STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT dated March 9, 2006 between SAMSON INVESTMENT COMPANY and GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
dated
March
9,
2006
between
SAMSON
INVESTMENT COMPANY
and
GENERAL
ELECTRIC COMPANY
AGREEMENT
dated March 9, 2006, between GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, a New York corporation
("Seller"), and SAMSON INVESTMENT COMPANY, a Nevada corporation, and or its
permitted assigns ("Buyer")
W
I T N E
S S E T H :
WHEREAS,
Seller is the owner of 20,000 shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $10 par
value (the "Common Stock"), of SPRINGER MINING COMPANY, a Nevada corporation
(the "Company"), constituting one hundred (100%) percent of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of the Company;
WHEREAS,
Buyer desires to purchase the Shares from Seller, and Seller desires to sell
the
Shares to Buyer, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set
forth;
NOW,
THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
1.01.
Definitions.
(a) The
following terms, as used herein, have the following meanings:
"Affiliate"
means, with respect to any Person, any Person directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such other Person;
provided
that the
Company shall not be considered an Affiliate of Seller.
“Assets”
means the assets of the Company, which for purposes of clarification are those
assets located on the Property (as defined below).
"Balance
Sheet" means the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31,
2005. .
"Balance
Sheet Date" means December 31, 2005.
"Base
Stockholder's Equity" means $200,000.
"CERCLA"
means the Comprehensive Environmental Responses, Compensation and Liability
Act
of 1980, as amended.
"Closing
Balance Sheet" means a consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at the
close
of business on the Closing Date, together with the notes thereto.
"Closing
Date" means the date of the Closing.
"Environmental
Laws" means federal, state and local laws and regulations, judgments, orders
and
permits governing safety and health and the protection of the environment,
including, but not limited to, the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., as amended (CERCLA),
the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.,
the
Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7401
et
seq., the Toxic Substance Control Act, 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., and the Safe
Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300f through 300j.
"Hazardous
Substances" means any substance which is toxic, ignitable, reactive, or
corrosive or which otherwise is regulated by or under “Environmental Laws, and
includes any and all materials or substances that are defined as “hazardous
waste”, “extremely hazardous waste” or a “hazardous substance” pursuant to
state, federal or local law, and includes asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls
(“PCBs”), petroleum products.
"Lien"
means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security
interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset.
"Material
Adverse Change" means a material adverse change in the business, assets,
condition (financial or otherwise), result of operations of the
Company.
"Material
Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on the condition (financial
or
otherwise), business, assets, results or operations of the Company.
"1934
Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Property”
means all real property listed in Exhibit A to this Agreement.
"Person"
means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a trust
or
other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision
or
an agency or instrumentality thereof.
“Reclamation
Plan” means the work set forth in the JBR Environmental Consultant’s report
attached hereto as Exhibit B
"Subsidiary"
means any entity of which securities or other ownership interests having
ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other
persons performing similar functions are owned directly or indirectly by the
Company.
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ARTICLE
II
PURCHASE
AND SALE
2.01.
Purchase
and Sale.
Upon the
terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Seller agrees to sell
to
Buyer, and Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller, the Shares at the Closing.
The
price for the Shares (the "Purchase Price") is Three Million Dollars
($3,000,000.00) in readily available funds.. The Purchase Price shall be paid
as
provided in Section 2.02.
2.02.
Closing.
The
closing (the "Closing") of the purchase and sale of the Shares hereunder shall
take place at the offices of the Samson Investment Company, or such other place
as agreed to by the parties, as soon as possible, but in no event later than
March 31, 2006, or at such other time or place as Buyer and Seller may agree.
At
the Closing,
(a)
Buyer
shall deliver to Seller
(i)
a
certified or official bank check payable to the order of Seller, or wire
transfer to the Sellers account, in the amount of $ 3,000,000.00 in immediately
available funds;
(ii)
a
performance bond in a form acceptable to Seller in the amount of seven hundred
and fifty thousand ($750,000) dollars, or such other adjusted amount as provided
for pursuant to paragraph 9.08 of this Agreement, to guarantee the reclamation
obligations of the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement.
(b)
Seller shall deliver to Buyer
(i)
certificates for the Shares duly endorsed or accompanied by stock powers duly
endorsed in blank.
(ii)
independently audited financial statements for the Company, performed by KPMG
LLP, for the period January 2003 through December 2005.
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ARTICLE
III
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Seller
hereby represents and warrants to Buyer that:
3.01.
Corporate
Existence and Power.
Each of
Seller and the Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing
and
in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has
all corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations,
consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.
The
Company is duly qualified and is in good standing in the State of Nevada. Seller
has heretofore delivered to Buyer true and complete copies of the certificate
of
incorporation and bylaws of Seller and the Company as currently in
effect.
3.02.
Corporate
Authorization.
The
execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement and the
consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby are within
Seller's corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Seller. This Agreement constitutes a valid
and
binding agreement of Seller.
3.03.
Governmental
Authorization; Consents.
(a) The
execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement requires no
action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency,
official or authority.
(b)
No
consent, approval, waiver or other action by any Person (other than any
governmental body, agency, official or authority referred to in (a) above under
any contract, agreement, indenture, lease, instrument or other document to
which
Seller or the Company is a party or by which any of them is bound) is required
or necessary for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by
Seller or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
3.04.
Non-Contravention.
The
execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement do not and
will
not (i) contravene or conflict with the certificate of incorporation or bylaws
of Seller or the Company, (ii) assuming compliance with the matters referred
to
in Section 3.03(a), contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of
any
provision of any law, regulation, judgment, injunction, order or decree binding
upon or applicable to Seller or the Company; (iii) constitute a default under
or
give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any
right
or obligation of the Company or to a loss of any benefit to which Seller or
the
Company is entitled under any provision of any agreement, contract or other
instrument binding upon Seller, the Company or any license, franchise, permit
or
other similar authorization held by Seller, the Company or (iv) result in the
creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of Seller, the
Company.
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3.05.
Capitalization.
The
authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 20,000 shares of common
stock. There are no outstanding obligations of the Company to issue or deliver
or to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Company Securities. Seller
is
and will be at the Closing the record and beneficial owner of the Shares, free
and clear of any Lien whatsoever, and will transfer and deliver to Buyer at
the
Closing valid title to the Shares free and clear of any Lien.
3.06.
Subsidiaries.
There
are no Subsidiaries.
3.07.
Financial
Statements.
The
financial statements of the Company previously delivered to Buyer and attached
hereto as Exhibit C fairly present, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis (except as may be indicated
in the notes thereto), the consolidated financial position of the Company as
of
the dates thereof and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows
for the period 2001 through 2005.
3.08.
Absence
of Certain Changes.
Since
the Balance Sheet Date, the Company has conducted its businesses in the ordinary
course consistent with past practices and there has not been:
(a) any
Material Adverse Change;
(b) any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution
with
respect to any shares of capital stock of the Company, or any repurchase,
redemption or other acquisition by the Company of any outstanding shares of
capital stock or other securities of, or other ownership interests in, the
Company;
(c) any
amendment of any material term of any outstanding security of the
Company;
(d) any
incurrence, assumption or guarantee by the Company of any indebtedness for
borrowed money;
(e) any
creation or assumption by the Company of any Lien on any material asset other
than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices;
(f) any
making of any loan, advance or capital contributions to or investment in any
Person;
(g) any
damage, destruction or other casualty loss (whether or not covered by insurance)
affecting the business or assets of the Company which, individually or in the
aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect;
5
(h) any
transaction or commitment made, or any contract or agreement entered into,
by
the Company relating to its assets or business (including the acquisition or
disposition of any assets) or any relinquishment by the Company of any contract
or other right, in either case, material to the Company taken as a whole, other
than transactions and commitments in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practices and those contemplated by this Agreement;
3.09.
Assets.
(a)
The
Company has good and marketable title to, or in the case of leased property
have
valid leasehold interests in the Assets (whether real
or
personal, tangible or intangible) , except for the Assets sold after the date
of
this Agreement in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices. None of the Assets is subject to any Liens, except:
(i) Liens
disclosed on the Balance Sheet;
(ii) Liens
for
taxes not yet due or being contested in good faith (and for which adequate
accruals or reserves have been established on the Balance Sheet);
or
(iii)
Liens
which do not materially detract from the value of such property or assets as
now
used, or materially interfere with any present or intended use of such property
of assets.
(b)
There
are no developments affecting any the Assets pending or, to the knowledge of
Seller threatened, which might materially detract from the value of such
property of assets, materially interfere with any present or intended use of
any
such property or assets or materially adversely affect the marketability of
such
properties or assets.
(c)
Any
use by the Company notwithstanding, the Company has no right or interest in
any
trademark, trade name, invention, patent, patent application, trade secret,
know
how, copy right, copyright registration, or any other kind of proprietary
intellectual property right that is owned, licensed, used or held for use by
Seller.
3.10.
No
Undisclosed Material Liabilities.
There
are no liabilities of the Company of any kind whatsoever, whether accrued,
contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, and there is no
existing condition, situation or set of circumstances which could reasonably
be
expected to result in such a liability, other than:
(i) liabilities
disclosed or provided for in the Balance Sheet; and
6
(ii) liabilities
incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since
the Balance Sheet Date, which in the aggregate are not material to the Company,
taken as a whole.
(iii)
liabilities
for environmental and reclamation obligations of the Company.
3.11.
Litigation.
There is
no action, suit, investigation or proceeding (or any basis therefor) pending
against, or to the knowledge of Seller threatened against or affecting, Seller,
the Company or any of their respective properties before any court or arbitrator
or any governmental body, agency, official or authority which, if determined
or
resolved adversely to the Company in accordance with the plaintiff's demands,
would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or which in
any
manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or materially delay the
transactions contemplated hereby.
3.12.
Material
Contracts.
(a)
Except for agreements, contracts, plans, leases, arrangements or commitments
disclosed in any Schedule to this Agreement, the Company is not a party to
or
subject to:
(i) any
lease
providing for annual rentals of $100,000 or more;
(ii) any
contract for the purchase of materials, supplies, goods, services, equipment
or
other assets providing for annual payments by the Company of $100,000 or
more;
(iii)
any sales, distribution or other similar agreement providing for
the sale
by the Company of materials, supplies, goods, services, equipment
or other
assets that provides for annual payments to the Company of $100,000
or
more;
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(iv)
any partnership, joint venture or other similar contract arrangement
or
agreement;
|
(v)
any contract relating to indebtedness for borrowed money or the deferred
purchase price of property (whether incurred, assumed, guaranteed
or
secured by any asset), except contracts relating to indebtedness
incurred
in the ordinary course of business in an amount not exceeding
$100,000;
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(vi)
any license agreement, franchise agreement or agreement in respect
of
similar rights granted to or held by the
Company;
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(vii)
any agency, dealer, sales representative or other similar
agreement;
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(viii)
any contract or other document that substantially limits the freedom
of
the Company to compete in any line of business or with any Person
or in
any area or which would so limit the freedom of the Company after
the
Closing Date; or
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(ix)
any other contract or commitment not made in the ordinary course
of
business that is material to the Company taken as a
whole.
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7
(b)
Each
agreement, contract, plan, lease, arrangement and commitment disclosed in any
Schedule to this Agreement or required to be disclosed pursuant to Section
3.12(a) is a valid and binding agreement of the Company and is in full force
and
effect, and the Company, to the knowledge of Seller, or any other party thereto
is in default in any material respect under the terms of any such agreement,
contract, plan, lease, arrangement or commitment.
3.13.
[INTENTIONALLY DELETED]
3.14.
Compliance
with Laws; No Defaults.
Except
for Environmental Laws, compliance with which Seller makes no representation
or
warranty, express or implied, the Company is not in violation of, any applicable
provisions of any laws, statutes, ordinances or regulations except for
violations that have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(b)
The
Company is not in default under, and no condition exists that with notice or
lapse of time or both would constitute a default under, (i) any mortgage, loan
agreement, indenture or evidence of indebtedness for borrowed money to which
the
Company is a party or by which the Company or any material amount of their
assets is bound or (ii) any judgment, order or injunction of any court,
arbitrator or governmental body, agency, official or authority which defaults
or
potential defaults individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.15.
[INTENTIONALLY DELETED]
3.16.
[INTENTIONALLY DELETED]
3.17.
Employees.
There
are no employees of the Company.
3.18.
[INTENTIONALLY DELETED]
3.19.
[INTENTIONALLY
DELETED]
3.20
[INTENTIONALLY DELETED]
3.21
[INTENTIONALLY DELETED]
3.22.
Representations.
The
representations and warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement,
disregarding all qualifications and exceptions contained therein relating to
materiality or Material Adverse Effect, are true and correct with only such
exceptions as would not in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. These representations shall survive for twelve (12)
months following the Closing Date.
8
ARTICLE
IV
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
Buyer
hereby represents and warrants to Seller that:
4.01.
Organization
and Existence.
Buyer is
a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
the
laws of Nevada and has all corporate powers and all material governmental
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its
business as now conducted.
4.02.
Corporate
Authorization.
The
execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of this Agreement and the
consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby are within the
corporate powers of Buyer and have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Buyer. This Agreement constitutes a valid and
binding agreement of Buyer.
4.03.
Governmental
Authorization.
The
execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of this Agreement require no action
by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency, official
or
authority other than compliance with any applicable requirements of the 0000
Xxx.
4.04.
Non-Contravention.
The
execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of this Agreement do not and will
not (i) contravene or conflict with the certificate of incorporation or bylaws
of Buyer or (ii) assuming compliance with the matters referred to in Section
4.03, contravene or conflict with any provision of any law, regulation,
judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon Buyer.
4.05.
Finders'
Fees.
There is
no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary which has been
retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of Buyer who might be entitled
to
any fee or commission from Seller or any of its Affiliates upon consummation
of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
4.06.
Financing.
Buyer
has sufficient funds available to purchase the Stock.
4.08.
Litigation.
There is
no action, suit, investigation or proceeding pending against, or to the
knowledge of Buyer threatened against or affecting, Buyer before any court
or
arbitrator or any governmental body, agency or official which in any matter
challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or materially delay the
transactions contemplated hereby.
9
ARTICLE
V
COVENANTS
OF SELLER
Seller
agrees that:
5.01.
Conduct
of the Company.
From the
date hereof until the Closing Date, Seller shall cause the Company to conduct
its businesses in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and to
use
their best efforts to preserve intact their business organizations and
relationships with third parties and to keep available the services of their
present officers and employees. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, from the date hereof until the Closing Date, Seller will not permit
the Company to:
(a) adopt
or
propose any change in its certificate of incorporation or bylaws;
(b) merge
or
consolidate with any other Person or acquire a material amount of assets of
any
other Person;
(c) sell,
lease, license or otherwise dispose of any material assets or property except
(i) pursuant to existing contracts or commitments and (ii) in the ordinary
course consistent with past practice; or
(d) agree
or
commit to do any of the foregoing.
Seller
will not, and will not permit the Company to (i) take or agree or commit to
take
any action that would make any representation and warranty of Seller hereunder
inaccurate in any respect at, or as of any time prior to, the Closing Date
or
(ii) omit or agree or commit to omit to take any action necessary to prevent
any
such representation or warranty from being inaccurate in any respect at any
such
time.
5.02.
Access
to Information.
From the
date hereof until the Closing Date, Seller (a) will give, and will cause the
Company to give, Buyer, its counsel, financial advisors, auditors and other
authorized representatives full access to the offices, properties, books and
records of the Company and to the books and records of Seller relating to the
Company, (b) will furnish, and will cause the Company to furnish, to Buyer,
its
counsel, financial advisors, auditors and other authorized representatives
such
financial and operating data and other information relating to the Company
as
such Persons may reasonably request and (c) will instruct the employees, counsel
and financial advisors of Seller, the Company to cooperate with Buyer in its
investigation of the Company; provided
that no
investigation pursuant to this Section shall affect any representation or
warranty given by Seller hereunder.
5.03.
Notices
of Certain Events.
Seller
shall promptly notify Buyer of:
10
(i) any
notice or other communication from any Person alleging that the consent of
such
Person is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement;
(ii)
any notice or other communication from any governmental or regulatory
agency or authority in connection with the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement; and
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(iii)
any actions, suits, claims, investigations or proceedings commenced
or, to
its knowledge threatened against, relating to or involving or otherwise
affecting Seller, the Company that, if pending on the date of this
Agreement, would have been required to have been disclosed pursuant
to
Section 3.11 or that relate to the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
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5.04.
Resignations.
Seller
will deliver to Buyer resignations of all officers and directors of the Company
who will be officers, directors or employees of Seller or any of its Affiliates
after the Closing Date from their positions with the Company at or prior to
the
Closing Date.
ARTICLE
VI
COVENANTS
OF BUYER
Buyer
agrees that:
6.01.
Confidentiality.
Prior to
the Closing Date and after any termination of this Agreement, Buyer and its
Affiliates will hold, and will use their best efforts to cause their respective
officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors
and
agents to hold, in confidence, unless compelled to disclose by judicial or
administrative process or by other requirements of law, all confidential
documents and information concerning the Company furnished to Buyer or its
Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
except to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i)
previously known on a nonconfidential basis by Buyer, (ii) in the public domain
through no fault of Buyer or (iii) later lawfully acquired by Buyer from sources
other than Seller or the Company; provided
that
Buyer may disclose such information to its officers, directors, employees,
accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement [and to its lenders in connection
with obtaining the financing for the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement] so long as such Persons are informed by Buyer of the confidential
nature of such information and are directed by Buyer to treat such information
confidentially. The obligation of Buyer and its Affiliates to hold any such
information in confidence shall be satisfied if they exercise the same care
with
respect to such information as they would take to preserve the confidentiality
of their own similar information. If this Agreement is terminated, Buyer and
its
Affiliates will, and will use their best efforts to cause their respective
officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors
and
agents to, destroy or deliver to Seller, upon request, all documents and other
materials, and all copies thereof, obtained by Buyer or its Affiliates or on
their behalf from Seller or the Company in connection with this Agreement that
are subject to such confidence.
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6.02.
Access.
Buyer
will cause the Company, on and after the Closing Date, to afford promptly to
Seller and its agents reasonable access to their properties, books, records,
employees and auditors to the extent necessary to permit Seller to determine
any
matter relating to its rights and obligations hereunder or to any period ending
on or before the Closing Date. Seller will hold, and will use its best efforts
to cause its officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants,
advisors and agents to hold, in confidence, unless compelled to disclose by
judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of law, all
confidential documents and information concerning the Company provided to it
pursuant to this Section 6.02.
ARTICLE
VII
COVENANTS
OF BOTH PARTIES
The
parties hereto agree that:
7.01.
Best
Efforts.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each party will use its best
efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be
done, all things necessary or desirable under applicable laws and regulations
to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Seller and Buyer
each agree, and Seller, prior to the Closing, and Buyer, after the Closing,
agree to cause the Company, to execute and deliver such other documents,
certificates, agreements and other writings and to take such other actions
as
may be necessary or desirable in order to consummate or implement expeditiously
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
7.02.
Certain
Filings.
Seller
and Buyer shall cooperate with one another (a) in determining whether any action
by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency, official
or
authority is required, or any actions, consents, approvals or waivers are
required to be obtained from parties to any material contracts, in connection
with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
(b)
in taking such actions or making any such filings, furnishing information
required in connection therewith and seeking timely to obtain any such actions,
consents, approvals or waivers.
7.03.
Public
Announcements.
The
parties agree to consult with each other before issuing any press release or
making any public statement with respect to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby and, except as may be required by applicable law or any
listing agreement with any national securities exchange, will not issue any
such
press release or make any such public statement prior to such
consultation.
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ARTICLE
VIII
TAX
MATTERS
All
issues relating to tax matters are addressed in the Tax Matters Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit D and incorporated by reference.
ARTICLE
IX
ENVIRONMENTAL/RECLAMATION
9.01 Existing
Environmental Reports.
Buyer
acknowledges that Seller has provided to Buyer the environmental reports and
information relating to the Property that are identified and described in
EXHIBIT E attached hereto ("Environmental Reports"). BUYER
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SELLER HAS PROVIDED THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS AS A CONVENIENCE
TO BUYER AND THAT BUYER IS NOT ENTITLED TO RELY UPON THE ENVIRONMENTAL
REPORTS.
It is
expressly agreed that nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude Buyer from
making its own environmental assessment of the Assets as provided in subsection
(b) below. Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the submission of the
Environmental Reports to Buyer are for informational purposes only and SELLER
DOES NOT AND SHALL NOT MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER AS TO
THE
ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS, THE
COMPLETENESS OF THE REPORTS, OR THE ENVIRONMENTAL OR ANY OTHER CONDITION OF
THE
ASSETS OR OF THE COMPANY. Buyer further acknowledges that the Environmental
Reports disclose that groundwater beneath the Property contain arsenic at levels
above the Maximum Contaminant Level for arsenic promulgated pursuant to the
Safe
Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300f through 300i. Buyer shall treat the
Environmental Reports in a confidential manner and shall not disclose the
existence or any aspect of the Environmental Reports to any third party without
the prior written approval of Seller.
9.02 Buyer’s
Environmental Reports.
Buyer
may, at its sole cost and expense, hire qualified environmental consultants
reasonably acceptable to Seller to make environmental assessments of the Assets.
Buyer’s right to conduct such an environmental assessment of the Assets is
conditioned upon the following:
(a) Buyer
shall, prior to performing or causing to be performed any investigatory or
other
work on or to the Assets, submit a plan of the work to Seller or Seller’s
designated agent or consultant for its approval, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed.
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(b) Buyer
acknowledges and agrees that the Environmental Reports, and all findings,
recommendations, opinions and information derived from Buyer’s independent
environmental assessment of the Assets, shall be deemed “Confidential
Information” and Buyer shall not disclose any aspect of such Confidential
Information to any third party without the prior written approval of
Seller.
(c) Buyer
shall keep Seller at all times fully advised with respect to said environmental
assessment of the Assets, and shall, at Seller's request, promptly deliver
to
Seller copies of all reports, documents and materials emanating
therefrom.
(d) Where
the
assessment involves inspection, sampling and testing activities on the Property,
Seller and Seller’s designated agent or consultant shall have the right to be
present at all environmental assessment activities, to review all the assessment
activities and to obtain split samples (at Seller’s sole cost and expense), and
to that end Buyer shall give Seller and Seller’s designated agent or consultant
adequate prior notice of each and every aspect of such activities.
(e)
Unless
advised otherwise, all approvals and notifications with respect to subparagraphs
(a), (b), (c) and (d) above shall be submitted to, obtained from or coordinated
with Seller.
9.03 Restrictive
Covenants.
Buyer
hereby acknowledges and agrees that prior to Closing the Company will file
a
deed imposing certain restrictive covenants on the Property to be perpetual,
to
run with the land, and to be binding upon Buyer, its representatives, employees,
contractors, tenants, licensees, invitees, successors and/or assigns
(collectively "Current Owner"), such restrictive covenants to consist of the
following (hereinafter referred to as “Restrictions”).
(a) Limits
on Use:
The
Property and any buildings and other improvements to be erected thereon shall
be
used solely for mining, commercial, industrial, warehouse and retail and
wholesale sales only and for no other purpose whatsoever, notwithstanding that
other uses may be permitted by the applicable zoning or other ordinances now
or
in the future affecting the Property, furthermore, notwithstanding any of the
foregoing and even though such may constitute a “commercial” or other permitted
use, in no event shall the Property be used for any residential purposes,
childcare center, playgrounds, parks or other outdoor recreational activities,
school, elder care facility, nursing home or hospital.
(b) No
part
of the groundwater shall be used as a source of drinking water for human
consumption.
(c) Remedies
for Violation of the Restrictions:
If a
Current Owner breaches or violates any Restrictions, then Seller or its designee
shall have the right to obtain injunctive relief to ensure compliance by the
Current Owner with these Restrictions and to pursue all other remedies which
may
be available to Seller or its designee at law and in equity, including, but
not
limited to specific performance and/or and action for money damages. In
addition, the Current Owner shall be liable for all attorney’s fees, consultant
fees and all other reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Seller or its
designee in enforcing these Restrictions.
14
9.04 Buyer’s
Release and Covenant Not To Xxx.
AS AN
INDUCEMENT TO, AND AS FURTHER CONSIDERATION FOR, SELLER AGREEING TO SELL THE
SHARES TO BUYER UPON THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT,
BUYER
COVENANTS AND AGREES THAT, UPON THE CLOSING, BUYER SHALL FOREVER RELEASE SELLER
AND COVENANT NOT TO XXX SELLER WITH RESPECT TO ANYTHING ARISING OUT OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL OR ANY OTHER CONDITION OF THE THE ASSETS, INCLUDING CONDITIONS
CONSTITUTING A VIOLATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, OR THE PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES IN, ON, UNDER, OR EMANATING FROM OR ONTO THE ASSETS, REGARDLESS
OF
WHETHER SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OR THE PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
IS
KNOWN OR UNKNOWN BY BUYER AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CONDITION IS SET FORTH
IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS, OR BUYER’S OWN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS. THE
FOREGOING RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT TO XXX SHALL APPLY TO ALL CLAIMS AT LAW
OR IN
EQUITY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CLAIMS OR CAUSES OF ACTION FOR PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE, STATUTORY CLAIMS UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
AND
CLAIMS FOR CONTRIBUTION.
9.05 Buyer’s
Indemnity.
BUYER
COVENANTS AND AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD SELLER AND ITS OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS HARMLESS FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, JUDGMENTS,
DAMAGES, PENALTIES, FINES, COSTS, LIABILITIES (INCLUDING SUMS PAID IN SETTLEMENT
OF CLAIMS), OR OTHER LOSSES, INCLUDING ATTORNEYS’ AND/OR CONSULTANTS’ FEES,
COURT COSTS AND LITIGATION EXPENSES, IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRESENCE OR
SUSPECTED PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES IN, ON OR UNDER THE GROUND OR ANY
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, OR PAVED SURFACE, OR IN ANY ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIUM, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE SOIL, GROUNDWATER, OR SOIL VAPOR ON OR UNDER, OR
EMANATING FROM ANY OF THE ASSETS , FOR ANY VIOLATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
OR
FOR ANY LIABILITY FOR THE COMPANY’S DISPOSAL OR ARRANGING FOR DISPOSAL OF A
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, THIS
INDEMNIFICATION SHALL SPECIFICALLY COVER COSTS INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH
ANY
CLAIM FOR PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE, INVESTIGATION OF SITE
CONDITIONS OR ANY CLEAN-UP, REMEDIAL, REMOVAL, OR RESTORATION WORK REQUIRED
BY
ANY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION BECAUSE
OF THE PRESENCE OR SUSPECTED PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, IN, ON OR UNDER
THE GROUND OR ANY ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIUM, BUILDING, STRUCTURE, OR PAVED SURFACE
OR
EMANATING THEREFROM RELATED TO THE ASSETS, FOR ANY VIOLATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
LAWS BY THE COMPANY, OR FROM A RELEASE OR THREATENED RELEASE OF A HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCE DISPOSED OF BY THE COMPANY OR WHICH THE COMPANY ARRANGED FOR DISPOSAL.
THE RELEASE, COVENANT NOT XXX AND INDEMNIFICATIONS SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE AND ENFORCEABLE AUTOMATICALLY UPON CLOSING OF TITLE TO THE SHARES,
AND
BUYER SHALL BE BOUND BY THEM, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT BUYER EXECUTES ANY
SEPARATE INSTRUMENT AT THE TIME OF CLOSING.
15
9.06 Survival.
The
provisions and obligations of this Article IX shall survive the closing of
title. However, the parties agree to execute and exchange at the time of closing
such further documentation of the agreements herein contained as either party
reasonably requests, including, but not limited to, an agreement whereby Buyer
shall reaffirm the release, covenant not to xxx and indemnifications regarding
environmental matters set forth above.
9.07 Reclamation.
Buyer
acknowledges and agrees that it has received Reclamation Plan. Buyer Further
agrees that within eighteen (18) months of the Closing Date the Buyer shall
have
completed the work contemplated in the Reclamation Plan in a manner that is
acceptable to Seller. In the event that Buyer fails to meet its obligations
pursuant to this paragraph, Seller shall have the right but not the obligation
to perform the reclamation contemplated in the Reclamation Plan and that Buyer
shall be liable for all cost incurred by Seller in the reclamation of the
Property.
9.08 Performance
Bond: Buyer agrees to secure a performance bond in a form acceptable to Seller
to guarantee performance of all work contemplated under the Reclamation Plan.
Such bond shall be in an amount not less than $750,000. In the event of a
default by Buyer pursuant to subparagraph 9.07 above; Seller shall have the
right to draw on the performance bond to perform the reclamation work
contemplated in the Reclamation Plan.
9.09 Adjustments
to the Performance Bond:
Buyer
and Seller agree to adjust the amount of the performance bond contemplated
in
subparagraph 9.08 to an amount equal to the estimate provided by Precision
Engineering and JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc. plus an additional twenty
(20) percent. Upon completion of all work contemplated under the Reclamation
Plan and certification by JBR that such work has been completed, Buyer’s bonding
obligation pursuant to subparagraph 9.08 shall be terminated.
9.10 Buyers
Termination Rights for Environmental Issues:
Seller
acknowledges and agrees that Buyer shall at its own expense engage and
environmental consultant to perform a Phase I study on the Property. In the
event that Buyers Phase I study discovers an environmental condition on the
Property that is unacceptable to Buyer, then Buyer shall have the option to
terminate this Agreement with no further obligations to either Buyer or Seller
provided that Buyer provide written notification of its intent to terminate
the
Agreement on or prior to March 24, 2006.
16
ARTICLE
X
CONDITIONS
TO CLOSING
10.01.
Conditions
to the Obligations of Each.
The
obligations of Buyer and Seller to consummate the Closing are subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) No
provision of any applicable law or regulation and no judgment, injunction,
order
or decree shall prohibit the consummation of the Closing.
(b)
All
actions by or in respect of or filings with any governmental body, agency,
official or authority required to permit the consummation of the Closing
including, shall have been obtained.
10.02.
Conditions
to Obligation of Buyer.
The
obligation of Buyer to consummate the Closing is subject to the satisfaction
of
the following further conditions:
(a)(i)
Seller shall have performed in all material respects all of its obligations
hereunder required to be performed by it on or prior to the Closing Date, (ii)
the representations and warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement and
in
any certificate or other writing delivered by Seller pursuant hereto,
disregarding all qualifications and exceptions contained therein relating to
materiality or Material Adverse Effect, shall be true at and as of the Closing
Date, as if made at and as of such date with only such exceptions as would
not
in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and
(iii) Buyer shall have received a certificate signed by the Vice President
of
Seller to the foregoing effect.
(b) No
court,
arbitrator or governmental body, agency or official shall have issued any order,
and there shall not be any statute, rule or regulation, restraining the
effective operation by Buyer of the business of the Company after the Closing
Date, and no proceeding challenging this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby or seeking to prohibit, alter, prevent or materially delay
the Closing shall have been instituted by any Person before any court,
arbitrator or governmental body, agency or official and be pending.
(c) Execution
and delivery of other relevant agreements, including non-compete, employment
agreements, trademark or software licenses, leases, supply, service or
administrative agreements or other transition agreements.
17
(d) Seller
shall have received all consents, authorizations or approvals from the
governmental agencies referred to in Section 3.03(a), in each case in form
and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, and no such consent, authorization
or approval shall have been revoked.
(e) Buyer
shall have received all documents it may reasonably request relating to the
existence of Seller, the Company and the authority of Seller for this Agreement,
all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer.
10.03.
Conditions
to Obligation of Seller.
The
obligation of Seller to consummate the Closing is subject to the satisfaction
of
the following further conditions:
(a)(i)
Buyer shall have performed in all material respects all of its obligations
hereunder required to be performed by it at or prior to the Closing Date, (ii)
the representations and warranties of Buyer contained in this Agreement and
in
any certificate or other writing delivered by Buyer pursuant hereto shall be
true in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, as if made at
and
as of such date and (iii) Seller shall have received a certificate signed by
the
Chief Executive Officer of Buyer to the foregoing effect.
(b)
No
proceeding challenging this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby
or
seeking to prohibit, alter, prevent or materially delay the Closing shall have
been instituted by any Person before any court, arbitrator or governmental
body,
agency or official and be pending.
(c) Execution
and delivery of other relevant agreements, including non-compete, employment
agreements, trademark or software licenses, leases, supply, service or
administrative agreements or other transition agreements.
(d) Seller
shall have received all documents it may reasonably request relating to the
existence of Buyer and the authority of Buyer for this Agreement, all in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller.
18
ARTICLE
XI
SURVIVAL
11.01.
Survival.
The
covenants, agreements, representations and warranties of the parties hereto
contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or other writing delivered
pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall survive the Closing until the
first anniversary of the Closing Date or (i) in the case of Section 5.05, for
the period set forth therein, (ii) in the case of Section 6.02, indefinitely,
and (iii) in the case of the covenants, agreements, representations and
warranties contained in Articles VIII or IX, for the period set forth therein.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any covenant, agreement, representation
or warranty in respect of which indemnity may be sought under Section 11.02
shall survive the time at which it would otherwise terminate pursuant to the
preceding sentence, if notice of the inaccuracy or breach thereof giving rise
to
such right to indemnity shall have been given to the party against whom such
indemnity may be sought prior to such time.
11.02.
Indemnification.
(a)
Seller hereby indemnifies Buyer and, effective at the Closing, without
duplication, the Company against and agrees to hold them harmless from any
and
all damage, loss, liability and expense (including without limitation reasonable
expenses of investigation and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses in
connection with any action, suit or proceeding) ("Damages") incurred or suffered
by Buyer or the Company arising out of any misrepresentation or breach of
warranty, covenant or agreement made or to be performed by Seller pursuant
to
this Agreement (other than pursuant to Article VIII) ; provided
that (i)
Seller shall not be liable under this Section 11.02(a) unless the aggregate
amount of Damages with respect to all matters referred to in this Section
11.02(a) (determined without regard to any materiality qualification contained
in any representations, warranty or covenant giving rise to the claim for
indemnity hereunder) exceeds $ 500,000 and then only to the extent of such
excess and (ii) Seller's maximum liability under this Section 11.02(a) shall
not
exceed $1,000,000.
(b)
In
addition to its obligations to indemnify Seller pursuant to Article IX of this
Agreement, Buyer hereby indemnifies Seller against and agrees to hold it
harmless from any and all Damages incurred or suffered by Seller arising out
of
any misrepresentation or breach of warranty, covenant or agreement made or
to be
performed by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement (other than pursuant to Article
VIII); provided
that (i)
Buyer shall not be liable under this Section 11.02(b) unless the aggregate
amount of Damages with respect to all matters referred to in this Section
11.02(b) (determined without regard to any materiality qualification contained
in any representations, warranty or covenant giving rise to the claim for
indemnity hereunder) exceeds $500,000 and then only to the extent of such excess
and (ii) Buyer's maximum liability under this Section 11.02(b) shall not exceed
$ 1,000,000.
11.03.
Procedures
(a)
The
party seeking indemnification under Section 9.09 or 11.02 (the "Indemnified
Party") agrees to give prompt notice to the party against whom indemnity is
sought (the "Indemnifying Party") of the assertion of any claim, or the
commencement of any suit, action or proceeding in respect of which indemnity
may
be sought under such Section. The Indemnifying Party may at the request of
the
Indemnified Party participate in and control the defense of any such suit,
action or proceeding at its own expense. The Indemnifying Party shall not be
liable under Section 9.09 or 11.02 for any settlement effected without its
consent of any claim, litigation or proceeding in respect of which indemnity
may
be sought hereunder.
19
(b)
After
the Closing, Sections 8.10 , Article IX and 11.02 will provide the exclusive
remedy for any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, covenant or other
agreement (other than those contained in Sections 2.03, 2.04, 5.05 and 6.02)
or
other claim arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby.
ARTICLE
XII
TERMINATION
12.01.
Grounds
for Termination.
This
Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:
(i) by
mutual
written agreement of Seller and Buyer;
(ii) by
either
Seller or Buyer if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or before
March 30, 2006; or
(iii)
by
either
Seller or Buyer if there shall be any law or regulation that makes consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby illegal or otherwise prohibited or
if
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby would violate any
nonappealable final order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental
body
having competent jurisdiction.
The
party
desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to clauses (ii) or (iii) shall
give notice of such termination to the other party.
12.02.
Effect
of Termination.
If this
Agreement is terminated as permitted by Section 12.01, such termination shall
be
without liability of either party (or any shareholder, director, officer,
employee, agent, consultant or representative of such party) to the other party
to this Agreement; provided
that if
such termination shall result from the willful failure of either party to
fulfill a condition to the performance of the obligations of the other party
or
to perform a covenant of this Agreement or from willful breach by either party
to this Agreement, such party shall be fully liable for any and all Damages
incurred or suffered by the other party as a result of such failure or breach.
The provisions of Sections 6.01 and 13.03 shall survive any termination hereof
pursuant to Section 12.01.
20
ARTICLE
XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
13.01.
Notices.
All
notices, requests and other communications to either party hereunder shall
be in
writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given,
if
to
Buyer, to:
Samson
Investment Company
0000
Xxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxx - 000
Xxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
if
to
Seller, to:
General
Electric Company
Appliance
Park
Louisville,
KY 40225-0001
Attention:
Vice President Manufacturing:
with
a
copy to:
Xxxx
X.
Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
General
Electric Company
Counsel
Xxx
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Telecopy:
000-000-0000
13.02.
Amendments;
No Waivers.
(a) Any
provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived prior to the Closing Date
if, and only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and signed, in the
case
of an amendment, by Buyer and Seller, or in the case of a waiver, by the party
against whom the waiver is to be effective.
(b) No
failure or delay by either party in exercising any right, power or privilege
hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial
exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise
of any other right, power or
privilege.
The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive
of
any rights or remedies provided by law.
21
13.03.
Expenses.
All
costs and expenses incurred in connection with this
Agreement
shall be
paid by the party incurring such cost or expense.
13.04.
Successors
and Assigns.
The
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided
that
neither party may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights
or
obligations under this Agreement without the consent of the other party hereto
except that Buyer may transfer or assign, in whole or from time to time in
part,
to one or more of its Affiliates, the right to purchase all or a portion of
the
Shares, but no such transfer or assignment will relieve Buyer of its obligations
hereunder.
13.05.
Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of
the
State of New York), without regard to the conflicts of law rules of such
state.
13.06.
Counterparts;
Effectiveness.
This
Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall
be an
original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were
upon
the same instrument. This Agreement shall become effective when each party
hereto shall have received a counterpart hereof signed by the other party
hereto.
13.07.
Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement dated December 1, 2005, constitutes
the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and negotiations,
both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter
of
this Agreement. No representation, inducement, promise, understanding, condition
or warranty not set forth herein has been made or relied upon by either party
hereto. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof is intended to confer
upon any Person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.
13.08.
Captions.
The
captions herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall be
ignored in the construction or interpretation hereof.
[SIGNATURE
PAGE TO FOLLOW]
22
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto here caused this Agreement to be duly
executed by their respective authorized officers on the day and year first
above
written.
SAMSON
INVESTMENT COMPANY
By_________________________
Title:
GENERAL
ELECTRIC COMPANY
By_________________________
Title:
23
This
Agreement is made this 8th day of March, 2006 among The General Electric
Company, a New York corporation (“Seller” or “GE”) and Samson Investment
Company, a Nevada Corporation (“Acquiror”).
A. Pursuant
to the Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 8, 2006 among Seller and Acquiror,
the Acquiror has agreed, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
in
the Stock Purchase Agreement, to purchase (the “Purchase”) from GE shares of
Springer Mining Company (the “Company”).
B. The
Company has been a member of an affiliated group of corporations of which GE
is
the common parent (the “GE Affiliated Group”) within the meaning of Section
1504(a) of the Code, and the members of the GE Affiliated Group have heretofore
filed United States federal income tax returns on a consolidated basis pursuant
to Section 1501 of the Code.
C. GE
and
certain of its Affiliates have heretofore joined in the filing of certain
combined, consolidated, unitary and other similar United States or foreign,
state, local or other governmental income or franchise tax returns (the
“Combined Income Tax Returns”), and each group filing such a return that
includes the Company is designated a “Combined Group.” In addition, GE and
certain of its Affiliates have also filed certain separate, stand-alone tax
returns (the “Separate Tax Returns”) in certain U.S. state, foreign, local or
other taxing jurisdictions.
D. As
a
consequence of the Purchase, the Company will no longer be a member of the
GE
Affiliated Group and will no longer be a member of one or more Combined
Groups.
E. The
parties to this Agreement desire to make certain representations, warranties
and
covenants with respect to tax matters and to allocate the liability for certain
United States and foreign Taxes that may be owed to or asserted by United States
or foreign federal, state, local or other governmental taxing
authorities.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual promises,
covenants and conditions contained in this Agreement, the parties to this
Agreement agree as follows:
SECTION
1. Definitions.
(a) Unless
otherwise indicated, all capitalized terms used herein shall have the same
meaning as in the Stock Purchase Agreement.
24
(b) Unless
the context otherwise requires, references in this Agreement to any Person
include the successors and assigns of such Person.
SECTION
2. Representations
of GE.
GE
represents and warrants to the Acquiror that, subject to the exceptions stated
in Schedule I attached to this Agreement, and subject to other exceptions that
are not material individually or in the aggregate:
(a) the
Company has prepared and timely filed with the appropriate taxing authorities
all Tax Returns required to be filed through the date of this Agreement, taking
into account any extension of time to file granted to or obtained on behalf
of
the Company ;
(b) the
Company has timely paid all Taxes due through the date of this Agreement and
have made adequate provision for any Taxes attributable to any taxable period
(or portion thereof) of the Company ending on or prior to the date of this
Agreement that are not yet due;
(c) any
deficiencies or assessments asserted in writing against the Company by any
taxing authority through the date of this Agreement have been paid or fully
reserved or settled;
(d) the
Company is not presently under examination or audit by any taxing
authority;
(e) no
extension of the period for assessment or collection of any Tax is currently
in
effect with respect to the Company;
(f) none
of
the assets of the Company is “tax-exempt use property” (as defined in Section
168(h)(1) of the Code) or may be treated as owned by any other person pursuant
to Section 168(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (as in effect
immediately prior to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986);
(g) the
Company has not been a member of any affiliated group (within the meaning of
Section 1501 of the Code) other than the GE Affiliated Group; and except as
provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 with respect to the GE
Affiliated Group, the Company has no liability for Taxes owed by another person,
corporation, partnership or other entity;
(h) the
Company is organized under the laws of a state within the United States (the
“U.S. Subsidiaries”) is a member of the GE Affiliated Group and files its United
States federal income tax return on a consolidated basis with GE pursuant to
Section 1501 of the Code. The U.S. Subsidiaries and the state in which each
of
them is organized is set forth on Schedule II; and
(i) the
Company is not party to or bound by (nor will the Company prior to the Closing,
become a party to or bound by) any tax indemnity, tax sharing or tax allocation
agreement or arrangement.
25
SECTION
3. Filing
of Tax Returns.
(a)(1) GE
will file (or cause to be filed) all necessary consolidated United States
federal income Tax Returns of the GE Affiliated Group and all necessary Combined
Income Tax Returns for all taxable periods beginning on or before the Closing
Date. GE will file (or cause to be filed) all necessary Separate Tax Returns
with respect to the Company for all taxable periods ending on or before the
Closing Date. GE will pay for its own account or the account of one or more
of
its Affiliates (i) any United States federal income taxes with respect to such
federal income tax returns, and (ii) any United States or foreign state, local,
or other governmental income or franchise taxes with respect to such Combined
Income Tax Returns (“Combined Income Taxes”), and (iii) any United States or
foreign state, local, or other governmental Taxes other than Combined Income
Taxes or taxes described in Section 3(a)(1)(i) (“Separate Taxes”) with respect
to such Separate Tax Returns.
(2)
Promptly, but no later than 180 days after the Closing Date (but, in any event,
no later than 30 days prior to the due date (without extensions) of the relevant
tax return), the Acquiror or the Company will provide GE with the necessary
information relating to the Company and, where necessary, authorization for
GE
to prepare such Tax Returns and to pay such federal income taxes, Combined
Income Taxes and Separate Taxes. The Acquiror or the Company will prepare such
information in a manner consistent with past practice, and GE will prepare
such
Tax Returns in a manner consistent with past practice.
(b) Except
as
described in Section 3(a), the Acquiror or the Company will file (or cause
to be
filed) all necessary United States or foreign federal, state, local and other
governmental Tax Returns with respect to the Company for all taxable periods.
The Acquiror or the Company will pay (or cause to be paid) for its own account
or the account of one or more of its Affiliates any Taxes due with respect
to
such returns and reports; provided,
however,
that,
with respect to any taxable period of the Company that begins on or before
and
ends after the Closing Date (a “Straddle Period”), GE shall reimburse the
Acquiror or the Company for any such Taxes paid that are attributable to the
pre-closing portion of that Straddle Period. Such reimbursement by GE shall
occur by wire transfer on the later of the third day prior to the due date
for
payment of such Taxes to the government or the fifteenth business day after
the
Acquiror has provided to GE (i) written notice that such Taxes have been or
soon
will be paid by Acquiror or the Company, and (ii) a detailed calculation of
the
Straddle Period Taxes and the pre-closing portion thereof; provided,
however,
that if
GE’s failure to pay results from insufficiency of the detailed calculation, no
interest will be due from GE. The detailed calculation shall be sufficient
to
allow GE to make a determination as to the accuracy of the calculation. Acquiror
and GE will endeavor in good faith to resolve any differences with respect
to
such calculation.
26
(c) For
purposes of this Agreement, income, deductions, and other items in respect
of a
Straddle Period will be allocated between the pre-closing portion of such
Straddle Period and the post-closing portion of such Straddle Period based
on an
actual closing of the books of such entity as of the end of the Closing
Date.
SECTION
4. Indemnification
by GE.
(a) GE
shall indemnify and hold harmless on an After-Tax Basis the Acquiror, the
Company and each other Affiliate of the Acquiror from and against, and reimburse
each such Person for, any Losses with respect to (i) United States federal
income Taxes of the Company for all taxable periods ending on or before the
Closing Date (except for any Losses as may result from any action outside the
ordinary course of business taken with respect to the Company, or its respective
assets or businesses, on the Closing Date but after the Closing, and (ii) United
States federal income Taxes of any member of the GE Affiliated Group for any
period during which the Company was a member of such group, including United
States federal income Taxes imposed pursuant to Treasury Regulations section
1.1502-6 (except for any Losses as may result from (A) any action outside the
ordinary course of business taken with respect to the Company, or its respective
assets or businesses, on the Closing Date but after the Closing. For purposes
of
this Agreement, “After-Tax Basis” means that, in determining the amount of the
payment necessary to indemnify any party against, or reimburse any party for,
Losses, the amount of such Losses shall be determined net of any reduction
in
Tax derived by the Indemnified Party as the result of sustaining such Losses,
and the amount of such indemnification payment shall be increased (i.e.,
“grossed up”) by the amount necessary to satisfy any income or franchise Tax
liabilities incurred by the Indemnified Party as a result of its receipt, or
right to receive, such indemnification payment (as so increased), so that the
Indemnified Party is put in the same net after-Tax economic position as if
it
had not incurred such Losses.
(b) GE
shall
indemnify and hold harmless on an After-Tax Basis the Acquiror, the Company
and
each other Affiliate of the Acquiror from and against, and reimburse each such
Person for, any Losses with respect to Combined Income Taxes and Separate Taxes
for all taxable periods (or the portion thereof) ending on or before the Closing
Date, including, in the case of Separate Taxes, the pre-closing portion of
any
Straddle Periods beginning before and ending after the Closing Date, except
for
any Losses as may result from any action outside the ordinary course of business
taken with respect to the Company or itsrespective assets or businesses, on
the
Closing Date but after the Closing.
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(c) GE
shall
indemnify and hold harmless on an After-Tax Basis the Acquiror, the Company
and
each other Affiliate of the Acquiror from and against, and reimburse each such
Person for, any Losses that such Person may at any time suffer or incur, or
become subject to, as a result of or in connection with the inaccuracy of any
representations and warranties made by GE in this Agreement, and any failure
by
GE to perform any of its covenants or agreements under this
Agreement.
(d) The
Acquiror or the Company will notify GE within 30 days after receipt of any
written communication to or by the Acquiror, the Company or any other Affiliate
of the Acquiror from or with any taxing authority concerning Taxes for which
indemnification may be claimed from GE pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 4. In addition, the Acquiror or the Company will notify GE at least
15
days prior to the date on which the Acquiror, the Company or any other Affiliate
of the Acquiror intends to make a payment of any Taxes that are indemnifiable
by
GE pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4. GE will notify the Acquiror
or
the Company within 30 days after receipt of any written communication to or
by
GE or any Affiliate of GE from or with any taxing authority concerning Taxes
owed by the Company or any Subsidiary or any Taxes for which indemnification
may
be claimed from the Acquiror or the Company pursuant to the provisions of
Section 5. The failure by a party to notify another pursuant to this Section
4(d) will not constitute a waiver of any claim to indemnification under this
Agreement in the absence of material prejudice to the indemnifying
party.
SECTION
5. Indemnification
by the Acquiror.
(a) The
Acquiror shall indemnify and hold harmless on an After-Tax Basis GE from and
against, and reimburse each such Person for, (i) any Losses with respect to
United States or foreign federal, state, local, or other governmental income
or
franchise Taxes imposed on the Company(or the portion thereof) beginning after
the Closing Date, and (ii) any Losses as may result from any action outside
the
ordinary course of business taken with respect to the.
(b) The
Acquiror shall indemnify and hold harmless on an After-Tax Basis GE and each
Affiliate of GE from and against, and reimburse each such Person for, any Losses
that any such Person may at any time suffer or incur, or become subject to,
as a
result of or in connection with the failure by the Acquiror or the Company
to
perform any of its covenants or agreements under this Agreement.
SECTION
6. Control.
(a) GE
will have the exclusive right to file any amended Tax Returns and to control
any
audit or other administrative or judicial proceeding with respect to the
consolidated United States federal income Tax liability of the GE Affiliated
Group and/or the Tax liability of GE or an Affiliate of GE under any Combined
Income Tax Return, and the portion of any other audit or other administrative
or
judicial proceeding regarding any other matter that may result in any Tax
liability with respect to which GE provides indemnification under this
Agreement.
28
(b) Except
as
provided in Section 6(a), the Acquiror will have the exclusive right to control
any audit or other administrative or judicial proceeding with respect to the
Tax
liability of the Company.
SECTION
7. Refunds.
(a) GE
will be entitled to any refunds (including interest paid therewith) in respect
of any United States or foreign federal, state, local, or other governmental
Tax
liability of the Company in respect of a taxable period (or the portion thereof)
ending on or prior to the Closing Date. Nothing in this Section 7(a) will
preclude the Company from making any election under Section 172(b) of the Code
or any comparable provision of law or regulations for any taxable year beginning
on or after the Closing Date.
(b) Except
as
provided in Section 7(a), the Acquiror will be entitled to any refunds
(including interest paid therewith) in respect of any United States or foreign
federal, state, local, or other governmental tax liability of the
Company.
SECTION
8. Interest.
In the
event that any payment required to be made under this Agreement is made after
the date on which such payment is due, interest will accrue on such amount
from
(but not including) the due date of the payment to (and including) the date
such
payment is actually made at the rate designated from time to time in
Section 6621(a)(2) of the Code, compounded on a daily basis.
SECTION
9. Tax
Cooperation.
(a) GE
and the Acquiror will furnish or cause to be furnished to each other, upon
request, as promptly as practicable, such information and assistance relating
to
the Company or its respective assets or businesses (including access to books
and records) as is reasonably necessary for the filing of all Tax Returns,
the
making of any election related to Taxes, the preparation for any audit by any
taxing authority, and the prosecution or defense of any claim, suit or
proceeding relating to any Taxes or Tax Return. GE and the Acquiror will
cooperate with each other in the conduct of any audit or other proceeding
related to Taxes and all other Tax matters relating to the Company or its
respective assets or businesses, and each will execute and deliver such powers
of attorney and other documents as are necessary to carry out the intent of
this
Agreement. The party requesting cooperation under this Section 10 will reimburse
the other party for any actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred in furnishing
such cooperation.
(b) GE
and
the Acquiror will report to the other any written communication from or with
the
IRS that relates in any way to the characterization of the Purchase or any
related transaction.
29
SECTION
10. Survival.
The
indemnity and payment obligations set forth in this Agreement shall survive
until the date which is six months after the date of expiration of the
applicable statute of limitations (including any extensions thereof). The right
to indemnification with respect to claims of which notice was given prior to
the
expiration of the applicable survival period shall survive such expiration
until
such claim is finally resolved and any obligations with respect thereto are
fully satisfied.
SECTION
11. Amendment.
No
provision of this Agreement may be waived, amended or modified except by a
written instrument signed by GE and the Acquiror.
SECTION
12. Assignment.
This
Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, except that
the Parties may assign any or all of the their rights and obligations under
this
Agreement to any of their Affiliates; provided
that no
such assignment shall release the Parties from any liability or obligation
under
this Agreement.
SECTION
13. No
Third-Party Beneficiaries.
This
Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties to this Agreement, their
respective Affiliates and their permitted assigns, and nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other
Person or entity any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature
whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto here caused this Agreement to be duly
executed by their respective authorized officers on the day and year first
above
written.
SAMSON
INVESTMENT COMPANY
By_________________________
Title:
GENERAL
ELECTRIC COMPANY
By_________________________
Title:
30
Schedule
I
Disclosure
Schedule to the Tax Matters Agreement
Section
2(c) Settlements and reserves for tax deficiencies.
Section
2(d) Current examinations or audits by tax
authorities:
Taxable
Periods
|
||
U.S.
Federal Income Tax
|
||
State
Income Tax
|
||
Sales
and Use Tax
|
||
Property
Tax
|
||
Foreign
Tax
|
||
31
Section
2(e) Current extensions of the period for the assessment and collection of
tax:
U.S.
Federal Income Tax - extended until__________.
State
Income tax ___________.
Section
2(g) Affiliated Group status.
32