SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
Dated as of
November 28, 2024
Between
ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED
as Company
and
CITICORP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
as Trustee
2.80% NOTES DUE 2029
Exhibit 2.35
SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
Dated as of
November 28, 2024
Between
ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED
as Company
and
CITICORP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
as Trustee
2.80% NOTES DUE 2029
SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE dated as of November 28, 2024 between Alibaba Group Holding Limited, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands (the “Company”), and Citicorp International Limited, as trustee (the “Trustee”).
WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee executed and delivered an Indenture, dated as of November 28, 2024 (the “Base Indenture”), to provide for the issuance of debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness in an unlimited aggregate principal amount to be issued from time to time in one or more series (such Base Indenture, as supplemented and amended by this Second Supplemental Indenture, herein referred to as the “Indenture”);
WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the issuance of CNY5,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2.80% Notes due 2029 (ISIN: HK0001082178; CMU Instrument No.: CILHFN24119) (the “Notes”);
WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Second Supplemental Indenture pursuant to Section 13.01 of the Base Indenture to establish the terms and the form of the Notes in accordance with Sections 2.01, 3.01 and 3.03 of the Base Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Second Supplemental Indenture a valid and legally binding and enforceable agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
That, in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Notes by the Holders thereof for the equal and proportionate benefit of all of the present and future Holders of the Notes, each party agrees and covenants as follows:
ARTICLE I
SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Scope. The changes, modifications and supplements to the Base Indenture effected by this Second Supplemental Indenture shall be applicable only with respect to, and govern the terms of, the Notes and shall not apply to any other series of Securities that may be issued under the Base Indenture unless a supplemental indenture with respect to such other series of Securities specifically incorporates such changes, modifications and supplements.
Section 1.02. Definitions.
“Additional Notes” has the meaning provided in Section 2.01(c).
“Base Indenture” has the meaning provided in the recitals hereof.
“Second Supplemental Indenture” means this instrument.
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“Comparable Government Bond” means, in relation to any Comparable Government Bond Rate calculation, at the discretion of the Independent Investment Bank, a PRC Government Bond whose maturity is closest to the maturity of the applicable Notes to be redeemed, or if such Independent Investment Bank in its discretion considers that such similar bond is not in issue, such other PRC Government Bond as such Independent Investment Bank may, with the advice of three brokers of, and/or market makers in, any PRC Government Bond selected by such Independent Investment Bank, determine to be appropriate for determining the Comparable Government Bond Rate.
“Comparable Government Bond Rate” means the price, expressed as a percentage (rounded to three decimal places, 0.0005 being rounded upwards), at which the gross redemption yield on the applicable Notes to be redeemed, if they were to be purchased at such price on the fifth Business Day prior to the date fixed for redemption or the date of accelerated payment, would be equal to the gross redemption yield on such Business Day of the Comparable Government Bond on the basis of the middle market price of the Comparable Government Bond prevailing at 11:00 a.m. (Hong Kong time) on such Business Day as determined by the Independent Investment Bank.
“Independent Investment Bank” means an investment bank of recognized standing that is a primary dealer in PRC Government Bonds, appointed by the Company.
“Initial Notes” has the meaning provided in Section 2.01(c).
“Make-Whole Amount” means an amount determined by the Company on the fifth Business Day before the Redemption Date pursuant to Section 2.02 that is equal to the sum of (i) the present value of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, assuming a scheduled repayment thereof on the date of Stated Maturity for payment of principal on such Notes, plus (ii) the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of interest to and including such date of Stated Maturity for payment of principal on such Notes (exclusive of interest accrued to the Redemption Date), in each case discounted to such Redemption Date an annual basis (Actual/Actual (ICMA)) at the Comparable Government Bond Rate plus 15 basis points.
“Notes” has the meaning provided in the recitals hereof.
“PRC Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the PRC are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.
“PRC Government Bond(s)” means any bond issued by the Central People’s Government of The People’s Republic of China.
“Offering Memorandum” means the offering memorandum dated November 19, 2024, relating to the offering of the Notes.
“Registrar” means Citicorp International Limited or its successor as registrar under the Indenture.
Section 1.03. Rules of Construction. For all purposes of this Second Supplemental Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
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ARTICLE II
THE NOTES
Section 2.01. Terms of the Notes. The Notes are hereby created and designated as a separate series of Securities under the Base Indenture. The following terms relate to the Notes:
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Section 2.02. Optional Redemption.
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Section 2.03. NDRC Post-issuance Filings. The Company shall notify the Trustee if the Company does not file or cause to be filed with the National Development and Reform Commission of the PRC (the “NDRC”) the requisite information or documents required to be filed with the NDRC in respect of the Notes within the relevant prescribed timeframe after the Closing Date in accordance with the Administrative Measures for the Review and Registration of Medium- and Long-Term Foreign Debt of Enterprises (企業中長期外債審核登記管理辦法(國家發展和改革委員會令第56號)) issued by the NDRC and effective from February 10, 2023, and/or any applicable implementation rules, reports, certificates, approvals or guidelines as may be issued by the NDRC from time to time (the “Post-Issuance Filings”). Such notification to the Trustee will be made within 10 PRC Business Days after such failure to complete any of the Post-Issuance Filings.
The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor or ensure the Post-Issuance Filings on or before the relevant deadline or to verify the accuracy, validity and/or genuineness of any documents in relation to or in connection with the Post-Issuance Filings and/or the relevant documents evidencing the Post-Issuance Filings or any translation thereof or to give notice to the Holders confirming the completion of the Post-Issuance Filings, and shall not be liable to Holders or any other person for not doing so.
Section 2.04. Terms Specific to the Notes. Section 13.02(a)(x) of the Base Indenture shall be replaced in its entirety by the following with respect to the Notes only:
“reduce the amount of the premium payable upon the redemption or repurchase of any Security or change the time at which any Security may be redeemed or repurchased as described in Section 2.02 of the Second Supplemental Indenture or as described in Section 4.07 and Section 5.06 of the Base Indenture whether through an amendment or waiver of provisions in the covenants, definitions or otherwise (except through amendments to the definition of “Triggering Event” if applicable).”
ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 3.01. Confirmation of Indenture. The Base Indenture, as supplemented and amended by this Second Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Base Indenture, this Second Supplemental Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto with respect to the Notes shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.
Section 3.02. Severability. If any provision in this Second Supplemental Indenture or in the Notes shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable under applicable law, then the remaining provisions in this Second Supplemental Indenture or in the Notes shall be construed as though such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision were not contained herein.
Section 3.03. Conflicts with Base Indenture. In the event that any provision of this Second Supplemental Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the express provisions of the Base Indenture, such provision of the Second Supplemental Indenture shall prevail.
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Section 3.04. Benefits of Indenture. Nothing in this Second Supplemental Indenture expressed and nothing that may be implied from any of the provisions hereof is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon, or to give to, any Person other than the parties hereto and their successors and the Holders of the Notes any benefit or any right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Second Supplemental Indenture or the Base Indenture or any covenant, condition, stipulation, promise or agreement hereof or thereof, and all covenants, conditions, stipulations, promises and agreements contained herein or therein shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and of the Holders of the Notes.
Section 3.05. Counterparts. This Second Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
Section 3.06. Governing Law; Waiver of Trial by Jury. This Second Supplemental Indenture and the Notes shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE OR THE NOTES.
[Signatures on following page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Second Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED, |
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By: |
/s/ Toby Hong Xu |
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Name: Toby Hong Xu |
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Title: Chief Financial Officer |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Second Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
CITICORP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, |
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By: |
/s/ Anni Dai |
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Name: Anni Dai |
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Title: Vice President |
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
[if a Global Security]
[if a Definitive Security]
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRUSTEE SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS THE REGISTRAR AND THE TRUSTEE MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
[if represented by a global note unless otherwise agreed to by the Company (or unless such Note has been sold pursuant to a registration statement that has been declared effective under the Securities Act):]
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF 40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE OFFERING OF THE NOTES AND THE CLOSING, AS DEFINED IN THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED NOVEMBER 19, 2024 (THE “DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE TERMINATION DATE”), EXCEPT, (A) TO ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED (THE “COMPANY”), (B) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSON IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (D) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY’S AND THE TRANSFER AGENT’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (D) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. THIS LEGEND MAY BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE TERMINATION DATE. THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY PURCHASING THIS NOTE, REPRESENTS AND AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT IT WILL INFORM EACH PERSON TO WHOM IT TRANSFERS THE NOTES OF ANY RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF THE NOTES.
Alibaba Group Holding Limited
2.80% Notes due 2029
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: CNY_____________
CMU Instrument No.: CILHFN24119
ISIN: HK0001082178
No.: S-
Alibaba Group Holding Limited, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands (the “Company,” which term includes any successor thereto under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received, hereby promises to pay to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority as operator of the Central Moneymarkets Unit Service, or registered assigns, the principal sum of CNY _______________________ (or such other principal amount as shall be set forth in the Schedule of Increases or Decreases in Note attached hereto) on November 28, 2029, or on such earlier date as the principal hereof may become due in accordance with the provisions of this Note.
Interest Rate: 2.80% per annum.
Interest Payment Dates: May 28 and November 28 of each year, commencing on May 28, 2025.
Record Date: The Clearing System Business Day immediately preceding each Interest Payment Date.
[if a Definitive Security: Record Date: May 13 or November 13 immediately preceding an Interest Payment Date].
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof. Such further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
This Note shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication hereon shall have been manually signed by the Registrar under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Alibaba Group Holding Limited has caused this Note to be duly executed.
ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
REGISTRAR’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within- mentioned Indenture.
Date of authentication:_________________ |
CITICORP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, |
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as Registrar |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
[FORM OF REVERSE OF NOTE]
ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED
2.80% Notes due 2029
This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of debt securities of the Company of the series designated as the “2.80% Notes due 2029” (the “Notes”), all issued or to be issued under and pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of November 28, 2024 (the “Base Indenture”), duly executed and delivered by and between the Company and Citicorp International Limited, as trustee (the “Trustee,” which term includes any successor trustee), as supplemented by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 28, 2024 (the “Second Supplemental Indenture”), duly executed and delivered by and between the Company and the Trustee. The Base Indenture as supplemented and amended by the Second Supplemental Indenture is referred to herein as the “Indenture”. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given them in the Indenture. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
ASSIGNMENT
To assign this Note, fill in the form below: I or we assign and transfer this Note to
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date: |
Your Signature: |
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Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 5.06 of the Base Indenture, check the box below:
Section 5.06
If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 5.06 of the Base Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:
CNY____________
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Your Signature: |
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(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note) |
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Tax Identification No: |
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SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN NOTE*
The initial principal amount of this Note is CNY__________. The following increases or decreases in a part of this Note have been made:
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Amount of decrease in principal amount of this Note |
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Amount of increase in principal amount of this Note |
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Principal amount of this Note following such decrease (or increase) |
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* Insert in Global Notes.