WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY
Code of Ethics
1. INTRODUCTION
2. SCOPE
3. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
4. RULES OF CONDUCT
4.1 Principles and Rules of Conduct for the Members of Corporate Bodies
4.2 Principles and Rules of Conduct for the Personnel and the Persons Who Perform Activities in the Interest of the SAINT ANGELO
4.3 Conflict of Interest
4.4 Rejection of any Form of Corruption, either Active or Passive
4.5 Relations with Suppliers, Contractors, Third Parties with which the Companies enter into Agreements
4.6 Relations with customers
4.7 Confidentiality
4.8 Diligent Use of the Company’s Assets
4.9 Financial Statements and other Corporate Documents
4.10 Health and Safety at Work
4.11 Anti-Money Laundering
4.12 Use of Information Systems
4.13 Respect for the Environment
4.14 Accounting Controls and Transparency
4.15 Protection of the Corporate Capital and of Creditors
4.16 Principles and Rules of Conduct for Third Party Recipients
5. COMMUNICATION, DISSEMINATION, MONITORING AND UPDATING OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
5.1 Communication and Dissemination of the Code of Ethics
5.2 Reporting of the Violations of the Code of Ethics
5.3 Violation of the Code of Ethics and Sanctions
5.4 Monitoring and Updating of the Code of Ethics
INTRODUCTION
1.1 This code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) is a foundational governance document for SAINT ANGELO (the “BAOXINIAO GROUP CO., LTD. ”), as it contains the ethical principles deriving from a heritage of common personal and corporate values, which SAINT ANGELO follows in performing its business activities. In fact, the Code of Ethics is intended to be a guide and a support for directors, managers, employees, contractors, suppliers, agents, other third parties engaged with or on behalf of SAINT ANGELO in order to fulfill their duties with integrity, transparency, and compliance.
1.2 SAINT ANGELO is an international group operating in the sector of industrial manufacturing of apparel, footwear and accessories in general and of their wholesale and retail sales. The mission of the SAINT ANGELO is focused on growth and creation of value through manufacturing and marketing of high-quality products in due compliance with the applicable regulations. SAINT ANGELO runs its business in a socially responsible, impartial and ethical manner, adopts fair and correct practices in the management of employment relationships, guarantees the employees’ safety, promotes and encourages environmental awareness and complies with the applicable laws.
1.3 All business relationships shall be maintained with integrity, loyalty and transparency, without any conflict of interest between business and personal affairs. To achieve this, SAINT ANGELO requires that all the persons working in it, such as, for example, its directors, managers and other employees, comply with the highest standards of business conduct in the performance of their duties and act in a loyal, responsible, honest, competent and transparent manner, in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, protecting the reputation of SAINT ANGELO.
1.4 For this purpose, SAINT ANGELO decided to adopt this Code of Ethics, which is intended ‒ in line with the principles of loyalty and honesty ‒ to regulate, through the rules of conduct, the company’s activities and to establish the general principles which the entire corporate structure must comply with.
1.5 Consequently, the SAINT ANGELO undertakes:
l to ensure the timely dissemination of the Code of Ethics throughout the SAINT ANGELO and to all the Recipients (as defined below);
l to ensure that all the Recipients (as defined below) are informed in a timely manner of all updates and amendments;
l to provide appropriate training and information support in relation to any doubts regarding the interpretation of the Code of Ethics;
l to ensure that anyone who reports violations of the Code of Ethics in good faith is not subject to any form of retaliation;
l to adopt sanctions which are fair and proportionate to the violation of the Code of Ethics and to apply such sanctions consistently amongst all the Recipients (as defined below) and, where applicable, to the third parties subject to the Code of Ethics;
l to regularly monitor compliance with the Code of Ethics.
1.6. SAINT ANGELO welcomes constructive comments and suggestions from directors, officers, other employees and third parties with respect to the Code of Ethics’ content, implementation, and other related matters.
1.7 SAINT ANGELO uses its best endeavors to ensure that these commitments are shared by consultants, suppliers and any other party having at any time a business relationship with SAINT ANGELO. SAINT ANGELO does not engage in or continue any business relationship with third parties who refuse to comply with the principles set in the Code of Ethics.
1.8 The Code of Ethics is composed of four sections:
(i) first section, stating the Recipients of the Code of Ethics;
(ii) second section, stating the general ethical principles which set the reference values for the activities of SAINT ANGELO Companies;
(iii) third section, stating the rules of conduct imposed on the Recipients;
(iv) fourth section, regulating the dissemination, creation and implementation of the Code of Ethics and the relevant monitoring and controls.
SCOPE
2.1 The Code of Ethics is a reference document for all the Companies of the SAINT ANGELO.
2.2 In particular, the Code of Ethics must be complied with by:
(i) each employee (either fixed-term or not), manager and collaborator (under any contract comparable to an employment contract) of the Companies (the “Personnel”);
(ii) members of the corporate bodies of each Company;
(iii) consultants (under any type of contract or assignment), brokers, agents and third-party suppliers of products or services to the Companies; (collectively, the “Recipients”).
2.3 All the Recipients are required to comply ‒ and, within their areas of competence, to ensure compliance with the principles contained in the Code of Ethics. Under no circumstance an assertion of having acted in the interest of the Companies shall justify a behavior contrary to the rules of conduct established in this document.
2.4 The Code of Ethics is valid in all the jurisdictions in which the Companies of SAINT ANGELO operate.
2.5 This Code is designed to meet not only federal legal requirements but also New York State law standards, particularly those related to corporate governance, anti-corruption (including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act), whistleblower protection, data privacy (e.g., NY SHIELD Act), and workplace safety (e.g., OSHA).The Code applies in all jurisdictions where SAINT ANGELO operates. Compliance with the Code is a condition of employment and contractual engagement. Any breach may result in disciplinary action, termination, or legal liability under applicable law.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Reciprocity
Inherent in this Code of Ethics is an ideal of cooperation aimed at the mutual benefit of the parties involved, in accordance with their respective roles. SAINT ANGELO requests that each stakeholder deal with the Group in accordance with principles and rules based on a similar idea of ethical conduct.
Responsibility and Compliance with Laws
SAINT ANGELO fully complies with all applicable laws, regulations and rules in general in force in all countries in which it conducts its business or maintains relationships. It is not permitted, under any circumstances, to pursue or achieve the Companies’ interest in breach of the law or abuse their position.
Correctness
SAINT ANGELO promotes the observance of the principle of correctness both in the internal relationships and in the relationships between the Companies and third parties. Each operation and/or transaction must be lawful, duly authorized, consistent, congruent, documented, registered, and verifiable and traceable at all times. The Company prohibits money laundering, self-laundering, and receiving stolen property.
Conflict of interest
The Recipients must act in a correct manner in order to avoid situations of conflict of interest, or situations in which the pursuit of his/her interest is in conflict with the Company’s interest. Moreover, situations must be avoided by which an employee, a director or other Recipient may gain undue benefit and/or profit from opportunities that they may learn of during or as a result of the performance of their functions.
Impartiality and Protection of Human Rights
SAINT ANGELO promotes the protection of the inviolable human rights and rejects any form of discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, religious beliefs, ethnicity, personal and political views, age, health and economic conditions, or any other protected characteristic under federal or state law. SAINT ANGELO rejects forced and child labor, and any form of harassment, such as physical, verbal, sexual or psychological harassment, abuse, threats or intimidation at workplace, thus ensuring respectful working conditions, also in terms of working hours and remuneration.
Honesty
The Recipients must be aware of the ethical significance of their actions and must not pursue personal, or Companies’ gain in breach of the applicable laws and of this Code of Ethics.
Integrity
SAINT ANGELO prohibits violence, threats, coercion, retaliation, or intimidation in any form. Any such conduct will result in immediate disciplinary action.Transparency
The principle of transparency is based on the truthfulness, accuracy and completeness of information both inside and outside the Companies. In accordance with the principle of transparency, each operation and/or transaction must be duly registered, be traceable, authorized, verifiable, lawful, consistent and congruent.
Efficiency
In every working activity cost-efficiency of the management and of the use of Company’s resources must be pursued, in compliance with the highest quality standards. Each Company is also committed to safeguarding and protecting its resources and assets, and managing its assets and funds with all necessary precautions so that full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations is ensured.
Protection of Privacy
SAINT ANGELO undertakes to protect the Recipients’ privacy in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, with a view to avoid disclosure and dissemination of personal data without the concerned person’s consent. Acquisition, processing and retention of information and personal data, pertaining to the Personnel and to other persons, in possession of each Company is carried out in compliance with specific procedures aimed at avoiding that unauthorized persons and/or entities may access such information or personal data.
Value of Human Resources
Human resources are recognized as fundamental and inalienable factor of the Companies’ development. SAINT ANGELO safeguards the professional growth and development in order to expand the expertise possessed, in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations concerning the personality rights, in particular with respect to the psychological and physical health of the Personnel.
SAINT ANGELO stands for creating and maintaining a work environment that, being based on respect, correctness and collaboration, allows the involvement and empowerment of employees and collaborators. It is also committed not to support any form of favoritism and nepotism, and not to establish any work relationship with persons involved in terrorism.
The Personnel are hired solely on the basis of valid employment agreements under the applicable laws, and no form of undeclared work is tolerated. A new employee must be informed of all the characteristics of the employment relationship.
Recognition of salary increases or of other incentives and access to roles and tasks involving bigger responsibilities are based on ‒ besides law provisions and collective bargaining agreement (if applicable) the employee’s individual performance and ability to show organizational skills through behavior compliant with reference ethical principles of the Company set forth in this Code of Ethics.
Fair Competition
SAINT ANGELO prohibits price-fixing, bid-rigging, market allocation, or any antitrust violations under the applicable federal or state laws. All competitive decisions must be independent and based on legitimate business criteria, and promotes free and fair competition, based on the principles of correctness, loyalty and transparency towards the competitors. In particular, SAINT ANGELO Companies are required to establish their commercial policies in an independent manner and not to fix any prices in agreement or in collusion with their competitors, and to establish fair relationships with their customers and suppliers in accordance with antitrust regulations.
Protection of Health and Safety at Work
SAINT ANGELO uses its best endeavors to ensure health and safety at the workplace, acting in full compliance with the applicable health and safety laws and regulations. In this respect, the Companies are required to adopt the most appropriate measures in order to avoid risks related to the business activity and, where it is impossible to avoid them, to make an appropriate assessment of the existing risks.
Equal Opportunities and Meritocracy
SAINT ANGELO upholds the principle of equal opportunities in every aspect of the employment relationship (employment, training, allocation of benefits, promotion, disciplinary proceedings, termination, retirement), without any discrimination based on ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, nationality, age, political views, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other personal condition or characteristics.
With the aim of valorizing the individuals, SAINT ANGELO applies a performance assessment system which measures the skills used to achieve the objectives assigned, on a meritocratic basis.
Relations with the Community and Environmental Protection
SAINT ANGELO recognizes that environmental protection is of fundamental importance in ensuring a coherent and balanced development process.
Consequently, the Companies are committed to safeguard the environment and to contribute to the sustainable development of the territory, also by using best available technologies and constantly monitoring the business processes. All operations must comply with environmental laws.
Relations with Local Authorities and Public Institutions
All interactions with government agencies or public officials must be lawful, transparent, and documented. SAINT ANGELO prohibits any improper influence, including gifts, entertainment, or favors exceeding $25 in value unless permitted by law.
Relations with Associations, Trade Unions and Political Parties
SAINT ANGELO does not make political contributions to candidates, parties, or PACs. It may support non-Partisan civic initiatives only if they align with corporate values and are disclosed as required by law.
Contributions and Sponsorship
The Companies may accept requests for contributions only from entities and associations regulated by by-laws expressly stating that such entities or associations are non-profit and whose purposes are of high cultural or charitable value.
Sponsorships, which may concern social, environmental, sports, entertainment and art matters, are provided only to events or bodies that offer guarantees of quality and with respect to which any possibility of conflict can be excluded.
Rejection of Any Form of Terrorism
SAINT ANGELO rejects any form of terrorism and intends to adopt, within its business, the appropriate measures to prevent the risk of being involved in terrorism, by undertaking not to establish any work or commercial relationship with individuals or entities involved in terrorism and not to fund or otherwise support any activity of such individuals or entities.
Rejection of Criminal Organizations
SAINT ANGELO rejects any form of criminal organization (in particular, mafia-type organizations), either national or international. The Companies are required to adopt the appropriate measures to prevent the risk that the Companies or their employees be involved in any type or form of relation or activity, even of mere assistance or help, with such organizations.
To achieve this, the Companies do not establish any collaboration, nor work or commercial relationship with individuals or entities directly or indirectly involved in criminal organizations or, in any case, related, by family relation and/or kinship, to members of known criminal organizations, and do not fund or otherwise support any activity that can be referred to such organizations. SAINT ANGELO prohibits any business relationship with sanctioned parties under OFAC regulations. Due diligence is required for all third-party relationships.
Protection of Industrial and Intellectual Property Rights
SAINT ANGELO complies with regulations concerning the protection of trademarks, patents, other signs and copyright and, therefore, does not allow the use, in any form and for any purpose, of products bearing counterfeit trademarks or signs, nor the manufacturing or marketing or any other activity with respect to products already patented by third parties and over which the Group does not have any right. The intellectual property rights, patents, registered trademarks, logos, copyrighted material, inventions, commercial secrets and other internal confidential information ‒ including industrial plans and strategic projects, marketing, pricing and sales data, commercial and organizational details ‒ are an extremely valuable asset on which the competitive force of SAINT ANGELO is based.
Moreover, SAINT ANGELO supports and promotes technology innovation and evolution in relation to products and processes created by its employees and by third parties working for SAINT ANGELO.
Cooperation with the Authorities in case of an Investigation
SAINT ANGELO acknowledges the value of the judicial and administrative functions and seeks the highest level of integrity and correctness in its relations with the competent Authorities. To this end, the Group prohibits any behavior that have a purpose of, or may result in, interfering with investigations or inspections carried out by the competent Authorities and, in particular, any conduct aimed at obstructing the search for truth, including inducing persons summoned by the judicial Authorities not to make statements or to make false ones.
The Companies are committed to adopt all measures necessary to provide the cooperation requested by the Authorities, within the limits of and in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Employees must fully cooperate with legal, regulatory, or internal investigations. Obstruction, destruction of records, or retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly forbidden.
Correct Use of Information Systems
SAINT ANGELO pursues the objective of the correct use of information and telecommunication systems, so that the integrity and authenticity of the processed data are ensured, in order to protect the Companies’ and third parties’ interests, with particular regard to the Public Authorities and Institutions.
Relations with Private Parties
It is essential for SAINT ANGELO that the relations with private parties (suppliers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, commercial partners etc.) be characterized by the highest level of loyalty, integrity, fairness, transparency, and compliance with antitrust laws.
Protection of the Corporate Capital and of Creditors
One of the key aspects of the ethical conduct of SAINT ANGELO in general is the compliance with the principles of conduct aimed at preserving the corporate capital, protecting creditors and third parties which established relationships with the Companies, and in general ensuring the transparency and correctness of the Companies’ activities from the economic and financial standpoint. Therefore, SAINT ANGELO intends to ensure the dissemination of and compliance with the rules of conduct aimed at safeguarding said values, in order to avoid any corporate crimes under the applicable laws.
SAINT ANGELO ensures financial integrity by maintaining accurate records, avoiding fraudulent accounting practices, and protecting shareholder value. No individual may divert assets or engage in self-dealing.
Quality of Services and Products
SAINT ANGELO Companies’ activities are oriented towards satisfying and safeguarding its customers, with due attention being paid to any requests that might help to improve the quality of the expected products and services.
RULES OF CONDUCT
Any conduct described below, either direct or indirect, is prohibited, as is any activity having the following purposes prohibited within SAINT ANGELO.
Principles and Rules of Conduct for the Members of Corporate Bodies
4.1.1 The corporate bodies, being aware of their responsibilities, of the compliance with laws, applicable regulations and Company’s by-laws, are required to comply with the provisions of the Code of Ethics as well as of the organizational, management and control model (or similar model) adopted by the Company if provided by the relevant applicable law (the “Organizational Model”).
4.1.2 The members of the corporate bodies are required:
(i) to behave with autonomy, independence and correctness towards public institutions, private parties (including Companies’ creditors), economic associations, political forces, and any other national or international operator;
(ii) to behave with integrity, loyalty and sense of responsibility towards the Companies;
(iii) to ensure that they participate in a constant and informed manner in the meetings and other activities of the corporate bodies;
(iv) to ensure the sharing of the mission and appropriate critical thought in order to provide a significant personal contribution;
(v) to assess situations of conflict of interest and of incompatibility of functions, assignments or roles outside and inside the Company, and to refrain ‒ when performing their activities ‒ from taking any action in a situation of conflict of interest;
(vi) not to obstruct in any manner the control and/or audit activities performed by the shareholders, by other corporate bodies, including any supervisory board set forth by the relevant applicable law (the “Supervisory Board”), or by the auditor;
(vii) to keep confidential the information disclosed to them for the purposes of their office and to avoid using their position to obtain personal benefits, either direct or indirect. Any external communication must comply with the laws and rules of conduct and be aimed at protecting price sensitive information and industrial secrets;
(viii) to comply, within their area of competence and responsibilities, with the rules of conduct for the Personnel set forth in paragraph 4.2 below (Principles and Rules of Conduct for the Personnel and the Persons who Perform Activities in the Interest of SAINT ANGELO).
Principles and Rules of Conduct for the Personnel and the Persons Who Perform Activities in the Interest of the SAINT ANGELO
4.2.1 The Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO must act, both in internal and external relations, in accordance with the applicable law and, above all, with the principles set in the Organizational Model (if applicable) and in this Code of Ethics.
4.2.2 In particular, they must:
(i) avoid any behavior that might result in a crime under the applicable law;
(ii) cooperate with the Supervisory Board during its inspection and surveillance activity, providing information, data and updates requested by the Board;
(iii) make communications to the Supervisory Board as provided by this Code of Ethics;
(iv) report to the Supervisory Board any failures or violations of the Organizational Model (if applicable) and/or of the Code of Ethics.
4.2.3 In this respect, the Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO may at any time contact the Supervisory Board, just to seek clarifications and/or information concerning, for example:
(i) interpretation of the Code of Ethics and/or of other protocols adopted by the Company in this matter;
(ii) correctness of a certain behavior or conduct or their appropriateness or compliance with the Code of Ethics and/or the Organizational Model (if applicable).
4.2.4 In addition to the above general provisions, the Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO must comply with the following principles and rules of conduct concerning both matters that were considered to be of particular importance from the ethical standpoint and specific areas of the Companies’ activity.
Conflict of Interest
4.3.1 The Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO must avoid implementing or support transactions if they are in a conflict of interest (actual or potential) with the Companies, or activities that might prejudice a person’s ability to make impartial decisions in the Companies’ best interest and in compliance with this Code of Ethics.
4.3.2 If a situation arises that constitutes or might constitute a conflict of interest, the Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO must report it to their superior and/or to the Supervisory Board and abstain from performing any operations.
Rejection of any Form of Corruption, either Active or Passive
4.4.1 SAINT ANGELO prohibits the Personnel and the persons who perform activities in its interest from offering, promising or giving, also indirectly, money, gifts, goods, providing services or favors to public officers, persons in charge of public services and/or private persons in order to influence their decisions with the aim of receiving more favorable treatment or undue services or for any other purpose, including the performance of their duties.
4.4.2 Likewise, it is prohibited to accept money or other benefits, either property or of any other nature, for the Company and/or for themselves and/or for third parties, if their purpose is to influence the performance (or non-performance) of actions in breach of their professional duties.
4.4.3 No employee may accept gifts, meals, travel, entertainment, or favors that could influence decision-making if they exceed $25 in value without prior approval. All payments to third parties (e.g., consultants, agents) must be documented and justified as legitimate business expenses.
Relations with Suppliers, Contractors, Third Parties with which the Companies enter into Agreements
4.5.1 The Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO must ensure that relations with suppliers, contractors, subcontractors and third parties the Companies entered into agreements with are characterized by the highest level of fairness and transparency, and comply with the laws and applicable regulations, the Code of Ethics and the Organizational Model (if applicable), and with internal procedures, in particular, those concerning relationships with customers, purchases and selection of suppliers.
4.5.2 In choosing their suppliers, contractors, subcontractors and third parties in general SAINT ANGELO Companies act in a non-discriminatory and non-anticompetitive manner.
4.5.3 Consequently, in choosing its suppliers, contractors, subcontractors and third parties in general SAINT ANGELO takes into account not only profitability but also technical/financial capability of the contracting parties and assesses their overall reliability with respect to the specific services to be provided, in full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.
4.5.4 Relationships with suppliers, contractors, subcontractors and third parties in general are at all times regulated by specific agreements allowing them to achieve the highest level of clarity of the regulation of the relationship. Contracts must include anti-corruption clauses, audit rights, and termination provisions for non-compliance.
Relations with customers
4.6.1 All those who work in the Company are committed to adopting behaviors and procedures aimed at personalizing and humanizing relations with customers as well as improving accessibility and information on the services themselves.
4.6.2 In the provision of services, all those who operate in the Company are committed to acting in compliance with applicable laws and rules (including ethical rules) in order to protect customer’s rights, observing in particular the fundamental principles of equality, continuity, impartiality, confidentiality and privacy.
4.6.3 All those who operate in the Company are required to strictly comply with the procedures implemented by SAINT ANGELO, which define the main processes to ensure an adequate and uniform level of assistance for all customers.
4.6.4. Customer data must be protected in accordance with privacy laws.
Confidentiality
4.7.1 The Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO must keep fully confidential, also after the termination of the employment, the financial data, trade secrets, customer lists and information they received and avoid their dissemination or use for speculative purposes of their own or of third parties.
4.7.2 Disclosure is permitted only to authorized personnel for legitimate business purposes.Diligent Use of the Company Assets
The Personnel must protect and safeguard the Company’s values and properties entrusted to them and contribute to the protection of the Company’s assets, avoiding situations that might adversely affect the integrity and security of the assets. In any case, the Personnel must avoid using the Company’s assets or materials for personal benefit or in any case for improper purposes.
Financial Statements and other Corporate Documents
4.9.1 The Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO shall pay special attention to the drafting of the financial statements and of the other corporate documents. All financial reporting must be accurate, complete, timely, and in compliance with applicable laws and rules.
4.9.2 In this respect, the following shall be ensured:
(i) an appropriate collaboration with the corporate functions in charge of the drafting of corporate documents;
(ii) completeness, clarity and accuracy of the data and information provided;
(iii) compliance with the principles according to which accounting documents are prepared.
Health and Safety at Work
With respect to health and safety at work, the Personnel of each Company must comply with OSHA standards, report hazards immediately, use safety equipment correctly, and participate in required training, in particular:
(i) take care of their health and safety and of those of other persons present at the workplace who may be affected by their actions or omissions, in accordance with the training, instructions and means provided by the employer;
(ii) contribute, together with the employer, managers and persons in charge, to compliance with the health and safety at work obligations;
(iii) observe orders and instructions given by the employer, managers and persons in charge for the purposes of collective and individual safety;
(iv) correctly use work equipment, dangerous substances and preparations, vehicles, and safety devices;
(v) use the provided protective equipment in an appropriate manner;
(vi) immediately report to the employer, manager or person in charge any deficiencies in the means and equipment mentioned under points (iv) and (v) above, and any other dangerous condition they become aware of, and act directly in urgent cases, within their competences and possibilities and save for the obligation under point (vii) below, in order to remove or reduce serious and imminent dangerous conditions, informing the workers’ safety representative;
(vii) not remove or change without authorization any safety, signaling or control devices;
(viii) take care of the individual protective equipment provided, without making any unauthorized alterations to it, and report any defects or problems to the employer, manager or person in charge;
(ix) not make any authorized operations or maneuvers which are not in their competence, or which might compromise their own or other workers’ safety;
(x) participate in training programs organized by the employer;
(xi) undergo health checks provided for by the applicable regulations or otherwise requested by the competent doctor.
Anti-Money Laundering
4.11.1 The Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO use all the appropriate means and precautions to ensure the transparency and correctness of commercial transactions. All financial transactions must be transparent and documented. Suspicious activity reporting is mandatory.
4.11.2 In particular, among other things, the following, is mandatory:
(i) assignments to service providers, both individuals and entities, that handle the Companies’ economic/financial interests are made in writing with indication of the contents and agreed economic terms;
(ii) the competent functions ensure control over the regularity of payments made to all contractual parties, also by checking that the person to whom the order was made and the one who received the relevant payment is the same person;
(iii) minimum requirements for the selection of persons offering goods and/or services that the Companies intend to purchase are rigorously met;
(iv) assessment criteria for offers are established;
(v) with respect to the commercial/professional reliability of suppliers and partners, all necessary information is requested and received;
(vi) in case of execution of agreements/joint ventures aimed at implementation of investments, the highest level of transparency is ensured;
(vii) all the activities aimed at invoicing and registration of invoices in the mandatory accounting records are performed in a correct and transparent manner, in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations;
(viii) preparation and subsequent filing of tax statements are performed in a correct and transparent manner, in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations;
(ix) any operation aimed at avoiding payment of taxes due on the basis of tax statements is abstained from;
(x) any simulated or otherwise fraudulent operation aimed at allowing income or added value tax evasion is abstained from;
(xi) tax statements are duly presented and taxes due are paid timely.
Use of Information Systems
4.12.1 The Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO (or promote its products), in performing their professional activities, must use information and telecommunication devices and services in full compliance with the relevant applicable regulations (specifically, those concerning cybercrimes, cybersecurity, privacy and copyright) and internal procedures.
4.12.2 The Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO shall not upload to Companies’ systems any borrowed or unauthorized software; it is also prohibited to make unauthorized copies of licensed programs for personal or work use or for third parties.
4.12.3 The Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO must use computers and technology tools provided by the Companies only for work purposes; consequently, each Company reserves the right to check the contents of the computers and the correct use of the technology tools in compliance with the Companies’ procedures.
4.12.4 Moreover, the Personnel and the persons who perform activities in the interest of SAINT ANGELO (or promote its products) are required not to send threatening or offensive e-mails, and not to use language which is not in line with the Companies’ style or in any case inappropriate.
Respect for the Environment
4.13.1 The Personnel, in performing their jobs, must at all times consider the need to protect the environment as prevailing over any economic consideration, and must comply with federal, state, and local environmental laws.
4.13.2 SAINT ANGELO adopts an efficient environmental management system and holds to the following fundamental principles:
(i) no pollution;
(ii) constant optimization of the use of resources;
(iii) development of more environmentally friendly products.
Accounting Controls and Transparency
4.14.1 Accounting transparency is based on the truthfulness, accuracy and completeness of base information for the relevant accounting records. Each member of the corporate bodies, of the management and employee is required to cooperate, within his/her competences, to make sure that the management data are correctly and timely represented in the accounting records.
4.14.2 Any conduct that might prejudice the transparency and traceability of the information contained in the financial statements is prohibited.
4.14.3 Each record must exactly reflect the information contained in the supporting documents. The Personnel in charge must make sure that the documents can be easily traced and be archived in a logical order. Supporting documents must be retained for at least seven years (or as required by law).
Protection of the Corporate Capital and of Creditors
4.15.1 In accordance with the relevant applicable law, the corporate bodies, the management, the employees, and external collaborators are required to:
(i) act in a correct, transparent and collaborative manner, in compliance with laws and internal procedures, in every activity aimed at preparation of the financial statements and of other Companies’ communications required by law and addressed to the shareholders or to the general public, in order to provide true and accurate information on the economic and financial situation of each Company;
(ii) strictly observe the law provisions concerning the protection of the integrity and effectiveness of the corporate capital (e.g. mergers, de-mergers, acquisitions of going concerns, distribution of profits and reserves) and to act at all times in compliance with Companies’ internal procedures, which are based on such law provisions, so as not to prejudice the creditors’ and third parties’ securities.
4.15.2 Moreover, each Company ensures that its corporate bodies function properly and guarantees and supports any form of control over the corporate management required by the applicable law and the free and correct formation of the shareholders’ resolutions; therefore, a strict compliance with the internal procedures provided by the Companies and/or, in any case, the conduct compliant with the above principle are required.
4.15.3 In particular, with reference to the preparation of the financial statements, SAINT ANGELO believes that the truthfulness, correctness and transparency of the accounting records, of the financial statements, of the reports and other corporate communications required by the applicable law, addressed to the shareholders or to the general public, is a fundamental principle of the business conduct and an assurance of fair competition. It follows that particular consideration must be given to the validity, accuracy and completeness of the information on which accounting records are based.
4.15.4 Consequently, the management and persons subject to its direction and surveillance are not allowed to conceal any information nor to represent economic, financial or asset data in a partial or misleading manner. Therefore, all internal and external collaborators involved in producing, processing, and recording such information are responsible for the transparency of the Companies’ accounts and financial statements.
4.15.5 Any negligence, omission or falsification, which the employees may become aware of, must be promptly reported to the Supervisory Board.
Principles and Rules of Conduct for Third Party Recipients
4.16.1 Apart from the members of the corporate bodies and the Personnel, this Code of Ethics, the Organizational Model (if applicable), and the Anticorruption and Reporting Procedures of SAINT ANGELO apply also to third party Recipients, meaning external persons who operate, directly or indirectly, for the Companies (for example, without limitation, contractors, subcontractors, agents, collaborators of any kind, consultants, suppliers, commercial partners).
4.16.2 Consequently, the third party Recipients are required to comply with the provisions of this Code of Ethics and the Organizational Model (if applicable), in particular, within the limits of the respective competences and responsibilities, with the reference ethical principles set forth under paragraph 2 (General Principles) above and with the rules of conduct provided for the Companies’ Personnel under paragraph 4 (Rules of Conduct). Contracts must include: (i) Anti-corruption clauses; (ii) Whistleblower protection; (iii) Data privacy obligations; (iv) Termination rights for non-compliance.
4.16.3 In absence of an express commitment to comply with this Code of Ethics, the Companies must not enter into and/or pursue any relationship with the third-party Recipient. To this end, assignment letters and/or agreements shall contain specific clauses confirming the obligation of the third-party Recipient to fully comply with this Code of Ethics and providing, in case of breach of such obligation, for a notice of breach of the Organizational Model (if applicable) or penalties or termination of the agreement.
4.16.4 With respect to agreements already in force on the effective date of this Code of Ethics, the Companies shall cause the third-party Recipient to sign an addendum containing the clauses referred to above.
COMMUNICATION, DISSEMINATION, MONITORING AND UPDATING OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
Communication and Dissemination of the Code of Ethics
5.1.1 Companies undertake to ensure due internal and external dissemination of the Code of Ethics. All employees and third parties must acknowledge receipt and understanding of this Code annually.
5.1.2. With reference to the corporate bodies and to the Personnel, the following must be ensured:
(i) dissemination of the Code of Ethics to all the members of the corporate bodies and to all Personnel;
(ii) display of the Code of Ethics in a place at the Company’s premises that is accessible to all;
(iii) support in the interpretation and clarification of the provisions of the Code of Ethics;
(iv) creation of systems allowing us to verify that the Code of Ethics is effectively complied with.
5.1.3 The Code of Ethics is made available to the Recipients at an accessible place, in the manner that is deemed appropriate and in compliance with the local rules and customs. The Code of Ethics is available and can be downloaded at SAINT ANGELO’s website (www.woolrich.us ).
5.1.4 The Supervisory Board supports and monitors the training initiatives regarding the principles of the Code of Ethics, which will be structured and differentiated taking into account the roles and responsibilities of the resources concerned. The training will be more intensive and detailed for the persons defined as top management, and for those who operate in so called “risk” areas pursuant to the applicable law and the Organizational Model (where adopted), with a particular focus on the corruption prevention.
5.1.5 In addition, with respect to the third-party Recipients and to any other third counterparty, the Companies:
(i) inform such third parties of the commitments and obligations imposed by the Code of Ethics by providing a copy of the Code;
(ii) distribute the Code of Ethics through the Companies’ information systems;
(iii) require such third parties to comply with the Code of Ethics;
(iv) cause such third parties to sign clauses and/or statements contained in and/or attached to the relevant agreements, aimed, on one side, at formalizing the commitment to comply with the relevant applicable law, with the Organizational Model (if applicable) and with the Code of Ethics, and, on the other side, at regulating the contractual sanctions to apply in case of breach of such commitment, pursuant to paragraphs 4.15.3 and 4.15.4 above. Each Company will take care of drafting and constant improvement of such clauses.
5.1.6 Any doubt as to the application of this Code of Ethics must be discussed timely with the Supervisory Board.
Reporting of the Violations of the Code of Ethics
5.2.1 Any person under obligation to comply with the Organizational Model and/or with this Code of Ethics, who becomes aware of any fact and/or circumstance that might result in a violation of the Model or of the Code, must timely report it to the Supervisory Board.
5.2.2 With reference to the procedures for reporting any violations, please refer to the indications contained in the Reporting Procedure adopted by the Companies of SAINT ANGELO.
5.2.3 The Supervisory Board uses its best endeavors to ensure that the persons reporting is not subject to any retaliation, discrimination or sanctions and shall guarantee them adequate confidentiality.
5.2.4 For any further indication as to the reporting, reference shall be made to the Reporting Procedure adopted by SAINT ANGELO Companies.
Violation of the Code of Ethics and Sanctions
5.3.1 The violations detected are managed in cooperation with the competent Company’s functions. In case of significant violations, the Supervisory Board informs also the management body of the Company concerned and defines the measures to be adopted, in accordance with the relevant applicable law, the applicable collective bargaining agreement and the Organizational Model (if applicable).
5.3.2 With respect to the third-party Recipients, any non-compliance with the principles and provisions of the Code of Ethics and of the Organizational Model (if applicable) may result in a notice of breach, a penalty or termination of the agreement, in accordance with the relevant applicable laws.
5.3.3. This Code of Ethics shall be reviewed annually by the Compliance Officer and updated as necessary to reflect changes in applicable law, industry standards, or corporate practices.
Effective Date: 2026.9
By: Board of Directors
SAINT ANGELO
www.woolrich.us