James Beeson

The Group's principal activities are to provide investment, financing, advisory, insurance and related products and services on a global basis. The Group's services includes securities brokerage, trading, insurance, record keeping and underwriting through its broker, dealer, banking, insurance and other financial services subsidiaries. The Group operates in three business segments: Global Markets and Investment Banking group, Global Private Client, and Merrill Lynch Investment Managers. The principal subsidiary of the Group is Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., which provides securities brokerage, option contracts, commodity and financial futures contracts, selected insurance products, options, corporate and municipal securities, investment banking and business advisory services. The Group operates in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Pacific Rim, Canada and Latin America. In 2005, the Group acquired Pax Clearing Corp, the advest Group and Amvescap Plc.

The University of Melbourne, founded in 1853, is a world-renowned institution located in Parkville, Australia. The university is a leader in education, teaching, and research, offering a wide range of coursework and research programs.

The Hong Kong Venture Capital & Private Equity Association was established in 1987 with the mission to encourage a thriving venture capital and private equity industry in Hong Kong, HK. The association is based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong and was founded by Lewis Polk Rutherfurd. The association promotes the role of member firms in value creation, innovation, and economic development. It provides a platform for networking and experience sharing among its members and advocates for industry professional ethics, international best practices, and standards. The association offers various types of membership, and the membership committee assesses applications based on relevant criteria.

United Water Corp. owns and operates water supply and waste water treatment utilities. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Shanghai, China.

Shanghai Securities Co., Ltd. (Investment Management) (SSC-IM) is the asset management division of Shanghai Securities Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Guotai Junan Securities Co. Ltd. (SHA: 601211). The firm is headquartered in Shanghai and was founded in 2001. SSC-IM provides investment advisory services to individuals and institutional investors.

NewQuest Capital Advisors (HK) Ltd (NewQuest Capital Partners) is a private equity firm founded in 2011. Headquartered in Hong Kong.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. (MLPF&S) is a global investment banking firm, SEC-registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, and futures commission merchant headquartered in New York City. The firm is a subsidiary of BAC North America Holding Co., ultimately held by Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC). MLPF&S provides investment advisory services to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, banks, insurance companies, thrift institutions, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations and other types of business.