8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsRegulation FD+1

BeOne Medicines Ltd. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Mar 7, 2017)

Filed March 7, 2017For Securities:ONCBEIGF

Summary

Beigene, Ltd. (ONC) has announced the formation of a significant Sino-foreign equity joint venture (JV) to establish BeiGene Biologics Co., Ltd. in the People's Republic of China. This JV is primarily focused on the research, development, and production of biologics products within China. BeiGene HK, a wholly-owned subsidiary, will hold a 95% equity interest, contributing RMB200 million in cash and biologics assets. The joint venture partner, Guangzhou GET Technology Development Co., Ltd. (GET), will provide RMB1 billion in cash and a significant shareholder loan, receiving a 5% equity stake initially, with potential for increased equity upon conversion of the loan. The JV will construct a large-scale manufacturing facility in Guangzhou, with substantial capital investment involving land acquisition, construction, and a commercial bank loan. The JV structure, board composition, and termination clauses are designed to protect BeiGene's majority control and strategic interests, while also outlining conditions for potential early termination and equity buy-out options for BeiGene HK. This strategic move signals Beigene's commitment to expanding its biologics manufacturing capabilities and market presence in China.

Key Highlights

  • 1Formation of a Sino-foreign equity joint venture (JV), BeiGene Biologics Co., Ltd., for biologics research, development, and production in China.
  • 2BeiGene HK will hold a 95% equity interest, contributing RMB200 million cash and biologics assets.
  • 3GET will contribute RMB1 billion cash and a substantial shareholder loan, initially holding a 5% equity stake with potential for conversion.
  • 4The JV will establish a manufacturing factory in Guangzhou with a registered capital of RMB1 billion.
  • 5BeiGene HK will have significant control over the JV's board of directors (4 out of 5 members).
  • 6Termination clauses are in place, including BeiGene HK's right to purchase GET's equity interest under certain conditions.
  • 7The Shareholder Loan from GET of up to RMB1 billion carries an 8% annual interest rate and can be used for factory construction, operation, R&D, and clinical trials.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of the joint venture, BeiGene Biologics Co., Ltd., is to research, develop, and produce biologics products within the People's Republic of China. This includes establishing and operating a manufacturing facility for these products.

BeiGene HK will contribute RMB200 million in cash and biologics assets in exchange for a 95% equity interest. GET will contribute RMB1 billion in cash and a shareholder loan, initially receiving a 5% equity interest, with potential to increase its stake through loan conversion.

The joint venture will be governed by a five-member board of directors. BeiGene HK will appoint four directors, giving it majority control, and will also appoint the chairman. GET will appoint one director. Certain matters may require unanimous approval while the shareholder loan is convertible.

BeiGene HK has several unilateral termination rights, including if GET fails to provide the shareholder loan, if GET violates equity transfer restrictions, if GET undergoes a change of control by a competitor, or in the event of material breaches by a GET affiliate. In such cases, BeiGene HK may have the right to purchase GET's equity interest.