope adequate for our business. Some of our
pending applications or registration may be successfully challenged or invalidated by others. If
our trademark application is not successful, we may have to use different marks for affected
services or technologies, or enter into arrangements with any third parties who may have prior
registrations, applications or rights, which might not be available on commercially reasonable
terms, if at all.
In addition, monitoring and preventing unauthorized use of our trademarks and other intellectual
property is difficult and expensive, and litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our
intellectual property rights. Future litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of
our resources, and could disrupt our business, as well as have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on computer software and hardware systems in managing our operations; any failure in these
systems could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are dependent upon our computer software and hardware systems in supporting the sales,
scheduling and maintenance of our network. In addition, we rely on our computer hardware for the
storage and delivery of the data on our network. Any system failure which causes interruptions to
the input and retrieval of data or increases our service time could disrupt our normal network
operations. In addition, computer hackers infecting our network with viruses could cause our
network to become unavailable. Although we believe that our disaster recovery plan is adequate to
handle the failure of our computer software and hardware systems, we cannot assure you that we will
be able to effectively carry out this disaster recovery plan or that we would be able to restore
our network operations fast enough to avoid a significant disruption to our business. Any failure
in our computer software and/or hardware systems could decrease our revenues and harm our
relationships with advertisers and target audiences, which in turn could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have no business liability, disruption or litigation insurance, and we could incur substantial
costs if our business is disrupted due to natural disasters, litigation or other business
interruptions.
The insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development. Insurance companies in
China offer limited business insurance products and do not, to our knowledge, offer business
liability insurance. While business disruption insurance is available to a limited extent in
China, we have determined that the risks of disruption, cost of such insurance and the difficulties
associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for
us to have such insurance. As a result, we do not have any business liability or disruption
coverage for our operations in China. All industries are subject to legal claims. As a public
company, we are particularly susceptible to securities and derivative lawsuits. These claims may be
costly to defend
31
and divert the attention of our management and our resources in general. Defense and settlement
costs can be substantial, even with respect to claims that have no merit. Due to the inherent
uncertainty of the litigation process, the resolution of any particular legal claim or proceeding
could have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash
flows. Any business disruption or litigation may result in our incurring substantial costs and the
diversion of resources.
Our operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate from period to period.
Our operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate from period to period. Factors
that are likely to cause our operating results to fluctuate include:
|
|
|
our ability to maintain and increase sales to existing advertising clients, attract
new advertising clients and satisfy our clients demands; |
|
|
|
the frequency of our clients advertisements on our network; |
|
|
|
remaining competitive with the pricing strategies of our competitors; |
|
|
|
effects of strategic alliances, potential acquisitions and other business
combinations, and our ability to successfully and timely integrate alliances or
acquired businesses into our business; |
|
|
|
changes in government regulations in relation to the advertising industry; |
|
|
|
lower advertising spending immediately following a major holiday season in China;
and |
|
|
|
economic and geopolitical conditions in China and elsewhere. |
Many of the factors discussed above are beyond our control, making our results difficult to predict
from period to period. Although we did not experience significant seasonality in our business,
except for generally lower sales in periods immediately following major holiday seasons
historically, you should not rely on our operating results for prior periods as an indication of
our future results. If our revenues for a particular period are lower than expected, we may be
unable to reduce our operating expenses for that period by a corresponding amount, which would harm
our operating results for that period relative to our operating results from other periods.
Jieli Network has not started its operation, which could cause Jieli Network to lose its business
license.
According to PRC laws and regulations, the relevant PRC registration authorities may revoke a
companys business license if such company, absent reasonable cause, has failed to commence
operation of its business within six months after its establishment. From the date of Jieli
Networks incorporation on January 16, 2008 through the date of this annual report on Form 10-K,
Jieli Network has not commenced operations of its business. Jieli Network has not received any
notice from the SAIC or relevant PRC registration authorities of any plan to revoke Jieli Networks
business license. However, if Jieli Networks business license is revoked, Jieli Network will need
to be dissolved, and we must repatriate the capital contributions to an entity outside China. If
we are unsuccessful in subsequently contributing the repatriated amount to an entity inside China,
the business operation of the Company may be adversely and materially affected.
32
Risks Relating to Doing Business in the Peoples Republic of China
If the PRC government determines that the contractual arrangements that establish the structure for
operating our China business do not comply with applicable PRC laws and regulations, we could be
subject to severe penalties.
Applicable PRC laws and regulations currently require any foreign entities that invest in the
advertising services industry in China to have at least two years of direct operations in the
advertising industry outside of China. We are a Cayman Islands corporation and a foreign legal
person under Chinese laws. Before we acquired 100% of the equity interests of Ad-Icon in 2008, we
had not directly operated an advertising business outside of China and thus could not qualify for
the requirement of minimum two years experience outside China under PRC regulations. Accordingly,
our subsidiary, Jieli Consulting, is currently ineligible to apply for the required business
license for providing advertising services in China. Therefore, we entered into contractual
arrangements with our consolidated variable interest entity in China, Jingli Shanghai, and prior to
formation of Jingli Shanghai, we operated our advertising business through Shanghai Sige
Advertising and Media Co., Ltd., or Sige, Shenzhen Dale Advertising Co., Ltd., or Dale and Beijing
Conghui Advertising Co., Ltd., or Conghui. Jingli Shanghai is currently owned by two PRC citizens,
Ms. Qinying Liu and Ms. Le Yang, and holds the requisite business license to provide advertising
services in China. Jingli Shanghai and its subsidiaries directly operate a portion of our
advertising network, enter into display placement agreements and sell advertising spaces to our
clients with respect to certain of our operating subsidiaries. In 2010, Ad-Icon Shanghai, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Ad-Icon, acquired some of Jingli Shanghais subsidiaries and operates
advertising business through such subsidiaries. Before the remaining subsidiaries of Jingli
Shanghai are acquired by Ad-Icon Shanghai, we are expected to continue to be dependent on Jingli
Shanghai and its subsidiaries to operate a portion of our advertising business. We do not have any
equity interest in Jingli Shanghai but receive the economic benefits and assume the economic risks
of it through various contractual arrangements and certain corporate governance and shareholder
rights arrangements. In addition, we have entered into agreements with Jingli Shanghai and each of
the shareholders of Jingli Shanghai which allow us to exert control over Jingli Shanghai.
If we, Jieli Consulting, Jieli Network, Jingli Shanghai or any of our future PRC subsidiaries are
found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or
maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities,
including the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or SAIC, which regulates advertising
companies, would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including:
|
|
|
revoking the business and operating licenses of Jingli Shanghai or our PRC
subsidiary and other affiliated entities, if any; |
|
|
|
discontinuing or restricting the operations of any transactions among our PRC
subsidiary, Jingli Shanghai and its shareholders; |
|
|
|
imposing fines, confiscating the income of Jingli Shanghai or our income, or
imposing other requirements with which we or our PRC subsidiary and affiliated entities
may not be able to comply; |
|
|
|
requiring us or our PRC subsidiary and affiliated entities to restructure our
ownership structure or operations; or |
|
|
|
restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds of the Business Combination to
finance our business and operations in China. |
33
The imposition of any of these penalties could result in a material and adverse effect on our
ability to conduct our business, and our financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on contractual arrangements with Jingli Shanghai and its shareholders for our China
operations, which may not be as effective in providing operational control as would be the case
through ownership of a controlling equity interest in such operating entities.
In April 2008, we acquired 100% of the equity interest in Ad-Icon, a Hong Kong company, which
operates an outdoor billboard advertising business. In December 2009, Ad-Icon established Ad-Icon
Shanghai in China. In 2010, Ad-Icon Shanghai acquired most of the subsidiaries of Jingli Shanghai,
but as of the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Ad-Icon Shanghai has not acquired
all remaining subsidiaries of Jingli Shanghai. We have relied and expect to continue to rely on
contractual arrangements with Jingli Shanghai and its shareholders to operate a portion of our
business in China before we complete the acquisition of all subsidiaries of Jingli Shanghai. For a
description of these contractual arrangements, see Business Corporate Ownership Structure -
Contractual Arrangements with Jingli Shanghai and its Shareholders in this Annual Report on Form
10-K. These contractual arrangements include an equity pledge agreement, under which the
shareholders of Jingli Shanghai pledged their equity interests in Jingli Shanghai to Jieli
Consulting. Such pledge was duly created by recording the pledge on Jingli Shanghais register of
shareholders in accordance with the PRC Collateral Law. According to the PRC Property Rights Law,
effective as of October 1, 2007, the pledge needs to be registered with the relevant local branch
of the Shanghai Administration of Industry and Commerce. Jingli Shanghai successfully registered
the pledge with the Shanghai Administration of Industry and Commerce Chongming Sub-bureau on
February 2, 2009. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as ownership of a
controlling equity interest would be in providing us with control over Jingli Shanghai. Under the
current contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if Jingli Shanghai or any of its shareholders
fails to perform their respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to
incur substantial costs and resources to enforce such arrangements, and rely on legal remedies
under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages,
which may not be effective. For example, if the shareholders of Jingli Shanghai were to refuse to
transfer their equity interests in Jingli Shanghai to us or our designee when we exercise the call
option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, or if they were otherwise to act in bad faith
towards us, we may have to take legal action to compel them to perform their contractual
obligations. In addition, we may not be able to renew these contracts with Jingli Shanghai and/or
its shareholders.
In addition, if Jingli Shanghai or all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of
third-party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which
could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If Jingli Shanghai undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, its shareholders or
unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering
our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business and
our ability to generate revenue.
All of these contractual arrangements are governed by PRC law and provide for the resolution of
disputes through arbitration in the PRC. The legal environment 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. In the event we are
unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control
over our affiliated entity, and our ability to conduct our business may be materially and
negatively affected.
34
Our affiliated entity may have engaged in business activities without necessary registration with
local authorities. This could subject us to fines and other penalties, which could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to operate our business.
According to relevant PRC laws, a company that sets up a branch to conduct an advertising business
in a location where it is not registered must register with the local branch of the State
Administration for Industry and Commerce, or SAIC. Jingli Shanghai (update) currently has
registered with the local branches of SAIC in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Changchun,
Chongqing, Chengdu, Dalian, Xian, Jinan, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Wuhan, Changzhou, Fuzhou and Shenzhen,
where it has set up its headquarters and branch offices. These penalties may include disgorgement
of profits or revocation of Jingli Shanghais business license. Because of the discretionary
nature of regulatory enforcements in the PRC, there can be no assurances that Jingli Shanghai will
not be subject to these penalties as a result of violations of the requirement to register with
SAIC or its local branches, or that these penalties would not have a material adverse effect on our
ability to operate our business.
Adverse changes in economic and political policies of the PRC government could have a material
adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, which could adversely affect our business.
Substantially all of our business operations are conducted in China. Accordingly, our business,
results of operations, financial condition and prospects are subject to a significant degree to
economic, political and legal developments in China. Chinas economy differs from the economies of
developed countries in many respects, including with respect to the amount of government
involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of
resources. While the PRC economy has experienced significant growth in the past 20 years, growth
has been uneven across different regions and among various economic sectors of China. The PRC
government has implemented various measures to encourage economic development and guide the
allocation of resources. While some of these measures may benefit the overall PRC economy, they
may also have a negative effect on us. For example, our business, financial condition and results
of operations may be adversely affected by changes in tax regulations or governments control over
capital investments and foreign currencies. As the PRC economy is increasingly linked to the
global economy, it is affected in various respects by downturns and recessions of major economies
around the world, such as the recent financial and economic crises. Although the PRC government
has in recent years implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic
reform, the PRC government continues to exercise significant control over economic growth in China
through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated
obligations, setting monetary policy and imposing policies that impact particular industries or
companies in different ways. Any adverse change in the economic conditions or government policies
in China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth and the level of
investments and expenditures in China, which in turn could lead to a reduction in demand for our
services and products and consequently have a material adverse effect on our business and
prospects. The various economic and policy measures enacted by the PRC government to forestall
economic downturns or shore up the PRC economy may not succeed and our business could be negatively
affected as a result.
If advertising registration certificates are not obtained for advertisements on our outdoor
billboard or rapid transit networks, we may be subject to fines.
On May 22, 2006, the SAIC amended the Provisions on the Registration Administration of Outdoor
Advertisements, or the new outdoor advertisement provisions. Pursuant to the new outdoor
advertisement provisions, advertisements placed on posters, digital displays, light boxes, neon
lights via outdoor premises, space, facilities, as well as those placed in rapid transit stations
are treated as outdoor advertisements and must be registered in accordance with the local SAIC by
advertising distributors and advertising registration certificates must be obtained. After
review and examination, if an application complies with the requirements, the local SAIC will issue
an Outdoor Advertising Registration Certificate for such advertisement. The content, format,
specifications, periods and locations of dissemination of the outdoor advertisement must be
submitted for filing with the local SAIC.
35
We require advertisers to apply for and obtain the registration certificates for their
advertisements. If an advertiser displays an advertisement without the requisite registration, the
relevant local SAICs may require us to disgorge advertising revenues or may impose fines on us.
Our outdoor billboards, light boxes and neon signs are subject to municipal zoning requirements,
governmental approvals and administrative controls. If we are required to tear down our
billboards, light boxes or neon signs as a result of these requirements, approvals or controls, our
operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Our billboards, light boxes and neon signs are subject to local regulations which may impose
detailed requirements regarding municipal zoning requirements and governmental approvals. Each
outdoor placement and installation may require a license with specific terms of use. If we, or our
lessors or sublessors, violate the terms of the license for the relevant placement and installation
for a billboard, light box or neon sign, we could be required to tear it down. We may also be
required to tear it down as result of change of municipal zoning requirements or actions taken by
local authorities for city beautification, clean-up or other purposes. If we lose a significant
number of billboards, light boxes and/or neon signs as a result, our business operations would be
materially and adversely impacted. Moreover, if we are unable to perform our advertising contracts
as a result of these losses, we may incur remedial costs and our relationships with our advertising
clients and financial results could be harmed as a result.
If we were deemed a resident enterprise by PRC tax authorities, we could be subject to tax on our
global income and our non-PRC shareholders could be subject to certain PRC taxes.
Under the New PRC Enterprise Tax law effective January 1, 2008, or the EIT law, an enterprise
established outside of the PRC with de facto management bodies within the PRC is considered a
resident enterprise and will be subject to the EIT at the rate of 25% on its global income. The
implementing rules of the EIT law define de facto management as substantial and overall
management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties
of the enterprise. The State Tax Administration issued the Notice Regarding the Determination of
Chinese-Controlled Offshore Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprises on the Basis
of De Facto Management Bodies, or Circular 82, on April 22, 2009. Circular 82 provides certain
specific criteria for determining whether the de facto management body of a Chinese-controlled
offshore-incorporated enterprise is located in China. Although Circular 82 only applies to offshore
enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises, not those controlled by PRC individuals, like our
company, the determining criteria set forth in Circular 82 may reflect the State Administration of
Taxations general position on how the de facto management body test should be applied in
determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are
controlled by PRC enterprises or individuals. If we were to be considered a resident enterprise
by the PRC tax authorities, our global income would be subject to tax under the EIT law at the rate
of 25% and, to the extent we were to generate substantial amount of income outside of PRC in the
future, we would be subject to additional taxes. In addition, if we were to be considered a
resident enterprise, the dividends we pay to our non-PRC enterprise shareholders would be subject
to withholding tax and our non-PRC enterprise shareholders would be subject to a 10% income tax on
any gains they would realize from the transfer of their shares, if such income were sourced from
within the PRC.
As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, no final interpretations on the implementation
of the resident enterprise designation are available for companies such as ours. Moreover, any
such designation, when made by PRC tax authorities, will be determined based on the facts and
circumstances of individual cases. As a result, we cannot currently determine the likelihood of
the Company being designated a resident enterprise.
We principally rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our subsidiaries to fund
any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of our
subsidiaries and affiliated entities to make payments to us could have a material adverse effect on
our ability to conduct our business.
36
We are a holding company and rely principally on payments of service, license and other fees from
Jingli Shanghai to Jieli Consulting, one of our subsidiaries in China, and distributions in turn
from Jieli Consulting to us to fund our cash and debt service requirements. We also rely on
distributions from Ad-Icon Shanghai to us to fund our cash and debt service requirements. Current
PRC regulations permit our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us only out of their accumulated
profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In
addition, each of our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities in China are required to
set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve
until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as
cash dividends. Furthermore, if our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities in China
incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their
ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may
require us to adjust our taxable income under the contractual arrangements we currently have in
place in a manner that would materially and adversely affect our subsidiaries ability to pay
dividends and other distributions to us.
Furthermore, under the previously applicable PRC tax laws and regulations, dividend payments to
foreign investors made by foreign-invested enterprises in China, such as Jieli Consulting and Jieli
Network, are exempt from PRC withholding tax. Pursuant to the EIT law and the implementing rules
that became effective on January 1, 2008, however, dividends payable by a foreign-invested
enterprise in China to its foreign investors will be subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless any
such foreign investors jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for
a different withholding arrangement. The Cayman Islands, where we are incorporated, does not have
such a tax treaty with China. Ad-Icon Company Limited, or Ad-Icon, the direct holder of the 100%
equity interest in Ad-Icon Shanghai, is incorporated in Hong Kong. According to the Mainland and
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Arrangement on Avoiding Double Taxation or Evasion of
Taxation on Income agreed between China and Hong Kong in August 2006, dividends paid by a
foreign-invested enterprise in China to its direct holding company in Hong Kong will be subject to
withholding tax at a rate of no more than 5% (if the foreign investor owns directly at least 25% of
the shares of the foreign-invested enterprise). The new tax law provides, however, that qualified
dividends distributed between resident enterprises will be exempt from such requirement. If the
PRC tax authorities subsequently determine that we should be classified as a resident enterprise,
the dividends received from Jieli Consulting and Jieli Network would be regarded as dividends
distributed between resident enterprises, and thus be exempt from the new EIT withholding tax. If
we and Ad-Icon were regarded as PRC resident enterprises, the dividends payable to us from Ad-Icon
Shanghai would be exempt from the PRC income tax. If we were regarded as a non-PRC resident
enterprise and Ad-Icon were regarded as a PRC resident enterprise, then Ad-Icon would be required
to withhold a 10% withholding tax on any dividends payable to us, while if Ad-Icon is regarded as a
non-PRC resident enterprise, then Ad-Icon Shanghai would be required to withhold a 5% withholding
tax on any dividends payable to Ad-Icon. As the interpretations of the resident enterprise
designation are unavailable for companies such as us, and as the designation is determined based on
the facts and circumstances of individual cases, we cannot currently provide assurance regarding
the likelihood of the Company being designated a resident enterprise and, accordingly, whether
the dividends payable to us by our PRC subsidiaries would be subject to the withholding tax under
the EIT law.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.
We conduct our business primarily through our subsidiaries and affiliated entities in China. Our
operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. Our subsidiaries are generally
subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China and, in particular, laws
and regulations applicable to wholly foreign-owned enterprises. The PRC legal system is based on
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
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
37
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 a violation. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and
result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
We may be subject to, and may expend significant resources in defending against, government actions
and civil suits based on the content and services we provide through our network.
PRC advertising laws and regulations require advertisers, advertising operators and advertising
distributors, including businesses such as ours, to ensure that the content of the advertisements
they prepare or distribute are fair and accurate and are in full compliance with applicable law.
Violations of these laws or regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of
advertising fees, orders to cease dissemination of the advertisements and orders to publish an
advertisement correcting the misleading information. In cases involving serious violations, the
PRC government may revoke an offenders license for advertising business operations.
As an operator of an advertising medium, we are obligated under PRC law to monitor the advertising
content displayed on our network for compliance with applicable law. Although the advertisements
displayed on our network may have been previously displayed over public media, we may be required
to separately and independently vet these advertisements for content compliance before displaying
them on our networks. In addition, for advertising content related to certain types of products
and services, such as alcohol, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical procedures, we are required
to confirm that the advertisers have obtained requisite government approvals including the
advertisers operating qualifications, proof of quality inspection of the advertised products,
government pre-approval of the contents of the advertisement and filings with the local
authorities. Previously, we did not strictly abide by these requirements. We have remedied this
noncompliance and have, among other things, employed qualified advertising inspectors who are
trained to review advertising content for compliance with relevant PRC laws and regulations.
However, there can be no assurances that we will not be penalized for our past noncompliance or
that each advertisement provided by an advertising client is in compliance with relevant PRC
advertising laws and regulations or that the supporting documentation and government approvals
provided by our advertising clients are accurate and complete.
Moreover, civil claims may be filed against us for fraud, defamation, subversion, negligence,
copyright or trademark infringement or other violations due to the nature and content of the
information displayed on our network. If consumers find the content displayed on our network to be
offensive, site managers and owners may seek to hold us responsible for any consumer claims against
them or may terminate their relationships with us.
In addition, if the security of our content management system is breached and unauthorized images
or text are displayed on our network, viewers or the PRC government may find these images or text
to be offensive, which may subject us to civil liability or government censure, and harm our
reputation. If our viewers do not believe our content is reliable and accurate, our business model
may become less appealing to them and our advertising clients may be less willing to place
advertisements on our network. Government censure, investigation or any other government action,
or any civil suits against us could divert management time and resources and could have a material
and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Governmental control of currency conversion may materially and adversely affect the value of your
investment. Substantial limitations may be imposed on the removal of funds from the PRC to the
Company, or the infusion of funds by us to our subsidiaries and affiliates located in the PRC.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the RMB into foreign currencies and,
in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our
revenues in RMB. Under our current corporate structure, our income is primarily derived from
dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries.
38
Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries
to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy
their foreign currency denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations,
payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and
expenditures from trade-related transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior
approval from the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, by complying with certain
procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate government authorities is required
where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital
expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may
also at its discretion restrict access in the future 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 parent, the Company. As dividends from Chinese operations will be the primary source of
revenue production for us, failure to be able to receive such dividends could materially and
adversely impact the value of your Company shares and could make it impossible for us to meet our
cash flow requirements.
On August 29, 2008, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the
Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of
Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or Circular No. 142. Pursuant to Circular No. 142, the RMB fund from
the settlement of foreign currency capital of a foreign-invested enterprise must be used within the
business scope as approved by the examination and approval department of the government, and cannot
be used for domestic equity investment unless it is otherwise provided for Documents certifying the
purposes of the RMB fund from the settlement of foreign currency capital including a business
contract must also be submitted for the settlement of the foreign currency. We used to provide
loans to Jingli Shanghai in RMB settled from foreign currency capital of Jieli Consulting and Jieli
Network. With the strengthened administration on settlement of foreign currency, these previous
loan arrangements may no longer be feasible. If the foreign exchange control system prevents
Jingli Shanghai from obtaining sufficient RMB to satisfy its currency demands, the operation of the
Company may be materially and adversely affected.
Our subsidiary in Hong Kong, Ad-Icon Company Limited, on December 11, 2009, established Ad-Icon
Advertising (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary in China, which is permitted to operate
advertising business in China. Through Ad-Icon Shanghai, we can enter into advertising contracts
directly with clients and submit those contracts for the purpose of settling foreign currencies.
In the meantime, we can submit the business contracts between Jieli Consulting/Jieli Network and
Jingli Shanghai for the purpose of settling foreign currencies. According to our PRC counsel to
the Company, both alternatives are permissible under PRC laws.
PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose vehicles by PRC residents
may subject our PRC resident shareholders or us to penalties and limit our ability to inject
capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries ability to distribute profits to us,
or otherwise adversely affect us.
SAFE issued a public notice in October 2005 requiring PRC residents to register with the local SAFE
branch before establishing or controlling any company outside of China for the purpose of capital
financing with assets or equities of PRC companies, referred to in the notice as an offshore
special purpose vehicle. PRC residents that are shareholders and/or beneficial owners of offshore
special purpose companies established before November 1, 2005 were required to register with the
local SAFE branch before March 31, 2006. In addition, any PRC resident that is a shareholder of an
offshore special purpose vehicle is required to amend its SAFE registration with respect to that
offshore special purpose company in connection with any increase or decrease of capital, transfer
of shares, merger, division, equity investment or creation of any security interest over any assets
located in China or other material changes in share capital. In May 2007, SAFE issued relevant
guidance to its local branches with respect to the operational process for SAFE registration, which
standardized more specific and stringent supervision on the registration relating to the SAFE
notice. We have requested the previous shareholders and/or beneficial owners of SearchMedia
International to disclose whether they or their shareholders or beneficial owners fall within the
ambit of the SAFE notice and have urged those who are PRC residents to register with the local SAFE
branch as required
39
under the SAFE notice. The failure of these shareholders and/or beneficial owners to timely amend
their SAFE registrations pursuant to the SAFE notice or the failure of future shareholders and/or
beneficial owners of the Company who are PRC residents to comply with the registration procedures
set forth in the SAFE notice may subject such shareholders, beneficial owners and/or our PRC
subsidiaries to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional
capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries ability to distribute dividends to
us or otherwise adversely affect our business. Additional registrations may be required in
connection with the acquisition of our shares by existing shareholders.
PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may
delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of the business combination to make loans or additional
capital contributions to our PRC operating subsidiaries and affiliated entities.
In using the proceeds of the Business Combination as an offshore holding company of our PRC
operating subsidiaries and affiliates, we may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated
affiliates, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries. As an
offshore holding company of our PRC operating subsidiaries and affiliates, any loans by us to our
PRC subsidiaries or consolidated PRC affiliates are subject to PRC regulations and approvals. For
example:
|
|
|
loans by us to our wholly-owned subsidiaries in China, each of which is a
foreign-invested enterprise, to finance the activities cannot exceed statutory limits
and must be registered with SAFE, or its local counterpart; and |
|
|
|
loans by us to Jingli Shanghai, which is a domestic PRC entity, may require the
approval from the relevant government authorities or registration with SAFE or its
local counterpart. |
We may also decide to finance our wholly-owned subsidiaries by means of capital contributions.
These capital contributions must be approved by the PRC Ministry of Commerce or its local
counterpart. Because Jingli Shanghai is a domestic PRC entity, we are not likely to finance our
activities by means of capital contributions due to regulatory issues relating to foreign
investment in domestic PRC entities, as well as the licensing and other regulatory issues discussed
in the Business Regulatory Matters section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. There can be no
assurances that we will be able to obtain these government registrations or approvals on a timely
basis, if at all, with respect to future loans or capital contributions by us to our subsidiaries
or Jingli Shanghai. If we fail to receive such registrations or approvals, our ability to use the
proceeds of the Business Combination and to capitalize our PRC operations may be negatively
affected, which could adversely and materially affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and
expand our business.
Fluctuation in the value of the Renminbi may have a material adverse effect on your investment.
The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar, Euro and other currencies is affected by, among
other things, changes in Chinas political and economic conditions and Chinas foreign exchange
policies. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value
of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi was permitted to fluctuate
within a narrow and managed band against a basket of foreign currencies. This change in policy
caused the Renminbi to appreciate approximately 21.5% against the U.S. dollar over the following
three years. Since reaching a high against the U.S. dollar in July 2008, the Renminbi has traded
within a narrow band against the U.S. dollar, remaining within 1% of its July 2008 high but never
exceeding it. As a consequence, the Renminbi has fluctuated sharply since July 2008 against other
freely traded currencies, in tandem with the U.S. dollar. It is difficult to predict how long the
current situation may last and when and how it may change again.
Substantially all of our revenues and costs are denominated in Renminbi, and a significant portion
of our financial assets are also denominated in Renminbi. Thus, a resumption of the appreciation
of the Renminbi against the U.S.
40
dollar would, for instance, further increase our costs in U.S. dollar terms. In addition, as we
principally rely on dividends and other distributions paid to us by our subsidiaries and affiliated
entities in China, any significant depreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar may have a
material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition. In addition, to the extent that
we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi
against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we receive from the
conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of
making payments for dividends on our preferred or ordinary shares or for other business purposes,
appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S.
dollar amount available to us. Any fluctuation of the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the
U.S. dollar could also result in foreign current translation losses for financial reporting
purposes.
Any health epidemics and other outbreaks, or war, acts of terrorism and other man -made or natural
disasters could severely disrupt our business operations.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected by the outbreak of avian influenza, H1N1
Flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, or another epidemic. In recent years, there have
been reports on the occurrences of avian influenza and H1N1 Flu in various parts of China,
including a few confirmed human cases and deaths. Any prolonged recurrence of avian influenza,
H1N1 Flu, SARS or other adverse public health developments in China could require the temporary
closure of our offices or prevent our staff from traveling to our clients offices to sell our
services or provide on site services. Such closures could severely disrupt our business operations
and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our operations are vulnerable to interruption and damage from natural and other types of disasters,
including snowstorms, earthquakes, fire, floods, environmental accidents, power loss,
communications failures and similar events. If any disaster were to occur in the future, our
ability to operate our business could be materially impaired.
We are a Cayman Islands company and, because the rights of shareholders under Cayman Islands law
differ from those under U.S. law, you may have fewer protections as a shareholder.
The companys conduct of its corporate affairs will be governed by its Memorandum and Articles of
Association, and the Company is subject at all times to the Companies Law (2010 Revision) of the
Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, the rights of
minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of the directors under Cayman Islands law are
governed by the Companies Law (2010 Revision) and/or common law principles derived from cases in
the Cayman Islands and in the courts of England (English case law is not binding but is considered
persuasive in the courts of the Cayman Islands). The rights of shareholders and the fiduciary
duties of directors under Cayman Islands law differ from those established under statutes or
judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. Additionally, the removal
of a director from our Board, even for cause, may in certain circumstances require the approval of
our shareholders. Also, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities law compared to
the United States and less developed or judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law compared to
many U.S. states, including Delaware.
Our Board of Directors is subject to potential deadlock.
Pursuant to the share exchange agreement and Business Combination, we entered into a voting
agreement with China Seed Ventures, L.P., Qinyng Liu, Le Yang, Vervain Equity Investment Limited,
Sun Hing Associates Limited, and Linden Ventures, each a previous SearchMedia International
shareholder or warrantholder, and Frost Gamma Investments Trust, Robert Fried, Rao Uppaluri, Steven
Rubin and Jane Hsiao, each a previous Ideation shareholder, which provides, among other things,
that, for a period which commenced on October 30, 2009 and ends on October 30, 2012, each party to
the voting agreement will agree to vote in favor of the director nominees nominated by the Ideation
representative and the SM Cayman shareholders representatives as provided in the share exchange
agreement. Our Board of Directors presently has eight members, and under our Articles of
Association,
41
approval by a majority of the Directors is required for many significant corporate actions. There
are no mechanisms in the voting agreement or our Articles of Association which provide a mechanism
to resolve a board deadlock. It is possible that our Board of Directors may be unable to obtain
majority approval in certain circumstances, which would prevent us from taking actions that may be
important to our business and operations.
As a foreign private issuer, we will be exempt from certain SEC requirements that provide
stockholders with protections and information that must be made available to stockholders of U.S.
public companies.
On June 30, 2010, we became a foreign private issuer, which reduces the reporting requirements
under the Exchange Act, resulting in fewer costs associated with financial and reporting
compliance. For example, as a foreign private issuer we will be exempt from certain provisions
applicable to U.S. public companies, including:
|
|
|
the rules requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or
current reports on Form 8-K; |
|
|
|
the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or
authorizations with respect to a security registered under the Exchange Act; |
|
|
|
provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective
disclosures of material non-public information; and |
|
|
|
the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their
stock ownership and trading activities and establishing insider liability for profits
realized from any short swing trading transactions, or a purchase and sale, or a sale
and purchase, of the issuers equity securities within less than six months. |
As a foreign private issuer, we will file an annual report on Form 20-F within six months of the
close of fiscal year 2010, and within four months of each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year
2011, and reports on Form 6-K relating to certain material events promptly after we publicly
announces these events. However, because of the foregoing filing exemptions, our shareholders will
not be afforded the same protections or information generally available to investors holding shares
in public companies organized in the United States.
Because we do not intend to pay dividends on our ordinary shares for the foreseeable future,
stockholders will benefit from an investment in our ordinary shares only if those shares appreciate
in value.
We currently intend to retain all future earnings, if any, for use in the operations and expansion
of the business. As a result, we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable
future. Any future determination as to the declaration and payment of cash dividends will be at
the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on factors our board of directors deem
relevant, including, among others, our results of operations, financial condition and cash
requirements, business prospects, the terms of our credit facilities, if any, and any other
financing arrangements. Accordingly, realization of a gain on stockholders investments will
depend on the appreciation of the price of our ordinary shares, and there is no guarantee that our
ordinary shares will appreciate in value.
Voting control by executive officers, directors and other affiliates of the company may limit your
ability to influence the outcome of director elections and other matters requiring shareholder
approval.
The executive officers, directors and other affiliates
of the Company own over 38% of our voting
shares. These shareholders can control substantially all matters requiring approval by our
shareholders, including the election of directors and the approval of other business transactions.
This concentration of ownership could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control
of the Company or discouraging a potential acquirer from attempting to
42
obtain control of the Company, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the market
price of ordinary shares or prevent our shareholders from realizing a premium over the market price
for their ordinary shares.
The NYSE Amex may delist our securities from quotation on its exchange, which could limit
investors ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading
restrictions.
If the NYSE Amex delists our securities from trading on its exchange, we could face significant
material adverse consequences, including:
|
|
|
a limited availability of market quotations for our securities; |
|
|
|
a reduced liquidity with respect to our securities; |
|
|
|
a determination that our common stock is a penny stock which will require brokers
trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a
reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock; |
|
|
|
a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for the company; and |
|
|
|
a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in
the future. |
On April 22, 2010, we received a written notice from the NYSE Amex indicating that we were not in
compliance with the NYSE Amexs continued listing criteria set forth in Sections 134 and 1101 of
the NYSE Amex Company Guide because we did not timely file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2009. On May 25, 2010, we received an additional written notice from NYSE
Amex indicating that we were not in compliance with the NYSE Amexs continued listing criteria set
forth in Sections 134 and 1101 of the NYSE Amex Company Guide because we did not timely file our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. The NYSE Amex has approved our
plan of compliance, as revised, and has granted us an extension until October 29, 2010 to file our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and until December 15, 2010 to file
our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. We cannot provide you
assurance that we file our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 by
December 15, 2010 and, as a result, we may not maintain our listing on the NYSE Amex.
In addition, applicable securities laws and regulations require that an Annual Report on Form 10-K
be signed by at least the majority of the board of directors. However, four of our eight
directors have refused to sign this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As a result, we may not be in
compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations relating to this filing, and the
continued listing standards of the NYSE Amex. Noncompliance with applicable securities laws and
regulations could adversely affect us.
A significant number of shares will become eligible for future sale by our stockholders and the
sale of those shares could adversely affect the stock price.
A significant number of our outstanding shares of common stock will become eligible for resale
beginning October 30, 2010, as a result of the expiration of lock up provisions on resale. If our
stockholders whose shares are, or hereafter become eligible for resale, sell or attempt to sell
their stock in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline.
There is a risk that we could be treated as a U.S. domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax
purposes after the Business Combination, which could result in significantly greater U.S. federal
income tax liability to us.
Section 7874(b) of the Code generally provides that a corporation organized outside the United
States which acquires, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a plan or series of related transactions
substantially all of the assets of a corporation organized in the United States will be treated as
a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if shareholders of the acquired
corporation, by reason of owning shares of the acquired corporation, own at least 80% (of either
the voting power or the value) of the stock of the acquiring corporation after the acquisition. If
Section 7874(b) were to apply to the conversion, then we, as the surviving entity, would be subject
to U.S.
43
federal income tax on its worldwide taxable income following the Business Combination as if we were
a domestic corporation.
Although Section 7874(b) should not apply to treat us as a domestic corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes because the Business Combination should be treated as part of the same
transaction and, therefore, this 80% threshold was not reached, due to the absence of full guidance
on how the rules of Section 7874(b) will apply to the transactions contemplated by the Business
Combination, this result is not entirely free from doubt. As a result, stockholders and
warrantholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors on this issue. We intend to take the
position that we are a foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The immediately
following two risk factors assume that we will be treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes.
There is a risk that we will be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, which
could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of ordinary shares or
warrants of SearchMedia.
We will be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year in which either (1) at least 75% of its gross
income (looking through certain corporate subsidiaries) is passive income or (2) at least 50% of
the average value of its assets (looking through certain corporate subsidiaries) produce, or are
held for the production of, passive income. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest,
rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. If we were a PFIC for any
taxable year during which a U.S. holder held our ordinary shares or warrants, the U.S. holder may
be subject to increased U.S. federal income tax liability and may be subject to additional
reporting requirements.
Based on the expected composition of the assets and income of the Company and our subsidiaries
after the Business Combination, it is not anticipated that we will be treated as a PFIC following
the Business Combination. The actual PFIC status of the Company for any taxable year, however,
will not be determinable until the conclusion of our taxable year, and accordingly there can be no
assurance as to the status of the Company as a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future
taxable year. U.S. holders of our securities are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding
the possible application of the PFIC rules.
If you acquire (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10% or more of our shares, you may be
subject to taxation under the controlled foreign corporation, or CFC rules.
Each 10% U.S. Shareholder of a foreign corporation that is a CFC for an uninterrupted period of
30 days or more during a taxable year, and that owns shares in the CFC directly or indirectly
through foreign entities on the last day of the CFCs taxable year, must include in its gross
income for U.S. federal income tax purposes its pro rata share of the CFCs subpart F income,
even if the subpart F income is not distributed. In addition, if a person that is or was a 10%
U.S. Shareholder of a CFC during the 5-year period ending on the date on which such person sells
or exchanges shares of stock of such corporation recognizes gain such a sale or such person as a
dividend to the extent of earnings and profits of the corporation attributable to such stock that
were accumulated while such person held the stock while the corporation was a CFC. After 2010,
dividends may be taxed at higher rates than long-term capital gains. A foreign corporation is
considered a CFC if 10% U.S. Shareholders own more than 50% of the total combined voting power of
all classes of voting stock of the foreign corporation, or the total value of all stock of the
corporation. A 10% U.S. Shareholder is a U.S. person, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code,
that owns at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote
of the foreign corporation. For purposes of determining whether a corporation is a CFC, and
therefore whether the more-than-5 0% and 10% ownership tests have been satisfied, shares owned
includes shares owned directly or indirectly through foreign entities or shares considered owned
under constructive ownership rules. The attribution rules are complicated and depend on the
particular facts relating to each investor. U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax
advisors regarding the possible application of the CFC rules.
44
Risks Relating to Our Stockholders and Warrantholders
We may choose to redeem our outstanding warrants at a time that is disadvantageous to the
warrantholders, preventing such holders from realizing the potential economic value of their
warrants.
Subject to there being a current prospectus under the Securities Act, we may redeem all of the
currently outstanding warrants at any time after they become exercisable at a price of $0.01 per
warrant, upon a minimum of 30 days prior written notice of redemption, if and only if, the last
sale price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $11.50 per share for any 20 trading days within
a 30-trading-day period ending three business days before we send the notice of redemption.
Calling all of such warrants for redemption could force the warrantholders to:
|
|
|
exercise the warrants and pay the exercise price for such warrants at a time when it
may be disadvantageous for the holders to do so; |
|
|
|
sell the warrants at the then-current market price when they might otherwise wish to
hold the warrants; or |
|
|
|
accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the warrants are called for
redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of the warrants. |
Our warrantholders may not be able to exercise their warrants, which may significantly reduce their
economic value and create liability for us.
Holders of our warrants will be able to receive shares upon exercise of the warrants only if:
|
|
|
a current registration statement under the Securities Act relating to the ordinary shares underlying the warrants is then effective; and |
|
|
|
such shares are qualified for sale or exempt from qualification under the applicable
securities laws of the states in which the various holders of warrants reside. |
Although we have agreed to use our best efforts to maintain a current registration statement
covering the shares underlying the warrants to the extent required by federal securities laws, we
cannot assure that we will be able to do so. In addition, some states may not permit us to
register the shares issuable upon exercise of our warrants for sale. The value of the warrants
will be greatly reduced if a registration statement covering the shares issuable upon the exercise
of the warrants is not kept current or if the securities are not qualified, or exempt from
qualification, in the states in which the holders of warrants reside. We have agreed to qualify
for sale the common stock underlying our warrants in each state in which the units issued in the
Ideation IPO were initially offered. However we did not agree to qualify such securities in any
other state.
We believe that the holders of warrants who reside in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois,
Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas will be able to exercise their
warrants freely. Additionally, holders of warrants who reside in Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland,
Missouri and North Carolina will be able to exercise their warrants, provided that we do not pay
any commission or other remuneration (other than a standby commission) directly or indirectly for
soliciting any security holder in the respective state. Holders of warrants who reside in
jurisdictions in which the shares underlying the warrants are not qualified and in which there is
no exemption will be unable to exercise their warrants and would either have to sell their warrants
in the open market or allow them to expire unexercised, which could result in the filing of claims
against and other losses for us.
45
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our headquarters are located in Shanghai, China, where we lease approximately 523 square meters of
office space. As of December 31, 2009, our offices in 19 cities occupy an aggregate of
approximately 6,000 square meters of leased space.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
A shareholder complaint was filed on September 13, 2010 by Sid Murdeshwar against SearchMedia
Holdings, the former Ideation officers and directors and certain of the SearchMedia Holdings
officers and directors (the Individual Defendants) as a purported class action on behalf of the
shareholders of SearchMedia Holdings in the United States District Court for the Central District
of California. The case was filed under the caption Sid Murdeshwar, Individually and on Behalf of
All Others Similarly Situated, Plaintiff v. SearchMedia Holdings Limited f/k/a Ideation Acquisition
Corp., Robert N. Fried, Phillip Frost, Rao Uppaluri, Steven D. Rubin, Glenn Halpryn, Thomas E.
Beier, David H. Moskowitz, Shawn Gold, Garbo Lee, Paul Conway, Qinying Liu, Earl Yen, and Jennifer
Huang, Defendants.
The complaint alleges, among other things, that the directors of SearchMedia Holdings violated the
federal securities laws by making false and misleading statements regarding Ideations acquisition
of the target company, SearchMedia International and by overstating SearchMedia Internationals
financial results. The complaint further alleges that the Individual Defendants are liable for the
alleged misrepresentations as controlling persons. The complaint seeks certification of a class of
SearchMedia Holdings shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired SearchMedia Holdings securities between April 1, 2009 and August 20, 2010, an award of compensatory damages, an award of reasonable fees
and costs incurred in this action, and such other relief as the Court deems just and proper. The
defendants intend to contest the allegations.
In addition, from time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings, investigations and claims
incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not currently a party to any legal proceeding or
investigation, except the shareholder complaint described above, that in the opinion of our
management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED)
PART II
|
|
|
ITEM 5. |
|
MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
Our common stock and warrants are listed on the NYSE Amex under the symbols IDI and IDI.W, respectively.
The closing price for the securities on October 28, 2010, the
most recent trading day before the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, was
$2.72 and $0.49, respectively.
46
The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low bid prices for the
securities as reported on the NYSE Amex in U.S. dollars. These quotations reflect inter-dealer
prices, without markup, markdown or commissions, and may not represent actual transactions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units (1) |
|
Common Stock |
|
Warrants |
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Low |
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
7.90 |
|
|
$ |
7.30 |
|
|
$ |
7.10 |
|
|
$ |
7.10 |
|
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
$ |
7.85 |
|
|
$ |
7.35 |
|
|
$ |
7.11 |
|
|
$ |
7.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.40 |
|
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
$ |
8.10 |
|
|
$ |
7.25 |
|
|
$ |
8.10 |
|
|
$ |
7.15 |
|
|
$ |
0.44 |
|
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
$ |
7.20 |
|
|
$ |
6.85 |
|
|
$ |
7.20 |
|
|
$ |
6.75 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
7.70 |
|
|
$ |
7.17 |
|
|
$ |
7.55 |
|
|
$ |
7.18 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
$ |
8.72 |
|
|
$ |
7.41 |
|
|
$ |
7.86 |
|
|
$ |
7.50 |
|
|
$ |
0.69 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
$ |
9.82 |
|
|
$ |
8.15 |
|
|
$ |
7.99 |
|
|
$ |
7.69 |
|
|
$ |
1.69 |
|
|
$ |
0.48 |
|
Fourth
Quarter (1) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
9.20 |
|
|
$ |
7.09 |
|
|
$ |
3.14 |
|
|
$ |
1.41 |
|
(1) During the
fourth quarter of 2009, trading in the units was suspended.
As of October 5, 2010, there were, of record, thirty-two holders of common stock, twelve
holders of warrants and no holders of units.
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date and do not intend to pay dividends at
this time.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
As a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, we are not required to
include information otherwise required by this Item.
47
|
|
|
ITEM 7. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
The financial information presented in this Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations has been adjusted to reflect the restatement of our
consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Specifically, we have restated our consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated
statement of operations, consolidated statement of stockholders equity and consolidated statement
of cash flows as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008. The restatement is more fully
described in the Explanatory Note immediately preceding Part I, Item 1 and in Note 3 Restatement
of Consolidated Financial Statements of our Consolidated Financial Statements, which is included
in Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements
and related notes included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This Annual Report on Form
10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA), Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the
Exchange Act), about our expectations, beliefs, or intentions regarding our business, financial
condition, results of operations, strategies, or prospects. You can identify forward-looking
statements by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current
matters. Rather, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities,
trends, or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to
matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from any future results
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause our actual
activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in
forward-looking statements. These factors include those contained in Part I, Item 1A Risk
Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We do not undertake any obligation to update
forward-looking statements. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe
harbor provisions of PSLRA. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and reflect our
views as of the date they are made with respect to future events and financial performance.
Overview
We are a multi-platform media company operating primarily in the out-of-home advertising industry.
Out-of-home advertising typically refers to advertising media in public places, such as billboards,
in-elevator displays, street furniture and transit area displays. We are one of the largest
operators of integrated outdoor billboard and in-elevator advertising networks in China. Our core
outdoor billboard and in-elevator platforms are complemented by our transit advertising platform,
which together enables us to provide multi-platform, one-stop shop services for our local,
national and international clients.
Targeting the rapidly growing number of urban and increasingly affluent consumers in China, we
deploy our advertising network across the following select media platforms:
|
|
|
Outdoor billboard platform. As of March 31, 2010, we operate a network of over 1,500
high-impact billboards with over 500,000 square feet of surface display area in 15 cities,
including Beijing, Hong Kong, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chongqing
and Chengdu. Our billboards are mostly deployed in commercial centers and other desirable
areas with heavy vehicle or foot traffic. |
48
|
|
|
In-elevator platform. As of March 31, 2010, our network of over 125,000 printed and
digital poster frames delivered targeted advertising messages inside elevators to captive
audiences in high-rise residential and office buildings in 50 major cities in China. The
in-elevator platform is characterized by its low cost structure and minimal capital
requirements and targets the affluent urban population that is highly desired by
advertisers. |
|
|
|
|
Transit advertising platform. As of March 31, 2010, we operate a network of
large-format light boxes in concourses of 11 major subway lines in Shanghai. According to
the Metro Authority of Shanghai, in March 2010, these subway lines carried an aggregate
average daily traffic of approximately 5.65 million commuters. In addition, we also
operate a bus advertising network of 5,000 buses in Beijing. |
Our multi-platform offerings are cross-marketed by a sales force located in 23 offices across
China. Our advertising clients are from industries ranging from telecommunications, insurance and
banking, to automobile, real estate, electronics and fast moving consumer goods.
Since 2005, we have achieved significant growth through acquisitions and organic expansion. We
expect to continue expanding our billboard holdings through acquisitions and organic expansion
while utilizing organic growth to grow our elevator and transit holdings, and capitalize on the
growth opportunities in Chinas out-of-home advertising and other emerging media markets.
In October 2009, we completed the Business Combination. See Part I, Item 1 Business Business
Overview of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of the Business Combination. The
Business Combination is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization because it fails to meet the
criteria to be considered as a business combination described in Accounting Standards Codification
(ASC) Section 805-20-55, Business Combination. Pursuant to these accounting standards,
SearchMedia International is considered to be the accounting acquirer because it obtained control
of Ideation as a result of the transaction. The determination was primarily based on: (i) after the
Business Combination, SearchMedia Internationals operations comprised the ongoing operations of
the combined entity and the senior management of the combined companies and (ii) Ideation had no
prior operations and was formed for the purpose of effecting a business combination such as the
business combination with SearchMedia International. Although SearchMedia International is deemed
to be the acquiring company for accounting and financial reporting purposes, the legal status of
SearchMedia Holdings as the surviving corporation in the Business Combination does not change.
Industry Trends and Uncertainties
Operating results are affected by these factors that impact the out-of-home advertising industry in China:
|
|
Growth of the PRC economy and the advertising industry. The growth of
the PRC economy affects the size and growth rate of the advertising
industry in China. As the advertising industry is typically sensitive
to general economic conditions, any slowdown in the economy, such as
the recent worldwide economic downturn, could directly and adversely
affect the overall advertising spending in China by multinational and
domestic advertisers. The amount and timing of collection of
advertising fees from advertisers may also be negatively impacted as a
result, which could in turn affect our liquidity and results of
operations. |
49
|
|
Advertising spending and budget cycle of advertisers. Advertising
spending and budget cycle of advertisers will affect the amount and
timing of demand for our service offerings. In a contracted economy,
the budget size for advertising may be reduced. Advertisers may have
shorter budget cycles, may contract for shorter-term advertising
promotions and may seek a media platform with higher average returns
on their advertising spending. |
|
|
|
Advertisers marketing strategy and budget. Our revenues depend on
advertising spending budgeted by our clients for out-of-home
advertising, including offerings through our outdoor billboard,
in-elevator displays, street furniture and transit advertising
platforms. The level of acceptance of our platforms by advertisers and
the value of its advertising network relative to its low cost, as
perceived by our advertisers, affect our business growth. |
|
|
|
Competition and pricing pressure. The level of competition in the
out-of-home advertising market from existing operators and new market
entrants for clients and for media assets could affect opportunities
for growth, influence prices that we could charge for our advertising
services, and affect the leasing cost of advertising space. We compete
for advertising clients generally on the basis of network coverage,
service quality, technology, media offerings, services and brand name. |
|
|
|
Seasonality and One-Time Events. Although we do not experience
significant seasonality in our business, advertising spending is
affected by holidays and one-time events. Advertising spending for
outdoor media typically decreases during the Chinese New Year, which
occurs in the first calendar quarter of each year, and increases in
the last calendar quarter. |
|
|
|
Laws regulating advertising in the PRC. A change in PRC law or
government practice regulating the advertising industry in general and
our service platforms in particular could affect our results of
operations, in terms of compliance costs and scope of advertising
services offered to clients. |
Company Specific Trends and Uncertainties
Our operating results are also directly affected by company-specific factors, including the
following:
|
|
Ability to maintain market position and expand into new cities. The market for
out-of-home advertising services is relatively new and rapidly evolving, and as a
multi-platform media company with a presence in 50 cities in China, we compete with
different players across our platforms and cities of operation. For our in-elevator
advertising platform, we compete primarily with other nationwide operators of
in-elevator poster frame advertising. We may face competition in individual cities
from local and regional players and new entrants into the local and regional market
from time to time. For our billboard advertising platform, we compete against mostly
local or regional outdoor billboard owners and operators, as the outdoor billboard
market in China is largely fragmented. For our transit advertising platform, we
compete against other operators of subway light box and bus-body advertising. We also
compete for the advertising budget of advertisers with other operators of out-of-home
advertising and operators of other advertising media including television, radio,
newspapers, magazines and the Internet. Our continued ability to maintain our market
position is central to our ability to attract new clients, expand relationships with
site owners and managers and increase our revenues. |
50
|
|
Ability to expand client base and increase the number of advertising contracts and
average revenues per contract. Our ability to expand our client base and increase the
number of advertising contracts and average revenues per contract is a key driver of
our revenue growth. We believe our extensive advertising network across multiple media
platforms allows us to act as a one-stop shop for advertising clients that seek
nationwide distribution of advertising content across multiple advertising channels,
including outdoor billboards, elevators and subway stations. |
|
|
|
Ability to sign and extend site leases for lower rentals. Our ability to generate
revenues and increase profitability from advertising sales depends largely on our
ability to provide a large network of our media products across media platforms at
desirable locations on commercially advantageous terms. The effectiveness of our
network also depends on the cooperation of site owners and managers to allow us to
install the desired types of poster frames at the desired spots on their properties
and, for in-elevator advertising to keep the elevators in operation and accessible to
the viewing public. In some cases, we have not maintained good relations and some of
our leases have been terminated or may be terminated in the future. In 2009, we did
not pay our lease payment obligations for many of the elevator leases in our Jingli
Shanghai elevator operations, which resulted in termination of many of these elevator
leases. If a significant number of our elevator leases are terminated and we fail to
develop relationships with potential lessors and sublessors of new sites, our business
could suffer as a result. As there is a limited supply of billboards at desirable
locations and a limited number of subway stations, the termination of a significant
number of the leases for billboards and light boxes at subway stations could harm our
multi-platform growth and operation strategies and our business and prospects could
suffer as a result. |
|
|
|
Ability to integrate acquired companies. We acquired a number of advertising
businesses in 2008. We have been trying to integrate and centralize the operational
accounting, legal, human resource and administrative functions of the acquired
companies. Such efforts, to date, have not been successful and our failure to
successfully integrate the acquired businesses creates a substantial risk that we may
not be able to fully realize the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions. The
extent to which we are able to successfully integrate the acquired companies into our
business, in terms of sales and marketing, client service, growth strategy and
corporate culture, will impact our results of operations. |
|
|
|
Ability to shorten accounts receivable collection period. As is consistent with the
payment terms and collection practice of the advertising industry in China, the
collection period of our accounts receivable is relatively long, which generally range
from three months to six months or longer from the invoicing date. Relative to direct
advertising clients, the collection period is longer for accounts receivable from
advertising agency clients. We expect such practice to continue in the foreseeable
future. The onset and deepening of the recent global financial and economic crises
could negatively impact the cash flows of our multinational and local clients and, in
turn, the amount and timing of the collection of accounts receivable from them. |
51
|
|
Ability to cross-sell. Our ability to increase revenues by effectively leveraging our
multi-platform advertising network will be determined by our ability to integrate our
sales efforts and successfully implementing cross-selling sales initiatives. To
further implement cross-selling initiatives, we plan to employ an integrated sales
approach under which we will coordinate the sales and maintenance teams across
platforms and geographic regions and provide them with the proper incentive structure
to encourage more cohesive and consistent services to our clients and a heightened
awareness of opportunities to cross-sell our media offerings while optimizing
advertising solutions for our clients. |
|
|
|
Ability to retain key employees and sales people. Recruiting and retaining a
team of senior executives, key employees and sales team with industry knowledge and
experience is essential to our continued success. |
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates,
including those related to allowance for doubtful accounts, estimate of useful lives
of intangible assets, impairment of goodwill and other intangibles, cash flow
forecasts, share-based compensation expense, and contingencies and litigation
liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience, known or expected trends,
independent valuations and various other assumptions that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances based on information available as of the date of
the issuance of these financial statements. The results of such assumptions form the
basis for making estimates about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that
are not readily apparent from other sources. The current economic environment and its
potential effect on us and our clients have combined to increase the uncertainty
inherent in such estimates and assumptions. Future results could be significantly
affected if actual results were to be different from these estimates and assumptions.
We believe the following critical accounting policies govern our more significant
judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial
statements.
Revenue recognition
We recognize advertising service revenue on a straight-line basis over the period in
which the customer advertisement is to be displayed, which typically ranges from 1
month to 2 years, starting from the date we first display the advertisement. Written
contracts are entered into between us and our customers to specify the price, the
period and the location at which the advertisement is to be displayed. Revenue is only
recognized if the collectability of the advertising service fee is probable.
We generate advertising service revenues from the sales of frame space on the poster
frame network, advertising time slots on traditional billboard networks and the sale
of advertising services through our transit based media. In the majority of
advertising arrangements, we act as a principal in the transaction and record
advertising revenues on a gross basis. The associated expenses are recorded as cost of
revenues. In some instances we are considered an agent and recognize revenue on a net
basis.
Customer payments received in excess of the amount of revenue recognized are recorded
as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheet, and are recognized as revenue
when the advertising services are rendered.
52
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable consist of amounts billed but not yet collected and unbilled
receivables. Unbilled receivables relate to revenues earned and recognized, but which
have not been billed by us in accordance with the terms of the advertising service
contract. The payment terms of our service contracts with its customers vary and
typically require an initial payment to be billed or paid at the commencement of the
service period, progress payments to be billed during the service period, and a final
payment to be billed after the completion of the service period. None of our accounts
receivable bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is managements best
estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable.
Management determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience and
reviews of customer-specific facts and economic conditions. Account balances are
charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted
and the potential for recovery is considered remote. We do not have any
off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, our accounts receivable includes amounts earned and
recognized as revenues of US$2.3 million and US$2.0 million, respectively but not yet
billed (unbilled receivables). Management expects all unbilled receivables to be
billed and collected within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
At December 31, 2009, we provided a $2.3 million reserve against accounts receivable.
Managements estimate of the appropriate reserve on accounts receivable at December
31, 2009 was based on the aged nature of these accounts receivable. In making its
judgment, management assessed its customers ability to continue to pay their
outstanding invoices on a timely basis, and whether their financial position might
deteriorate significantly in the future, which would result in their inability to pay
their debts to the us.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets are accounted for in accordance with the
provisions of FASB ASC 350 Intangibles Goodwill and Other. We account for business
acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting. Before 2009, goodwill
consists of the cost of acquired businesses in excess of the fair value of the net
assets acquired. Other intangible assets are separately recognized if the benefit of
the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or other legal rights, or if the
intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, regardless
of an intent to do so.
Starting on Jan 1, 2009, goodwill is measured as the excess of a over b below:
a. |
|
The aggregate of the following: |
|
1. |
|
The consideration transferred measured in accordance ASC 805, which generally
requires acquisition-date fair value. |
|
|
2. |
|
The fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. |
|
|
3. |
|
In a business combination achieved in stages, the acquisition-date fair value of
the acquirers previously held equity interest in the acquiree. |
b. |
|
The net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the
liabilities assumed measured in accordance with ASC 805. |
53
Under FASB ASC 350, goodwill, including any goodwill included in the carrying value of
investments accounted for using the equity method of accounting, and certain other
intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives, are not amortized.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we acquired the respective advertising
businesses of Jincheng, Xinshichuang, Kaixiang, Wanshuizhiyuan, Shenyang Jingli,
Haiya, Botang, Hongkong Ad-icon, Shengshitongda, Rigao, and Ruizhong (acquired
entities). Pursuant to a series of acquisition agreements signed with each of the
acquired entities ex-owners in 2008, the purchase consideration for each acquisition
would be settled in cash and is contingent based on the operational results agreed and
confirmed by us and each of the acquired entities ex-owners for each individual
12-month period in a 2-year earn-out period following respective acquisition dates
(earn-out period). The contingent purchase price consideration for each entity is
payable when each individual 12-month period during the earn-out period is completed
and the operational results are agreed and confirmed. As such, the purchase price
allocation cannot be completed until the contingencies are resolved. Therefore, the
contingent consideration was not determinable beyond a reasonable doubt at the date of
acquisition, and no goodwill was recognized due to the contingent nature of the
consideration. However, a liability is recorded for the estimated fair value of
identifiable net assets acquired, which represents the amount of negative goodwill
upon initial purchase price allocation. Upon resolution of the contingency, adjustment
to goodwill or against the identifiable net assets is to be made in accordance with
SFAS No. 141 (ASC Topic 805).
The initial allocation of purchase price for all acquisitions made in 2008 was based
on valuations performed by independent valuation firms using the multiple period
excess earnings method.
At the initial allocation of purchase price, we also estimate fair value of acquired
intangible assets including customer relationship and lease agreements. Our intangible
assets are amortized on a straight line basis over their respective estimated useful
lives, which are the periods over which the assets are expected to contribute directly
or indirectly to our future cash flows. Our intangible assets represent customer
relationship and lease agreements, which have estimated useful lives
ranging from 0.5 to 4 years.
Impairment of long-lived assets
a) |
|
Impairment of goodwill |
We test goodwill for possible impairment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or
when circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a
reporting unit below its carrying amount. Circumstances that could trigger an
impairment test between annual tests include, but are not limited to:
|
|
|
a significant adverse change in the business climate or legal factors; |
|
|
|
|
an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; |
|
|
|
|
unanticipated competition; |
|
|
|
|
loss of key personnel; |
|
|
|
|
the likelihood that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting
unit will be sold or disposed of; and |
|
|
|
|
a change in reportable segments; and/or results of testing for recoverability
of a significant asset group within a reporting unit. |
54
We utilize a two-step method to perform a goodwill impairment review. In the first
step, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit using expected future
discounted cash flows and estimated terminal values. If the net book value of the
reporting unit exceeds the fair value, we would then perform the second step of the
impairment test which requires allocation of the reporting units fair value of all of
its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with
any residual fair value being allocated to goodwill. The implied fair value of the
goodwill is then compared to the carrying value to determine impairment, if any.
As of
December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had a goodwill balance of
$45.9 million and $13.0
million, respectively, which is not deductible for tax purposes. The results of our
annual impairment test resulted in a goodwill impairment loss of $13.0 million mainly
due to our billboard service business in 2008, and $15.7 million for our billboard
service business in 2009, as the valuations indicated that the fair value of the
businesses were less than the carrying value.
Application of goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the
identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to the reporting
units, assigning goodwill to reporting units and estimating the fair value of each
reporting unit. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the
determination of fair value of each reporting unit which could trigger impairment.
In calculating the future cash flows, certain assumptions are required to be made in
respect of highly uncertain matters such as revenue growth rates, gross margin
percentages and terminal growth rates. We may incur additional goodwill impairment
charges in the future although we cannot predict whether this will occur.
b) |
|
Impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill |
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment at least annually based
on comparisons of their respective fair values to their carrying values. Finite-lived
intangible assets are amortized over their respective useful lives and, along with
other long-lived assets, are evaluated for impairment periodically whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that their related carrying amounts may not be
recoverable in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-15, Impairment or Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets.
In evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, including finite-lived intangibles
and property and equipment, we use our best estimate of future cash flows expected to
result from the use of the asset and eventual disposition in accordance with FASB ASC
360-10-15. To the extent that estimated future, undiscounted cash inflows attributable
to the asset, less estimated future, undiscounted cash outflows, are less than the
carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the difference
between the carrying value of such asset and its fair value. Assets to be disposed of
and for which there is a committed plan of disposal, whether through sale or
abandonment, are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to
sell.
Asset recoverability is an area involving management judgment, requiring assessment as
to whether the carrying value of assets can be supported by the undiscounted future
cash flows. In calculating the future cash flows, certain assumptions are required to
be made in respect of highly uncertain matters such as revenue growth rates, gross
margin percentages and terminal growth rates.
55
In fourth quarter of 2008, we determined that a substantial portion of equipment for
billboard displays related to the Shanghai Bund project may not be effectively
utilized in the future due to the decision to halt marketing plans due to the
unfavorable economic environment and concession site reconstruction. As a result, we
recorded a $2.1 million impairment loss during the year ended December 31, 2008.
For the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded an impairment loss on intangible
assets in the amount of $0.9 million associated with our transit business due to the
cancellation of major subway concession contracts which were acquired at acquisition.
There was no impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
FASB ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a three-tier fair
value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The
hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three levels based on the extent to which inputs
used in measuring fair value are observable in the market.
These tiers include:
|
|
|
Level 1 defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; |
|
|
|
|
Level 2 defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are
either directly or indirectly observable; and |
|
|
|
|
Level 3 defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists,
therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. |
Except for promissory notes, the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities
approximate their carrying amount because of the short-term maturity of these
instruments. Based on management judgment, the fair value of the promissory notes is
not materially different from its carrying value with reference to observable market
transactions between market participants comparative with us and promissory note
investors which are the best information available in the circumstances.
Share-based payments
Our accounts for share-based payments in accordance with ASC Topic 718,
CompensationStock Compensation (formerly FASB Statement No. 123R). Under ASC 718,
we measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity
instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award and recognizes the costs
over the period the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award,
which generally is the vesting period. For awards with performance conditions, the
compensation expense is based on the grant-date fair value of the award, the number of
shares ultimately expected to vest and the vesting period.
We determined the estimated grant-date fair value of share options based on the
Binomial Tree option-pricing model using the following assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options granted to employee: |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
Risk-free rate of return
|
|
|
3.43 |
% |
|
|
3.43 |
% |
Weighted average expected option life
|
|
10 years
|
|
10 years
|
Expected volatility rate
|
|
|
40.30 |
% |
|
|
63.30 |
% |
Dividend yield
|
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
56
The expected volatility in the table above was based on the weighted average
volatility of several comparable U.S. listed companies in the advertising industry
with operations in the PRC. Since we were a private company at the time the options
were issued, we estimated the potential volatility of its ordinary share price by
referring to the weighted average volatility of these comparable companies because
management believes that the weighted average volatility of such companies is a
reasonable benchmark to use in estimating the expected volatility of our ordinary shares.
Because our share options have certain characteristics that are significantly
different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can
materially affect the estimated value, in managements opinion, the existing valuation
model may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of our share options.
Although the fair value of share options is determined in accordance with ASC Topic
718, CompensationStock Compensation (formerly SFAS No. 123R), using an
option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a
willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.
Recently issued accounting standards
In April 2009, the FASB issued the following updates that provide additional
application guidance and enhance disclosures regarding fair value measurements and
impairments of securities:
|
|
|
FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume
and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and
Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (ASC Topic 820-10-65). This update
relates to determining fair values when there is no active market or where the price
inputs being used represent distressed sales. It reaffirms the need to exercise
judgment to ascertain if a formerly active market has become inactive and in
determining fair values when markets have become inactive. |
|
|
|
|
FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (ASC topic 320-10-65). This update applies to
investments in debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairments may be
recorded. If an entitys management asserts that it does not have the intent to sell a
debt security and it is more likely than not that it will not have to sell the
security before recovery of its cost basis, then an entity may separate
other-than-temporary impairments into two components: 1) the amount related to credit
losses (recorded in earnings) and 2) all other amounts (recorded in Other
comprehensive income). |
|
|
|
|
FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments (ASC Topic 820-10-65). This update requires a public traded company to
disclosure about the fair value of its financial instruments whenever it issues
summarized financial information for interim reporting periods. |
The above FSPs are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after
June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. We do not believe the adoption of
the above guidance will have a material effect on our financial statements.
In August 2009, FASB issued ASU No. 2009-05 which amends ASC Topic 820-10, Fair Value
Measurements and Disclosures Overall to provide guidance on the fair value
measurement of liabilities. This update requires clarification for circumstances in
which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available,
a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or
57
more of the
following techniques: 1) a valuation technique that uses either the quoted price of
the identical liability when traded as an asset or quoted prices for similar
liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as an asset; or 2) another valuation
technique that is consistent with the principles in ASC Topic 820 such as the income
and market approach to valuation. The amendments in this update also clarify that when
estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to
include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a
restriction that prevents the transfer of the liability. This update further clarifies
that if the fair value of a liability is determined by reference to a quoted price in
an active market for an identical liability, that price would be considered a Level 1
measurement in the fair value hierarchy. Similarly, if the identical liability has a
quoted price when traded as an asset in an active market, it is also a Level 1 fair
value measurement if no adjustments to the quoted price of the asset are required.
This authoritative guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June
15, 2010. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on
our financial statements.
Business Combinations
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations
(ASC Topic 805). This guidance requires an acquirer to recognize the assets
acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at
the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. That replaces
cost-allocation process of SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS 141), which
required the cost of an acquisition to be allocated to the individual assets acquired
and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. This guidance also
requires the acquirer in a business combination achieved in stages to recognize the
identifiable assets and liabilities, as well as the non-controlling interest in the
acquiree, at the full amounts of their fair values. In a bargain purchase in which the
total acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the
fair value of the consideration transferred plus any non-controlling interest in the
acquiree, this guidance requires the acquirer to recognize that excess in earnings as
a gain attributable to the acquirer.
This guidance is required to be applied prospectively to business combinations for
which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting
period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.
In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FSP FAS 141(R)-1,Accounting for
Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from
Contingencies (ASC Topic 805-20). This updated guidance amended the accounting
treatment for assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business
combination and requires that pre-acquisition contingencies be recognized at fair
value, if fair value can be reasonably determined. If fair value cannot be reasonably
determined, measurement should be based on the best estimate in accordance with SFAS
No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (ASC Topic 450). We do not have any assets
acquired or liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from
contingencies.
58
Other Accounting Changes
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events (ASC Topic 855),
which is effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009.
ASC Topic 855 establishes general standards of accounting and disclosure of events
that occur after the balance sheet but before financial
statements are issued or are
available to be issued. However, management is required to evaluate subsequent events
through the date that financial statements are issued and disclose the date through
which subsequent events have been evaluated, as well as the date the financial
statements were issued. This authoritative guidance became effective for interim or
annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have
a material effect on our financial statements.
In February 2010, FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09 (ASC Topic 855), which removes the
requirement for an SEC filer to disclose a date in both issued and revised financial
statements. This amendment shall be applied prospectively for interim or annual
financial periods ending after June 15, 2010. We do not believe the adoption will have
a material effect on our financial statements.
During 2009 and 2010, the FASB has issued several ASUs ASU No. 2009-02 through ASU
No. 2010-13. Except for ASUs No. 2009-05 discussed above, the ASUs entail technical
corrections to existing guidance or affect guidance related to specialized industries
or entities and therefore have minimal, if any, impact us.
59
Restatement of consolidated financial statements
Our continued internal analysis in preparation of the 2009 financial statements resulted in
management identifying operational issues and accounting irregularities relating to the Shanghai
Jingli Advertising Company Limited in-elevator advertising division of the Company (Jingli) and
other subsidiaries impacting the financial statements of SearchMedia International for the years
ended December 31, 2007 and 2008. These issues included improper revenue recognition and related
entity transactions, deficient documentation of transactions, diligence and approval of
questionable transactions, and allocation and confirmation of payment made related to acquisitions.
Management and the Audit Committee identified several key areas of material weakness in our
internal control over financial reporting that are primarily responsible for the restatement of the
2007 and 2008 financial statements. These areas are:
|
|
Revenue recognition and accounts receivable issues; |
|
|
|
Disclosure, approval, and documentation of related entity transactions among entities related
to prior owners of acquired subsidiaries (related entity transactions); |
|
|
|
Recording various erroneous transactions by certain employees; |
|
|
|
Recording certain assets and other accounting irregularities related to acquisitions; |
|
|
|
Diligence and approval of questionable transactions; and |
|
|
|
Confirmation of payments related to acquisitions. |
The material weakness in control over revenue recognition primarily relates to a number of
fictitious or questionable sales contracts in our in-elevator business, primarily originated from
Jingli and related accounts receivable collections and various payments.
The material weakness in control of related entity transactions resulted from a failure to properly
disclose, approve and document such transactions. These transactions include: (1) multiple
undisclosed payments to and from these companies; (2) certain sales and costs of these companies
which were included in the operations of our subsidiaries; and (3) recognition of accounts
receivable collected, allegedly on behalf of SearchMedia International by related entities, which
cash was never ultimately collected or received by SearchMedia International.
The material weakness in control over proper documentation or deficient documentation regarding the
delivery of services, resulted from the lack of business substance with regard to certain
transactions.
The material weakness in control over transaction approval by our subsidiaries related to apparent
fictitious business transactions and the payment of erroneous or falsified expenses.
The material weakness in control over allocation of acquisition payments relates to the
misallocation of acquisition payments and indications of inflated and artificial revenue or
understatement of operating expenses for purposes of increasing profit and subsequent earn-out
payments.
60
The following tables summarize the impact of the restatement on our financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Amount in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
Note |
|
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalent |
|
|
a, b |
|
|
$ |
5,715 |
|
|
$ |
(619 |
) |
|
$ |
5,096 |
|
Restricted bank deposit |
|
|
a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
357 |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
|
b-e |
|
|
|
37,008 |
|
|
|
(26,836 |
) |
|
|
10,172 |
|
Amounts due from related parties |
|
|
d, e |
|
|
|
11,493 |
|
|
|
(8,235 |
) |
|
|
3,258 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
b, g |
|
|
|
11,944 |
|
|
|
(6,381 |
) |
|
|
5,563 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
j |
|
|
|
580 |
|
|
|
708 |
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,740 |
|
|
|
(41,006 |
) |
|
|
25,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rental deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
(169 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
j |
|
|
|
7,255 |
|
|
|
(5,316 |
) |
|
|
1,939 |
|
Deposits for property and equipment |
|
|
g |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,248 |
|
|
|
1,248 |
|
Deposits for acquisitions |
|
|
g |
|
|
|
6,229 |
|
|
|
(1,716 |
) |
|
|
4,513 |
|
Intangible assets, net |
|
|
b, h |
|
|
|
5,235 |
|
|
|
(1,949 |
) |
|
|
3,286 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
b, i |
|
|
|
26,148 |
|
|
|
(13,193 |
) |
|
|
12,955 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
111,776 |
|
|
$ |
(62,101 |
) |
|
$ |
49,675 |
|
Liabilities and shareholders (deficit) / equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
b-e |
|
|
|
8,701 |
|
|
|
(1,291 |
) |
|
|
7,410 |
|
Accrued expenses and other payables |
|
|
b,g |
|
|
|
13,218 |
|
|
|
(2,641 |
) |
|
|
10,577 |
|
Short-term borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,856 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,856 |
|
Promissory notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
Acquisition payable |
|
|
g |
|
|
|
15,203 |
|
|
|
(2,318 |
) |
|
|
12,885 |
|
Amounts due to related parties |
|
|
d, e |
|
|
|
717 |
|
|
|
(120 |
) |
|
|
597 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
c-e |
|
|
|
3,301 |
|
|
|
(1,106 |
) |
|
|
2,195 |
|
Income taxes payable |
|
|
b-e |
|
|
|
9,787 |
|
|
|
(5,958 |
) |
|
|
3,829 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,783 |
|
|
|
(13,434 |
) |
|
|
54,349 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
b-e, h |
|
|
|
1,297 |
|
|
|
(489 |
) |
|
|
808 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,080 |
|
|
|
(13,923 |
) |
|
|
55,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series B redeemable convertible
preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,906 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,906 |
|
Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares |
|
|
k |
|
|
|
12,918 |
|
|
|
314 |
|
|
|
13,232 |
|
Series A convertible preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
722 |
|
Common shares |
|
|
l |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
k |
|
|
|
2,083 |
|
|
|
(698 |
) |
|
|
1,385 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,064 |
|
|
|
(965 |
) |
|
|
1,099 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(46,826 |
) |
|
|
(46,826 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders (deficit)/equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,872 |
|
|
|
(48,492 |
) |
|
|
(43,620 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
111,776 |
|
|
$ |
(62,101 |
) |
|
$ |
49,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61
Statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008
(Amount in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
|
Advertising service revenues |
|
|
b-f |
|
|
$ |
88,637 |
|
|
$ |
(46,952 |
) |
|
$ |
41,685 |
|
Cost of revenues |
|
|
b-f |
|
|
|
(46,674 |
) |
|
|
16,050 |
|
|
|
(30,624 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,963 |
|
|
|
(30,902 |
) |
|
|
11,061 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
|
g |
|
|
|
(7,397 |
) |
|
|
1,234 |
|
|
|
(6,163 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
g |
|
|
|
(11,727 |
) |
|
|
(1,408 |
) |
|
|
(13,135 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,839 |
|
|
|
(31,076 |
) |
|
|
(8,237 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income / (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
131 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
k |
|
|
|
(8,922 |
) |
|
|
6,205 |
|
|
|
(2,717 |
) |
Decrease in fair value of note warrant liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
(482 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of the notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,218 |
) |
|
|
(1,182 |
) |
|
|
(4,400 |
) |
Loss on impairment of goodwill and Intangible
assets |
|
|
h,i |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,953 |
) |
|
|
(13,953 |
) |
Loss on impairment of fixed assets |
|
|
j |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,135 |
) |
|
|
(2,135 |
) |
Loss on disposals of fixed assets |
|
|
j |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,121 |
) |
|
|
(2,121 |
) |
Foreign currency exchange loss, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income / (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,145 |
|
|
|
(44,744 |
) |
|
|
(33,599 |
) |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
b-e |
|
|
|
(6,802 |
) |
|
|
5,321 |
|
|
|
(1,481 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income / (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,343 |
|
|
$ |
(39,423 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,080 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62
Statements of cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2008
(Amount in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income / (loss) |
|
|
4,343 |
|
|
|
(39,423 |
) |
|
|
(35,080 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment |
|
|
1,188 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
1,268 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
3,465 |
|
|
|
(443 |
) |
|
|
3,022 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
2,354 |
|
|
|
(2,043 |
) |
|
|
311 |
|
Amortization of discount on convertible notes |
|
|
7,200 |
|
|
|
(6,203 |
) |
|
|
997 |
|
Deferred tax (benefit) / expense |
|
|
(1,414 |
) |
|
|
(726 |
) |
|
|
(2,140 |
) |
Decrease in fair value of note warrant liability |
|
|
(482 |
) |
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of the notes |
|
|
3,218 |
|
|
|
1,182 |
|
|
|
4,400 |
|
Loss on impairment of goodwill and intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,953 |
|
|
|
13,953 |
|
Loss on disposals of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,135 |
|
|
|
2,135 |
|
Loss on impairment of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,121 |
|
|
|
2,121 |
|
Bad debt provision |
|
|
|
|
|
|
703 |
|
|
|
703 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
(30,026 |
) |
|
|
20,413 |
|
|
|
(9,613 |
) |
Prepaid expenses, rental deposits and other current assets |
|
|
(7,713 |
) |
|
|
3,125 |
|
|
|
(4,588 |
) |
Amounts due from related parties |
|
|
(11,472 |
) |
|
|
9,297 |
|
|
|
(2,175 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
7,171 |
|
|
|
(861 |
) |
|
|
6,310 |
|
Accrued expenses and other payables |
|
|
8,548 |
|
|
|
2,678 |
|
|
|
11,226 |
|
Amounts due to related parties |
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
641 |
|
|
|
597 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
1,977 |
|
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
1,959 |
|
Income taxes payable |
|
|
7,965 |
|
|
|
(4,822 |
) |
|
|
3,143 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (generated from) / used in operating activities |
|
|
(3,722 |
) |
|
|
2,271 |
|
|
|
(1,451 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment |
|
|
(3,410 |
) |
|
|
(50 |
) |
|
|
(3,460 |
) |
Amounts due from related parties |
|
|
(195 |
) |
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
|
|
(18,681 |
) |
|
|
(2,563 |
) |
|
|
(21,244 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(22,286 |
) |
|
|
(2,418 |
) |
|
|
(24,704 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in restricted bank deposit |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
(357 |
) |
|
|
3,643 |
|
Proceeds from short-term borrowings |
|
|
1,856 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,856 |
|
Repayment of short-term borrowings |
|
|
(2,084 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,084 |
) |
Proceeds from issuance of Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares, net of issuance costs |
|
|
9,261 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,261 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of convertible promissory notes and
warrants |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
25,033 |
|
|
|
(357 |
) |
|
|
24,676 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash |
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
(115 |
) |
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalent |
|
|
(618 |
) |
|
|
(619 |
) |
|
|
(1,237 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalent at beginning of year |
|
|
6,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalent at end of year |
|
$ |
5,715 |
|
|
$ |
(619 |
) |
|
$ |
5,096 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63
The following are key findings leading to the restatement and some findings impacted multiple
line-items:
a) |
|
Two of our bank accounts in PRC in which an aggregate of $357 was deposited, were restricted
as to withdrawal and use as of December 31, 2008. The cash balance was reclassified to
restricted bank deposit. |
|
b) |
|
In July 2008, we signed an acquisition agreement to acquire Changsha Jingli which was
primarily engaged in the provision of advertising services using poster frames that are placed
inside elevators in residential and commercial buildings in Changsha city of the PRC. During a
financial review, an acquisition deposit of Changsha Jingli of $1,321, purportedly paid to a
third party, could not be confirmed. The ex-owner of Changsha Jingli denied signing any
contracts with us, bringing the acquisition of Changsha Jingli into doubt, as well as the
legality and enforceability of the acquisition agreement. Accordingly, the restated
consolidated financial statements for 2008 do not consolidate Changsha Jinglis financial
statements. |
|
|
|
The previously reported financial statements accounted for the acquisition in accordance with
ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (formerly SFAS No. 141). At the acquisition date, we
recorded fair value of identifiable net assets of $205 and
acquisition deposit of $1,116. |
|
|
|
The following table summarizes operating results and the assets and liabilities of Changsha
Jingli consolidated by us for the six months ended and as of December 31, 2008 which were
excluded from the restated financial statements: |
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising Revenue |
|
$ |
322 |
|
Cost of Sales |
|
|
(48 |
) |
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
(8 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(73 |
) |
Income tax |
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net Income |
|
$ |
145 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
107 |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
|
254 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
84 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
27 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
(34 |
) |
Accrued expenses and other payables |
|
|
(54 |
) |
Income taxes payable |
|
|
(64 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net assets |
|
$ |
320 |
|
|
|
|
|
64
c) |
|
A number of fictitious or questionable sales contracts in our in-elevator business, along
with related accounts receivable collections and various payments, which originated primarily
from Jingli. Apparent fictitious business transactions, forged contracts and monitoring
reports resulted were identified in overstated revenue of $23,692 and cost of $3,451. |
|
d) |
|
Numerous subway light box advertising contracts that appear to be overstated were identified.
Fictitious or questionable documentation regarding the delivery of services and the lack of business substance
resulted in overstated revenue of $7,254 and cost of $3,378. |
|
e) |
|
Failure to properly disclose, approve and document transactions among related entities, which
resulted in the overstatement of sales and costs of these companies in the operating results
of our subsidiaries, causing overstated revenue of $14,347 and cost of $8,053. |
|
f) |
|
In certain advertising arrangements, we acted as an agent in the transaction and should have
recorded advertising revenues on a net basis, causing both revenue and cost was overstated
by $1,280. |
|
g) |
|
Apparent erroneous or falsified expenses and payments, including acquisition payments, were identified. Total
acquisition payments through December 31, 2008 were overstated by $4,465. Prepaid assets and other receivable as of
December 31, 2008 was overstated by $3,372. |
|
h) |
|
Purchase price allocation of certain acquired subsidiaries was based on inflated revenue
forecasts and apparent fictitious lease contracts, which resulted in the overstatement of
acquired intangible assets by $1,949. |
|
i) |
|
Performed goodwill impairment assessment as of December 31, 2008 based on adjusted forecasts
resulted in an impairment loss of $13,026. |
|
j) |
|
A fixed asset count and reconciliation to register identified missing digital frames,
purported fictitious business transactions and falsified payments in 2008. Fixed
assets was overstated by $2,121. Certain fixed assets, which should have been impaired in
2008, amounted to $2,135 based on fair value as of the valuation date. The respective deferred tax impact was also considered. |
|
k) |
|
Equity and debt instruments issued during 2008 were issued based on apparent inflated
business projections, which resulted in an overstatement of their respective values and an
immediate and subsequent impact to the balance sheets and statement of operations. |
|
l) |
|
In connection with the reverse capitalization, SearchMedia Internationals ordinary shares
have been restated retroactively to reflect the share exchange ratio as at the date of the
Share Exchange in a manner similar to a stock consolidation. |
65
Results of Operations
For the Year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the Year ended December 31, 2008
The following table sets forth the amounts and the percentage relationship to revenues of certain
items in our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
Increase/ |
|
|
Increase/ |
|
(Amount in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
(Decrease) % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
37,741 |
|
|
$ |
41,685 |
|
|
$ |
(3,944 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
%) |
Cost of revenues |
|
|
(28,059 |
) |
|
|
(30,624 |
) |
|
|
2,565 |
|
|
|
(8 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
9,682 |
|
|
|
11,061 |
|
|
|
(1,379 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
|
(3,934 |
) |
|
|
(6,163 |
) |
|
|
2,229 |
|
|
|
(36 |
%) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(13,832 |
) |
|
|
(13,135 |
) |
|
|
(697 |
) |
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
(17,766 |
) |
|
|
(19,298 |
) |
|
|
1,532 |
|
|
|
(8 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations |
|
|
(8,084 |
) |
|
|
(8,237 |
) |
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
(2 |
%) |
Other income/(expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
(120 |
) |
|
|
(92 |
%) |
Interest expense |
|
|
(1,962 |
) |
|
|
(2,717 |
) |
|
|
755 |
|
|
|
(28 |
%) |
Decrease in fair value of
liability warrant |
|
|
824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
824 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Gain/(loss) on extinguishment of
the notes |
|
|
6,669 |
|
|
|
(4,400 |
) |
|
|
11,069 |
|
|
|
(252 |
%) |
Loss on impairment of goodwill and
intangible assets |
|
|
(15,748 |
) |
|
|
(13,953 |
) |
|
|
(1,795 |
) |
|
|
13 |
% |
Loss on impairment of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,135 |
) |
|
|
2,135 |
|
|
|
(100 |
%) |
Loss on disposals of fixed assets |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(2,121 |
) |
|
|
2,106 |
|
|
|
(99 |
%) |
Foreign currency exchange loss, net |
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
(85 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other (expense) |
|
|
(10,246 |
) |
|
|
(25,362 |
) |
|
|
15,116 |
|
|
|
(60 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes |
|
|
(18,330 |
) |
|
|
(33,599 |
) |
|
|
15,269 |
|
|
|
(45 |
%) |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
(4,319 |
) |
|
|
(1,481 |
) |
|
|
(2,838 |
) |
|
|
192 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(22,649 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,080 |
) |
|
$ |
12,931 |
|
|
|
(35 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue. We generate our revenues from providing advertising services over our network which
consists primarily of the following platforms:
|
|
|
Outdoor billboard platform. We typically sign advertising contracts with terms ranging
from 6 to 24 months for billboard advertisements. Each contract will typically specify the
billboard location, measurement and the price. The contract price varies substantially
from contract to contract,
based on the location and measurement of the billboard. Deposits or progress payments are
typically required at various stages of the contract performance, such as signing of
contract, confirmation of content and completion of service period. |
66
|
|
|
In-elevator platform. We typically sign advertising contracts with terms ranging from
one to six months for in-elevator advertisements. Typically, we negotiate for a contract
price for covering a set of cities or districts within cities. We may sometimes help
certain clients design a detailed plan, based on the contract price and targeted
demographics, with particular buildings where the advertisements will be displayed within
the cities or districts specified under the contract. Progress payments are typically
required at various stages of the contract performance. |
|
|
|
|
Subway and Bus advertising platform. We typically sign advertising contracts with
terms ranging from one to three months for subway and bus advertisements. The price
typically consists of advertising fees and production fees for subway and bus
advertisements. Typically, the contracts specify a certain combination of subway stations
and bus lines and we have the discretion to assign specific subway light boxes and bus
lines for each contract. Service payments are typically required at pre-specified dates
prior to the completion of the contract. |
We recognize advertising service revenues on a straight-line basis over the period in which the
advertisement is required to be displayed, starting from the date we first display the
advertisement. We only recognize revenue if the collectability of the service fee is probable. The
amount of advertising service revenues recognized is net of business taxes and surcharges ranging
between 8% and 9%.
Our revenue generation is affected by the number of advertising contracts we enter into with
clients and the average revenues per contract. The number of our advertising contracts is also
driven by client-specific factors such as timing of introduction of new advertising campaigns,
seasonality of clients operations and growth of business sectors in which our clients operate.
Depending on client demand, the number of service contracts with our clients varies from period to
period. The loss of, or significant reduction in, business from any major client without
replacement clients could adversely impact our operating results. Conversely, the addition of a
major advertising service contracts may significantly increase our revenues.
Our revenues per contract are affected by factors affecting out-of-home advertising service
providers. As we typically negotiate for the overall contract amount before providing an
advertising plan with specific display locations, average revenues per contract are particularly
affected by the acceptance of our platforms as part of the marketing strategies and budgets of our
clients.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $37.7 million compared to $ 41.7 million for
the year ended December 31, 2008. Revenue in 2009 decreased primarily due to the slower economic
environment in 2009 and a decrease in revenue from our Jingli subsidiary as a result of a smaller
elevator network, which declined from $5.2 million in 2008 to $3.0 million in 2009. Although the
number of our contracts increased from 1,357 in 2008 to 1,403 in 2009, the average revenue per
contract declined 13% from $31,914 to $27,896. In addition, revenues at two of our billboard
subsidiaries declined by a total of $2.6 million in 2009 as a result of the expiration and
non-renewal of certain billboards. The decreases were partially offset by a $1.7 million increase
in 2009 revenues from two of our elevator subsidiaries. We intend to increase the number of
contracts in the future in addition to increasing the average revenue per contract.
67
Cost of revenues. The cost of revenues consists primarily of operating lease cost of advertising
space for displaying advertisements, depreciation of advertisement display equipment, amortization
of intangible assets relating to lease agreements and direct staff and material costs associated
with production and installation of advertisement content.
Cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $28.1 million compared to $30.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 2008. The costs of revenues for both periods primarily consisted of
leasing cost to site owners and managers. The reduction of cost of revenues was primarily due to
less elevator frames for Jingli and the expiration of certain other leases in 2009. The cost of
revenues as a percentage of revenues was 74.3% for 2009, as compared to 73.5% for 2008. This slight
increase was due primarily to changes in the mix of service offerings and the cost associated with
our network expansion, and lower utilization rate in 2009. We intend to increase our margins in the
future through enhancing our occupancy rates while also increasing our average revenue per
contract.
Gross profit. Our gross profit declined from $11.1 million in 2008 to $9.7 million in 2009
primarily due to an increase in operating losses at Jingli from $2.2 million in 2008 to $4.2
million in 2009 combined with a reduction in the average size of contracts.
Operating expenses. Selling and marketing expenses consist of marketing and promotion,
amortization of intangible assets relating to customer relationship and sales commissions, payroll,
traveling expenses, transportation and advertising expenses incurred by our selling and
distribution team. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits
for management and administrative personnel, share-based compensation, rental and utility expenses.
Total
operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $17.8 million compared to $19.3
million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The components of operating expenses are set forth
below:
|
|
|
Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses declined from $6.2 million
for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009,
primarily as a result of the reduction of selling expenses from $4.3 million in 2008 to
$2.2 million in 2009. Selling expenses include sales commissions, which decreased from $1.1
million in 2008 to $0.5 million in 2009 primarily due to lower sales revenues. Business
development commissions decreased from $1.2 million in 2008 to $0.5 million in 2009
primarily due to the reduced elevator network in 2009. |
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased from
$13.1 million for 2008, to $13.8 million for 2009. |
|
|
|
|
The following table describes our general and administrative expenses for the years ended
December 31, 2009 and 2008. The increase in bad debt expenses is primarily due to an
increase in bad debt for elevator subsidiaries. Salary staff declined
from $5.5 million to
$2.8 million as a result of increased efficiencies in our infrastructure and a reduction in
staff. Professional fees in 2009 were $1.4 million higher than in 2008, primarily due to the
expenses related to the completion of the Business Combination. |
68
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31 |
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
Bad debt expense |
|
$ |
1,611 |
|
|
$ |
703 |
|
Professional fee |
|
|
4,759 |
|
|
|
3,321 |
|
Salary expense |
|
|
2,785 |
|
|
|
5,466 |
|
Rental expense |
|
|
1,643 |
|
|
|
1,854 |
|
Other G&A expense |
|
|
3,034 |
|
|
|
1,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
13,832 |
|
|
$ |
13,135 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other expenses. Total other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $10.2 million
compared to $25.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Significant components of the other
expenses are set forth below:
|
|
|
Interest expense. Interest expense costs consist predominately of non-cash financial
charges related to investments in SearchMedia International prior to the completion of the
Business Combination. Interest expense decreased from $2.7 million for 2008 to $1.9
million for 2009. The 2008 amount primarily relates to the amortization of convertible
promissory notes discount of $0.9 million, interest of $0.7 million on the convertible
promissory notes and a $0.6 million interest on New Note, First Interim Notes and
short-term loan from a third party lender. The 2009 amount primarily
consists of $1.0
million of interest expense on the convertible promissory note. |
|
|
|
|
Gain/Loss on extinguishment of the notes. On September 17, 2008, certain notes issued
by SearchMedia International in March 2008 were cancelled by the holder. The notes, with a
principal sum of $10 million plus accrued interest of $0.6 million and all the related
conversion rights, were cancelled in exchange for a new note with a principal sum of $15
million, which bears interest at 12% per annum and has no conversion right. As a result of
the cancellation of the notes in exchange for the promissory note, a loss on
extinguishment of the notes of $4.4 million was recognized in the statement of income for
the year ended December 31, 2008, which represented the difference between the carrying
value of the new note of $15.0 million and the sum of the carrying value of the
convertible promissory notes of $10.0 million, related accrued interest of $0.6 million. |
|
|
|
|
Loss on impairment of goodwill and intangible assets. As a result of the reduction of
the estimated value of as part of annual impairment tests, goodwill was reduced by $13.9
million in 2008 and $15.7 million in 2009, respectively. |
|
|
|
|
Loss on disposal and impairment of fixed assets. In fourth quarter of 2008, we
determined that a substantial portion of equipment for billboard displays related to the
Shanghai Bund project may not be effectively utilized in the future due to the decision to
halt marketing plans due to the unfavorable economic environment and concession site
reconstruction. As a result, we recorded a $2.1 million impairment loss. We also disposed
approximately $2.1 million of digital and poster frame in the year ended December 31,
2008. |
69
|
|
|
Provision for income taxes. Income tax expense increased from $1.5 million in 2008 to
$4.3 million in 2009. Although we had consolidated net loss, the PRC statutory tax rate
was 25% for our subsidiaries with net income. Increase in income tax expense was due
to the fact that our administrative and interest expenses and certain operating expenses
for our consolidated variable interest entities, and also the
goodwill impairment were not deductible for income tax
purposes. |
Net
loss. As a result of the foregoing, we had a net loss of $22.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2009, as compared to a net loss of $35.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Cash Flow Analysis
The following table presents a summary of our cash flows and beginning and ending cash balances for
the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
$ |
(8,775 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,451 |
) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(40,593 |
) |
|
|
(24,704 |
) |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
73,665 |
|
|
|
24,676 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
24,302 |
|
|
|
(1,237 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
|
5,096 |
|
|
|
6,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
|
$ |
29,398 |
|
|
$ |
5,096 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Flows from Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating
activities was $8.8 million
and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2009
and 2008, respectively. The increase in net cash used in operating activities was primarily due
to the decrease in net loss from $35.1 million in 2008 to $22.6 million in 2009. The increased cash
used in operating activities was also due to the increase in impairment loss of goodwill and intangible assets from $13.9
million to $15.7 million and the gain on extinguishment of the
notes in 2009. The decreased cash flow was also attributed by the
decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables.
Cash
Flows from Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing
activities was $40.6 million and
$24.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
The $15.9 million increase in cash used in investing activities in 2009 compared to 2008 was
primarily due to:
|
|
|
a $19.4 million increase in cash paid for acquisitions in 2009 compared to 2008; |
|
|
|
|
a $3.3 million decrease in capital expenditures in 2009
compared to 2008; and |
|
|
|
|
a $0.2 million increase in proceeds from disposals of
property and equipment. |
70
Cash
Flows from Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing
activities were $73.7 million
for the year ended December 31, 2009. Net cash provided by financing activities was $24.7 million
for the year ended December 31, 2008. The $49.0 million increase in net cash provided by financing
activities in 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily due to a $76.1 million in proceeds from the
Business Combination and a $5.0 million repayment in promissory
note in 2009 compared to $9.3 million funding of new
convertible notes and $12.0 million funding of promissory notes in 2008.
Cash
Our cash balance at December 31, 2009 was $29.4 million, representing an increase of $24.3 million
from $5.1 million at December 31, 2008. The increase was mainly attributable to cash provided from
the closing of the Business Combination reduced by the repayment of debt, closing costs and
acquisition payments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our working capital from operations increased by $28.2 million to $0.4 million net current
liabilities at December 31, 2009 as compared to net current liabilities of $28.6 million at
December 31, 2008. Total current assets increased by $24.9 million from $25.7 million at December
31, 2008 to $50.6 million at December 31, 2009. The increase in current asset was primarily due to
the increase in cash in bank by $24.3 million. As a result of the Business Combination, we received
an aggregate of $76.1 million proceeds, which was subsequently
used to pay off $40.7 million of
acquisition costs and $5.0 million of promissory note.
During 2008 and 2009, our primarily source of liquidity has been equity and debt financings.
We are obligated to pay earn-out payments over the next two to three years in connection to our
acquisitions of a number of advertising businesses. The amount of earn-out consideration typically
depends, among other factors, on the annual financial results of an acquired entity in a two-year
post-closing period starting from the date of acquisition based on mutual agreement by us and the
ex-owners of the subsidiaries. Our acquisition payable was approximately $16.4 million as of
December 31, 2009 including earn-out consideration with respect to the relevant acquired entities
financial results for 2008 and 2009. During 2010, and up to the date of this Annual Report,
approximately $5.7 million of this earnout obligation was paid. Additional contingent earn-out
consideration realized and payable during 2010 up to the date of this Annual Report was
approximately $13.2 million. Total earnout obligation is
approximately $23.9 million as of the date of this
annual report.
During the second and third quarters of 2010, we amended the earn-out agreements with seven of our
subsidiaries. The amended earn-out agreements provide for the extension of the time period by one
to more than two years for required cash and stock payments. As a result of the aforementioned
amendments and previous payments, we estimate the remaining earnout payable is approximately $23.9
million. Of such payable approximately $5.9 million is payable within the next twelve months and
$17.9 million is payable after the next twelve months and within the next two to three years. We
also estimate that more than 50% of the estimated earnout payable is payable in stock. Based on
the performance of the acquired companies to date and forecast for the rest of the payment period
we believe that we currently have sufficient capital to pay the required earn-out payments over the
next twelve months.
71
However, due to a variety of factors which cannot presently be ascertained, including without
limitation, the amount of working capital that we have available, and the financial performance of
both us and the acquired companies entitled to receive an earn-out payment, we may not have
sufficient liquidity to meet our earn-out obligations. If such failure cannot be remedied through
renegotiation of the terms of such earn-outs with the acquiring companies or the raising of the
required proceeds on reasonable terms, our operations are likely to be adversely and materially
impacted.
Our short term borrowing of $0.6 million as of December 31, 2009 represents a short-term bank loan
guaranteed by management personnel of a subsidiary, bears interest at
HIBOR minus 1%, has maturity
through April 2010 and does not contain any financial covenants.
We do not
anticipate to have material capital expenditures for the next twelve
months but some limited frames and billboard structures as
replacements. Our operating lease obligations as of December 31, 2009
for the next twelve months was
$14.0 million. We believe that we will be able to fund our capital expenditures, operating lease
payments and our anticipated operating cash requirements for at least the next twelve months and
satisfy any remaining obligations from our working capital and anticipated cash flows from
operations.
In addition, we may also need additional cash resources in the future if we find and wish to pursue
opportunities for investment, acquisition, strategic cooperation or other similar actions. If we
ever determine that our cash requirements exceed our amounts of cash and cash equivalents on hand,
we may seek to issue debt or equity securities or obtain a credit facility. Any issuance of equity
securities could cause dilution to our shareholders. Any incurrence of indebtedness could increase
our debt service obligations and cause us to be subject to restrictive operating and financial
covenants. It is possible that, when we need additional cash resources, financing will only be
available to us in amounts or on terms not acceptable to us or that financing will not be available
at all.
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments and Arrangements
We do not have any outstanding off-balance sheet guarantees, interest rate swap transactions or
foreign currency forward contracts. In addition, we do not engage in trading activities involving
non-exchange traded contracts. In our ongoing business, we do not enter into transactions
involving, or otherwise form relationships with, unconsolidated entities or financials partnerships
that are established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other
contractually narrow or limited purposes.
Effect of Inflation
The rates of inflation experienced in recent years have had no material impact on our financial
statements. We attempt to recover increased costs by increasing prices for its services, to the
extent permitted by contracts and competition.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, we are not required to
include information otherwise required by this Item.
72
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEARCHMEDIA HOLDINGS LIMITED
73
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
SearchMedia Holdings Limited
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SearchMedia Holdings Limited (the
Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations
and comprehensive loss, change in stockholders (deficiency) equity, and cash flows for the years
then ended. The Companys 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 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 audit 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 Companys 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 audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 2009 and 2008 financial statements referred to above, present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As more fully described in Note 3, subsequent to the issuance of the Companys December 31, 2008
financial statements, the Company restated the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated
statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss), change in stockholders (deficiency)
equity, cash flow and loss per share as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 arising from
the Companys continued internal analysis in preparation of the 2009 financial statements which
resulted in management identifying operational issues and accounting irregularities of the Company
impacting the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008. These issues
included improper revenue recognition and related entity transactions, deficient documentation of
transactions, diligence and approval of questionable transactions, and allocation and confirmation
of payment made related to acquisitions.
Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP
New York, New York
October 29, 2010
74
SEARCHMEDIA HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
29,398 |
|
|
$ |
5,096 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
357 |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
|
12,996 |
|
|
|
10,172 |
|
Amounts due from related parties |
|
|
2,840 |
|
|
|
3,258 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
4,656 |
|
|
|
5,563 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
50,640 |
|
|
|
25,734 |
|
NON-CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
1,405 |
|
|
|
1,939 |
|
Deposits for property and equipment |
|
|
553 |
|
|
|
1,248 |
|
Deposits for acquisitions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,513 |
|
Intangible assets, net |
|
|
1,276 |
|
|
|
3,286 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
45,891 |
|
|
|
12,955 |
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
99,765 |
|
|
$ |
49,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
9,013 |
|
|
$ |
7,410 |
|
Accrued expenses and other payables |
|
|
15,898 |
|
|
|
10,577 |
|
Short-term borrowings |
|
|
654 |
|
|
|
1,856 |
|
Promissory notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
Acquisition consideration payable |
|
|
16,381 |
|
|
|
12,885 |
|
Amounts due to related parties |
|
|
346 |
|
|
|
597 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
1,902 |
|
|
|
2,195 |
|
Income taxes payable |
|
|
6,855 |
|
|
|
3,829 |
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
51,049 |
|
|
|
54,349 |
|
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
808 |
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
51,365 |
|
|
|
55,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,906 |
|
Series C redeemable convertible preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,232 |
|
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A convertible preferred shares $0.0001
par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized,
675,374 and 0 shares issued and outstanding
in 2009 and 2008, respectively |
|
|
|
|
|
|
722 |
|
Common Shares $0.0001 par value,
50,000,000 shares authorized, 20,758,368 and
2,169,269 shares issued and outstanding in 2009
and 2008, respectively |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
122,922 |
|
|
|
1,385 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
1,099 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(75,574 |
) |
|
|
(46,826 |
) |
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity/(deficit) |
|
|
48,400 |
|
|
|
(43,620 |
) |
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
|
$ |
99,765 |
|
|
$ |
49,675 |
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
75
SEARCHMEDIA HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31 |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
Advertising service revenues |
|
$ |
37,741 |
|
|
$ |
41,685 |
|
Cost of revenues |
|
|
(28,059 |
) |
|
|
(30,624 |
) |
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
9,682 |
|
|
|
11,061 |
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
|
(3,934 |
) |
|
|
(6,163 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(13,832 |
) |
|
|
(13,135 |
) |
|
|
|
Loss from operations |
|
|
(8,084 |
) |
|
|
(8,237 |
) |
Other income/(expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(1,962 |
) |
|
|
(2,717 |
) |
Decrease in fair value of liability warrant |
|
|
824 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gain/(loss) on extinguishment of notes |
|
|
6,669 |
|
|
|
(4,400 |
) |
Loss on impairment of goodwill and intangible assets |
|
|
(15,749 |
) |
|
|
(13,953 |
) |
Loss on impairment of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,135 |
) |
Loss on disposals of fixed assets |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(2,121 |
) |
Foreign currency exchange loss, net |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes |
|
|
(18,330 |
) |
|
|
(33,599 |
) |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
(4,319 |
) |
|
|
(1,481 |
) |
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(22,649 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,080 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(0.0044 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.0162 |
) |
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding Basic
|
|
|
5,100,465 |
|
|
|
2,169,269 |
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
76
SEARCHMEDIA HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A convertible |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
preferred shares |
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Other |
|
|
(Accumulated |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
paid-in |
|
|
comprehensive |
|
|
deficit)/retained |
|
|
shareholders |
|
|
Loss |
|
|
|
shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
of shares |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
capital |
|
|
income/(loss) |
|
|
earnings |
|
|
(deficit)/equity |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
Beginning as of January 1, 2008 (Restated) |
|
|
2,169,269 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
675,374 |
|
|
$ |
722 |
|
|
$ |
389 |
|
|
$ |
201 |
|
|
$ |
(4,937 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,625 |
) |
|
|
(9,426 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35,080 |
) |
|
|
(35,080 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,080 |
) |
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
898 |
|
|
|
898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive Loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(34,182 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible note beneficial conversion feature |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Extinguishment of the notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion to Series B redeemable convertible
preferred shares redemption value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(414 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,758 |
) |
|
|
(5,172 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Accretion to Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares redemption value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,949 |
) |
|
|
(1,949 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Note warrant transferred to equity warrant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
|
|
Statuary reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 (Restated) |
|
|
2,169,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
675,374 |
|
|
|
722 |
|
|
|
1,385 |
|
|
|
1,099 |
|
|
|
(46,826 |
) |
|
|
(43,620 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Cumulative effect of reclassification of
warrants under EITF 07-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
|
|
Note warrant transferred from equity to
liability under EITF 07-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(997 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(997 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Warrant B transferred from equity to
liability under EITF 07-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(388 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(388 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
as of January 1, 2009, as adjusted |
|
|
2,169,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
675,374 |
|
|
|
722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,099 |
|
|
|
(46,306 |
) |
|
|
(44,485 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,649 |
) |
|
|
(22,649 |
) |
|
|
(22,649 |
) |
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive Loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,698 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of shares by certain
shareholders |
|
|
(100,338 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase from shareholders |
|
|
(79,579 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(628 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(628 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Accretion to Series B redeemable convertible
preferred shares redemption value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,525 |
) |
|
|
(3,525 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Accretion to Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares redemption value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,058 |
) |
|
|
(3,058 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Statuary reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conversion of Series A to common shares |
|
|
675,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(675,374 |
) |
|
|
(722 |
) |
|
|
722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conversion of Series B to common shares |
|
|
2,205,549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,931 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,931 |
|
|
|
|
|
Conversion of Series C to common shares |
|
|
1,712,874 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,790 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,790 |
|
|
|
|
|
Conversion
of promissory note to common shares |
|
|
1,712,874 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,830 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,830 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reverse
acquisition of Ideation |
|
|
12,462,345 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,253 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,255 |
|
|
|
|
|
IDI warrant transferred to APIC under EITF 07-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,577 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,577 |
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
411 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
411 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
20,758,368 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
122,922 |
|
|
$ |
1,050 |
|
|
$ |
(75,574 |
) |
|
$ |
48,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
77
SEARCHMEDIA HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(22,649 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,080 |
) |
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash / (used in)
operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment |
|
|
399 |
|
|
|
1,268 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
2,015 |
|
|
|
3,022 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
411 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
Amortization of discount on convertible notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
997 |
|
Deferred tax expenses / (benefit) |
|
|
825 |
|
|
|
(2,140 |
) |
Decrease in fair value of note warrant liability |
|
|
(824 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(Gain) / loss on extinguishment of the notes |
|
|
(6,669 |
) |
|
|
4,400 |
|
Loss on impairment of goodwill and intangible assets |
|
|
15,749 |
|
|
|
13,953 |
|
Loss on impairment of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,135 |
|
Loss on disposals of fixed assets |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
2,121 |
|
Bad debt provision |
|
|
1,611 |
|
|
|
703 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of
acquisitions for 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase) / decrease in assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
(4,434 |
) |
|
|
(9,613 |
) |
Prepaid expenses, rental deposits and other current assets |
|
|
1,737 |
|
|
|
(4,588 |
) |
Amounts due from related parties |
|
|
417 |
|
|
|
(2,175 |
) |
Increase / (decrease) in liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
1,603 |
|
|
|
6,310 |
|
Accrued expenses and other payables |
|
|
(1,462 |
) |
|
|
11,226 |
|
Amounts due to related parties |
|
|
(252 |
) |
|
|
597 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
(293 |
) |
|
|
1,959 |
|
Income taxes payable |
|
|
3,026 |
|
|
|
3,143 |
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) operating activities |
|
|
(8,775 |
) |
|
|
(1,451 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment |
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
(3,460 |
) |
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment |
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
|
|
(40,687 |
) |
|
|
(21,244 |
) |
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(40,593 |
) |
|
|
(24,704 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in restricted bank deposit |
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
3,643 |
|
Proceeds from short-term borrowings |
|
|
688 |
|
|
|
1,856 |
|
Repayment of short-term borrowings |
|
|
(1,855 |
) |
|
|
(2,084 |
) |
Proceeds
from issuance of Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares and warrants, net of issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,261 |
|
Proceeds
from issuance of convertible promissory notes and
warrants |
|
|
3,672 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
Repayment of
promissory note |
|
|
(5,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
Cash from Ideation upon business combination |
|
|
76,073 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
73,665 |
|
|
|
24,676 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
|
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
24,302 |
|
|
|
(1,237 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
|
5,096 |
|
|
|
6,333 |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
|
$ |
29,398 |
|
|
$ |
5,096 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE INFORMATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest |
|
|
2,477 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
|
381 |
|
|
|
251 |
|
Non-cash investing transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition consideration payable |
|
|
16,381 |
|
|
|
12,885 |
|
Payable in connection with purchase of property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
414 |
|
Non-cash financing transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance costs payable in respect of Series C redeemable
convertible preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
98 |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
79
SEARCHMEDIA HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
1. Principal activities, organization and basis of presentation
(a) Principal activities
SearchMedia Holdings Limited (the Company or SearchMedia Holdings or IDI) is a holding
company and, through its consolidated subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs)
(collectively the Group), is principally engaged in the provision of advertising services in the
out-of-home advertising industry. Out-of-home advertising typically refers to advertising media in
public places, such as billboards, in-elevator displays, street furniture and transit area
displays. The Group is one of the largest operators of integrated outdoor billboard and
in-elevator advertising networks in China.
(b) 2009 reorganization and accounting treatment
On October 30, 2009, Ideation Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (Ideation) completed a
redomestication that resulted in holders of Ideation securities holding securities in a Cayman
Islands exempted company, pursuant to a share exchange agreement. The redomestication of Ideation
involved two steps. First, Ideation effected a merger pursuant to the laws of the states of
Delaware and Arizona in which Ideation merged with and into ID Arizona Corporation, an Arizona
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Ideation (ID Arizona) with ID Arizona surviving the
merger. Second, after the merger, ID Arizona became a Cayman Islands exempted company, pursuant to
a conversion and continuation procedure under Arizona and Cayman Islands law. In connection with
the conversion and continuation process, the entity was renamed SearchMedia Holdings Limited.
Immediately after the redomestication, the Company completed the acquisition of all the issued and
outstanding shares and warrants of SearchMedia International Limited (SearchMedia International).
SearchMedia International security holders, including certain note holders and warrant holders,
received ordinary shares, or securities exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares, of the
Company. The business combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, whereby
SearchMedia International is the continuing entity for financial reporting purposes and is deemed
to be the accounting acquirer of Ideation.
The transaction is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization because it failed to meet the
criteria to be considered as a business combination described in Accounting Standards Codification
(ASC) Section 805-20-55, (formerly SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations). Pursuant to these
accounting standards, SearchMedia International is considered to be the accounting acquirer because
it obtained control of the Company as a result of the transaction. The determination was primarily
based on (i) after the redomestication and business combination, SearchMedia Internationals
operations comprising the ongoing operations of the combined entity and the senior management of
SearchMedia International continuing to serve as the senior management of the combined companies
and (ii) Ideation had no prior operations and was formed for the purpose of effecting a business
combination such as the business combination with SearchMedia International. In a reverse
recapitalization, initially SearchMedia International is deemed to have undergone a
recapitalization, whereby its outstanding ordinary shares and warrants on October 30, 2009 were
converted into 6,662,727 ordinary shares of SearchMedia Holdings and 1,519,186 SearchMedia Holdings
warrants. Immediately thereafter, SearchMedia Holdings, as the legal parent company of SearchMedia
International, which is the continuing accounting entity, was deemed to have acquired the assets
and assumed the liabilities of Ideation in exchange for the issuance of SearchMedia Holdings
securities, which will be identical in number and terms and similar in rights to the outstanding
securities of Ideation.
Because Ideation, the accounting acquiree, does not meet the definition of a business provided in
ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805-20-55), the recognition and measurement provisions
of these standards do not apply. The share exchange transaction utilized the capital structure of
Ideation and the assets and liabilities are recorded at historical cost. Although SearchMedia
International is deemed to be the acquiring company for accounting and financial reporting
purposes, the legal status of the Company as the surviving corporation does not change. SearchMedia
Internationals shares have
80
been restated retroactively to reflect the share exchange ratio as at the date of the Share
Exchange in a manner similar to a stock consolidation.
(c) Organization and basis of presentation
For financial reporting purposes, the operating results and balance sheet of the Group for the year
ended December 31, 2008 was the historical financial information of SearchMedia International. The
consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended December 31, 2009 includes the
operating results and balance sheet of SearchMedia International for the year ended December 31,
2009 and the operating results and balance sheet of SearchMedia Holdings from October 31, 2009
through December 31, 2009.
Prior to January 1, 2008, SearchMedia International incorporated Jieli Investment Management
Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Jieli Consulting), which in turn entered into contractual
agreements with the owners of Shanghai Jingli Advertising Co., Ltd. (Jingli). The arrangement was
to facilitate foreign investors to invest in SearchMedia International as the then PRC laws did not
allow direct foreign investment or ownership in advertising companies in the PRC. The terms of
these agreements resulted in SearchMedia International, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jieli
Consulting, bearing all the economic risks and receiving all the economic benefits from the
businesses and controlling the financing and operating affairs with respect to Jinglis businesses.
In accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (formerly Financial Accounting Standards Board
Interpretation No. 46(R)), the financial statements of Jingli were consolidated by SearchMedia
International in its consolidated financial statements effective from the date SearchMedia
International first became the primary beneficiary pursuant to this contractual arrangements.
On January 16, 2008, SearchMedia International incorporated Jieli Network Technology Development
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Jieli Network) as a wholly-owned subsidiary in the PRC. Jieli Network
provides technical advisory services to the Groups consolidated variable interest entities.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Group expanded its advertising services and locations
by acquiring 100% equity interest of the following advertising businesses.
|
|
|
|
|
Name of entity |
|
Place of incorporation |
|
Shanghai Jincheng Advertising Co., Ltd. (Jincheng) |
|
PRC |
Shaanxi Xinshichuang Advertising Planning Co., Ltd. (Xinshichuang) |
|
PRC |
Beijing Wanshuizhiyuan Advertising Co., Ltd. (Wanshuizhiyuan) |
|
PRC |
Shenyang Jingli Advertising Co., Ltd. (Shenyang Jingli) |
|
PRC |
Qingdao Kaixiang Advertising Co., Ltd. (Kaixiang) |
|
PRC |
Shanghai Haiya Advertising Co., Ltd. (Haiya) |
|
PRC |
Tianjin Shengshitongda Advertising Creativity Co., Ltd. (Shengshitongda) |
|
PRC |
Shanghai Botang Advertising Co., Ltd. (Botang) |
|
PRC |
Ad-Icon Company Limited (HK Ad-Icon) |
|
HKSAR |
Wenzhou Rigao Advertising Co., Ltd. (Wenzhou Raigo) |
|
PRC |
Wuxi Ruizhong Advertising Co., Ltd. (Wuxi Ruizhong) |
|
PRC |
Further details of the acquisitions are set out in Note 5.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). This
basis of accounting differs in certain material respects from that used for the preparation of the
statutory books of the Companys consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs, which are prepared in
accordance with the accounting principles and the relevant financial regulations applicable in the
place of domicile of the respective entities in the Group. The accompanying consolidated financial
statements reflect necessary adjustments not recorded in the statutory books of account of the
Companys consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs to present them in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
81
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company
will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the liquidation
of liabilities in the normal course of business. For the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the
Companys net operating loss were $8,084 and $8,237 and the Companys cash flows used in operating activities were US$(8,775) and US$(1,451), respectively.
Because the Company has been unable to generate net cash from operating activities, it has relied
principally on cash provided by financing activities to fund its working capital requirements and
to repay its obligations when they become due, including payments for its accrued expenses and
other payables and acquisition consideration payable.
As discussed in Note 21, during the second and third quarters of 2010, the Company amended the
earn-out agreements with the following subsidiaries: Kaixiang, Wanshuizhiyuan, Haiya, Botang,
Rigao, Ruizhong and Shenyang Jingli. The amended earn-out agreements provides for the extension of
the time period by one to more than two years for required cash and stock payments.
The Companys ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on many events outside of its
direct control, including, among other things, the amount of working capital that the Company has
available and the financial performance of both the Company and the acquired companies entitled to
receive an earn-out payment. The Companys inability to generate cash flows to meet its obligations
due to the uncertainty of achieving operating profitability on an annual basis and raising required
proceeds on reasonable terms, among other factors, raises substantial doubt as to the Companys
ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not
include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company,
its consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have
been eliminated upon consolidation.
(b) Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires the Companys
management to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.
Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the allowance for doubtful
receivables; useful lives and residual values of property and equipment and intangible assets;
recoverability of the carrying amount of property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets;
fair values of financial instruments; the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed upon the consolidation of businesses acquired in 2008; and the assessment of contingent
obligations. These estimates are often based on complex judgments and assumptions that management
believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Actual results could
differ from these estimates.
(c) Foreign currency transactions and translation
The Groups reporting currency is the United States dollars (US$). The functional currency of the
Company is the US$, whereas the functional currency of the Companys consolidated subsidiaries and
VIEs in the PRC is the Renminbi (RMB) and the functional currency of the Companys subsidiaries
in the HKSAR is the Hong Kong Dollars (HK$), as the PRC and HKSAR are the primary economic
environments in which the respective entities operate. Since the RMB is not a fully convertible
currency, all foreign exchange transactions involving RMB must take place either through the
Peoples Bank of China (the PBOC) or other institutions authorized to buy and sell foreign
currency. The exchange rates adopted for the foreign exchange transactions are the rates of
exchange quoted by the PBOC.
Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the
respective functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are
translated into the functional currency using the applicable exchange rate at each balance sheet
date. The resulting
82
exchange differences are recorded in foreign currency exchange gain (loss) in the consolidated
statements of operations.
The assets and liabilities of the Companys consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs are translated into
the US$ reporting currency using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses
of these entities are translated into US$ at average rates prevailing during the year. Gains and
losses resulting from translation of these entities financial statements into the US$ reporting
currency are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income within
shareholders deficit/equity.
(d) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and bank deposits, which are unrestricted as to
withdrawal and use.
The Groups cash and bank deposits were held in major financial institutions located in US and PRC,
which management believes have high credit ratings. Cash and bank deposit held in PRC as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008 (Restated) were $7,495 and $4,871 respectively. The remaining cash and
bank deposits were held in US and HK denominated in USD.
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk
consist principally of cash investments. The Company places its temporary cash instruments with
well-known financial institutions within the United States and, at times, may maintain balances in
excess of the $250 US FDIC Insurance limit. The Company monitors the credit ratings of the
financial institutions to mitigate this risk. The Company maintains accounts with a well
established multi-national bank and as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 had approximately an aggregate
of $20,911 and $ 0 above the federally insured limit, respectively.
(e) Restricted cash
Restricted cash represents amounts held by a bank as to withdrawal for use under court orders to
hold the accounts as escrow. The restriction on cash is expected to be released when the related
litigation is closed.
(f) Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable consist of amounts billed but not yet collected and unbilled receivables.
Unbilled receivables relate to revenues earned and recognized, but which have not been billed by
the Group in accordance with the terms of the advertising service contract. The payment terms of
the Groups service contracts with its customers vary and typically require an initial payment to
be billed or paid at the commencement of the service period, progress payments to be billed during
the service period, and a final payment to be billed after the completion of the service period.
None of the Groups accounts receivable bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is
managements best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Groups existing accounts
receivable. Management determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience and
reviews of customer-specific facts and economic conditions. Account balances are charged off
against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for
recovery is considered remote. The Group does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure
related to its customers.
(g) Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation or amortization.
Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets, taking into consideration the assets salvage or residual value. The estimated useful lives
of property and equipment are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
1 to 3 years |
|
Advertisement display equipment |
|
5 years |
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment |
|
5 years |
Motor vehicles |
|
5 years |
When items of property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, loss/income is charged
or credited for the difference between the net book value and proceeds received thereon. Ordinary
83
maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and replacements and betterments are
capitalized.
(h) Intangible assets
The Groups intangible assets are amortized on a straight line basis over their respective
estimated useful lives, which are the periods over which the assets are expected to contribute
directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the Group. The Groups intangible assets
represent customer relationship and lease agreements, which have estimated useful lives ranging
from 0.5 to 4 years.
(i) Goodwill
Goodwill and other intangible assets are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of FASB
ASC 350 Intangibles Goodwill and Other. The Group accounts for business acquisitions using the
acquisition method of accounting. Prior to 2009, goodwill consists of the cost of acquired
businesses in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired. Other intangible assets are
separately recognized if the benefit of the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or
other legal rights, or if the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or
exchanged, regardless of an intent to do so.
Starting on January 1, 2009, goodwill is measured as the excess of a over b below:
a. |
|
The aggregate of the following: |
|
1. |
|
The consideration transferred measured in accordance ASC 805, which generally requires
acquisition-date fair value. |
|
|
2. |
|
The fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. |
|
|
3. |
|
In a business combination achieved in stages, the acquisition-date fair value of the
acquirers previously held equity interest in the acquiree. |
b. |
|
The net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the
liabilities assumed measured in accordance with ASC 805. |
Under FASB ASC 350, goodwill, including any goodwill included in the carrying value of investments
accounted for using the equity method of accounting, and certain other intangible assets deemed to
have indefinite useful lives, are not amortized.
(j) Impairment of long-lived assets
The Group tests goodwill for possible impairment in the fourth quarter of each year or when
circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit
below its carrying amount. Circumstances that could trigger an impairment test between annual tests
include, but are not limited to:
|
|
|
a significant adverse change in the business climate or legal factors; |
|
|
|
|
an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; |
|
|
|
|
unanticipated competition; |
|
|
|
|
loss of key personnel; |
|
|
|
|
the likelihood that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will
be sold or disposed of; |
|
|
|
|
a change in reportable segments; and/or results of testing for recoverability of a
significant asset group within a reporting unit. |
The Group utilizes a two-step method to perform a goodwill impairment review. In the first step, we
determine the fair value of the reporting unit using expected future discounted cash flows and
estimated terminal values. If the net book value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, we
would then perform the second step of the impairment test which requires allocation of the
reporting units fair value of all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase
price allocation, with any residual fair value being allocated to goodwill. The implied fair value
of the goodwill is then compared to the carrying value to determine impairment, if any.
Application of goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of
reporting units,
84
assigning assets and liabilities to the reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units and
estimating the fair value of each reporting unit. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could
materially affect the determination of fair value of each reporting unit which could trigger
impairment.
In calculating the future cash flows, certain assumptions are required to be made in respect of
highly uncertain matters such as revenue growth rates, gross margin percentages and terminal growth
rates. We may incur additional goodwill impairment charges in the future although we cannot predict
whether this will occur.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment at least annually based on
comparisons of their respective fair values to their carrying values. Finite-lived intangible
assets are amortized over their respective useful lives and, along with other long-lived assets,
are evaluated for impairment periodically whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
their related carrying amounts may not be recoverable in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-15,
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.
In evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, including finite-lived intangibles and property
and equipment, the Group uses its best estimate of future cash flows expected to result from the
use of the asset and eventual disposition in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-15. To the extent that
estimated future, undiscounted cash inflows attributable to the asset, less estimated future,
undiscounted cash outflows, are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized in
an amount equal to the difference between the carrying value of such asset and its fair value.
Assets to be disposed of and for which there is a committed plan of disposal, whether through sale
or abandonment, are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.
Asset recoverability is an area involving management judgment, requiring assessment as to whether
the carrying value of assets can be supported by the undiscounted future cash flows. In calculating
the future cash flows, certain assumptions are required to be made in respect of highly uncertain
matters such as revenue growth rates, gross margin percentages and terminal growth rates.
No impairment loss is subsequently reversed even if facts and circumstances indicate recovery.
(k) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
FASB ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a three-tier fair value
hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the
inputs into three levels based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are
observable in the market.
These tiers include:
|
|
|
Level 1 defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; |
|
|
|
|
Level 2 defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either
directly or indirectly observable; and |
|
|
|
|
Level 3 defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists,
therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. |
Except for promissory notes, the fair value of the Groups financial assets and liabilities
approximate their carrying amount because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Based on
management judgment, the fair value of the promissory notes is not materially different from its
carrying value with reference to observable market transactions between market participants
comparative with the Company and promissory note investors which are the best information available
in the circumstances.
(l) Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes advertising service revenue on a straight-line basis over the period in
which the customer advertisement is to be displayed, which typically ranges from 1 month to
2 years, starting from the date the Group first displays the advertisement. Written contracts are
entered into between the Group and its customers to specify the price, the period and the location
at which the advertisement is to be displayed. Revenue is only recognized if the collectability of
the advertising service fee is probable.
85
The Company generates advertising service revenues from the sales of frame space on the poster
frame network, advertising time slots on traditional billboard networks and the sale of advertising
services through our subway leases. In the majority of advertising arrangements, the Group acts as
a principal in the transaction and records advertising revenues on a gross basis. The associated
expenses are recorded as cost of revenues. In some instances the Group is considered an agent and
recognizes revenue on a net basis.
Customer payments received in excess of the amount of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred
revenue in the consolidated balance sheet, and are recognized as revenue when the advertising
services are rendered.
(m) Cost of revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of operating lease cost of advertising space for displaying
advertisements, depreciation of advertising display equipment, amortization of intangible assets
relating to lease agreements and direct staff and material costs associated with production and
installation of advertising content.
(n) Operating leases
The Group leases advertising space and office premises under non-cancellable operating leases.
Minimum lease payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Under the terms
of the lease agreements, the Group has no legal or contractual asset retirement obligation at the
end of the lease.
(o) Advertising and promotion costs
Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising and promotion costs included
in sales and marketing expenses amounted to $1,135 and $2,189 for the years ended December 31, 2009
and 2008 (Restated), respectively.
(p) Retirement and other post-retirement benefits
Pursuant to relevant PRC regulations, the Companys consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC
are required to make contributions to various defined contribution retirement plans organized by
the PRC government. The contributions are made for each qualifying PRC employee at rates ranging
from 18% to 20% on a standard salary base as determined by the PRC governmental authority.
Contributions to the defined contribution plans are charged to the consolidated statements of
income as the related employee service is provided.
The Companys subsidiaries in the HKSAR operate a Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme (the MPF
scheme) under the Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance for employees employed
under the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance. The MPF scheme is a defined
contribution retirement scheme administered by independent trustees. Under the MPF scheme, the
employer is required to make contributions to the scheme at 5% of the employees relevant income,
subject to an upper limit. Contributions to the scheme vest immediately.
The Group has no other obligation for the payment of employee benefits associated with these
retirement plans beyond the contributions described above.
(q) Share-based payments
The Group accounts for share-based payments in accordance with ASC Topic 718,CompensationStock
Compensation (formerly FASB Statement No. 123R). Under ASC 718, the Group measures the cost of
employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date
fair value of the award and recognizes the costs over the period the employee is required to
provide service in exchange for the award, which generally is the vesting period. For awards with
performance conditions, the compensation expense is based on the grant-date fair value of the
award, the number of shares ultimately expected to vest and the vesting period.
(r) Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases and operating loss and
86
tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected
to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax
rates or laws is recognized in income in the period that the change in tax rates or laws is
enacted. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets if it is
considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realized.
The Group applies ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes, (formerly FASB Interpretation No. 48). ASC 740
clarifies the accounting for uncertain tax positions. This interpretation requires that an entity
recognizes in the consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position
is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the
position. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than
50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in
which the change in judgment occurs. The Groups accounting policy is to accrue interest and
penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if and when required, as interest expense and a
component of general and administrative expenses, respectively, in the consolidated statements of
operations.
(s) Earnings/(loss) per share
For the purpose of calculating earnings per share for the periods presented, SearchMedia
Internationals shares have been restated retroactively for the year ended December 31, 2008 to
reflect the share exchange ratio as at the date of the Share Exchange in a manner similar to a
stock reorganization. The number of ordinary shares outstanding is determined on the basis of
SearchMedia Internationals historical number of ordinary shares outstanding multiplied by the
share exchange ratio established in the Share Exchange Agreement.
Basic
earnings/(loss) per share is computed by dividing income attributable to common shares
shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. Diluted
earnings/(loss) per ordinary share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities
or other contracts to issue ordinary shares were exercised or converted into ordinary shares and is
calculated using the treasury stock method for stock options and unvested shares. Common equivalent
shares for which the exercise price exceeds the average market price over the period have an
anti-dilutive effect on income per share and, accordingly, are excluded from the calculation.
Common equivalent shares are also excluded from the calculation in loss periods as their effects
would be anti-dilutive.
(t) Segment reporting
The Group has one operating segment as defined by ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting (formerly FASB
Statement No. 131). For the two reporting periods, the Groups advertising service revenues
generated from customers outside the PRC is less than 10% of the Groups total consolidated
revenues and the Groups total long-lived tangible assets located outside the PRC is less than 10%
of the Groups total consolidated long-lived tangible assets. Consequently no geographic
information is presented.
(u) Significant concentrations and risks
Except for an advertising agency customer which accounted for 12% and 16% of the Groups accounts
receivable as of December 31,2009 and 2008, no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of
accounts receivable.
(v) Recently issued accounting standards
In April 2009, the FASB issued the following updates that provide additional application guidance
and enhance disclosures regarding fair value measurements and impairments of securities:
FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of
Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That
Are Not Orderly (ASC Topic 820-10-65). This update relates to determining fair values when there
is no active market or where the price inputs being used represent distressed sales. It reaffirms
the need to exercise judgment to ascertain if a formerly active market has become inactive and in
determining fair values when markets have become inactive.
FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
(ASC topic 320-10-65). This update applies to investments in debt securities for which
other-than-temporary impairments may be recorded. If an entitys management asserts that it does
not have the intent to sell a debt security and it is more likely than not that it will not have to
sell the security before
87
recovery of its cost basis, then an entity may separate other-than-temporary impairments into two
components: 1) the amount related to credit losses (recorded in earnings) and 2) all other amounts
(recorded in Other comprehensive income).
FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (ASC
Topic 820-10-65). This update requires a public traded company to disclosure about the fair value
of its financial instruments whenever it issues summarized financial information for interim
reporting periods.
The above FSPs are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009,
and shall be applied prospectively. The Group believes the adoption of the above guidance does not
have a material effect on its financial statements.
In August 2009, FASB issued ASU No. 2009-05 which amends ASC Topic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements
and Disclosures Overall to provide guidance on the fair value measurement of liabilities. This
update requires clarification for circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the
identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using
one or more of the following techniques: 1) a valuation technique that uses either the quoted price
of the identical liability when traded as an asset or quoted prices for similar liabilities or
similar liabilities when traded as an asset; or 2) another valuation technique that is consistent
with the principles in ASC Topic 820 such as the income and market approach to valuation. The
amendments in this update also clarify that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a
reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating
to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of the liability. This update further
clarifies that if the fair value of a liability is determined by reference to a quoted price in an
active market for an identical liability, that price would be considered a Level 1 measurement in
the fair value hierarchy. Similarly, if the identical liability has a quoted price when traded as
an asset in an active market, it is also a Level 1 fair value measurement if no adjustments to the
quoted price of the asset are required. This authoritative guidance is effective for fiscal years
beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The Group does not expect the adoption of this guidance to
have a material effect on its financial statements.
Business Combinations
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (ASC Topic
805). This guidance requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities
assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their
fair values as of that date. That replaces cost-allocation process of SFAS No. 141, Business
Combinations (SFAS 141), which required the cost of an acquisition to be allocated to the
individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. This
guidance also requires the acquirer in a business combination achieved in stages to recognize the
identifiable assets and liabilities, as well as the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, at the
full amounts of their fair values. In a bargain purchase in which the total acquisition-date fair
value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration
transferred plus any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, this guidance requires the acquirer
to recognize that excess in earnings as a gain attributable to the acquirer.
This guidance is required to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the
acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or
after December 15, 2008.
In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FSP FAS 141(R)-1,Accounting for Assets Acquired
and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (ASC Topic
805-20). This updated guidance amended the accounting treatment for assets and liabilities arising
from contingencies in a business combination and requires that pre-acquisition contingencies be
recognized at fair value, if fair value can be reasonably determined. If fair value cannot be
reasonably determined, measurement should be based on the best estimate in accordance with SFAS No.
5, Accounting for Contingencies (ASC Topic 450). The Group does not have any assets acquired or
liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies.
Other Accounting Changes
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events (ASC Topic 855), which is
effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009. ASC Topic 855
establishes general standards of accounting and disclosure of events that occur after the balance
sheet but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. However, since the
Group will be a public entity, management is required to evaluate subsequent events through the
date that financial statements are
88
issued and disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated, as well as the
date the financial statements were issued. This authoritative guidance became effective for interim
or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material
effect on the Groups financial statements.
In February 2010, FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09 (ASC Topic 855) which removes the requirement for
an SEC filer to disclose a date in both issued and revised financial statements. This amendment
shall be applied prospectively for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2010.
The management does not believe the adoption will have a material effect on the Groups financial
statements.
During 2009 and 2010, the FASB has issued several ASUs ASU No. 2009-02 through ASU No. 2010-13.
Except for ASUs No. 2009-05 discussed above, the ASUs entail technical corrections to existing
guidance or affect guidance related to specialized industries or entities and therefore have
minimal, if any, impact on the Group.
3. Restatement of consolidated financial statements
The Companys continued internal analysis in preparation of the 2009 financial statements resulted
in management identifying operational issues and accounting irregularities relating to the Shanghai
Jingli Advertising Company Limited in-elevator advertising division of the Company (Jingli) and
other subsidiaries impacting the financial statements of SearchMedia International for the years
ended December 31, 2007 and 2008. These issues included improper revenue recognition and related
entity transactions, deficient documentation of transactions, diligence and approval of
questionable transactions, and allocation and confirmation of payment made related to acquisitions.
Management and the Audit Committee identified several key areas of material weakness in our
internal control over financial reporting that are primarily responsible for the restatement of the
2007 and 2008 financial statements. These areas are:
|
|
Revenue recognition and accounts receivable issues; |
|
|
|
Disclosure, approval, and documentation of related entity transactions among entities related to prior owners of acquired
subsidiaries (related entity transactions); |
|
|
|
Recording various erroneous transactions by certain employees; |
|
|
|
Recording certain assets and other accounting irregularities related to acquisitions; |
|
|
|
Diligence and approval of questionable transactions; and |
|
|
|
Confirmation of payments related to acquisitions. |
The material weakness in control over revenue recognition primarily relates to a number of
fictitious or questionable sales contracts in our in-elevator business, primarily originated from
Jingli and related accounts receivable collections and various payments.
The material weakness in control of related entity transactions resulted from a failure to properly
disclose, approve and document such transactions. These transactions include: (1) multiple
undisclosed payments to and from these companies; (2) certain sales and costs of these companies
which were included in the operations of our subsidiaries; and (3) recognition of accounts
receivable collected, allegedly on behalf of SearchMedia International by related entities, which
cash was never ultimately collected or received by SearchMedia International.
The material weakness in control over proper documentation or deficient documentation regarding the
delivery of services, resulted from the lack of business substance with regard to certain
transactions.
The material weakness in control over transaction approval by our subsidiaries related to apparent
fictitious business transactions and the payment of erroneous or falsified expenses.
The material weakness in control over allocation of acquisition payments relates to the
misallocation of acquisition payments and indications of inflated and artificial revenue or
understatement of operating expenses for purposes of increasing profit and subsequent earn-out
payments.
The following tables summarize the impact of the restatement on our financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2008.
89
Balance sheet as of December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalent |
|
a, b |
|
$ |
5,715 |
|
|
$ |
(619 |
) |
|
$ |
5,096 |
|
Restricted bank deposit |
|
a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
357 |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
b-e |
|
|
37,008 |
|
|
|
(26,836 |
) |
|
|
10,172 |
|
Amounts due from related parties |
|
d, e |
|
|
11,493 |
|
|
|
(8,235 |
) |
|
|
3,258 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
b, g |
|
|
11,944 |
|
|
|
(6,381 |
) |
|
|
5,563 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
j |
|
|
580 |
|
|
|
708 |
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
66,740 |
|
|
|
(41,006 |
) |
|
|
25,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rental deposits |
|
|
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
(169 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
j |
|
|
7,255 |
|
|
|
(5,316 |
) |
|
|
1,939 |
|
Deposits for property and equipment |
|
g |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,248 |
|
|
|
1,248 |
|
Deposits for acquisitions |
|
g |
|
|
6,229 |
|
|
|
(1,716 |
) |
|
|
4,513 |
|
Intangible assets, net |
|
b, h |
|
|
5,235 |
|
|
|
(1,949 |
) |
|
|
3,286 |
|
Goodwill |
|
b, i |
|
|
26,148 |
|
|
|
(13,193 |
) |
|
|
12,955 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
$ |
111,776 |
|
|
$ |
(62,101 |
) |
|
$ |
49,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and shareholders (deficit) / equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
b-e |
|
|
8,701 |
|
|
|
(1,291 |
) |
|
|
7,410 |
|
Accrued expenses and other payables |
|
b,g |
|
|
13,218 |
|
|
|
(2,641 |
) |
|
|
10,577 |
|
Short-term borrowings |
|
|
|
|
1,856 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,856 |
|
Promissory notes |
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
Acquisition payable |
|
g |
|
|
15,203 |
|
|
|
(2,318 |
) |
|
|
12,885 |
|
Amounts due to related parties |
|
d, e |
|
|
717 |
|
|
|
(120 |
) |
|
|
597 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
c-e |
|
|
3,301 |
|
|
|
(1,106 |
) |
|
|
2,195 |
|
Income taxes payable |
|
b-e |
|
|
9,787 |
|
|
|
(5,958 |
) |
|
|
3,829 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
67,783 |
|
|
|
(13,434 |
) |
|
|
54,349 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
b-e, h |
|
|
1,297 |
|
|
|
(489 |
) |
|
|
808 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
69,080 |
|
|
|
(13,923 |
) |
|
|
55,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series B redeemable convertible
preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
24,906 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,906 |
|
Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares |
|
k |
|
|
12,918 |
|
|
|
314 |
|
|
|
13,232 |
|
Series A convertible preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
722 |
|
Common shares |
|
l |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
k |
|
|
2,083 |
|
|
|
(698 |
) |
|
|
1,385 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
2,064 |
|
|
|
(965 |
) |
|
|
1,099 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(46,826 |
) |
|
|
(46,826 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders (deficit)/equity |
|
|
|
|
4,872 |
|
|
|
(48,492 |
) |
|
|
(43,620 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
|
|
|
$ |
111,776 |
|
|
$ |
(62,101 |
) |
|
$ |
49,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
90
Statements
of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
Advertising service revenues |
|
b-f |
|
$ |
88,637 |
|
|
$ |
(46,952 |
) |
|
$ |
41,685 |
|
Cost of revenues |
|
b-f |
|
|
(46,674 |
) |
|
|
16,050 |
|
|
|
(30,624 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
|
|
41,963 |
|
|
|
(30,902 |
) |
|
|
11,061 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
g |
|
|
(7,397 |
) |
|
|
1,234 |
|
|
|
(6,163 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
g |
|
|
(11,727 |
) |
|
|
(1,408 |
) |
|
|
(13,135 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss |
|
|
|
|
22,839 |
|
|
|
(31,076 |
) |
|
|
(8,237 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Other income / (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
131 |
|
Interest expense |
|
k |
|
|
(8,922 |
) |
|
|
6,205 |
|
|
|
(2,717 |
) |
Decrease in fair value of note warrant liability |
|
|
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
(482 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of the notes |
|
|
|
|
(3,218 |
) |
|
|
(1,182 |
) |
|
|
(4,400 |
) |
Loss on impairment of goodwill and Intangible
assets |
|
h,i |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,953 |
) |
|
|
(13,953 |
) |
Loss on impairment of fixed assets |
|
j |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,135 |
) |
|
|
(2,135 |
) |
Loss on disposals of fixed assets |
|
j |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,121 |
) |
|
|
(2,121 |
) |
Foreign currency exchange loss, net |
|
|
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Income / (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
11,145 |
|
|
|
(44,744 |
) |
|
|
(33,599 |
) |
Provision for income taxes |
|
b-e |
|
|
(6,802 |
) |
|
|
5,321 |
|
|
|
(1,481 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income / (loss) |
|
|
|
$ |
4,343 |
|
|
$ |
(39,423 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,080 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
91
Statements
of cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
|
|
|
Net income / (loss) |
|
|
4,343 |
|
|
|
(39,423 |
) |
|
|
(35,080 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment |
|
|
1,188 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
1,268 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
3,465 |
|
|
|
(443 |
) |
|
|
3,022 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
2,354 |
|
|
|
(2,043 |
) |
|
|
311 |
|
Amortization of discount on convertible notes |
|
|
7,200 |
|
|
|
(6,203 |
) |
|
|
997 |
|
Deferred tax (benefit) / expense |
|
|
(1,414 |
) |
|
|
(726 |
) |
|
|
(2,140 |
) |
Decrease in fair value of note warrant liability |
|
|
(482 |
) |
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of the notes |
|
|
3,218 |
|
|
|
1,182 |
|
|
|
4,400 |
|
Loss on impairment of goodwill and intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,953 |
|
|
|
13,953 |
|
Loss on impairment of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,121 |
|
|
|
2,121 |
|
Loss on disposals of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,135 |
|
|
|
2,135 |
|
Bad debt provision |
|
|
|
|
|
|
703 |
|
|
|
703 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
(30,026 |
) |
|
|
20,413 |
|
|
|
(9,613 |
) |
Prepaid expenses, rental deposits and other current assets |
|
|
(7,713 |
) |
|
|
3,125 |
|
|
|
(4,588 |
) |
Amounts due from related parties |
|
|
(11,472 |
) |
|
|
9,297 |
|
|
|
(2,175 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
7,171 |
|
|
|
(861 |
) |
|
|
6,310 |
|
Accrued expenses and other payables |
|
|
8,548 |
|
|
|
2,678 |
|
|
|
11,226 |
|
Amounts due to related parties |
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
641 |
|
|
|
597 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
1,977 |
|
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
1,959 |
|
Income taxes payable |
|
|
7,965 |
|
|
|
(4,822 |
) |
|
|
3,143 |
|
|
|
|
Net cash (generated from) / used in operating activities |
|
|
(3,722 |
) |
|
|
2,271 |
|
|
|
(1,451 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment |
|
|
(3,410 |
) |
|
|
(50 |
) |
|
|
(3,460 |
) |
Amounts due from related parties |
|
|
(195 |
) |
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
|
|
(18,681 |
) |
|
|
(2,563 |
) |
|
|
(21,244 |
) |
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(22,286 |
) |
|
|
(2,418 |
) |
|
|
(24,704 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in restricted bank deposit |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
(357 |
) |
|
|
3,643 |
|
Proceeds from short-term borrowings |
|
|
1,856 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,856 |
|
Repayment of short-term borrowings |
|
|
(2,084 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,084 |
) |
Proceeds from issuance of Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares, net of issuance costs |
|
|
9,261 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,261 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of convertible promissory notes and
warrants |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
25,033 |
|
|
|
(357 |
) |
|
|
24,676 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash |
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
(115 |
) |
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalent |
|
|
(618 |
) |
|
|
(619 |
) |
|
|
(1,237 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalent at beginning of year |
|
|
6,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,333 |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalent at end of year |
|
$ |
5,715 |
|
|
$ |
(619 |
) |
|
$ |
5,096 |
|
|
|
|
92
The following are key findings leading to the restatement and some findings impacted multiple
line-items:
a) |
|
Two of the Companys bank accounts in PRC in which an aggregate of $357 was deposited, were
restricted as to withdrawal and use as of December 31, 2008. The cash balance was reclassified
to restricted bank deposit. |
|
b) |
|
In July 2008, the Company signed an acquisition agreement to acquire Changsha Jingli which
was primarily engaged in the provision of advertising services using poster frames that are
placed inside elevators in residential and commercial buildings in Changsha city of the PRC.
During a financial review, an acquisition deposit of Changsha Jingli of $1,321, purportedly
paid to a third party, could not be confirmed. The ex-owner of Changsha Jingli denied signing
any contracts with the Company, bringing the acquisition of Changsha Jingli into doubt, as
well as the legality and enforceability of the acquisition agreement. Accordingly, the
restated consolidated financial statements for 2008 do not consolidate Changsha Jinglis
financial statements. |
|
|
|
The previously reported financial statements accounted for the acquisition in accordance with
ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (formerly SFAS No. 141). At the acquisition date, the
Company recorded fair value of identifiable net assets of $205 and acquisition deposit of $1,116. |
|
|
|
The following table summarizes operating results and the assets and liabilities of Changsha
Jingli consolidated by the Company for the six months ended and as of December 31, 2008 which
were excluded from the restated financial statements: |
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising Revenue |
|
$ |
322 |
|
Cost of Sales |
|
|
(48 |
) |
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
(8 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(73 |
) |
Income tax |
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net Income |
|
$ |
145 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
107 |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
|
254 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
84 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
27 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
(34 |
) |
Accrued expenses and other payables |
|
|
(54 |
) |
Income taxes payable |
|
|
(64 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net assets |
|
$ |
320 |
|
|
|
|
|
c) |
|
A number of fictitious or questionable sales contracts in our in-elevator business, along
with related accounts receivable collections and various payments, which originated primarily
from Jingli. Apparent fictitious business transactions, forged contracts and monitoring
reports resulted were identified in overstated revenue of $23,692 and cost of $3,451. |
|
d) |
|
Numerous subway light box advertising contracts that appear to be overstated were identified.
Fictitious or questionable documentation regarding the delivery of services and the lack of business substance
resulted in overstated revenue of $7,254 and cost of $3,378. |
|
e) |
|
Failure to properly disclose, approve and document transactions among related entities, which
resulted in the overstatement of sales and costs of these companies in the operating results
of our subsidiaries, causing overstated revenue of $14,347 and cost of $8,053. |
|
f) |
|
In certain advertising arrangements, the Company acted as an agent in the transaction and
should have recorded advertising revenues on a net basis, causing
both revenue and cost was overstated by $1,280. |
93
g) |
|
Apparent erroneous or falsified expenses and payments,
including acquisition payments, were identified. Total
acquisition payments through December 31, 2008 were overstated
by $4,465. Prepaid assets and other receivable as of
December 31, 2008 was overstated by $3,372. |
|
h) |
|
Purchase price allocation of certain acquired subsidiaries was based on inflated revenue
forecasts and apparent fictitious lease contracts, which resulted in the overstatement of
acquired intangible assets by $1,949. |
|
i) |
|
Performed goodwill impairment assessment as of December 31, 2008 based on adjusted forecasts
resulted in an impairment loss of $13,026. See note 9. |
|
j) |
|
A fixed asset count and reconciliation to register identified missing digital frames,
purported fictitious business transactions and falsified payments in 2008. Fixed
assets was overstated by $2,121. Certain fixed assets, which should have been impaired in
2008, amounted to $2,135 based on fair value as of the valuation
date. The respective deferred tax impact was also considered. |
|
k) |
|
Equity and debt instruments issued during 2008 were issued based on apparent inflated
business projections, which resulted in an overstatement of their respective values and an
immediate and subsequent impact to the balance sheets and statement of operations. |
|
l) |
|
In connection with the reverse capitalization, SearchMedia Internationals ordinary shares
have been restated retroactively to reflect the share exchange ratio as at the date of the
Share Exchange in a manner similar to a stock consolidation. |
4. Loss per share
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the two years ended December 31, 2009
and 2008. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock
options and other commitments to issue common stock were exercised or equity awards vest resulting
in the issuance of common stock or conversion of notes into shares of the Companys common stock
that could increase the number of shares outstanding and lower the earnings per share of the
Companys common stock. This calculation is not done for periods in a loss position as this would
be antidilutive. The information related to basic per share is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Loss |
|
$ |
(22,649 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,080 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding Basic |
|
|
5,100,465 |
|
|
|
2,169,269 |
|
Loss per share |
|
$ |
(0.0044 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.0162 |
) |
As of
December 31, 2009, there were a total of 308,308 stock options
and 14,058,205 warrants that
would have been included in the computation of diluted earnings per share that could potentially
dilute basic earnings per share in the future.
5. Acquisitions
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Group acquired the respective advertising businesses
of Jincheng, Xinshichuang, Kaixiang, Wanshuizhiyuan, Shenyang Jingli, Haiya, Botang, Hongkong
Ad-icon, Shengshitongda, Rigao, and Ruizhong (acquired entities). These acquisitions were
unrelated to each other.
Pursuant to a series of acquisition agreements signed with each of the acquired entities ex-owners
in 2008 (original acquisition agreements), the purchase consideration for each acquisition would
be settled in cash and is contingent based on the operational results agreed and confirmed by the
Group and each of the acquired entities ex-owners for each individual 12-month period in a 2-year
earn-out period following respective acquisition dates (earn-out period).
94
The contingent purchase price consideration for each entity is payable when each individual
12-month period during the earn-out period is completed and the operational results are agreed and
confirmed. As such, the purchase price allocation cannot be completed until the contingencies are
resolved. Therefore, the contingent consideration was not determinable beyond a reasonable doubt at
the date of acquisition, and no goodwill was recognized due to the contingent nature of the
consideration. However, a liability is recorded for the estimated fair value of identifiable net
assets acquired, which represents the amount of negative goodwill upon initial purchase price
allocation. Upon resolution of the contingency, adjustment to goodwill or against the identifiable
net assets is to be made in accordance with SFAS No. 141,
(ASC Topic 805).
95
The following summarizes the details of acquisitions made in 2008 and the initial allocation of
purchase price, which was based on valuations performed by independent valuation firms using the
multiple period excess earnings method:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value |
|
Acquired Intangible |
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill recognized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consideration paid up to |
|
of net |
|
Assets |
|
Deferred |
|
during the year ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
asset |
|
Customer |
|
Lease |
|
tax liability |
|
December 31, |
Acquired Entity |
|
Date Acquired |
|
Business |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
acquired |
|
relationship |
|
agreements |
|
recognized |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
Xinshichuang |
|
January 1, 2008 |
|
Poster frame |
|
$ |
951 |
|
|
$ |
952 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
7 |
|
|
$ |
152 |
|
|
$ |
40 |
|
|
$ |
968 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Jincheng |
|
January 1, 2008 |
|
Poster frame |
|
|
922 |
|
|
|
923 |
|
|
|
(117 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
1,071 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Kaixiang |
|
January 1, 2008 |
|
Billboard |
|
|
1,971 |
|
|
|
6,760 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
5,682 |
|
|
|
6,628 |
|
Wanshuizhiyuan |
|
January 1, 2008 |
|
Billboard |
|
|
4,280 |
|
|
|
8,725 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
193 |
|
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
7,430 |
|
|
|
2,207 |
|
Shenyang Jingli |
|
January 1, 2008 |
|
Billboard |
|
|
6,078 |
|
|
|
13,322 |
|
|
|
229 |
|
|
|
665 |
|
|
|
787 |
|
|
|
363 |
|
|
|
9,785 |
|
|
|
2,482 |
|
Haiya |
|
February 1, 2008 |
|
Transit |
|
|
2,048 |
|
|
|
5,345 |
|
|
|
(186 |
) |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
1,005 |
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,988 |
|
Botang |
|
April 1, 2008 |
|
Billboard |
|
|
3,937 |
|
|
|
20,851 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
1,037 |
|
|
|
1,907 |
|
|
|
736 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,699 |
|
Hongkong Ad-icon |
|
April 1, 2008 |
|
Billboard |
|
|
841 |
|
|
|
1,557 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,294 |
|
Shengshitongda |
|
April 1, 2008 |
|
Poster frame |
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
116 |
|
Rigao |
|
July 1, 2008 |
|
Poster frame |
|
|
732 |
|
|
|
3,219 |
|
|
|
(95 |
) |
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,904 |
|
Ruizhong |
|
July 1, 2008 |
|
Poster frame |
|
|
293 |
|
|
|
1,087 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
22,170 |
|
|
$ |
62,858 |
|
|
$ |
193 |
|
|
$ |
2,342 |
|
|
$ |
4,845 |
|
|
$ |
1,776 |
|
|
$ |
24,936 |
|
|
$ |
48,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Further details of goodwill impairment are set out in Note 9.
96
Unaudited pro forma financial information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of operations of the
Group as if the acquisitions of all the above entities had occurred as of January 1, 2008. These
results include the impact of preliminary fair value adjustments on intangible assets and the
related adjustments on deferred taxes. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not
necessarily indicative of what the Groups consolidated results of operations would actually have
been had it completed the acquisitions on January 1, 2008. In addition, the unaudited pro forma
financial information does not attempt to project the future results of operations of the combined
entity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
(Restated) |
Advertising service revenues |
|
$ |
47,794 |
|
Income from operations |
|
|
14,275 |
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(39,729 |
) |
6. Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
Accounts receivable |
|
$ |
15,321 |
|
|
$ |
10,884 |
|
Less allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
(2,325 |
) |
|
|
(712 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
$ |
12,996 |
|
|
$ |
10,172 |
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008 (Restated), the Groups accounts receivable includes amounts
earned and recognized as revenues of US$2,371 and US$2,057, respectively but not yet billed
(unbilled receivables). Management expects all unbilled receivables to be billed and collected
within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
The following table presents the movement of the allowance for doubtful accounts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
$ |
712 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Effect of foreign currency translation |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Additions charged to bad debt expense |
|
|
1,611 |
|
|
|
703 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ending allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
$ |
2,325 |
|
|
$ |
712 |
|
|
|
|
97
7. Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
Prepaid rent |
|
$ |
1,939 |
|
|
$ |
695 |
|
Other prepaid expenses |
|
|
1,060 |
|
|
|
3,643 |
|
Rental deposits and other receivables |
|
|
1,657 |
|
|
|
1,225 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
$ |
4,656 |
|
|
$ |
5,563 |
|
|
|
|
8. Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
$ |
94 |
|
|
$ |
94 |
|
Advertising display equipment |
|
|
1,410 |
|
|
|
4,057 |
|
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment |
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
443 |
|
Motor vehicles |
|
|
597 |
|
|
|
542 |
|
|
|
|
Total cost of property and equipment |
|
|
2,155 |
|
|
|
5,136 |
|
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
|
(750 |
) |
|
|
(1,062 |
) |
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
1,405 |
|
|
|
4,074 |
|
Less: impairment loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,135 |
) |
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net of impairment |
|
$ |
1,405 |
|
|
$ |
1,939 |
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment were allocated to the following categories
of cost and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
Cost of revenues |
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
$ |
950 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
318 |
|
|
|
|
Total depreciation and amortization |
|
$ |
399 |
|
|
$ |
1,268 |
|
|
|
|
In fourth quarter of 2008, the Group determined that a substantial portion of equipment for
billboard displays related to the Shanghai Bund project may not be effectively utilized in the
future due to the decision to halt marketing plans due to the unfavorable economic environment and
concession site reconstruction. As a result, the Group recorded a $2,135 impairment loss related to
the Shanghai Bund project in the year ended December 31, 2008.
98
9. Goodwill and other intangible assets
The changes in carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Restated) are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Xinshi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wanshuiz |
|
|
Shenyang |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shengshi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wenzhou |
|
|
Wuxi |
|
|
HK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sige |
|
|
Jincheng |
|
|
chuang |
|
|
Kaixiang |
|
|
hiyuan |
|
|
Jingli |
|
|
Haiya |
|
|
tongda |
|
|
Botang |
|
|
Rigao |
|
|
Ruizhong |
|
|
Ad-Icon |
|
|
Total |
|
Balance as of January 1, 2008 |
|
$ |
1,045 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
1,045 |
|
Goodwill acquired during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,071 |
|
|
|
968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,039 |
|
Goodwill recorded as a result of
contingent consideration resolved |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,682 |
|
|
|
7,430 |
|
|
|
9,785 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,897 |
|
Impairment of goodwill |
|
|
(1,045 |
) |
|
|
(1,071 |
) |
|
|
(968 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,627 |
) |
|
|
(8,315 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,026 |
) |
Translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,682 |
|
|
|
5,803 |
|
|
|
1,470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,955 |
|
Goodwill recorded as a result of
contingent consideration resolved |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,628 |
|
|
|
2,207 |
|
|
|
2,482 |
|
|
|
5,988 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
23,699 |
|
|
|
4,904 |
|
|
|
1,354 |
|
|
|
1,294 |
|
|
|
48,672 |
|
Impairment of goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,397 |
) |
|
|
(1,640 |
) |
|
|
(2,130 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,582 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15,749 |
) |
Translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
12,316 |
|
|
$ |
5,619 |
|
|
$ |
2,313 |
|
|
$ |
3,858 |
|
|
$ |
116 |
|
|
$ |
14,117 |
|
|
$ |
4,904 |
|
|
$ |
1,354 |
|
|
$ |
1,294 |
|
|
$ |
45,891 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The gross amount and accumulated impairment losses of goodwill as of December 31, 2009 and
2008 (Restated) are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Xinshi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wanshuiz |
|
|
Shenyang |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shengshi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wenzhou |
|
|
Wuxi |
|
|
HK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sige |
|
|
Jincheng |
|
|
chuang |
|
|
Kaixiang |
|
|
hiyuan |
|
|
Jingli |
|
|
Haiya |
|
|
tongda |
|
|
Botang |
|
|
Rigao |
|
|
Ruizhong |
|
|
Ad-Icon |
|
|
Total |
|
Goodwill, gross |
|
$ |
1,116 |
|
|
$ |
1,071 |
|
|
$ |
968 |
|
|
$ |
5,682 |
|
|
$ |
7,430 |
|
|
$ |
9,785 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
26,052 |
|
Accumulated impairment losses |
|
|
(1,116 |
) |
|
|
(1,071 |
) |
|
|
(968 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,627 |
) |
|
|
(8,315 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,097 |
) |
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,682 |
|
|
$ |
5,803 |
|
|
$ |
1,470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
12,955 |
|
Goodwill, gross |
|
$ |
1,117 |
|
|
$ |
1,072 |
|
|
$ |
969 |
|
|
$ |
12,316 |
|
|
$ |
9,644 |
|
|
$ |
12,276 |
|
|
$ |
5,988 |
|
|
$ |
116 |
|
|
$ |
23,699 |
|
|
$ |
4,904 |
|
|
$ |
1,354 |
|
|
$ |
1,294 |
|
|
$ |
74,749 |
|
Accumulated impairment losses |
|
|
(1,117 |
) |
|
|
(1,072 |
) |
|
|
(969 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,025 |
) |
|
|
(9,963 |
) |
|
|
(2,130 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,582 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(28,858 |
) |
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
12,316 |
|
|
$ |
5,619 |
|
|
$ |
2,313 |
|
|
$ |
3,858 |
|
|
$ |
116 |
|
|
$ |
14,117 |
|
|
$ |
4,904 |
|
|
$ |
1,354 |
|
|
$ |
1,294 |
|
|
$ |
45,891 |
|
|
|
|
Management performs a goodwill impairment test for each of its reporting units as of
December 31 of each year or when circumstances change that would more likely than not that the
carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. As a result of impairment tests, the Group recorded a
goodwill impairment loss of $15,749 and $13,026 for the years ended on December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Restated), respectively.
99
Goodwill impairment in 2008 (Restated)
In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Group began to face mounting uncertainties about the future
demand for its services by major advertisers. Such uncertainty and the deteriorating macro economic
situation prompted the Group to undertake an impairment test for each reporting units using income
approach valuation methods. The impairment test resulted in a
goodwill impairment loss of $3,084
for Jincheng, Sige and Xinshichuang in the poster-frame reporting unit and $9,942 for Wanshui and
Shenyang Jingli in the traditional billboard advertising services reporting unit, as the valuation
analysis indicated that the fair value of the reporting units were less than the carrying value.
The results of the first step of our annual impairment test indicated that the fair value of our
other reporting units substantially exceeded its carry amount and therefore, the other reporting
units were not subject to the second step of the impairment test.
Goodwill impairment in 2009
During 2009, the Group settled contingent purchase consideration of $48,672 and these amounts were
recorded as additional goodwill. The Group performed its annual impairment test at the end of the
year, which indicated that the carrying amount exceeded the fair value by a significant margin. The
impairment test resulted in an additional goodwill impairment loss of $4,037, for Wanshui and
Shenyang Jingli, $9,582 for Botang and $2,130 for Haiya, as the valuation analysis indicated that
the fair values of the reporting units were less than the carrying value.
The Group applied the income approach to estimate the fair value of its reporting units for
goodwill impairment tests. The key assumptions used in this approach, which requires significant
management judgment, include business assumptions, growth rate, terminal value, discount rate, and
tax amortization benefit.
Intangible assets other than goodwill consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average |
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
|
amortization period |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
Gross amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer relationship |
|
0.5-3 years |
|
$ |
2,343 |
|
|
$ |
2,402 |
|
Lease agreements |
|
1-4 years |
|
|
4,849 |
|
|
|
5,043 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,192 |
|
|
|
7,445 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer relationship |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,135 |
) |
|
|
(1,560 |
) |
Lease agreements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,854 |
) |
|
|
(1,673 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,989 |
) |
|
|
(3,233 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer relationship |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
) |
Lease agreements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(912 |
) |
|
|
(911 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(927 |
) |
|
|
(926 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,276 |
|
|
$ |
3,286 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Group recorded an impairment loss on its intangible
assets in the amount of $927 associated with its transit business mainly due to a cancellation of
major subway concession contracts which were acquired at acquisition. There was no impairment loss
for the year ended December 31, 2009.
100
Amortization of intangible assets was allocated to the following categories of cost and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
Cost of revenues |
|
$ |
1,379 |
|
|
$ |
1,542 |
|
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
|
636 |
|
|
|
1,480 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total amortization expenses |
|
$ |
2,015 |
|
|
$ |
3,022 |
|
|
|
|
Future expected amortization of intangible assets as of December 31, 2009 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
$ |
1,090 |
|
2011 |
|
|
186 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
10. Accrued expenses and other payables
Accrued expenses and other payables consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
Accrued payroll and staff benefits |
|
$ |
2,559 |
|
|
$ |
1,951 |
|
Accrued professional fee |
|
|
2,852 |
|
|
|
2,262 |
|
Business tax and surcharges payable |
|
|
7,074 |
|
|
|
4,164 |
|
Contingent liabilities (Note 20(c)) |
|
|
844 |
|
|
|
219 |
|
Accrued liabilities for abandonment of lease |
|
|
597 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
Note warrant liability (Note 12) |
|
|
156 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other accrued liabilities |
|
|
1,816 |
|
|
|
1,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total accrued expenses and other payables |
|
$ |
15,898 |
|
|
$ |
10,577 |
|
|
|
|
11. Short-term borrowings
Balances as of December 31, 2008
The Groups short term borrowings of US$1,856 as of December 31, 2008 represent a short-term bank
loan of US$36, unsecured promissory notes of US$1,700, and an unsecured loan of US$120.
The short-term bank loan of US$36 is guaranteed by management personnel of a subsidiary, bears
interest at HIBOR minus 1%, has maturity through April 2009 and does not contain any financial
covenants.
On August 29, 2008, the Company issued promissory notes to a third party investor and an existing
Series A preferred shareholder for cash of US$700 and US$1,000, respectively (First Interim
Notes). The First Interim Notes are unsecured and bear interest at 15% per annum. On March 27,
2009, the maturity date of the First Interim Notes was extended to
October 30, 2009.
On December 19, 2008, the Company obtained a short-term loan of US$120 from a third party lender.
This loan has a maturity date at the earlier of (i) the closing of a reverse recapitalization
transaction with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger,
conversion and share exchange agreement entered into on March 31, 2009; and (ii) December 17, 2009,
is unsecured and bears interest at 15% per annum.
101
Balances as of December 31, 2009
The Groups short term borrowing of US$654 as of December 31, 2009 represents two short-term bank
loans of US$542 and US$112. The short-term loan of US$542 bears interest at 5.841% per annum and
matures on April 15, 2010. The loan of US$112 is guaranteed by the property of
ex-owner and bears interest at 14.2308% per annum and matures on
September, 2010. On October 30,
2009, the Group repaid the principal and its interests as of US$1,856.
The weighted averaged interest rates on short-term obligations outstanding are 12.0%
and 12.3% for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
12. Promissory notes issued by SearchMedia International prior to the reverse acquisition
During 2008 and 2009, SearchMedia International issued convertible promissory notes and note
warrants to investors prior to the reverse acquisition. All these notes and warrants were either
repaid or converted into SearchMedia Holdings common stocks or
warrants upon the reverse acquisition.
(a) Convertible promissory notes and note warrants
On March 17, 2008, SearchMedia International issued convertible promissory notes (the Notes) to
two investors (one being an existing Series A preferred shareholder) for total cash consideration
of US$12,000. The Notes bore interest at 12% per annum and matured on September 17, 2008. The
investors of the Notes had the right to convert the principal amount of the Notes plus any accrued
and unpaid interest into Searchmedia Internationals equity securities issued and sold before
maturity (the Next Equity Financing) at a conversion price equal to 80% of the Next Equity
Financing issue price.
Searchmedia
International also granted the Notes investors warrants to purchase
Searchmedia
Internationals equity securities issued at the Next Equity Financing at an exercise price of 80%
of the Next Equity Financing issue price (Note Warrants). The Note Warrants had an exercise
period of three years commencing March 17, 2008. The number of shares issuable under the Note
Warrants is equal to (a) 25% of the original principal amount of the Notes (Warrant Coverage), or
US$3,000, divided by (b) 80% of the actual purchase price per share of the Next Equity Financing.
Since Series C redeemable convertible preferred shares, with an issuance price of US$2.63 per share
(see note 13), were the Next Equity Financing, the purchase price used to determine the number of
shares issuable under the Note Warrants has been determined to be US$2.104 per share.
The gross proceeds from the issuance the Notes of US$12,000 were allocated to the fair value of
Note Warrants of US$997 and convertible note of US$11,003 respectively, which was presented within
accrued expenses and other payables. The Note Warrants were determined to be a liability at
inception pursuant to ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (formerly SFAS 150)
because it embodies a conditional obligation that requires the issuer to settle the obligation by
transferring a number of its ordinary shares if the holder exercises the Note Warrants and at
inception the obligation has a monetary value that is based solely on variations inversely related
to changes in the fair value of the issuers equity shares. Total issuance costs of US$349 were
initially recognized as a separate asset in the consolidated balance sheet. The discount on
convertible notes of US$997 and the Notes issuance costs of US$349 was amortized to interest
expense using the effective interest rate method.
Management determined that there was no embedded beneficial conversion feature attributable to the
Notes at the commitment date since US$2.104 per share, the effective conversion price of the Notes,
was greater than the estimated average fair value of Searchmedia Internationals equity shares,
which was US$0.093 as of the commitment date of the Notes. On May 30, 2008, upon issuance of Series
C preferred shares, the number of issuable shares under the Note Warrants and the exercise price
were fixed, therefore the Note Warrants amounting to US$997 were reclassified from liability to
additional paid-in capital.
102
For the year ended December 31, 2008, the amortization of discount on the Note Warrant was US$997,
the interest on the Notes was US$720, and the amortization of issuance costs was US$349, all of
which were included in interest expense. The Note Warrant was recorded at its fair value of US$818
as of January 1, 2009, with the change in retained earnings of
US$179 as of January 1, 2009 under
EITF 07-5 and we charge the note warrant from equity warrant to liability warrant at that date (see
note 14).
On September 17, 2008, one of the Notes investors converted its Notes with principal sum of
US$2,000 and related accrued interest of US$120 into 1,042,995 Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares at a conversion price of US$2.104 per share. On the same date, the other Notes
investor cancelled the Notes with principal sum of US$10,000 plus accrued interest of US$600 and
all the related conversion right in exchange for a promissory note (the Promissory Note) with
principal sum of US$15,000. The Promissory Note did not have a conversion right, bore interest at
12% per annum and matured on December 17, 2008. A loss on extinguishment of the Notes of US$4,400
was recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The principal amount and accrued interest of the Promissory Note was not repaid as of December 17,
2008 and the terms of the Promissory Note were amended through a series of agreements between the
Promissory Note investor and Searchmedia International. As of December 31, 2008, the interest
rate of the Promissory Note remained at 12% per annum and the expiration date of the Note Warrants
was extended to December 17, 2013. In connection with the issuance of the Promissory Note, Searchmedia International agreed to pledge all of its equity interests (Collateral) in Jieli
Consulting, Jieli Network and Ad-Icon (collectively as Guarantors) to guarantee the Companys
obligations owed to the Promissory Note investor.
On March 12, 2009, the Promissory Note remained unpaid and the Promissory Note investor agreed with
Searchmedia International (subject to certain conditions as discussed below) to extend the
maturity date of the Promissory Note to a New Maturity Date which is defined as the earlier of (i)
the closing of a new equity financing by Searchmedia International; (ii) the closing of a
reverse recapitalization transaction with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company pursuant to a plan
of merger, conversion and share exchange agreement (the Share Exchange Agreement); and (iii) the
termination of the Share Exchange Agreement. Further, the effective date for the increase in
Warrant Coverage by US$750 for each month that the Promissory Note remains outstanding, pro-rated
by reference to the principal sum of the Promissory Note then outstanding after any partial
repayment in proportion to the principal sum of the Promissory Note of US$15,000, is postponed to
the New Maturity Date while the interest rate of the Promissory Note shall remain at 12% per annum
until the New Maturity Date after which the interest rate of 20% per annum shall take effect.
In addition, the terms of the Note Warrants were amended such that (i) the Next Equity Financing
shall also include the closing of an acquisition or merger of the Searchmedia International; (ii)
equity securities shall also include securities of the acquiring person in an acquisition; and
(iii) the exercise price per share shall be equal to 80% of the price per share (on an
as-if-converted basis) paid by the investors or the acquiring person. The Note Warrants shall be
converted into a warrant to purchase ordinary shares of the Special Purpose Acquisition Companys
successor pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement. On March 28, 2009, Searchmedia
Internationals shareholders and board of directors resolved to amend the exercise price of Note
Warrants from US$2.104 per share to US$0.44 per share as a result of the re-pricing of Series C
redeemable convertible preferred shares (see note 13(c)).
As
discussed in Note 1, the reverse acquisition was closed on October 30, 2009, and US$10,000 of the outstanding
Promissory Note was settled by issuance of 1,268,795 ordinary shares of SearchMedia Holdings and
the remaining outstanding balance of US$5,000 and all accrued and unpaid interest on the principal
was paid in cash before December 31, 2009. As the fair value of equity per share after the merge
date October 30, 2009 was US$3.987, the gain resulting from extinguishment of the Promissory Note
of US$10,000 was US$4,940 which had been recorded in gain on extinguishment of notes in the
consolidated statement of operations in 2009. The associated Note Warrants were also converted into
476,273 shares of SearchMedia Holdings warrants.
103
(b) Second Short-term Loan and Warrants
On March 19, 2009, SearchMedia International issued Second Short-term Loan to a third party
investor, an existing Series A preferred shareholder and certain management personnel of Searchmedia International for cash of US$1,750, US$1,500 and US$250, respectively (Second Loan).
The Second Loan would mature at the earlier of (i) the closing of a new equity financing by Searchmedia International; (ii) the closing of a reverse recapitalization transaction with a
Special Purpose Acquisition Company pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement; and (iii) March 31,
2009, but only in the event that the Share Exchange Agreement is not executed as of such date. The
Second Loan bear interest at 12% per annum until its maturity date after which the interest rate of
20% per annum shall take effect. In connection with the Second Loan, Searchmedia International,
the Promissory Note investor and the Guarantors mutually agreed to extend the Collateral to
guarantee Searchmedia Internationals obligations owed to the Second Loan investors. On March
19, 2009, Searchmedia International granted to certain investors of the Second Loan warrants
(Second Loan Warrants) to purchase 1,160,000 ordinary shares of Searchmedia International at
an exercise price of US$0.0001 per share. The Second Loan Warrants are exercisable from the
issuance date to May 30, 2011.
As
discussed in Note 1, the reverse acquisition was closed on October 30, 2009, and the principal amount
outstanding under the Second Loan was settled by issuance of 444,079 ordinary shares of SearchMedia
Holdings, and the Second Loan Warrants were exchanged into 78,343 warrant shares of SearchMedia
Holdings. As the fair value of equity per share after the merge date October 30, 2009 is US$3.987,
the gain resulting from extinguishment of the Second Loan was US$1,729 which had been recorded in
gain on extinguishment of notes in the consolidated statement of operations in 2009. An additional
428,219 warrant shares were issued to these holders.
13. Convertible Preferred Shares issued by SearchMedia International prior to the reverse
acquisition
During 2008 and 2009, SearchMedia International issued convertible preferred shares to investors
prior to the reverse acquisition. All these convertible preferred shares were converted into
SearchMedia Holdings common stocks upon the reverse acquisition.
(a) Series A Convertible Preferred Shares and Warrants
In June 2007, SearchMedia International issued 10,000,000 Series A convertible preferred shares,
with a par value of US$0.0001 per share, and warrants to purchase 10,000,000 additional Series A
convertible preferred shares at an exercise price of US$0.10 per share (Series A Warrants) to a
third party investor for total cash consideration of US$1,000. The holders of Series A convertible
preferred shares have no redemption right other than in liquidation.
The gross proceeds of US$1,000 were allocated to Series A convertible preferred shares and Series A
Warrants on a relative fair value basis. The estimated fair values of the Series A convertible
preferred shares and Series A Warrants were determined to be US$818 and US$219, respectively.
Accordingly, the Series A convertible preferred shares are recorded at US$789 and classified within
shareholders equity and the Series A Warrants are recorded in additional paid-in capital at
US$211. Total direct incremental costs of issuing the securities amounting to US$85 were charged
proportionally against the allocated amounts of Series A convertible preferred shares (US$67) and
Series A Warrants (US$18) respectively.
SearchMedia International determined that there was no embedded beneficial conversion feature
attributable to the Series A convertible preferred shares at the commitment date since US$0.0789,
the effective conversion price of the Series A convertible preferred shares, was greater than the
estimated fair value of SearchMedia Internationals ordinary shares, which was US$0.0302 as of the
commitment date.
The estimated fair values of the Series A convertible preferred shares and the ordinary shares of
SearchMedia International at the commitment date was determined by management with reference to
valuation performed on a retrospective basis by an independent valuation firm which calculated
SearchMedia Internationals equity value by using the discounted cash flow method. This method
eliminates the variation in time value of money by using a discount rate to reflect all business
risks including intrinsic and extrinsic uncertainties in relation to the business. In considering
the appropriate discount rate to be applied, SearchMedia International has taken into account a
number of factors
including the current cost of finance and the risk inherent in the business. The estimated fair
value of the Series A Warrants is estimated using the Black-Scholes Options Pricing Model.
104
As
discussed in Note 1, the reverse acquisition was closed on October 30, 2009, and the Series A convertible
preferred shares were converted into 675,374 ordinary shares of SearchMedia Holdings. The
associated Note Warrants were also exchanged into 675,374 shares of SearchMedia Holdings warrants.
(b) Series B Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Warrants
In August 2007, SearchMedia International issued 36,363,635 Series B redeemable convertible
preferred shares with a par value of US$0.0001 per share, and warrants to purchase 5,000,000
ordinary shares of SearchMedia International at an exercise price of US$0.55 per share (Series B
Warrants) to two investors (one being an existing holder of Series A convertible preferred shares)
for total cash consideration of US$20,000. The holders of Series B redeemable convertible preferred
shares have redemption rights to request SearchMedia International to redeem the preferred shares
either on February 16, 2010 or May 16, 2011. In addition, SearchMedia International shall redeem
all outstanding Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares at the Series B redeemable
convertible preferred share redemption price (the Redemption Price) on August 16, 2012
(Mandatory Redemption Date), if a Qualified IPO has not occurred before Mandatory Redemption
Date. Subject to certain anti-dilution provisions as provided in SearchMedia Internationals
articles of association, the Redemption Price shall be equal to the total of (i) any declared but
unpaid dividend; (ii) 1.2 times of the Series B redeemable convertible preferred share purchase
price; and (iii) interest of 15% compound annually.
The gross proceeds of US$20,000 were allocated to the Series B redeemable convertible preferred
shares and Series B Warrants on a relative fair value basis. The estimated fair values of the
Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares and Series B Warrants were determined to be
US$19,848 and US$426 respectively. Accordingly, the Series B redeemable convertible preferred
shares are recorded at US$19,580 and the Series B Warrants are recorded in additional paid-in
capital at US$420. The Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares have not been classified
within shareholders equity since they are redeemable. Total direct incremental costs of issuing
the securities amounting to US$1,526 were charged proportionally against the allocated amounts of
Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares (US$1,494) and Series B Warrants (US$32)
respectively. The accretion to redemption value of US$32,364 (which represents the number of Series
B redeemable convertible preferred shares multiplied by the Redemption Price) is accreted to
February 16, 2010, which is the earliest date that the preferred
shares could be redeemed. The accretion to redemption value amounted to US$5,172 for the year ended December 31, 2008 and was
charged against retained earnings and additional paid-in capital for US$4,758 and US$414
respectively.
On March 28, 2009, SearchMedia International repurchased 2,727,272 Series B redeemable convertible
preferred shares from one existing holder at par value US$0.0001 per share and issued the same
number of shares of Series C redeemable convertible preferred shares with a par value of US$0.0001
per share. At the same date, SearchMedia Internationals shareholders and board of directors
resolved to amend the effective conversion price of the Series C redeemable convertible preferred
shares from US$2.63 per share to US$0.55 per share. The effective conversion price of the 2,727,272
Series C redeemable convertible preferred shares applied the new price of US$0.55 per share. The
redemption value of Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares was changed to US$29,937
after we repurchased 2,727,272 Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares.
On September 22, 2009, SearchMedia International repurchased 1,485,666 ordinary shares from three
shareholders, 973,500 Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares and 540,834 Series C
redeemable convertible preferred shares by issuance of stock awards to management and employees of
SearchMedia International. The redemption value of Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares
was changed to US$29,071.
The total accretion to redemption value up to and before the merge date was US$3,525 which was
charged against retained earnings.
105
Management determined that there was no embedded beneficial conversion feature attributable to the
Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares at the commitment date since US$0.55, the
effective conversion price of the Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares, was greater
than the estimated fair value of SearchMedia Internationals ordinary shares, which was US$0.2941
as of the commitment date.
The estimated fair values of the Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares and the ordinary
shares of SearchMedia International at the commitment date was determined by management with
reference to valuation performed on a retrospective basis by an independent valuation firm which
calculated SearchMedia Internationals equity value by using the discounted cash flow method. This
method eliminates the variation in time value of money by using a discount rate to reflect all
business risks including intrinsic and extrinsic uncertainties in relation to the business. In
considering the appropriate discount rate to be applied, SearchMedia International has taken into
account a number of factors including the current cost of finance and the risk inherent in the
business. The estimated fair value of the Series B Warrants is estimated using the Black-Scholes
Options Pricing Model.
As
discussed in Note 1, the reverse acquisition was closed on October 30, 2009, and the Series B convertible
preferred shares were converted into 2,205,549 ordinary shares of SearchMedia Holdings. The
associated Note Warrants were also exchanged into 289,196 shares of SearchMedia Holdings warrants.
(c) Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares
On May 30, 2008, SearchMedia International issued a total of 3,802,281 Series C redeemable
convertible preferred shares (Series C Shares) with a par value of US$0.0001 per share to two
third party investors for total cash consideration of US$10,000. Total direct incremental costs of
issuing the securities amounting to US$837 were charged against the Series C Shares proceeds. The
holders of Series C Shares have redemption rights to request SearchMedia International to redeem
the preferred shares within 30 days after the date falling eighteen months after the Series C
Shares original issue date (that is, November 30, 2009); and on or after the date falling
twenty-four months after the Series C Shares original issue date (that is May 30, 2010). In
addition, the holders of Series C shares may redeem all outstanding Series C Shares at the Series C
Shares redemption price upon the occurrence of an accelerated redemption triggering event such as a
change-of-control; de-listing of SearchMedia Internationals shares following a qualified IPO;
breach of representations, warranties, or covenants having a material impact on SearchMedia
Internationals value; or breach of SearchMedia Internationals debt obligations or other material
contracts or obligations. Subject to certain anti-dilution provisions as provided in SearchMedia
Internationals articles of association, the redemption price will be equal to the total of (i) any
declared but unpaid dividend; (ii) the adjusted Series C redeemable convertible preferred share
purchase price; and (iii) interest of 25% compound annually.
On September 17, 2008, one of the Notes investors converted its convertible notes with principal
sum of US$2,000 and related accrued interest of US$120 into 1,042,995 shares of Series C redeemable
convertible preferred shares at a conversion price of US$2.104 per share with the same effective
conversion price US$2.63 per share.
As the earliest determinable redemption date that the redemption amount is fixed and determinable
on November 30, 2009, the accretion to the redemption value amounted to US$1,949 (the original
Series C and the transferred convertible note) for the year ended December 31, 2008 and was charged
available retained earnings.
Management determined that there was no embedded beneficial conversion feature attributable to the
Series C Shares at the commitment date since US$2.63 per share, the effective conversion price of
the Series C Shares, was greater than the estimated fair value of SearchMedia Internationals
ordinary shares, which was US$0.149 as of the commitment date of the Series C Shares.
The estimated fair value of the underlying preferred shares and ordinary shares at the commitment
date was determined by management with reference to valuation performed on a retrospective basis by
an independent valuation firm which calculated SearchMedia Internationals equity value using the
discounted cash flow method. This method eliminates the variation in time value of money by using a
discount rate to reflect all business risks including intrinsic and extrinsic uncertainties in
relation to the business. In considering the appropriate discount rate to be applied, SearchMedia
International has taken
into account a number of factors including the current cost of finance and the risk inherent in the
business.
106
On March 28, 2009, in contemplation of entering into a reverse recapitalization transaction with a
Special Purpose Acquisition Company, SearchMedia Internationals shareholders and board of
directors resolved to amend the effective conversion price of the Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares from US$2.63 per share to US$0.55 per share. The re-pricing was necessary for the
holders of the Series C redeemable convertible preferred shares, which carry certain anti-dilution
provisions and preferred liquidation rights, to support the contemplated transaction. As a result
of the amendment of the effective conversion price of Series C redeemable convertible preferred
shares, SearchMedia International issued additional 18,323,955 Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares to the existing holders of Series C redeemable convertible preferred shares. The
change in conversion price does not have any impact on the consolidated financial statements since
the new conversion price remains higher than the fair value of SearchMedia Internationals ordinary
shares as of the commitment date of the Series C redeemable convertible preferred shares. On the
same date, SearchMedia International repurchased 2,727,272 Series B of one existing holder at par
value US$0.0001 per share and issued the same amount shares of Series C redeemable convertible
preferred shares with a par value of US$0.0001 per share (See note 13(b)). The effective conversion
price of the 2,727,272 shares applied the new price of US$0.55 per share, with redemption value of
US$1,741.
On September 22, 2009, SearchMedia International repurchased 1,485,666 ordinary shares from three
shareholders, 973,500 Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares and 540,834 Series C
redeemable convertible preferred shares by issuance of stock awards to management and employees of
SearchMedia International. The redemption value changed from original US$13,975 to US$17,287. The
accretion to redemption value amounted to US$3,058 for the period from January 1, 2009 through
October 30, 2009 was charged against retained earnings.
As
discussed in Note 1, the reverse acquisition was closed on October 30, 2009, and the Series C convertible
preferred shares were converted into 1,712,874 ordinary shares of SearchMedia Holdings.
14. Common shares and warrants
Common shares
In connection with the reverse capitalization, SearchMedia Internationals shares have been
restated retroactively to reflect the share exchange ratio as at the date of the Share Exchange in
a manner similar to a stock consolidation. The number of ordinary shares outstanding is determined
on the basis of SearchMedia Internationals historical number of ordinary shares outstanding
multiplied by the share exchange ratio established in the Share Exchange Agreement at 0.0675.
As of January 1, 2008, SearchMedia International has 2,169,269 ordinary shares issued and
outstanding On June 23, 2009, Searchmedia International repurchased 79,579 ordinary shares from
two shareholders by net off the shareholders loan due to Searchmedia International of $628. On
September 22, 2009, three shareholders surrendered and returned 100,338 ordinary shares, 65,748
shares of Series B (See note 13(b)) and 36,526 shares of Series C (See note 13(c)) at no cost to
Searchmedia International.
On
October 30, 2009, upon closing of the reverse acquisition, the Series A, B, C Preferred shares were converted
into a total of 4,593,797 SearchMedia Holdings ordinary shares. The New Notes of US$10,000 (See
note 12) and the Second Interim Notes were converted into 1,268,795 and 444,079 ordinary shares,
respectively.
As of
December 31, 2009, the number of issued and outstanding common shares
was 20,758,368, including 12,462,345 common shares resulting from the
reverse acquisition of Ideation.
107
Warrants
Searchmedia International has a total of 13,400,000 warrants outstanding prior to the reverse
acquisition. Each warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of the Companys
common stock at a price of $6.00 to $8.00 per share at any time commencing on the completion of a
reverse acquisition. The warrants have a four years term and will expire in November 2011.
Upon completion of the reverse acquisition, the Company has 15,347,401 warrants outstanding, which
includes 1,519,182 warrants issued to SearchMedia International shareholders or warrantholders
in the reverse acquisition and 428,219 warrants issued to the note holder.
Prior to the exchange of the old warrants to new warrants, certain SearchMedia International
warrants had anti-dilution provision to reset the exercise price when the issuances of ordinary
shares at a price below their respective exercise prices. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company
adopted the provisions of EITF 07-5, Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) is
Indexed to an Entitys Own Stock, which is effective for financial statements for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2008 and which replaced the previous guidance on this topic in EITF
01-6. Paragraph 11(a) of SFAS 133 specifies that a contract that would otherwise meet the
definition of a derivative but is both (a) indexed to the Companys own stock and (b) classified in
stockholders equity in the statement of financial position would not be considered a derivative
financial instrument. EITF 07-5 provides a new two-step model to be applied in determining whether
a financial instrument or an embedded feature is indexed to an issuers own stock and thus able to
qualify for the SFAS 133 paragraph 11(a) scope exception.
As a result of adopting EITF 07-5, 433,986 warrants, related to Series B and the Note Warrants,
previously treated as equity pursuant to the derivative treatment exemption are no longer afforded
equity treatment because of an anti-dilution provision to the warrant holders. As a result, the
warrants were not considered indexed to the Companys own stock, and as such, all future changes in
the fair value of these warrants will be recognized currently in earnings until such time as the
warrants are converted into SearchMeida Holdings warrants which no longer have the anti-dilution
provision on October 30, 2009.
As such, effective January 1, 2009, the Company reclassified the fair value of these warrants from
equity to liability, as if these warrants were treated as a derivative liability since their
issuance dates. On January 1, 2009, the Company reclassified from additional paid-in capital, as a
cumulative effect adjustment, US$520 to the beginning retained earnings and US$865 to recognize the
fair value of such warrants. The Company recognized gains of US$520 directly charged to the opening
retained earnings and gains of US$824 in the decrease in fair value of the liability warrant for
the year ended December 31, 2009.
Each warrant issued to a SearchMedia International shareholder or warrantholder in the reverse
acquisition and note holder entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of SearchMedia
Holdings common stock at a price ranging from $0.0001 to $8.14 per share, subject to adjustment,
at any time. The exercise price and number of ordinary shares issuable on exercise of the warrants
may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a share dividend, or
recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the warrants will not be
adjusted for issuances of ordinary shares at a price below their respective exercise prices. The
warrants will expire three years from the date of issuance of such warrant.
As of December 31, 2009, there were 15,347,401 warrants for the common stock outstanding. There was
no exercise of warrants during 2009 and 2008.
15. Share-based payments
Effective on January 1, 2008, the board of directors and shareholders of the SearchMedia
International approved and adopted the 2008 Share Inventive Plan (the Share Incentive Plan) which
provides for the granting of up to 1,796,492 share options and restricted share units to the
eligible employees to subscribe for ordinary shares of SearchMedia International. The granted stock
options and restricted share units were subsequently converted into SearchMedia Holdings stock
options and restricted shares on October 30, 2009 pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreements.
108
(a) Share options
Details of stock options activity during the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 (Restated) was
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
exercise |
|
remaining |
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
price per |
|
contractual |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
options |
|
share |
|
term |
|
fair value |
|
|
|
Balance as of January 1, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted during the year |
|
|
8,840,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
432 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
8,840,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
1,650,000 |
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(4,215,000 |
) |
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(149 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of October 30, 2009 |
|
|
6,275,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Converted into IDI options |
|
|
423,797 |
|
|
|
3.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,253 |
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
423,797 |
|
|
|
3.19 |
|
|
8.18 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercisable at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
208,818 |
|
|
|
2.71 |
|
|
8.15 years |
|
|
|
|
The Company determined the estimated grant-date fair value of share options based on the Binomial
Tree option-pricing model using the following assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options granted to employee: |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
Risk-free rate of return |
|
|
3.43 |
% |
|
|
3.43 |
% |
Weighted average expected option life |
|
10 years |
|
10 years |
Expected volatility rate |
|
|
40.30 |
% |
|
|
63.30 |
% |
Dividend yield |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
The expected volatility in the table above was based on the weighted average volatility of several
comparable U.S. listed companies in the advertising industry with operations in the PRC. Since the
Company was a private company at the time the options were issued, the Company estimated the
potential volatility of its ordinary share price by referring to the weighted average volatility of
these comparable companies because management believes that the weighted average volatility of such
companies is a reasonable benchmark to use in estimating the expected volatility of the Companys
ordinary shares.
Because the Companys share options have certain characteristics that are significantly different
from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the
estimated value, in managements opinion, the existing valuation model may not provide an accurate
measure of the fair value of the Companys share options. Although the fair value of share options
is determined in accordance with ASC Topic 718, CompensationStock Compensation (formerly
SFAS No. 123R), using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value
observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.
The Company has accounted for these options in accordance with ASC Topic 718, CompensationStock
Compensation (formerly SFAS No. 123R), by measuring compensation cost based on the grant-date fair
value and recognizing the cost over the period during which an employee is required to provide
service in exchange for the award.
109
The amount of compensation cost recognized for these share options was US$163 for the year ended
December 31, 2008, of which US$3 and US$160 was allocated to sales and marketing expenses and
general and administrative expenses, respectively.
The amount of compensation cost recognized for these share options was US$724 for the year ended
December 31, 2009, of which US$83 and US$897 was allocated to sales and marketing expenses and
general and administrative expenses, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, unrecognized
share-based compensation cost in respect of granted share options amounted to US$388.
(b) Restricted share units
Details of restricted share unit activity during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Restated) was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
|
restricted |
|
Grant- |
|
remaining |
|
|
share units |
|
date fair |
|
contractual |
|
|
granted |
|
value |
|
term |
|
|
|
Balance as of January 1, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted during the year |
|
|
3,867,000 |
|
|
$ |
368 |
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeitures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
3,867,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeitures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of October 30, 2009 |
|
|
6,867,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Converted into IDI restricted shares |
|
|
463,779 |
|
|
|
1,572 |
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeitures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
463,779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.92 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units vested as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
217,417 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.28 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In the first seven months of 2008 and October of 2009, the Company granted 3,867,000 and 3,000,000
restricted share units to certain senior management personnel of the Group under the Share
Incentive Plan. The number of restricted share units to which each grantee will receive and the
vesting of such units are contingent upon achievement of certain performance goals. The restricted
share units contingently vest over a period of 30 months and have a contractual life of 10 years
from the date of grant. In addition to the contingently vested restricted share units, in July
2008, the Company issued 1,200,000 restricted share units to certain senior management personnel of
the Group, which vest 50% after the first year of service and ratably each month over the remaining
12-month period.
Since management believes achievement of the performance goals is probable, the Group recognized
compensation cost (included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements
of operations) for these restricted share units of US$97 for the year ended December 31, 2008 and
US$360 for the year ended December 31, 2009. The fair value of the restricted share units was
estimated using the Asian option-pricing model and assumes that the performance goals will be
achieved. If the performance goals are not met, no compensation cost is recognized and any
recognized compensation cost will be reversed. The assumptions used in estimating the fair value of
the restricted share units are the same as those related to valuation of share options set out in
note 15(a).
As of December 31, 2009, unrecognized share-based compensation cost in respect of granted
restricted share units amounted to US$609, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted
average period of 17.2 months.
110
16. Statutory reserve
The Groups PRC consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs are required under PRC laws to transfer at least
10% of their after tax profits as reported in their PRC statutory financial statements to a
statutory surplus reserve. These entities are permitted to discontinue allocations to this reserve
if the balance of such reserve has reached 50% of their respective registered capital. The transfer
to this reserve must be made before distribution of dividends to equity shareholders. The statutory
reserve is not available for distribution to the owners (except in liquidation) and may not be
transferred in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends. For the years ended December 31, 2009
and 2008 (Restated), the Groups PRC consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs made appropriations to the
statutory reserve funds of US$36 and US$102, respectively. The accumulated balance of the statutory
reserve funds maintained at these PRC consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs as of December 31, 2009
and 2008 (Restated) was US$162 and US$126, respectively.
17. Related party transactions and balances
(a) Related party transactions
In the ordinary course of business, the Group enters into certain transactions with its related
parties. Management believes that these related party transactions were conducted at normal
commercial terms. For the periods presented, material related party transactions are summarized as
follows for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 (Restated):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
Note |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
Revenue from provision of advertising services |
|
|
(i |
) |
|
$ |
2,910 |
|
|
$ |
3,242 |
|
Expenses for leases of advertising space |
|
(ii) |
|
$ |
1,515 |
|
|
$ |
540 |
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(i) |
|
Represents amounts received / receivable from affiliated entities of senior management
personnel of certain companies acquired by Jingli, for provision of advertising services to these
entities. The transactions are conducted on terms comparable to the terms of similar transactions
with third parties. |
|
(ii) |
|
Represents amounts paid / payable to affiliated entities of senior management personnel of
certain companies acquired by Jingli, for leases of advertising spaces from these entities. The
transactions are conducted on terms comparable to the terms of similar transactions with third
parties. |
111
(b) Amounts due from / to related parties are analyzed as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
Note |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
Customer payments collected on behalf of the
Group |
|
|
(i |
) |
|
$ |
2,018 |
|
|
$ |
2,073 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables for provision of advertising services |
|
(ii) |
|
|
453 |
|
|
|
1,134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances to ex-owners of acquired companies |
|
(iii) |
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due from related parties |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,840 |
|
|
$ |
3,258 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses paid on behalf of the Group |
|
(iv) |
|
$ |
195 |
|
|
$ |
245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payables for the lease of advertising space |
|
|
(v |
) |
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to related parties |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
346 |
|
|
$ |
597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: |
|
(i) |
|
Represents customer payments collected by the Companys shareholders and senior management
personnel of Jinglis acquired subsidiaries on behalf of the Group companies which had not been
remitted to the Group companies as of the balance sheet date. During the year ended December 31,
2009 and 2008 (Restated), certain customers remitted cash to affiliated companies controlled by
shareholders of the Company and senior management personnel of certain subsidiaries of the Company
to settle the amounts they owed to the Group. The amounts received by the shareholders and the
senior management personnel are repaid back to the Group on a periodic basis. The balance is
expected to be repaid to the Group within 12 months. |
|
(ii) |
|
Represents amount receivable from affiliated companies of certain companies acquired by
Jingli for advertising services provided by the Group to these entities as described in the note
(i) above. These amounts are repayable in accordance with normal payment terms with other unrelated
customers. |
|
(iii) |
|
Represents the advances made by the Group to ex-owners of certain companies acquired by
Jingli. The amounts are interest free and are expected to be settled within 12 months from the
balance sheet date and are secured by the contingent purchase price payable of certain companies
acquired by Jingli to the previous owners of the acquired companies. |
|
(iv) |
|
Represents operating expenses paid by the senior management personnel of certain companies
acquired by Jinglli on behalf of the Group. The amounts are interest free, unsecured and have no
fixed terms of repayment. |
|
(v) |
|
Represents operating lease payments payable to affiliated companies of certain companies
acquired by Jingli for leases of advertising space as described in note (ii) above. The amounts are
repayable in accordance with normal payment terms with other unrelated advertising space suppliers. |
112
18. Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
|
|
Bank loan interest |
|
$ |
27 |
|
|
$ |
34 |
|
Convertible promissory notes interest |
|
|
962 |
|
|
|
720 |
|
Interest on New Note, First Interim Notes and short-term
loan from a third party lender |
|
|
973 |
|
|
|
617 |
|
Amortization of convertible promissory notes issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
349 |
|
Amortization of convertible promissory notes discount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
997 |
|
|
|
|
Total interest expense |
|
$ |
1,962 |
|
|
$ |
2,717 |
|
|
|
|
19. Income taxes
Cayman Islands
Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on its income or
capital gains. In addition, upon any payment of dividends by the Company, no withholding tax is
imposed.
Peoples Republic of China
The Companys consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC are governed by the income tax law of
the PRC and file separate income tax returns.
On March 16, 2007, the Fifth Plenary Session of the Tenth National Peoples Congress passed the
Corporate Income Tax Law of the PRC (new tax law) which became effective on January 1, 2008.
According to the new tax law, the enterprise income tax rate for entities other than certain
high-tech enterprises or small-scale enterprises that earn small profit, as defined in the new
tax law, is 25%. The entities acquired by Jingli in 2008 are subject to PRC enterprise income tax
at 25% on their assessable profits.
Under the new tax law and related implementation rules, a withholding tax is applied on the gross
amount of dividends received by the Company from its PRC consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs after
January 1, 2008; however undistributed earnings prior to January 1, 2008 are exempted from
withholding tax. The implementation rules provide that the withholding tax rate is 10% or the
applicable rate specified in a tax treaty. The Company has not provided for income taxes on
accumulated earnings of its PRC subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 since these earnings are
intended to be reinvested indefinitely in the PRC. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of
additional taxes that might be payable on such undistributed earnings.
Hong Kong
Ad-Icon and Great Talent are subject to Hong Kong profits tax at a tax rate of 16.5% on their
assessable profits.
113
For the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 (Restated), substantially all of the Groups income
before income taxes is derived from the PRC. Income tax expense consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
Current tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- PRC |
|
|
3,460 |
|
|
|
3,549 |
|
- HK |
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
Deferred tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- PRC |
|
|
808 |
|
|
|
(2,123 |
) |
- HK |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
|
Total income tax expense |
|
|
4,319 |
|
|
|
1,481 |
|
|
|
|
The actual income tax expense reported in the consolidated statements of income differs from
the expected income tax expense computed by applying the PRC statutory tax rate of 25% for the year
ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 (Restated) respectively to income before income taxes as a result
of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
Computed expected tax expense |
|
|
(4,582 |
) |
|
|
(8,399 |
) |
Effect of differential tax rate on income of Ad-Icon |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
Effect of non-PRC entities not subject to income tax |
|
|
1,748 |
|
|
|
2,616 |
|
Non-deductible expenses |
|
|
5,267 |
|
|
|
4,429 |
|
Tax loss which no deferred tax asset was recognized |
|
|
3,278 |
|
|
|
2,864 |
|
Tax loss that is expired |
|
|
509 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income loss subject to tax |
|
|
(1,875 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual income tax expense |
|
|
4,319 |
|
|
|
1,481 |
|
|
|
|
Non-deductible expenses primarily represent goodwill impairment which is not deductible for tax
purpose and entertainment expenses in excess of statutory limits for tax purpose.
The tax effects of the Groups temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the
deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets-current: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,069 |
|
- Tax loss carried forwards of a subsidiary |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
- Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
430 |
|
|
|
157 |
|
- Accrued expenses |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities non-current: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
(316 |
) |
|
|
(808 |
) |
|
|
|
Net deferred tax assets |
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009, tax loss carryforwards of Jieli Consulting amounted to US$90, which will
expire in the year ending December 31, 2012.
114
The realization of the future tax benefits of a deferred tax asset is dependent on future taxable
income against which such tax benefits can be applied or utilized and the consideration of the
scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and any available tax planning strategies. In
assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely
than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. All available
evidence must be considered in the determination of whether sufficient future taxable income will
exist since the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of
future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible and
tax loss carryforwards are utilized. Such evidence includes, but is not limited to, the financial
performance of the entities, the market environment in which these entities operate and the length
of relevant carryover periods. Sufficient negative evidence, such as cumulative net losses during a
three-year period that includes the current year and the prior two years, may require that a
valuation allowance be established against the deferred tax assets.
For the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 (Restated), the Group did not have unrecognized tax
benefits, and it does not expect that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change
significantly within the next 12 months. No interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax
benefits were accrued at the date of initial adoption of FIN 48 and as of December 31, 2009 and
2008 (Restated).
According to the PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the statute of limitations is three
years if the underpayment of taxes is due to computational errors made by the taxpayer or the
withholding agent. The statute of limitations is extended to five years under special
circumstances, where the underpayment of taxes is more than USD15 (RMB 100). In the case of
transfer pricing issues, the statute of limitation is ten years. There is no statute of limitation
in the case of tax evasion. The tax returns of the Companys consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs in
the PRC for the tax years beginning in 2004 are subject to examination by the relevant tax
authorities. The tax returns of the Companys operating subsidiary in the HKSAR for the tax years
beginning in 2002 are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities.
20. Commitments and contingencies
(a) Operating lease commitments
The Group leases space primarily inside elevators, light boxes and billboards to display the
content of its customers advertisements, and office premises under operating lease arrangements.
These operating leases do not contain provisions for contingent rentals.
Rental expenses under operating leases were allocated to the following categories of cost and
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
Cost of revenues |
|
$ |
24,386 |
|
|
$ |
25,576 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
1,595 |
|
|
|
1,688 |
|
|
|
|
Total rental expenses |
|
$ |
25,981 |
|
|
$ |
27,264 |
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009, future minimum rental payments under non-cancellable operating leases
having initial or remaining lease terms of more than one year are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
$ |
14,033 |
|
2011 |
|
|
5,756 |
|
2012 |
|
|
3,196 |
|
2013 |
|
|
701 |
|
2014 |
|
|
181 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
23,878 |
|
|
|
|
|
115
(b) Capital commitment
The Group has no material capital commitment as of December 31, 2009.
(c) Contingency
The Group is periodically involved in legal proceedings and has made full provision for operational
claims of $844 and $219 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Some complaints received
after 2009 were disclosed under Subsequent events.
21. Subsequent events
The Company evaluated all events and transactions after December 31, 2009 through the date these
financial statements were issued and the material subsequent events were as follows:
During January 2010, the Company repurchased in aggregate, 1,738,500 warrants in the open market
for total consideration of $3,808 under a Board authorized plan.
During second and third quarters of 2010, the Company amended the earnout agreements with the
following subsidiaries: Kaixiang Advertising Co., Ltd, Wanshuizhiyuan Advertising Co., Ltd,
Shanghai Haiya Advertising Co., Ltd, Shanghai Botang Advertising Co., Ltd, Wenzhou Rigao
Advertising Co., Ltd., Wuxi Ruizhong Advertising Co., Ltd and Shenyang Jingli Advertising Co.,
Ltd. The amended earnout agreements provide for the extension of the time period by one to more
than two years for required cash and stock payments. The amended earnout agreements also provided
for the extension of the employment agreements of certain key members of management of these
subsidiaries.
On April 22, 2010, the Company received a notice from the NYSE Amex LLC (Amex), indicating that
it was not in compliance with Amexs continued listing criteria because the Company did not timely
file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. On May 5, 2010, the
Company submitted to Amex an initial Plan of Compliance, setting forth actions the Company had
taken and would take to bring the Company into compliance. On May 25, 2010, the Company received a
notice from Amex, indicating that it was not in compliance with Amexs continued listing criteria
because the Company did not timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
March 31, 2010. On June 8, 2010, the Company submitted to Amex a supplemental plan of compliance,
setting forth actions the Company had taken and would take to bring the Company into compliance.
Amex initial accepted the Companys Plan of Compliance, as supplemented, on June 22, 2010 and has
extended the deadline for compliance such that, at present, the Companys filing of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K on or before October 15, 2010 and the Companys filing of its first quarter
Form 10-Q on or before November 15, 2010 will bring the Company into compliance with the standards
set forth in Amex delinquency notices. On October 13, 2010, the Company amended its Plan of
Compliance and requested an additional extension to file the Form 10-K by October 29, 2010 and the
2010 first quarter Form 10-Q to December 15, 2010. These requests were approved by Amex on October
21, 2010.
On June 26, 2010, the Company completed its acquisition of Zhejiang Continental Advertising Co.,
Ltd. (Continental) in a combination cash and stock transaction. The stock component of the
transaction is expected to be paid in 2012, based on Continentals 2011 financial performance and
the Companys 2012 stock price.
Subsequent
to December 31, 2009, the Group has been involved in various legal
proceedings for operational claims, the Group is still evaluating the
impact of these case since most all still in process and the outcome of which
cannot be determined. Included in these proceedings are the following:
|
|
A complaint was filed on June 23, 2010 by an ex-owner of Xinshichuang claimed for unpaid
acquisition considerations and other expenses of approximately $1.3 million. The Company has
vigorously contested such claim and we believe such claim does not have merit.
|
|
|
A shareholder complaint was filed on September 13, 2010 by Sid Murdeshwar against the Company and
each of the Companys directors (the Individual Defendants) as a purported class action on behalf
of the Companys shareholders in the United States District Court for the Central District of
California. The case was filed under the caption Sid Murdeshwar, Individually and on Behalf of All
Others Similarly Situated, Plaintiff v. SearchMedia Holdings Limited f/k/a Ideation Acquisition
Corp., Robert N. Fried, Phillip Frost, Rao Uppaluri, Steven D. Rubin, Glenn Halpryn, Thomas E.
Beier, David H. Moskowitz, Shawn Gold, |
116
Garbo Lee, Paul Conway, Qinying Liu, Earl Yen, and Jennifer Huang, Defendants. The complaint
alleges, among other things, that the Companys directors violated the federal securities laws by
making false and misleading statements regarding Ideations acquisition of the target company,
SearchMedia International and by overstating SearchMedia Internationals financial results. The
complaint further alleges that the Individual Defendants are liable for the alleged
misrepresentations as controlling persons. The complaint seeks certification of a class of the
Companys shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired SearchMedia Holdings securities between April 1, 2009 to April 20, 2010, an award of compensatory damages, an award of reasonable fees and costs
incurred in this action, and such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.
During 2010, 545,000 options and 100,000 restricted shares were granted to senior executives of the
Company with the options vest one-third annually over a three year period and the shares of
restricted stock vest on the third year anniversary of the date of grant. A total of 225,000
options were also granted to Board members with vesting one year from the date of grant.
In August 2010, subject to stockholder approval, the Board approved an increase of the number of
authorized shares to be awarded under 2008 Plan from 1,796,492 shares to 3,000,000 shares which may
be granted to designated employees, directors and consultants of the Company.
117
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.(T) CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by a registrant in reports filed or furnished under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) is properly recorded, processed, summarized,
and reported, within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms. Disclosure controls
and procedures include processes to accumulate and evaluate relevant information and communicate
such information to the registrants management, including its principal executive officer and
principal officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, we evaluated the effectiveness of
the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2009. This
evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. As described below,
under Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, material weaknesses were
identified in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. Based on the
evaluation described above, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have
concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective
to ensure (1) that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit
under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods
specified in the SECs rules and forms, and (2) that information required to be disclosed by us in
our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our
management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons
performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial
reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial
reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in
judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting
also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such
limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a
timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are
known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the
process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
A material weakness in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Auditing Standard
No. 2 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) is a significant deficiency in internal
control over financial reporting, or combination of significant deficiencies, that results in more
than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements
will not be prevented or detected. A significant deficiency is a control deficiency, or
combination of control deficiencies, that adversely affects a companys ability to initiate,
authorize, record, process, or report external financial data reliably in accordance with GAAP such
that there is more than a remote likelihood that a misstatement of the companys annual or interim
financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not be prevented or detected.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2009, using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. In
118
assessing the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2009, management identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting
relating to the following:
|
|
|
Revenue recognition and accounts receivable; |
|
|
|
|
Disclosure, approval, and documentation of transactions among entities related to
prior owners of acquired subsidiaries (which we refer to as related entity
transactions); |
|
|
|
|
Proper documentation of transactions; |
|
|
|
|
Recording of various erroneous transactions by certain employees; |
|
|
|
|
Recording of certain assets and other accounting irregularities related to
acquisitions; |
|
|
|
|
Procedures related to diligence and approval of transactions; and |
|
|
|
|
Confirmation of payments related to acquisitions. |
As a
result of this analysis, we identified an overstatement of
approximately $47.0 million in
SearchMedia Internationals previously reported revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008. On a
restated basis, our net loss was $35.1 million in 2008. Restated total assets were $49.7 million
in 2008.
As a result of the material weaknesses described above, our management concluded that we did not
maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the
criteria established by COSO.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
quarter ended December 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
However, based on the recommendations of our Chief Financial Officer, the Audit Committee of our
Board has approved and adopted the following remediation plan to address the material weaknesses in
our internal control over financial reporting described above under Managements Report on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:
|
1. |
|
Improvement of Accounting Systems |
|
|
|
The Company has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer, and will hire more
qualified accountants at its corporate offices and subsidiary locations. |
|
|
|
|
The Company will identify key control points for continuous monitoring of and
design effective controls for each business cycle, particularly with regard to
revenues/accounts receivable and expenses/accounts payable. |
|
|
|
|
The Company is updating an accounting systems user manual and providing
training to all relevant employees. |
|
|
|
|
The Company will implement a single accounting software across the group,
which will include electronic ledgers at all subsidiary locations. |
|
|
|
|
The Company is undertaking a review of group accounting systems and business
processes and identifying financial information needs for internal and external
purposes. That review is in conjunction with the implementation of applicable
SOX documentation and compliance at year ending
December 31, 2010. |
119
|
|
|
The Company is reviewing current accounting guidelines and policies across
the group and undertaking additional training of accounting staff at its
corporate office and at subsidiary locations. |
|
|
|
|
The Company will implement a standardized Chart of Account across the group,
which will assist with identifying the nature of transactions to improve
accuracy and efficiency of financial information. |
|
|
|
|
The Company has formalized the closing schedule and policies to comply with
appropriate timing of financial reporting obligations. |
|
2. |
|
Retention of detailed records in relation to fungible financial instruments. |
|
|
3. |
|
Training on United States financial reporting requirements for management and
accounting staff. |
|
|
|
The Company is working with legal counsel and external consultants to develop
a complete set of written compliance policies and provide regular tailored
training to relevant senior management on following issues: |
|
o |
|
Fiduciary duties of officers and directors; |
|
|
o |
|
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act risks; |
|
|
o |
|
Insider trading (adopted December 2009; communicated March 2010); |
|
|
o |
|
Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (adopted and communicated March 2010); |
|
|
o |
|
Sarbanes Oxley and importance of accurate financial
statements with focus on China-related accounting risks; |
|
|
o |
|
Third party whistleblower (established during
2010). |
|
4. |
|
Systemization of relationships with suppliers and customers. |
|
|
|
The Company will improve repository of documentation to support supplier and
client contracts and undertake the following: |
|
o |
|
Centralize and maintain a database of clients and
vendors by upgrading current server; |
|
|
o |
|
Strengthen contract review and authorization
processes; |
|
|
o |
|
Revise internal contracts review and authorization
policy (implemented March 2010); |
|
|
o |
|
Implementation of a policy and guidelines for
barter transactions, including documentation of barter transactions and
system to record utilization of bartered assets; |
|
|
o |
|
Implementation of checklists of documentation that
must be provided and filed for each material contract; |
120
|
o |
|
Strengthen advertising monitoring reports system and obtain clients feedback; |
|
|
o |
|
Continue regular updating of business intelligence on counterparties. |
|
|
|
The Company will improve management of sales contracts and accounts
receivable by implementing the following measures: |
|
o |
|
Update accounts receivable credit policy and
conduct regular bad debt reviews and evaluation of provisions; |
|
|
o |
|
Improve and ensure effective implementation of
aging analysis and collection reports; |
|
|
o |
|
Link customer management and accounts receivables
to sales commission policy; |
|
|
o |
|
The Company is considering commissioning selective
periodic independent confirmations to confirm that advertisements have
been placed in accordance with agreements, particularly in connection
with high value sales where the client is not an 4A company. |
|
|
|
The Company will improve management of vendor contracts and accounts payable
by implementing the following measures: |
|
o |
|
Contract bidding and approval processes; |
|
|
o |
|
Maintain detailed records in relation to fungible financial instruments; |
|
|
o |
|
Accounts payable and payment policies (adopted and
communicated March 2010). |
|
5. |
|
Upgrade of control policies and procedures |
|
|
|
The Company will implement appropriate policies and procedures to ensure that
appropriate internal controls and reporting functions operate effectively. |
|
|
|
|
The Company has reviewed current related party-transactions and will
strengthen internal policies and controls in order to eliminate conflicts of
interest. |
|
|
|
|
The Company will implement the following measures: |
|
o |
|
Clarify and mitigate related-party issues, identify
and implement control points for each process, including requiring
divestment of shareholders personal interests where appropriate; |
|
|
o |
|
Improve transparency of financial reporting procedures; |
|
|
o |
|
Increase internal controls, in particular regarding company cash. |
We have already begun instituting this remediation plan. The Audit Committee is committed to
further refinement and improvement of this plan.
121
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public
accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report was not
subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary
rules of the Commission that permit us to provide only managements report in this annual report.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
On October 29, 2010, the roles and responsibilities of Jennifer Huang were changed from Chief
Operating Officer to Director of Business Development.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Directors
The following table sets forth the names and ages of our directors, each of whom has served as a
director since the Business Combination.
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
Robert Fried |
|
51 |
|
|
|
Qinying Liu |
|
48 |
|
|
|
Steven D. Rubin |
|
50 |
|
|
|
Earl Yen |
|
43 |
|
|
|
Jianzhong Qu |
|
35 |
|
|
|
Xiaoming Lu |
|
49 |
|
|
|
Glenn Halpryn |
|
50 |
|
|
|
Chi-Chuan Chen |
|
52 |
The following additional information is provided for each of the directors listed above.
Mr. Robert Fried has served as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors since the Business Combination
in October 2009. Mr. Fried served as the President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the
board of directors of Ideation from November 2007 to October 2009. Mr. Fried is a digital media
entrepreneur and accomplished film producer. Since 1990, Mr. Fried has served as President of Fried
Films, a motion picture production company he founded in 1990. Mr. Fried has produced or served as
executive producer for 15 films, including Rudy, The Boondock Saints, Man of the Year and
Collateral. Mr. Fried won an Academy Award for the Live Action Short Film Session Man. Mr.
Fried has founded several digital media companies including Spirit EMX, parent of spiritclips.com,
a popular internet-based inspirational content company for which Mr. Fried presently serves as CEO;
and WhatsHotNow.com, for which Mr. Fried served as Chief Executive Officer from July 1999 until
June 2001. From December 1994 until June 1996, Mr. Fried was President and Chief Executive Officer
of Savoy Pictures, a unit of Savoy Pictures Entertainment, Inc. Savoy Pictures Entertainment was
sold to Silver King Communications, which is now a part of InterActive Corp, in 1996. From 1983 to
1990, Mr. Fried held several executive positions including Executive Vice President in charge of
Production for Columbia Pictures,
122
Director of Film Finance and Special Projects for Columbia Pictures and Director of Business
Development at Twentieth Century Fox. Mr. Fried holds an M.S. from Cornell University and an M.B.A.
from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.
Mr. Fried brings entrepreneurial, leadership and digital media experience to the board of
directors. Mr. Frieds experience as an executive producer and executive officer in media related
industries provides broad understanding and expertise that strengthens the board of directors
collective knowledge, capabilities and experience.
Ms. Qinying Liu has served as Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors since the Business Combination
in October 2009. Ms. Liu is a co-founder of Jieli Consulting and previously served as the chairman
of SearchMedia International. She has also been the general manager of Shanghai Lifang Trading Co.,
Ltd since 2004, a Chinese trading company. Before the founding of Jieli Consulting, she was
chairman of Sige from 2004 to November 2007 and Shanghai Qinjun from 2003 to June 2008. She also
served as chief representative of the Shanghai Office of GETA Company, a Germany special power
tools manufactory from 1993 to 2000. Ms. Liu received her masters degree in media and
communication from Renmin University of China. She obtained her bachelors degree in chemistry from
East China University of Science and Technology.
Ms. Liu brings multi-platform media industry experience to the board of directors. Ms. Liu is also
a founder of SearchMedia International.
Mr. Steven D. Rubin has served as a member of the Board of Directors since the Business Combination
in October 2009. Mr. Rubin served as the Secretary of Ideation from June 2007 to October 2009. Mr.
Rubin has served as Executive Vice President-Administration and as a director of Opko Health, Inc.
since March 2007. He is also a member of The Frost Group. Mr. Rubin served as the Senior Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary of IVAX Corporation from August 2001 until September 2006.
Before joining IVAX, from January 2000 to August 2001, Mr. Rubin served as the Senior Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary of privately-held Telergy, Inc., a provider of business
telecommunications and diverse optical network solutions. He was with the Miami law firm of Stearns
Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson from 1986 until 2000, in the Corporate and Securities
Department. Mr. Rubin was a shareholder of that firm from 1991 until 2000 and a director from 1998
until 2000. Mr. Rubin currently serves on the board of directors of Dreams, Inc., a
vertically-integrated sports products company, PROLOR Biotech, Inc., a development stage
biopharmaceutical company, SafeStitch Medical, Inc., a medical device company, Kidville, Inc.,
which operates upscale learning and play facilities children, Non-Invasive Monitoring Systems,
Inc., a medical device company, Cardo Medical, Inc., a producer and distributor of orthopedic and
spinal medical devices, Neovasc, Inc., a company developing and marketing medical specialty
vascular devices, and Castle Brands, Inc., a NYSE Amex-listed developer and marketer of premium
brand spirits. Mr. Rubin holds a B.A. in Economics from Tulane University and a J.D. from the
University of Florida.
Mr. Rubin brings leadership, business and legal experience to the board of directors. Mr. Rubin
has advised companies in several aspects of business, transactional, and legal affairs for more
than 23 years. His experience as a practicing lawyer, general counsel, and board member to
multiple public companies has given him broad understanding and expertise, particularly relating to
strategic planning and acquisitions.
Mr. Earl Yen has served as a member of the Board of Directors since the Business Combination in
October 2009. Mr. Yen previously served as the vice chairman of the board of SearchMedia
International. He is the founder and managing director of CSV Capital Partners, a China-focused
private equity firm he co-founded in 2004. He currently also serves on the boards of CDP Group,
Tidalwave Technology, and Woodcycling. Prior to founding CSV, Mr. Yen was an investment banker with
Citigroup from 2002 to 2004, and with Bear Stearns from 1988 to 1991 and 1994 to 2000. He
previously worked at HarbourVest Partners, an alternative investment management firm, from 1991 to
1994. Mr. Yen received a masters degree in management science from the MIT Sloan School of
Management and bachelors degrees in electrical engineering and management from the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology.
123
Mr. Yen brings investment banking experience to the board of directors. Mr. Yens experience as a
board member to multiple companies and his financial background provide knowledge and experience to
the board of directors.
Mr. Jianzhong Qu has served as a member of the Board of Directors since the Business Combination in
October 2009. He is a principal of CSV Capital Partners, where he has worked since 2005 and is
responsible for sourcing and managing private equity investments in the technology, media, retail,
services, and telecommunications sectors of China. He currently also serves as a director of
Imagine Games. From 1997 to 1999, Mr. Qu worked as an engineer at the Department of Engineering of
Shanghai Posts and Telecommunications Administration. Mr. Qu holds a Master in Operations Research
from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor in Engineer from Shanghai Jiaotong University.
Mr. Qu brings financial knowledge to the board of directors. Mr. Qus experience in media and
other related industries allows him to bring strategic insight to the board of directors.
Dr. Xiaoming (Larry) Lu has served as a member of the Board of Directors since the Business
Combination in October 2009. From 2004 to 2008, Dr. Lu was a director of China Investment Banking
at Citigroup. From 2001 to 2004, he worked as a senior analyst of the Research Department at Guotai
Junan Securities. From 2000 to 2001, he was the managing director of the International Business
Department at the same company. From 1999 to 2000, Dr. Lu worked as an economic analyst at Lehman
Brothers Inc. in New York. Earlier in his career, from 1987 to 1990, Dr. Lu worked as an economist
at the State Information Center of the State Planning Commission of the PRC. Dr. Lu holds a Ph.D.
in Management from Queens University of Canada, a Master of Arts in Economics from York University
of Canada, another Master of Arts in Economics Modeling from Peoples University of China and a
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics from Peking University of China.
Dr. Lu brings investment banking experience to the board of directors. Dr. Lus experience as an
economist and analyst provide knowledge, experience and insight to the board of directors.
Mr. Glenn Halpryn has served as a member of the Board of Directors since the Business Combination
in October 2009 and served as a director of Ideation from December 2008 to October 2009. Since
August 2010, Mr. Halpryn has served as a Director of ChromaDex Corporation, a public company that
along with its subsidiaries supply phytochemical reference standards and reference materials,
related contract services, and products for the dietary supplement, nutraceutical, food and
beverage, functional food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets. Mr. Halpryn serves as Chairman of
the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and has served on the Audit Committee of
ChromaDex Corporation since May 2010. Since April 2010, Mr. Halpryn has served as a Director of
CDSI Holdings, Inc., a public shell company seeking new business opportunities. Mr. Halpryn has
been the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Transworld Investment Corporation, a private
investment company, since June 2001. Mr. Halpryn also currently serves as a Director of Sorrento
Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company and Castle Brands Inc., a developer and international
marketer of premium branded spirits. From September 2008 until May 2010, Mr. Halpryn served as a
Director of Winston Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical company specializing in skin creams and
pain medications. From October 2002 to September 2008, Mr. Halpryn served as a Director of Ivax
Diagnostics, Inc. Mr. Halpryn served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer of Orthodontix, Inc. (now Protalix Bio Therapeutics, Inc.) from April 2001 to December
2006. From April 1988 to June 1998, Mr. Halpryn was Vice Chairman of Central Bank, a Florida
state-chartered bank. Since June 1987, Mr. Halpryn has been the President of and a beneficial
holder of stock of United Security Corporation, a broker-dealer registered with FINRA.
Mr. Halpryn brings leadership and business experience to the board of directors. Mr. Halpryn has
advised companies in several aspects of business and transactional affairs. His experience as a
board member to multiple public companies has given him broad understanding and expertise.
124
Mr. Chi-Chuan (Frank) Chen has served as a member of the Board of Directors since the Business
Combination in October 2009. Mr. Chen is a Vice President and Special Assistant to the Chief
Executive Officer at Ruentex Group. He has served in the Investment Management Department at
Ruentex Group since 1987. Mr. Chen holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and an MBA from National
Taiwan University.
Mr. Chen brings investment management experience to the board of directors. Mr. Chens 23 years of
experience in the investment management department of Ruentex Group provides broad knowledge,
experience and insights to the board of directors.
Executive Officers
The following individuals are our current executive officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
Paul Conway
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
Wilfred Chow
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Garbo Lee
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
President |
All officers serve until they resign or are replaced or renamed at the discretion of the Board of
Directors.
The following additional information is provided for our current executive officers.
Paul Conway has served as our Chief Executive Officer since February 2010. From 1998 through
January 2010, Mr. Conway worked at Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., where he served as Managing Director of
Media Investment Banking from January 2009 to January 2010, as Executive Director of Media
Investment Banking from January 2006 to January 2009, and as Director of Media Investment Banking
from January 2003 to January 2006.
Mr. Wilfred Chow has served as our Chief Financial Officer since January 2010. From April 2006
through December 2009, Mr. Chow was Senior Vice President of American Oriental Bioengineering, a
pharmaceutical company, and from January 2005 through March 2006, Mr. Chow was a financial
consultant with PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
Ms. Garbo Lee has served as our President since the Business Combination in October 2009. Ms. Lee
served as the president of SearchMedia International from March 2009 to October 2009. Prior to
that, she was the chief operating officer of SearchMedia International. Ms. Lee has over 24 years
of experience in the advertising industry. Prior to joining SearchMedia International, Ms. Lee was
a general manager of Sony BMG Music Entertainment (PRC) Inc., a Chinese music marketing and
distribution company under Sony BMG Music Entertainment, a global recorded music joint venture
headquartered in the New York City, from 2005 to 2007. She served as general manager of Coming Age
Communication Co. Ltd., a China-based integrated marketing company, from 2002 to 2004. From 2000 to
2002, she worked as managing director and vice president of Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB) Shanghai, an
advertising and integrated marketing company under Omnicom Group in China. From 1984 to 2000, Ms.
Lee worked for various companies under WPP Group. Ms. Lee received her bachelors degree in arts
from International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan.
125
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), requires
certain of our officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of our
Common Stock to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NYSE Amex initial reports
of beneficial ownership of the Common Stock on Form 3 and reports of changes in beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock on Form 4 or Form 5. Such persons are also required to furnish us
with copies of all such reports filed. Based solely on our review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and
amendments thereto furnished to us, as well as any written representations furnished to us that no
other reports were required, we believe that, during Fiscal 2009, all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to such persons were timely filed, except that (i) Deutsche Bank AG, a ten
percent stockholder, filed one report on Form 3 late, representing its initial statement of
beneficial ownership occurring in October 2009, (ii) Phillip Frost MD ET AL, a ten percent
stockholder, filed two reports on Form 4 late, representing four transactions occurring in June
2009 and one transaction occurring in October 2009, (iii) Glenn Halpryn, a director, filed one
report on Form 4 late and subsequently amended the report on Form 4/A representing one transaction
occurring in October 2009, and (iv) David Moskowitz, a director, filed one report on Form 4 late,
representing five transactions occurring in April 2009.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to our directors, officers and employees including our
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of our
Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.searchmediaholdings.com. We intend to
post amendments to or waivers from our Code of Ethics (to the extent applicable to our Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or principal accounting officer or to our directors) on
our website. Our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Audit Committee Members and Financial Expert
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee. The Audit Committee currently consists
of Glenn Halpryn (Chair) and Chi-Chuan Chen. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr.
Halpryn meets the attributes of an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC
regulations and is independent within the meaning of the listing standards of NYSE Amex and
applicable SEC regulations. Xiaoming Lu served on the Audit Committee from December 2009 to August
2010.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Compensation of Named Executive Officers
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth certain summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued
by us to or on behalf of the executive officers listed below (the Named Executive Officers) for
the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. Our current Chief Executive Officer, Paul
Conway, began serving in that capacity in February 2010 and was not employed by us during Fiscal
2009. Our current Chief Financial Officer, Wilfred Chow, began serving in that capacity in January
2010 and was not employed by us during Fiscal 2009.
126
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
Fiscal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Awards (4) |
|
Awards (4) |
|
Compensation |
|
Earnings |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Garbo Lee, President (1) |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
$ |
106,615 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
22,800 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
129,415 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
122,891 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
600 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
123,491 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jennifer Huang, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
$ |
120,088 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
44,080 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
164,168 |
|
Former Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer (2) |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
93,765 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
76,800 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
170,565 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert N. Fried, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
12,500 |
(5) |
|
$ |
12,500 |
|
Former Chief Executive Officer of Ideation (3) (5) |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
From March 2009 to October 30, 2009, prior to our merger, Ms. Lee served as
President of SearchMedia International. Immediately after the merger, Ms. Lee served as
President of the post-merger company. While serving as President of SearchMedia International
in 2009, Ms. Lee was paid a salary of RMB 70,000 per month. |
|
(2) |
|
From April 2008 to July 2009, Ms. Huang served as the Chief Financial Officer of
SearchMedia International. From July 2009 to October 30, 2009, prior to our merger, Ms. Huang
served as the Chief Operating Officer of SearchMedia International. Immediately after the
merger, Ms. Huang served as Chief Operating Officer. While serving as Chief Operating Officer
of SearchMedia International in 2009, Ms. Huang was paid a salary of RMB 75,000 per month. Ms. Huang served as acting Chief Financial Officer from October 2009
to January 2010, as Chief Operating Officer from October 2009 to October 2010, and currently serves as Director of Business Development. |
|
(3) |
|
Mr. Fried served as Chief Executive Officer of Ideation from November 2007 until the
Business Combination. |
|
(4) |
|
Computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. |
|
(5) |
|
Represents fees paid in connection with a consulting agreement between SearchMedia
Holdings and Mr. Fried effective November 1, 2009. |
Employment Agreements with Executive Officers
SearchMedia Holdings has agreements with certain executive officers. The employment agreements for
Paul Conway and Wilfred Chow are described below. SearchMedia Holdings entered into labor
contracts with Garbo Lee and Jennifer Huang pursuant to PRC law.
Paul Conway
Effective February 1, 2010, SearchMedia Holdings and Mr. Paul Conway entered into the executive
employment agreement pursuant to which Mr. Conway will serve as the Chief Executive Officer. The
term of the agreement is for three years and the agreement will be automatically extended for
successive one-year terms unless either party gives written notice to the other party to terminate
the agreement. The Company also agreed to appoint Mr. Conway to the board of directors prior to
February 1, 2011.
Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Conway will receive an annual salary of US $250,000, subject to
annual review by the board of directors. Mr. Conway is also entitled to expense reimbursement of up
to US $50,000 for certain
127
expenses related to, among other things, relocation, housing, education and insurance. On February
1, 2010, Mr. Conway was granted (i) options to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock, the initial
option grant, which vest one-third annually on the anniversary of the date of grant, with an
exercise price equal to the Companys closing price on the date of grant, and (ii) 100,000
restricted shares, the initial restricted share grant, which vest on the three-year anniversary of
the date of grant.
In the event SearchMedia Holdings terminates Mr. Conway without cause or Mr. Conway terminates his
employment for good reason (as described in the agreement), (i) Mr. Conway will receive salary
continuation equal to six months salary if such termination occurred prior to February 1, 2011,
salary continuation equal to nine months salary and the vesting of 33,333 restricted shares from
the initial restricted share grant if such termination occurs between February 1, 2011 and February
1, 2012, and salary continuation equal to nine months salary and the vesting of 66,666 restricted
shares from the initial restricted share grant if such termination occurs after February 1, 2012,
and (ii) those options in the initial option grant that would have vested during the applicable
severance period shall vest and be exercisable.
The agreement also contains other customary provisions, including provisions relating to
non-solicitation, non-compete, confidentiality and compliance with Sections 409A and 457A of the
Internal Revenue Code. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the agreement, upon the occurrence of
a change in control (as defined in the agreement), all unvested options from the initial grant and
unvested restricted shares from the initial restricted share grant will become vested and fully
exercisable.
Wilfred Chow
Effective January 4, 2010, SearchMedia Holdings and Mr. Wilfred Chow entered into the executive
employment agreement pursuant to which Mr. Chow will serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the
Company. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Chow will receive an annual salary of US $200,000, subject
to annual review by the board of directors. Mr. Chow is also entitled to expense reimbursement of
up to US $25,000 for certain expenses related to, among other things, relocation, housing,
education and insurance. On January 4, 2010, Mr. Chow was granted options to purchase 225,000
shares of common stock, the initial grant, which vest one-third annually on the anniversary of the
date of grant, with an exercise price at the closing price on the date of grant. The term of the
agreement is for three years and the agreement will be automatically extended for successive
one-year terms unless either party gives written notice to the other party to terminate the
agreement no less than 60 days, and no more than 120 days prior, to the expiration of the
then-current term. On August 20, 2010, Mr. Chow agreed to cancel his January 4, 2010 grant and,
upon cancellation, Mr. Chow was issued an option to purchase 225,000 shares of common stock, which
vest one-third annually on January 4, 2011, January 4, 2012 and January 4, 2013, with an exercise
price at the closing price on August 20, 2010. The Compensation Committee approved a $50,000 cash
bonus to Mr. Chow upon completion of the Companys 2009 audit and filing of Form 10-K, which shall
be payable if Mr. Chow remains employed with the Company on December 31, 2010.
In the event the Company terminates Mr. Chow without cause or Mr. Chow terminates his employment
for good reason (as described in the agreement), (i) Mr. Chow would receive severance equal to
three months salary if such termination occurred in his first year of employment and severance
equal to six months salary if such termination occurred after his first year of employment, and
(ii) those options in the initial grant that would have vested during the applicable severance
period shall vest and be exercisable.
The agreement also contains other customary provisions, including provisions relating to
non-solicitation, non-compete, confidentiality and compliance with Sections 409A and 457A of the
Internal Revenue Code. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the agreement, upon the occurrence of
a change in control (as defined in the agreement), all unvested options from the initial grant will
become vested and fully exercisable.
128
Garbo Lee
Effective December 7, 2007, Jieli
Consulting and Ms. Lee entered into the executive employment agreement pursuant to which Ms.
Lee served as the Chief Operating Officer and received a monthly salary of RMB 45,000 and a
monthly housing allowance of up to RMB 15,000. Effective December 12, 2009, upon the
expiration of the Jileli Consulting employment agreement, Ad-Icon Shanghai and Ms. Lee
entered into the executive employment agreement pursuant to which Ms. Lee served as
the President and received a monthly salary of RMB 45,000 and was also entitled to
housing allowance of up to RMB 15,000. On January 11, 2010, the salary for Ms. Lee
was adjusted upwards by the Compensation Committee to RMB 85,000 per month. Effective
September 1, 2010, Ms. Lees compensation was adjusted to a monthly salary of RMB 15,000,
and certain allowances of RMB 30,000 per month.
The Compensation Committee also
granted 20,000 stock options to Ms. Lee with an exercise price of SearchMedia Holdings
closing stock price on January 11, 2010. The stock options vest one-third annually beginning
on January 11, 2011 and expire January 11, 2020.
Ms. Lee may dissolve her employment
agreement provided that Ms. Lee informs us in written form 30 days in advance. We may
terminate Ms. Lees employment for cause, at any time, without remuneration, for certain
acts, including but not limited to, a conviction or plea of guilty to criminal offences,
negligent or dishonest acts caused to our detriment, or misconduct or a failure to perform
agreed duties. Ms. Lee also entered into a confidentiality agreement and non-compete agreement.
Jennifer Huang
Ms. Jennifer Huang currently serves as Director
of Business Development. Ms. Jennifer Huang served as our Chief Operating Officer from the Business Combination in
October 2009 until October 2010 and served as our Acting Chief Financial Officer from October 2009 to January 2010.
Ms. Huang served as the chief operating officer of SearchMedia International from July 2009 to
October 2009. Prior to that, Ms. Huang had been the chief financial officer of SearchMedia
International since April 2008.
Effective April 14, 2008 , Jieli Consulting and Ms. Huang entered into the executive employment
agreement pursuant to which Ms. Huang served as the Chief Financial Officer and received a monthly
salary of RMB50,000 and also entitled to housing allowance of up to RMB15,000. Ms. Huang may
dissolve her employment agreement provided that Ms. Huang informs Jieli Consulting in written form
30 days in advance. Jieli Consulting may terminate Ms. Huangs employment for cause, at any time,
without remuneration, for certain acts, including but not limited to, a conviction
or plea of guilty to criminal offences, negligent or dishonest acts caused to Jieli Consultings
detriment, or misconduct or a failure to perform agreed duties. Ms. Huang also entered into
confidentiality agreement and Non-compete agreement with Jieli Consulting.
On January 11, 2010, the salary for Ms. Huang was adjusted by the Compensation Committee. Ms.
Huangs salary was increased to RMB108,000 per month. In
October 2010, Ms. Huang became our Director of Business Development and no longer
serves as our Chief Operating Officer.
129
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2009
The following table sets forth certain information regarding equity-based awards held by the Named
Executive Officers as of December 31, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
plan |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
awards: |
|
incentive plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
unearned |
|
Market or |
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
value of |
|
shares, |
|
payout value |
|
|
securities |
|
securities |
|
securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares or |
|
shares or |
|
units or |
|
of unearned |
|
|
underlying |
|
underlying |
|
underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
units of |
|
units of |
|
other rights |
|
shares, units |
|
|
unexercised |
|
unexercised |
|
unexercised |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
stock that |
|
stock that |
|
that have |
|
or other rights |
|
|
options (#) |
|
options (#) |
|
unearned |
|
exercise |
|
expiration |
|
have not |
|
have not |
|
not vested |
|
that have not |
Name |
|
exercisable |
|
unexercisable |
|
options (#) |
|
price ($) |
|
date |
|
vested (#) |
|
vested ($) |
|
(#) |
|
vested ($) |
|
Garbo Lee, President |
|
|
20,262 |
|
|
|
20,262 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7.8815 |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
|
|
20,262 |
|
|
$ |
147,913 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jennifer Huang,
Former Chief Operating
Officer and Acting
Chief Financial
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,172 |
(2) |
|
$ |
285,956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert N. Fried,
Former Chief
Executive Officer of Ideation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Expires on the earlier of (a) one year following termination of Ms. Lees
service by reason of death or disability; (b) 90 days following termination of service of Ms.
Lees service by reason other than death or disability or for cause; or (c) January 1, 2018. |
|
(2) |
|
As of April 30, 2010, all restricted share awards are fully vested but remain
unissued. |
Compensation of Directors
Our Compensation Committee recommends director compensation to the board of directors. No
compensation was paid to any SearchMedia Holdings directors for services rendered prior to the
Business Combination; however, certain individuals were reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in connection with activities on the companys behalf. From January 1, 2009 to October
30, 2009, no fees were paid to the non-employee members of the board of directors. Beginning on
October 30, 2009, the non-employee members of the board of directors receive an annual cash fee of
$20,000 that is payable per quarter. The committee chairmen receive an additional $5,000 annual
fee. Except for Mr. Fried and Mr. Rubin, each non-employee member of the board of directors was
granted 25,000 stock options which fully vest on January 11, 2011 and which expire January 11,
2020. Mr. Fried and Mr. Rubin were granted 50,000 stock options, which fully vest on January 11,
2011 and which expire on January 11, 2011.
Director Compensation Fiscal 2009
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation paid to our
non-employee directors for their service during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
130
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid in |
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name |
|
Cash(1) |
|
Stock Awards |
|
Awards(2) |
|
Compensation |
|
Earnings |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
|
Chi-Chuan Chen |
|
$ |
3,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,334 |
|
Robert Fried |
|
$ |
3,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,334 |
|
Glenn Halpryn |
|
$ |
4,167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,167 |
|
Larry Lu |
|
$ |
3,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,334 |
|
Jianzhong Qu |
|
$ |
3,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,334 |
|
Steven Rubin |
|
$ |
3,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,334 |
|
Earl Yen |
|
$ |
4,167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,167 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Beginning on October 30, 2009, non-employee members of the board of
directors are paid an annual cash fee of $20,000 payable per quarter. Committee chairmen
receive an additional annual fee of $5,000. |
|
(2) |
|
No options were granted to non-employee directors during fiscal year 2009. |
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The
following table sets forth certain information as of October 9, 2010
concerning the beneficial ownership of the ordinary shares by (i) each person known by us to be the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding ordinary shares, (ii) each of our current
directors, (iii) each Named Executive Officer (as defined on
page 126), and (iv) all of our current
executive officers and directors as a group. Unless indicated below, all holders listed below have
sole voting power and investment power over the shares beneficially owned by them. Unless noted
otherwise, the address of each person listed below is 15A Zhao Feng Universe Building, 1800 Zhong
Shan Xi Lu, Shanghai, China 200235.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Class of |
|
|
Ordinary Shares |
|
Ordinary Shares |
Beneficial Owner |
|
Beneficially Owned (1) |
|
Beneficially Owned (%) |
Officers and Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qinying Liu (2) |
|
|
964,085 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
% |
Robert N. Fried(3) |
|
|
1,227,465 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
% |
Steven D. Rubin(4) |
|
|
310,500 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
% |
Earl Yen (5) |
|
|
2,445,083 |
|
|
|
11.8 |
% |
Jianzhong Qu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Larry Lu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Glenn Halpryn (6) |
|
|
15,860 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Chi-Chuan Chen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Garbo Lee(7) |
|
|
30,389 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Jennifer Huang(8) |
|
|
84,871 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Paul Conway |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Wilfred Chow |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
All
directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons) |
|
|
4,993,382 |
|
|
|
23.17 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5% Holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Phillip Frost, M.D. (9) |
|
|
5,113,169 |
|
|
|
21.8 |
% |
Deutsche Bank AG, HK Branch(10) |
|
|
2,399,995 |
|
|
|
11.6 |
% |
China Seed Ventures, L.P.(11) |
|
|
2,445,083 |
|
|
|
11.8 |
% |
131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Class of |
|
|
Ordinary Shares |
|
Ordinary Shares |
Beneficial Owner |
|
Beneficially Owned (1) |
|
Beneficially Owned (%) |
Linden Ventures II(12) |
|
|
1,982,820 |
|
|
|
9.5 |
% |
Pine River Capital Management L.P. (13) |
|
|
1,180,350 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
The person beneficially owns less than 1% of SearchMedia Holdings
outstanding common shares. |
|
(1) |
|
Based on 20,766,078 shares outstanding as of October 5, 2010. |
|
(2) |
|
Excludes 600,000 ordinary shares issuable to Mrs. Lius husband
converted at the exchange ratio (0.0675374) and 40,522 ordinary
shares beneficially owned by Mrs. Lius husband. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes exercisable warrants to purchase 593,793 ordinary shares. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes exercisable warrants to purchase 153,000 ordinary shares. |
|
(5) |
|
Consists of ordinary shares and warrants beneficially owned by
China Seed Ventures, which may be deemed beneficially owned by Mr.
Yen. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes ordinary shares and exercisable warrants to purchase 3,172
ordinary shares beneficially owned by Halpryn Capital Partners LLC. |
|
(7) |
|
Consists of options to purchase 30,389 ordinary shares. |
|
(8) |
|
Consists of 81,046 vested restricted shares awards units and
exercisable warrants to purchase 3,825 ordinary shares. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes exercisable warrants to purchase 2,626,434 ordinary
shares. The business address of Dr. Frost, M.D. is 4400 Biscayne
Blvd., Suite 1500, Miami, FL 33137. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes exercisable warrants to purchase 255,427 ordinary shares.
The business address of Deutsche Bank AG, HK Branch is
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 70, 60468 Frankfurt am Main, Federal Republic
of Germany. |
|
(11) |
|
Includes exercisable warrants to purchase 903,318 ordinary shares.
The business address of China See Ventures, L.P. is Room 104
Building 18, No. 800 Huashan Road, Shanghai, China. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes exercisable warrants to purchase 714,025 ordinary shares.
The business address of Linden Ventures II is C/O Appleby, 56 Admin
Drive, Wickhams Cay 1, PO Box 3190, Road Town, Tortola, British
Virgin Islands. |
|
(13) |
|
The business address of Pine River Capital Management L.P. is 601
Carlson Parkway Suite 330, Minnetonka, MN 55305. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table lists all securities authorized for issuance and outstanding under our equity
compensation plans at December 31, 2009:
132
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for future issuance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
under equity |
|
|
|
Number of securities to |
|
|
Weighted average |
|
|
compensation plans |
|
|
|
be issued upon exercise |
|
|
exercise price of |
|
|
(excluding |
|
Plan category |
|
of outstanding options |
|
|
outstanding options |
|
|
outstanding options) |
|
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
|
|
1,796,492 |
|
|
$ |
3.19 |
|
|
|
908,915 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,796,492 |
|
|
$ |
3.19 |
|
|
|
908,915 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
In August 2010, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the number of shares reserved
for issuance under the plan to 3,000,000 and such increase will be presented for shareholder
approval. |
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The Audit Committee reviews and approves transactions in which SearchMedia Holdings was or is to be
a participant, where the amount involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000 annually and any of our
directors, executive officers or their immediate family members had or will have a direct or
indirect material interest. We have a written policy stating that the Audit Committee is
responsible for reviewing and, if appropriate, approving or ratifying any related party
transactions. The related party transaction will not be approved unless at a minimum it is for our
benefit and is upon terms no less favorable to us than if the related party transaction was with an
unrelated third party.
Repayment of Non-Interest Bearing Loans
Frost Gamma Investments Trust, Robert N. Fried, Rao Uppaluri, Steven D. Rubin and Jane Hsiao loaned
a total of $200,000 to Ideation for the payment of offering expenses. The loans were non-interest
bearing and were repaid on November 26, 2007 out of the proceeds of Ideations IPO available to it
for payment of offering expenses.
Warrants
Immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination, The Frost Group, LLC and its
affiliates and other non-affiliates who acquired shares in satisfaction of the Sponsor Purchase
Commitment Amount were issued a warrant to purchase 0.25 of a SearchMedia Holdings share for each
such share purchased. The exercise price per whole SearchMedia Holdings share underlying such
warrants was $7.8815, and the aggregate number of shares underlying such warrants issued to any one
holder was rounded up to the nearest whole share. Such issuance was conditioned upon the execution
and delivery by such holder of a purchase agreement including customary registration rights.
133
Interim Financing
On March 19, 2009, SearchMedia International received interim financing of $1.75 million from Frost
Gamma Investments Trust, Robert Fried, Rao Uppaluri, and others, and interim financing of $1.75
million from CSV and members of SearchMedia Internationals management team. This financing was
requested by SearchMedia International in order to fund working capital until the closing of the
transactions contemplated by the share exchange agreement. The affiliates of Ideation set forth
above participated in such financing in order to show support for the transactions contemplated by
the share exchange agreement. Each interim note accrues interest at a rate of 12% per annum, which
rate shall increase to 20% per annum after the maturity date of such note. Each note was scheduled
to mature upon the earliest of: (i) the closing of a Series D financing by SearchMedia
International, (ii) the closing of the transactions contemplated by the share exchange agreement,
and (iii) the termination of the share exchange agreement. At the closing of the Business
Combination, the principal amount outstanding under certain promissory notes issued to each of
Frost Gamma Investments Trust and certain other investors was converted into (1) a number of
ordinary shares of SearchMedia Holdings calculated by dividing such holders outstanding principal
amount by $7.8815, rounding up to the nearest whole share, and (2) a number of warrants to purchase
0.25 of an ordinary share of SearchMedia Holdings, at an exercise price per such ordinary share of
$7.8815, equal to such number of SearchMedia Holdings ordinary shares, rounded up to the nearest
whole share.
Transactions with SearchMedia Internationals Shareholders, Senior Management Personnel and
Affiliated Entities of Companies Acquired by Shanghai Jingli
For the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, revenue of $3.2 million and $2.9
million, respectively, was recorded, which represents amounts received or receivable from
affiliated entities of senior management personnel of certain companies acquired by Shanghai Jingli
for SearchMedia Internationals provision of advertising services to such affiliated entities. As
of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, $1.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, was
receivable by SearchMedia International from such affiliated companies of certain companies
acquired by Shanghai Jingli for SearchMedia Internationals provision of advertising services to
these companies. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, expenses for leases
of advertising space of $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, were recorded, which represent
amounts paid or payable by SearchMedia International to the affiliated entities of senior
management personnel of certain companies acquired by Shanghai Jingli for leases of advertising
space from these affiliated entities.
As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, $3.0 million and $3.2 million, respectively, was due
from SearchMedia Internationals shareholders and senior management personnel of Shanghai Jinglis
acquired subsidiaries as payments collected on behalf of, but not yet remitted to, SearchMedia
International. As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, $0.1 million and $0.3 million,
respectively, was payable to SearchMedia International as advances made by SearchMedia
International to the senior management personnel of certain companies acquired by Shanghai Jingli.
As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, $1.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively, was
payable by SearchMedia International to the senior management personnel of certain companies
acquired by Shanghai Jingli as operating expenses paid on behalf of SearchMedia International by
such personnel.
As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, was
payable by SearchMedia International to affiliated companies of certain companies acquired by
Shanghai Jingli for leases of advertising space.
134
On June 23, 2009 pursuant to a repayment agreement between them and SearchMedia International, or
Repayment Agreement, Ms. Qinying Liu and Ms. Le Yang jointly and severally irrevocably agreed to
repay certain amounts owing by each of them to SearchMedia International, together with any other
amounts which SearchMedia International and its independent accountants determine are owing by them
to SearchMedia International after the date of the Repayment Agreement, in cash or immediately
available funds on or prior to the date that was ten business days before the closing of the
Business Combination. As of the date of the Repayment Agreement, the amount payable by Ms. Liu and
Ms. Yang to SearchMedia International was approximately $628,000.
In the event either of them failed to satisfy their respective repayment obligations, SearchMedia
International was entitled to repurchase shares in accordance with the Repayment Agreement. The
aggregate number of shares SearchMedia International could repurchase was equal to the quotient of
(i) the outstanding payables and other amounts owing under the Repayment Agreement and (ii)
US$0.5331. SearchMedia International repurchased 79,579 ordinary shares from the two shareholders
to settle shareholders loan due to the Company.
Share Incentives
2008 Employee Stock Incentive Plan. SearchMedia International adopted a 2008 share incentive plan,
or the plan, to attract and retain the best available personnel, provide additional incentives to
employees, directors and consultants, and promote the success of its business. The plan took effect
on January 1, 2008, the date it was approved by SearchMedia Internationals shareholders. As
amended, up to 1,796,492 ordinary shares have been reserved for issuance under the plan. As of
August 13, 2010, subject to shareholder approval, the board of directors voted to reserve 3,000,000
shares for issuance under the plan. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, SearchMedia
Holdings management personnel hold options and restricted share awards to purchase a total of
1,757,578 ordinary shares.
Plan Administration. SearchMedia Internationals board of directors, or a committee designated by
the board or directors, will administer the plan. The committee or the full board of directors, as
appropriate, will determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each award grant.
Types of Awards. The types of awards SearchMedia International may grant under the plan include
the following.
135
|
|
|
options to purchase SearchMedia Internationals ordinary shares; |
|
|
|
|
restricted shares, which represent non-transferable ordinary shares, that may be
subject to forfeiture, restrictions on transferability and other restrictions; and |
|
|
|
|
restricted share units, which represent the right to receive SearchMedia
Internationals ordinary shares at a specified date in the future, which may be subject
to forfeiture. |
Award Document. Awards granted under SearchMedia Internationals plan are each evidenced by an
award document that sets forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each grant, including the
exercise price, the number of shares to which the award pertains, the conditions upon which an
option will become vested and exercisable and other customary provisions.
Eligibility. SearchMedia International may grant awards to (i) its employees, directors and
consultants, and (ii) employees, directors and consultants of any of its parents or subsidiaries
and of any entity in which SearchMedia International or any of its parents or subsidiaries holds a
substantial ownership interest. Incentive share options may be granted to employees of SearchMedia
International, or any of its parents or subsidiaries, and may not be granted to employees of a
related entity or to independent directors or consultants.
Acceleration of Awards upon Change of Control and Corporate Transactions. Unless otherwise
provided in the award agreement: 1) the outstanding awards will accelerate by one year upon
occurrence of a change-of-control transaction where the successor entity does not convert, assume
or replace SearchMedia Internationals outstanding awards under the plan; 2) in the event of a
corporate transaction as defined in the plan, including certain amalgamations, arrangements,
consolidations or schemes of arrangement and the transfer of all or substantially all of the
companys assets, each outstanding award that is not assumed or replaced by the successor entity
will become fully vested and immediately exercisable provided that the related grantees continuous
service with SearchMedia International shall not be terminated before that date; and 3)
furthermore, in the event of a corporate transaction, each outstanding award that is assumed or
replaced by the successor entity will become fully vested and immediately exercisable immediately
upon termination of the participants employment or service within twelve (12) months of the
Corporate Transaction without cause.
Term of the Awards. The term of each award grant shall be stated in the award agreement, provided
that the term for an option shall not exceed ten years from the date of the grant, unless
shareholder approval is obtained for amending the plan to extend the exercise period for an option
beyond ten years from the date of the grant.
Vesting Schedule. In general, the plan administrator determines, or the award agreement specifies,
the vesting schedule.
Transfer Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided by the committee that administers the plan,
awards granted under the plan may not be assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of by the
award holders other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Termination and Amendment of the Plan. Unless terminated earlier, the plan will expire on, and no
award may be granted pursuant to the plan after, the tenth anniversary of its effective date. With
the approval of SearchMedia Internationals board of directors, the committee that administers the
plan may amend or terminate the plan, except that shareholder approval shall be obtained to the
extent necessary or desirable to comply with applicable laws or stock exchange rules, or for
amendments to the plan that increase the number of shares available under the plan, permit the
committee to extend the term of the plan or the exercise price of an option beyond ten years from
the date of grant or result in a material increase in benefits or a change in eligibility
requirements.
136
Historical Award Grants. As of the date of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, the number of ordinary
shares that may be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and restricted share awards
granted under the Plan is 1,757,578, including options to purchase 1,193,797 ordinary shares and
563,796 restricted share awards. Of these, a total of options to purchase 597,031 ordinary shares
were issued to SearchMedia Internationals management personnel in 2008, additional options to
purchase 111,437 ordinary shares were issued to SearchMedia Internationals management personnel
from January 2009 to September 2009. Of the total options grant, 266,097 options were subsequently
cancelled prior to the merger. The outstanding stock options granted in 2008 and 2009 have
exercise prices ranging from $0.0001 to $7.88 per share, vesting periods of three to four years and
a term of 10 years from the date of grant. In 2008 and 2009, 261,167 and 202,612 restricted share
awards, respectively, were issued to SearchMedia Internationals management personnel. Out of the
261,167 restricted share awards granted in 2008, 180,139 restricted share awards will vest
contingent upon the achievement of certain performance goals, and the remaining restricted share
awards will vest 50% after the first year of service and ratably each month over the remaining 12
months. Additional options to purchase 770,000 ordinary shares and 100,000 restricted share awards
were issued to SearchMedia Holdings management personnel after the merger.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors undertook a review of each directors independence in October 2010. During
this review, the Board of Directors considered transactions and relationships between each director
or any member of his or her immediate family and us and our subsidiaries and affiliates. The Board
of Directors also examined transactions and relationships between directors or their known
affiliates and members of our senior management or their known affiliates. The purpose of this
review was to determine whether any such relationships or transactions were inconsistent with a
determination that the director is independent under applicable laws and regulations and the NYSE
Amex listing standards. As a result of our review of the relationships of each of the members of
the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors affirmatively determined that a majority of our
directors, including Messrs. Fried, Rubin, Yen, Qu, Lu, Halpryn and Chen, are independent
directors within the meaning of the listing standards of NYSE Amex and applicable law.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The following table presents fees for professional services rendered by Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP, our independent
registered public accounting firm, for the audit of our annual financial statements, fees for
audit-related services, tax services and all other services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal |
|
|
Fiscal |
|
|
|
2009(1)(2) |
|
|
2008(1)(2) |
|
Audit fees |
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
(3) |
Audit related fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All other fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Does not include fees of KPMG. KPMG served as the auditor for SearchMedia International during Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2009. KPMGs fees during Fiscal 2009 consisted of $1,038,078 of audit fees and $30,900 of all other fees. KPMGs
fees during Fiscal 2008 consisted of $878,889 audit fees. On May 7, 2010, KPMG resigned as our
auditor. |
|
(2) |
|
Does not include fees of Rothstein, Kass & Company (Rothstein), Ideations independent
registered public accountant for Fiscal 2008 and 2009, through completion of the Business
Combination. Rothsteins fees during Fiscal 2008 consisted of $61,000. Rothsteins fees
during Fiscal 2009 consisted of $40,260. |
|
(3) |
|
Reflects fees paid to Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP in connection with the restatement of the consolidated financial statements of Search Media International as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008. |
137
All audit related services, tax services and other services were pre-approved by our Audit
Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by
Rothstein and KPMG were compatible with the
maintenance of that firms independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. Our Audit
Committee must review and pre-approve both audit and permitted non-audit services provided by the
independent registered public accounting firm and shall not engage the independent registered
public accounting firm to perform any non-audit services prohibited by law or regulation. At each
Audit Committee meeting, our Audit Committee receives updates on the services actually provided by
the independent registered public accounting firm, and management may present additional services
for pre-approval. Our Audit Committee has delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee the
authority to evaluate and approve engagements on behalf of the Audit Committee in the event that a
need arises for pre-approval between regular Audit Committee meetings. If the Chairman so approves
any such engagements, he will report that approval to the full Audit Committee at the next Audit
Committee meeting.
Each year, the independent registered public accounting firms retention to audit our
financial statements, including the associated fee, is approved by our Audit Committee before the
filing of the preceding years Annual Report on Form 10-K.
138
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) Financial Statements
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(3) Exhibits
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Agreement and Plan of Merger, Conversion and Share Exchange by and
among Ideation Acquisition Corp., the registrant, SearchMedia
International Limited, the subsidiaries of SearchMedia International
Limited, the subsidiaries of SearchMedia International Limited,
Shanghai Jingli Advertising Co., Ltd. and certain shareholders and
warrantholders of SearchMedia International Limited (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrants Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, Conversion and
Share Exchange, dated as of May 27, 2009, by and among the
registrant, Earl Yen, Tommy Cheung and Stephen Lau and Qinying Liu
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
Second Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, Conversion and
Share Exchange, dated as of September 8, 2009, by and among the
registrant, Earl Yen, Tommy Cheung, Stephen Lau, Qinying Liu, Linden
Ventures, Inc., Vervain Equity Investment Limited, Sun Hing
Associates Limited and The Frost Group, LLC (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.3 of the Registrants Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
Third Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, Conversion and
Share Exchange, dated as of September 22, 2009, by and among the
registrant, Ideation Acquisition Corp., Earl Yen, Tommy Cheung,
Terrance Hogan, Qinying Liu, and Linden Ventures II (BVI), Ltd.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
Fourth Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, Conversion and
Share Exchange, dated as of October 30, 2009, by and among the
registrant, Ideation Acquisition Corp., Earl Yen, Tommy Cheung,
Stephen Lau and Qinying Liu. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
2.5 of the Registrants current report on Form 8-K dated
November 5, 2009 (File No.
333-158336)). |
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Articles of Incorporation of ID Arizona Corp. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrants Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Bylaws of ID Arizona Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
of the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-158336)). |
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
Memorandum and Articles of Association of SearchMedia Holdings
Limited upon completion of redomestication. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Registrants current report on Form
8-K dated
November 5, 2009 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Specimen Unit Certificate of Ideation Acquisition Corp.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration
Statement of Ideation Acquisition Corp. on Form S-1 (Reg No.
333-144218)) |
139
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Ideation Acquisition Corp.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration
Statement of Ideation Acquisition Corp. on Form S-1 (Reg No.
333-144218)) |
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Form of Warrant Certificate of Ideation Acquisition Corp.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration
Statement of Ideation Acquisition Corp. on Form S-1 (Reg No.
333-144218)) |
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
Form of Warrant Agreement between the Ideation Acquisition Corp. and
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registration Statement of Ideation
Acquisition Corp. on Form S-1 (Reg No. 333-144218)) |
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
Form of Warrant of SearchMedia Holdings Limited (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Registrants Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
Form of Unit Purchase Option to be granted to Lazard Capital Markets
LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Registration
Statement of Ideation Acquisition Corp. on Form S-1 (File No.
333-144218)). |
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Form of Registration Rights Agreement among SearchMedia
International Limited, Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, Gentfull
Investment Limited, Gavast Estates Limited, China Seed Ventures,
L.P. and Linden Ventures II (BVI) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-4
(File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Form of Lock-Up between SearchMedia Holdings Limited and SearchMedia
International Limited shareholders and warrantholders (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrants Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
Form of Management Lock-Up between SearchMedia Holdings Limited and
SearchMedia International Limited shareholders and warrantholders
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)).* |
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
Form of Voting Agreement between SearchMedia International Limited,
Qinying Liu, Le Yang, China Seed Ventures, L.P., Gentfull Investment
Limited, Gavast Estates Limited, Linden Ventures II (BVI), Limited,
Frost Gamma Investments Trust, Robert N. Fried, Subbarao Uppaluri,
Steven D. Rubin and Jane Hsiao (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.4 of the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
10.5
|
|
Form of Employment Agreement with the SearchMedia International
Limited executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.5 of the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 333-158336)).* |
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
English Translation of Exclusive Technology Consulting and Service
Agreement between Jieli Consulting and Jingli Shanghai, dated as of
September 10, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the
Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-158336)). |
|
|
|
10.7
|
|
English Translation of Exclusive Call Option Agreement among Jingli
Shanghai, its shareholders and Jieli Consulting, dated as of
September 10, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the
Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-158336)). |
140
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
English Translation of Equity Pledge Agreement among Jingli
Shanghai, its shareholders and Jieli Consulting, dated as of
September 10, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the
Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-158336)). |
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
English Translation of Power of Attorney by the shareholders of
Jieli Consulting dated as of September 10, 2007 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Registrants Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
10.10
|
|
English Translation of Loan Agreement between the shareholders of
Jingli Shanghai and Jieli Consulting, dated as of September 10, 2007
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
10.11
|
|
Form of Securities Escrow Agreement among the Registrant,
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the initial
stockholders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
Registration Statement of Ideation Acquisition Corp. on Form S-1
(File No. 333-144218)). |
|
|
|
10.12
|
|
Letter Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2009, by and among
Ideation Acquisition Corp. and certain investors of Ideation
Acquisition Corp. and SearchMedia International Limited
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
10.13
|
|
SearchMedia Holdings Limited Amended and Restated 2008 Share
Incentive Plan* (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the
Registrants current report on Form 8-K dated November 5, 2009 (File No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
10.14
|
|
Executive Employment Agreement between SearchMedia Holdings Limited
and Wilfred Chow dated December 30, 2009 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrants current report on Form 8-K dated
January 6, 2010 (File No. 333-158336)).* |
|
|
|
21.1
|
|
Subsidiaries of SearchMedia Holdings Limited |
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer** |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer** |
|
|
|
32.1
|
|
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*** |
|
|
|
32.2
|
|
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*** |
|
|
|
99.1
|
|
Proxy Statement/Prospectus (incorporated by reference to the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus on Form 424(b)(3) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 5, 2009). |
|
|
|
99.2
|
|
Press release dated November 2, 2009. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 99.2 of the Registrants current report on Form 8-K (File
No. 333-158336)). |
|
|
|
* |
|
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement |
|
** |
|
Filed herewith |
|
*** |
|
Furnished herewith |
141
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEARCHMEDIA HOLDINGS LIMITED
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Paul Conway
|
|
|
|
Paul Conway |
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
Dated: October 29, 2010
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
SIGNATURE |
|
TITLE |
|
DATE |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Robert Fried
Robert Fried
|
|
Co-Chairman of the Board, Director
|
|
October 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
Qinying Liu
|
|
Co-Chairman of the Board, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Paul Conway
Paul Conway
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
October 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Wilfred Chow
Wilfred Chow
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
|
|
October 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Chi-Chuan Chen
Chi-Chuan Chen
|
|
Director
|
|
October 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Glenn Halpryn
Glenn Halpryn
|
|
Director
|
|
October 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
Larry Lu
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jianzhong Qu
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Steven D. Rubin
Steven D. Rubin
|
|
Director
|
|
October 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
Earl Yen
|
|
Director
|
|
|
142
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Description |
|
Exhibit Number |
Subsidiaries of the Company |
|
21.1 |
|
|
|
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
|
31.1 |
|
|
|
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
|
31.2 |
|
|
|
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 * |
|
32.1 |
|
|
|
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 * |
|
32.2 |
exv21w1
Exhibit 21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
The following table sets forth, at December 31, 2009, the Registrants subsidiaries and their
respective jurisdictions of incorporation.
|
|
|
Name |
|
Jurisdiction |
Ad-Icon Company Limited
|
|
Hong Kong |
Ad-Icon Shanghai Advertising Co., Ltd.
|
|
China |
Beijing Wanshuizhiyuan Advertising Co., Ltd.
|
|
China |
Great Talent Holdings Limited
|
|
Hong Kong |
Jieli Investment Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
|
|
China |
Jieli Network Technology Development (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
|
|
China |
SearchMedia International Limited
|
|
China |
Shanghai Botang Advertising Co., Ltd.
|
|
China |
Shanghai Haiya Advertising Co., Ltd.
|
|
China |
Shenyang Jingli Advertising Co., Ltd.
|
|
China |
Wuxi Ruizhong Advertising Co., Ltd.
|
|
China |
Zhejiang Continental Advertising Co, Ltd.
|
|
China |
exv31w1
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Paul Conway, certify that:
1. |
|
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of SearchMedia Holdings Limited; |
2. |
|
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report; |
3. |
|
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in
this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report; |
4. |
|
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
|
(a) |
|
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared; |
|
|
(b) |
|
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles; |
|
|
(c) |
|
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report
based on such evaluation; and |
|
|
(d) |
|
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter
(the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants
internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
|
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the
audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions): |
|
(a) |
|
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation
of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely
affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial
information; and |
|
|
(b) |
|
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees
who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial
reporting. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: October 29, 2010 |
By: |
/s/ Paul Conway
|
|
|
|
Paul Conway |
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
exv31w2
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I,Wilfred Chow, certify that:
1. |
|
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of SearchMedia Holdings Limited; |
2. |
|
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report; |
3. |
|
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in
this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report; |
4. |
|
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
|
(a) |
|
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared; |
|
|
(b) |
|
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles; |
|
|
(c) |
|
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report
based on such evaluation; and |
|
|
(d) |
|
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter
(the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants
internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
|
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the
audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions): |
|
(a) |
|
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation
of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely
affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial
information; and |
|
|
(b) |
|
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees
who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial
reporting. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: October 29, 2010 |
By: |
/s/ Wilfred Chow
|
|
|
|
Wilfred Chow |
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
exv32w1
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY
ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of SearchMedia Holdings Limited (the Company)
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on the date hereof (the Report), I, Paul Conway, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby
certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(1) |
|
except for the requirement that a majority of the Companys
directors sign the Report, the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15 (d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
(2) |
|
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: October 29, 2010 |
By: |
/s/ Paul Conway
|
|
|
|
Paul Conway |
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
exv32w2
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY
ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of SearchMedia Holdings Limited (the Company)
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on the date hereof (the Report), I, Wilfred Chow, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby
certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(1) |
|
except for the requirement that a majority of the Companys
directors sign the Report, the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15 (d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
(2) |
|
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: October 29, 2010 |
By: |
/s/ Wilfred Chow
|
|
|
|
Wilfred Chow |
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|